A new centre is currently being created at Chaa Creek, for the many holiday-makers and school groups that visit annually to learn about the fascinating power of the plants of the surrounding rainforest and in memory of Don Elijio Panti, one of the great tradional healers of Belize.
Currently visitors can enjoy a guided or self-guided walk through the forest, along the ‘Medicine Trail‘, discovering plants and herbs used in traditional Maya medicine. The trail includes vines that store drinking water, plants that helps abate malaria, aid diabetics, cleanse …

Hitesh Mehta, 50, is the director of HM Design, and one of the world’s leading authorities, practitioners and researchers on ecotourism physical planning, landscape architecture and architectural aspects of ecolodges. I was introduced to Hitesh by Lucy Fleming of Chaa Creek Lodge in Belize, an earlier “Peer to Pier” subject—fitting for a column about global connections. That theme is reflected in Hitesh’s life work and the Jain philosophy that is its foundation.

The casually elegant eco-lodges and resorts featured in this line-up are good for the planet, support local communities and offer romantic rainforest experiences year-round.