An exotic Valentine’s Day in a tropical paradise has suddenly become more affordable with the Lodge at Chaa Creek offering a twenty per cent enticement for lovers to enjoy a romantic getaway in the Belizean rainforest.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Bay Leaf Palm which is scientifically known as Sabal mauritiiformis.

Belize may be small, but it is not homogenous. With a population around 321,000, the tiny country enjoys a diversity of ethnicities that is undeniably stimulating and improbably serene. It is indigenously Maya; politically Creole (most business owners and political figures); and the largest ethnic group is Mestizo (of mixed Spanish and Amerindian descent). While those are the biggest populations, at least half a dozen other prominent ethnic groups call Belize their home.

It was late Sunday evening when I noticed missed calls and text messages on my cell phone. I was amazed at the news I received and walked downtown to see it for my own eyes. What was happening? Archaeology in action on what I believe to be the busiest street in San Ignacio! AWESOME was the word that came out of my mouth. As an archaeologist, I never pictured excavations to be carried out in front of one of our regular hanging out spots!!! For years we had been travelling outside of town, not knowing that underneath our feet lay a SURPRISE waiting for us!

Archaeological finds are nothing new at Chaa Creek, but a new discovery this week (21 January 2012) is definitely something out of the ordinary – an ancient Maya household was accidentally unearthed in the middle of town near the eco resort’s downtown offices in San Ignacio, Belize.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Sapodilla Fruit and its scientific name is Marnilkara zapota. The Sapodilla fruit is native to Southern Mexico, Northeastern Guatemala, Belize and throughout Central America, and it is believed that the Spaniards introduced it long ago in tropical America and the West Indies.

Having half its member resorts recently listed among the top 25 hotels in all of Central America by a major travel website shows how cooperation results in customer satisfaction, Rainforest & Reef Resorts of Belize member Lucy Fleming said.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Trumpet Tree and its scientific name is Cecropia peltata. It is a tropical, fast growing tree, with a tall ungainly open habitat of growth, which is widely abundant in the tropical rainforest. The local name, Trumpet Tree, comes from a tradition of the Ancient Maya who used the stems to make ceremonial trumpets.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Veined Tree Frog or Pepper-Eyed Tree Frog and is scientifically known as Phrynohyas venulosa. The Veined Tree Frog can be found in areas ranging from Mexico, Central America, South America, and some Caribbean Islands. It is a very uncommon species at The Lodge at Chaa Creek and can be found at lower elevations throughout Belize.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the Soursop and is scientifically known as Annona muricata. It is a native species to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Northern South America, and is recognized as Guanabana in Latin American countries. This picture was photographed at the Maya Organic Farm on a tree that could have up to forty healthy fruits at a given time.

The Barton Creek Cave Site is best known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Cayo District, Belize. The cave’s large riverine passage and pristine formations are just two of the reasons why this site is appealing to both local and foreign visitors. Beside its natural beauty, the site is made even more interesting by the presence of a wide range of cultural remains that were deposited within the cave by the ancient Maya.

Belize is the only country in Central America with English as the official language. The small country, measuring 180 miles long and 68 miles wide, is a popular vacation destination for tourists whose native language is English. But Belize is good for much more than just lounging in white sand while watching the shimmering teal waves roll in and out while drinks, ordered in English, are replenished. Behind the luxurious resorts and relaxing vacation packages, Belize is an adventure destination.

Belize is the heartland of the Maya civilisation, and this legacy takes on even greater significance with the approach of the Winter Solstice of 2012 – an event of almost indescribable importance to the Maya and a time for major celebrations, activities and events throughout Belize.

Today’s Belize Photo of the day is the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl which is scientifically known as the Glaucidium Brasilianum. This small owl ranges from 7 inches (18cm) in size and breeds in South-central USA, Mexico, and Central America (Belize of course) and takes residence in parts of South America. It can be found in mid-levels to sub canopy within deciduous and semi-deciduous broad leaf forests.

CNN’s recent acknowledgment of the “World of the Maya” as one of the top nine travel destinations for 2012 is one more indication that Belize’s year of the Maya 2012 celebrations are set to be a big hit with international visitors, Belize’s premier eco resort Chaa Creek reports.

Last year a couple friends of mine took my advice to get married in Belize and absolutely positively loved it, as you do. OK, I’m somewhat partial, having been married there myself, and now with other people asking, I thought I’d put down ten reasons why a Belize Wedding is my idea of nuptial nirvana.

“To be recognised by National Geographic as one of the top ten destinations in the entire world, well, that pretty much says it all,” Chaa Creek owner and GM Lucy Fleming said. “As lifelong travellers and having been in adventure travel for over three decades, we naturally recognise National Geographic as the world’s top travel authority. To be recognised by an organisation and publication we hold in such high esteem is truly an honour.”

With a special twist, the wildlife of Belize is once again under the spot light with the latest mention by LonelyPlanet.com

Lonely Planet notes that Belize’s animal and plant life are the stars of the country, thanks to the conservation of its forests and reefs.

The Maya Empire, centered in the tropical lowlands of what is now Guatemala, reached the peak of its power and influence around the sixth century A.D. The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, calendar-making and mathematics, and left behind an astonishing amount of impressive architecture and symbolic artwork. Most of the great stone cities of the Maya were abandoned by A.D. 900, however, and since the 19th century scholars have debated what might have caused this dramatic decline.

“Walking in a winter wonderland…” That old song always conjures up memories, and for those of us born in northern climes, those memories invoke white pastoral scenes, snow laden fir trees, roaring fireplaces, red cheeks, mittens, even the odd sled or two with tinkling bells. Whether it was Peggy Lee or Dean Martin singing, the song never failed to stir something inside.