San Ignacio, Belize, April 3, 2008 – The Lodge at Chaa Creek, an international award-winning eco-resort in the western highlands of Belize, presents a new Rainforest Wellness Retreat package to ensure that the healing and healthy aspects of this pristine eco-system are integrated at a deep, personal level. The multi-day package incorporates eco-adventure, jungle spa treatments, guided-naturalist experiences, Maya rituals, organic food, and luxurious accommodations in a tranquil, rainforest atmosphere that promotes well being.

Located within a 365-acre private nature reserve along the verdant banks of the Macal River, where over 70 ancient Maya archaeological sites have been discovered, Chaa Creek connects the mysteries of the past with the present. It is a landscape that radiates the spiritual harmony of the ancients and is a hotspot of biodiversity that could include sightings of rarities such as ocelots, kinkajous, and Keel-billed Toucans. The package is designed as a mind, body and spirit intensive that takes guests to new levels of core inner health and strength.

One of the retreat highlights is a trail ride on horseback to the onsite Maya ceremonial temple, Tunchilen.  Here, guests will learn of the history of this site, and the Maya who occupied this area in 950 AD. Also on property is the Rainforest Medicine Trail, conceived by Dr. Rosita Arvigo and featuring a variety of herbs, plants, flowers and trees used by native Shamans to treat and heal villagers. At the resort’s Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm, a naturalist will explain the stages of development for these rare and beautiful butterflies, which are released into the rainforest on a daily basis.

The Rainforest Wellness Retreat package includes luxurious treatments at the spa, which is decorated daily with exotic Torch Ginger, Heliconias and Birds of Paradise, plus intricate mosaic designs of fresh flower petals. Some treatments here use locally-made, hand-pressed aromatic oils infused with lemongrass or ylang-ylang. Maya chocolate is also incorporated into a number of treatments, from the Chocolate Fondue Wrap to the Cocoa Massage, Maya Chocolate Polish and Lovers Peppermint Chocolate Pedicure. The package includes a facial, body wrap, massage, manicure and pedicure. Guests can book outdoor massages in a thatched palapa overlooking the Macal River Valley, and be soothed by the ever-present sounds of the tropical rainforest. Private yoga lessons are also available on request.

In addition to spa treatments, guests will enjoy such guided jungle experiences as a sunset canoe ride on the Macal River, morning bird walks, nighttime safaris, horseback riding and mountain biking on miles of forested trails within the reserve.

Healthy cuisine is ensured at Chaa Creek by the on-property organic Maya farm where vine-ripened produce is harvested daily. The open air, thatched roof restaurant serves Caribbean, Mexican and Belizean specialties. Always available at the hotel is homemade Flor de Jamaica ice tea, flavorful and full of antioxidants. The chef will be happy to design a menu that caters to personal dietary requests for the breakfast and dinner options available with the package. 

This wildly civilized resort offers accommodations in one of 23 thatched-roof, whitewashed cottage accommodations set above the river or in rainforest gardens, appearing like a cross between the Cotswold’s in England and the tropics. Each artisan-made cottage is unique, offering an assemblage of outdoor showers in walled gardens, Jacuzzis built into the verandahs, treetop canopy views and charming individual spaces.  All are all furnished with custom mahogany furniture by local woodworkers, hand-loomed bedcovers and rugs, original artwork, native pottery and carvings. Upgrades are available to the new spa villa, which offers two bedrooms, a kitchen, separate spa treatment room and a Jacuzzi on the verandah.

 

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

The all-encompassing rainforest experience at Chaa Creek has earned it a long list of international awards. The Lodge has been voted best eco-resort in the Caribbean for four of the last five years by Caribbean Travel & Life. It has also won environmental and sustainable tourism awards from the World Travel and Tourism Council, American Society of Travel Agents, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Caribbean Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Board and numerous publications. The property is Green Globe benchmarked.