Belize is blessed with one of the best climates in the world. The yearly temperature is around 84° F (29°C) without much fluctuation between seasons. During even the hottest summer months, coastal sea breezes and Belize’s large tracts of jungle and rainforests provide cooling relief. Instead of four seasons, Belize really only has two – the wet and the dry. And while they both have their charms, I like the wet, which runs roughly from June through December – things are greener, the jungles more lush and the typically short summer afternoon rains are refreshing.

For over 30 years Chaa Creek has been providing a comfortable base for exciting inland adventures for thousands of visitors, from explorers, scientists, filmmakers, research groups, students and people of all ages looking for intellectual and physical stimulation in Belize’s vibrant rainforest – the heartland of the Maya.

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The Lodge at Chaa Creek was given another nod from USA Today by topping the popular publication’s recent list of Belize Rainforest Luxury Vacations. Chaa Creek was previously singled out by USA Today in February as being one of the world’s top family vacation spots for Spring break

In the midst of surviving the worst natural disaster in modern history, the government and people of Japan continue to support important environmental and cultural projects in Belize. Japanese Ambassador in Belize Hiroshi Yamaguchi presented a US$2.7 million grant to the Government of Belize to help improve the lives of children in Belize’s Maya communities last week.

Beginning in March and running through April, May, June and sometimes further into the summer, the annual migration of these gentle giants to Belize is a rare, truly magnificent sight. In fact, Belize shares the distinction of hosting whale shark migration feasts with only a handful of other places in the world, including Madagascar, South Africa, Australia, Mozambique, Indonesia and the Yucatan.

It seems like every week I have one more friend or acquaintance ask me some question about Belize. I guess the Jewel, as Belizeans fondly refer to their home, is becoming more popular, even though it’s still the most uncrowded earthly paradise I’ve been to.This month I’ve had a couple of questions about spending Christmas in Belize, and since this 10 reasons format keeps me from rambling on about my favourite home-away-from-home, here we go with:

Amor, gra, liebe, maitsuna, rakkaus, cariad, mahal, kjaerlighet or love, there’s a word for it in every language the world over. And we’re such romantics here at Chaa Creek that we set aside an entire month to celebrate St Valentine’s Day in Belize.

“Dear Mick and Lucy, I am pleased to tell you that The Lodge at Chaa Creek is one of only three finalists in the category of Most Excellent Lodge – Mexico and Central America chosen from our portfolio of more than 270 hotels.

Just a short note to inform you that there will be no closing dates this year. The Lodge at Chaa Creek will remain open all year long!

Beginning in February, one month ahead of World Water Day 2011, each guest at Chaa Creek will be given an attractive refillable aluminium water bottle to use during their stay and as a souvenir to take home. Three convenient water filling stations have been set up at the eco resort’s bar, front desk and conference centre.

Rather than buy that special person flowers, immerse them in stunning tropical gardens and a vibrant rainforest alive with colour and the songs of exotic birds and wildlife. Explore ancient Maya temples and cities for a once-in-the lifetime romantic adventure you’ll never forget. Let our staff – recently voted by Conde Nast readers as among the worlds very best – pamper you after a day of exploring, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing or just relaxing with each other in jungle serenity.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is ending the year on a high note and with another award after recently being acknowledged as one of the world’s finest destinations, according to the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Gold List for 2010.

I cannot say enough how wonderful this Belize resort is! The staff were absolutely fabulous, enthusiastic and tremendously thoughtful and sweet! They make it what it is! The beds were heavenly, I’m still dreaming of going back to bed there! The grounds were gorgeous, private and spacious, and very well maintained. The food was phenomenal, especially for vegetarians.

Chaa Creek shares the distinction with only sixteen other world class eco resorts in Kenya, Australia, Morocco, India and other exotic locales in Hitesh Mehta’s new book, Authentic Ecolodges, which publisher Harper Collins describes as “A must have reference guide, perfect for anyone interested in the future of tourism facilities, sustainable architecture, and the health and well-being of our planet”

Our friends thought it was such a good idea that we’re having a “Black and Orange but totally Green Halloween” party that has really taken off. At home we’ve had two family costume making nights that brought out everyone’s creativity and enthusiasm and showed how many things you can make with stuff lying around home. Our daughter’s Real Raggedy Ann costume is surprisingly cool looking and everything came from the house. My son’s mummy suit? We didn’t need that old sheet anyway, and had fun cutting it into strips. We’ll smear on some mud and let it dry before the trick or treating and the party. He’s already enjoying it more than anything we could have bought.

The cottages are very clean and comfortable, mine had an outside shower. The cottages are similar in style to the luxury private game reserves surrounding Kruger National Park, in South Africa. Everything is open air concept, no air conditioning ….but really it is not necessary with the high altitude. There were two ceiling fans and a floor fan in my cottage but I did not turn them on. The restaurant is lovely and the service and food was great.

Fares to Belize can be found for as low as $227!
PURCHASE: By Friday, October 15th (11:59pm Central Time)
DEPART: Saturday, October 16th
RETURN: Monday or Tuesday, October 18th or 19th

Fares each way, based on round-trip purchase and do not include taxes and fees.

Dear Travel Partner,

We hope this greeting finds you well. Just a little note to let you know that today, October 2nd we reopened the resort after a month of renovation.

Belize is clearly a diving mecca, but there is so much above sea level to explore. With 2012 right around the corner, I’m really hoping to explore the Mayan temple sites and the Sacred Caves. I would love to do some bird watching. I lost my mom to cancer just two years ago, and she seems to follow me and appear in that form now. Of course, I also look forward to the diving and snorkeling possibilities as well.

Last spring break I went on an alternative spring break trip to San Ignacio, Belize with twelve other members from my school for a writing class. We came and volunteered at ProWorld for two weeks. The experience I had in those two weeks put my college years to shame. It’s different going from hopping from party to party to hopping from waterfall to river to Mayan ruin. I can tell you one thing for sure, sitting on top of Xunantunich was the most I’ve ever felt alive. An emotional void had been filled in me, and I knew that’s where my heart would reside.