Ka’ana Belize

How many resorts practice sustainability?  Sustain their local heritage and natural wonders?  Support their local farmers and craftsmen/women?

Ka’ana Boutique Resort & Spa is a role model for sustainability!  Ka’ana means “Heavenly Place” in Mayan and it truly is.

Ka’ana is committed to sustainable development.  You can see this from the local hardwoods that are the backbone of this resort, to the handmade body products, and organic snacks in your room.  Almost everyone and everything comes from within 30 miles of the resort – the staff, the woods, the organic produce, and art.

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We were impressed with Ka’ana’s giving back to their community too.  Ka’ana is involved in social initiatives, such as donating funds and supplies to the local Succotz School, and guests can participate too!  If a guest buys a Succotz cocktail, then Ka’ana gives proceeds to the school.  Some guests even bring soccer balls to give to the school children to enjoy.   The Rainforest Alliance verifies that Ka’ana is a sustainable property.  Read more at www.kaanabelize.com/sustainability .

Ka’ana Resort was built out of love for its people, its past, and its non-stop spirit for adventure.

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Ka’ana is located in the heart of the Belize jungle and former home of a great Mayan Empire in the Mountains of the Cayo District.  It’s centrally based for guests to set off and explore Eastern Belize, then return to the comforts of Ka’ana’s luxury resort.  Only 10-15 minutes drive to the Guatemalan border, so it’s close enough to take a day trip to the famous Tikal Ruins.

The Mayan greeting “Kulum Bilesh” means “Welcome – enjoy the Adventure!”  Upon our arrival, we were received with Belizean hospitality by the friendly staff at Reception – Stephanie, Jennifer, and Joanna.

Ka’ana is the only Small Luxury Hotel in Belize, and has 10 luxuriously appointed Casitas, 5 Balam Suites, and a One and Two Bedroom Private Pool Villa.  There are a range of modern villas and suites to choose from and each is uniquely inspired by Belize design.  Each villa and suite are adorned with chic touches of local art and culture on the walls, and you’ll find that your comfort is taken care of from the right thread count in the white linens to tropical flowers throughout your living space.

The 2-bedroom & 2-bathroom designer villa offers the ultimate in luxury with 2,500 sq. ft, and a small dipping pool that connects the indoor/outdoor space.

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The 1-Bedroom Private Pool Designer Villa is positioned off a secluded garden pathway with 1250 Sq. Ft. of private space.  Both villas showcase elements that embrace the culture and history of inland Belize.

 

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Balam Suites are nestled in a hacienda style home, these five luxury suites offer private entrances with outdoor seating areas overlooking the pool or tropical gardens.

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Master suites offer 700 sq ft of private space with individual front and back decks, including an enclosed garden and private outdoor shower.

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Casita Suites are private luxurious small homes, located just off a lovely pathway lined with fragrant tropical fruit trees and lush landscaping.

Hungry for Belizean Local Cuisine?

La Ceiba Restaurant, the resort’s restaurant, presents amazing authentic Belizean Gourmet Cuisine made from fresh ingredients direct from the resort’s 2 acre organic garden.  Chef Armando, and the restaurant staff – Candy, Carlotta and Jimmy served up delicious local specialties like Pedasitos – Pibil tacos, throughout our stay.  Guests can choose from an extensive selection of wine from the resort’s 2,000 bottle wine cellar.

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And Oscar, Ka’ana’s expert mixologist at the Frieze Lounge was always shaking & stirring his recommended tropical drinks … like the “How About the Hibiscus” artisanal cocktail with vodka, muddled cucumber, mint, and pineapple juice – pictured below – very refreshing!  Some cocktail concoctions include the “Mango Habanero Margarita” or “Down the Hatch” (owner’s favorite) with jalapeno tequila, muddled lemon basil and fresh lime juice topped with pineapple.

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Ready for Adventure?

“There is no certainty, there is only adventure.”  Roberto Assagioli

This quote was on our Welcome Note when we checked into our room and during our stay at Ka’ana, we found lots of adventures to experience.

You can get pampered with a Heavenly Coffee Scrub or Cacao Wrap at the Resort’s Spa, or take a private Mayan cooking class.

Ka’ana offers many adventures and tours too.   You can zipline through the jungle, track down jaguars, cave tube and kayak down rivers through majestic rainforest, swim into ancient caves, or visit Mayan Ruins.

During our stay, Ka’ana took us to the Xunantunich Ruins, where we got to see the iguanas along the river, the Belize black orchids on the trees, and  take the hand-cranked ferry to the other side of the river, and head to the ruins.  We climbed to the top of the highest ruin in the same spot that Prince Harry stood atop a few months ago!  After our tour, it was high noon and over 100 degrees…even the howler monkeys were taking naps.

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From Ka’ana’s site you can read about this adventure and others:  http://www.kaanabelize.com/adventures

The ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich (“Maiden of the Rock” pronounced: “Shoe-nan-too-nitch”) are accessed by a short crossing on the Mopan River on a hand-cranked chain ferry which leads to the temples, courtyard and museum held within the Belize rainforest. The hills were first occupied between 400 BC and 200 BC and it wasn’t until 600 AD that Xunantunich was first used as a ceremonial site making the entire site some 1400 years old.

The Xunantunich ruins are located on a natural limestone ridge offering outstanding views over the surrounding villages and into Guatemala. This major Maya ceremonial centre features several major temples. The largest pyramid “El Castillo” has been partially excavated and explored, therefore your climb to the top is broken half way to admire the West Friese, a stunning example of Maya artisans at work. Your expert guide will explain in great detail the culture and beliefs of the Maya, and you will see the ancient ball court where the Maya warriors often lost their heads whether they were the victors or losers!

Once on top of the Xunantunich Maya ruins you will have a chance to take in the stunning views as a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding mountains and valleys opens up before you. The climb and descent are taken slowly and with caution but the efforts of the climb are well worth the rewards.

Stop on the way back at a traditional market in Succotz on the Mopan River, offering local crafts made from cloth, slate, wood, fabrics and other natural products. Whether you want to only go to Xunantunich or combine this with other tours, we can customize the experience to meet your needs.  Contact us today to arrange for your Xunantunich Maya ruins tour.

Ka’ana is Social!

Connect with Ka’ana….here’s how

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To book a reservation and plan your stay, visit: www.kaanabelize.com/ or email:  info@kaanabelize.com

Global Adventuress thanks Ka’ana Resort for hosting us during our stay!