A Resort for Eco Travel in Belize
The Cotton Tree Lodge is eco-friendly, and a good neighbor.
This all-inclusive resort has many activities, thrives on sustainability, and is a good neighbor to the nearby Mayan towns. A trip to Belize is enriched by a stay here.
The Cotton Tree Lodge is new to Belize, but already its presence is having a positive effect on the nearby Mayan town. It's also leaving as light a carbon footprint as possible: Solar power is used for lights and cooking, and the electricity is "off the grid". A stay at the Cotton Tree Lodge is as close to an eco-friendly stay in the rainforest of Belize as possible, without sacrificing basic amenities like enclosed, private cabanas, eco-friendly flush toilets, and hot water.
The Cotton Tree Lodge, an environmentally responsible resort:
- The Cotton Tree Lodge sits on 100 acres of mostly natural, forested resort property in the jungle of southern Belize. The resort was built with the help of residents of the Mayan villages nearby. This ecologically friendly resort is perfect for fans of nature travel, adventure travel, and tourists who plan to introduce themselves to a culture that's often misunderstood or romanticized.
- Cotton Tree Lodge is a full service, ecologically sensitive resort. Ten protected cabanas lay along the Moho River in Belize, featuring privacy and great views of the river and jungle.
- The all-inclusive price is remarkably low for the level of attentiveness and service staff gives to each guest. The on-site owners are happy to lead tours of the rainforest and river, and to arrange for local guides (who are licensed and fluent in English) to take guests on excursions to the village. All day trips are included in the all-inclusive price.
- Day trips are fully organized by the Cotton Tree Lodge's owners and staff. Trips include exploring the Blue Creek Hokeb Ha Caves in the Mayan Mountains, river rafting, a Mayan Mountain hike through the tropical forest, exploring the Sarstoon Delta Wildlife Sanctuary, Moho River bird watching, a short drive to Mayan ruins dating to the Classic period, and much, much more.
- The hosts and guides at Cotton Tree Lodge stress that tours of the local Mayan village are intended to introduce tourists to the local culture. The people who live there are accustomed to a working relationship with the resort staff. That the relationship is mutually beneficial, is fundamental to the philosophy behind the Cotton Tree Lodge. This focus on the interrelationship between the resort, the nearby village, and the rainforest is an important part of a stay here. Sustainability is key.
- The Cotton Tree Lodge restaurant implements fresh organic fruits grown on the resort property, along with other ingredients native to Belize, to prepare entrees that are either typical of Belize or more suited to traditional tastes of tourists. For example, resort guests can opt for tropical fruit cocktails, huevos rancheros, pancakes, or a bacon and egg souffle from the breakfast menu.
During a visit to the Santa Anna Village, tourists have a chance to share in the culture of the Kekchi Mayans. The Mayans here show resort guests how to make tortillas, and afterwards, the guests get a chance to make their own tortillas here as well. Chris Crowell, the founder and co-owner of the resort, has said, "I saw a chance to create an atmosphere where individuals could appreciate other cultures while learning something about their own spirit." This exemplifies the concept behind the Cotton Tree Lodge; to be a good neighbor to the land and people which make Belize the magical, historically significant and ecologically diverse place that it is.
Related, on Suite 101:
St. John Eco-travel and Ecotourism
Luxury Eco Travel Destinations
Copyright Jennifer Miner and Suite 101.
