1. What’s your favorite item on the menu and why?
The Orange-Walk inspired Pork chops has got to be my favorite because its thick and so juicy and tender. Its braised in molasses and served with mashed sweet potatoes which i really like. Oh my gosh, its sooo…good! (smacks lips)
2. Is there a cocktail you can’t live without?
Actually, there is (all smiles). I love our Signature Citrus Ha’ab because its spicy and refreshing at the same time. Its made with lite rum and infused with either oranges, grapefruit or tangerines and topped off with pineapple – a must try for all visitors.
3. What do you love about Ka’ana and Belize?
I really like the way we all work together as a team – basically, the team experience. I love how everyone works toward the same goal. Starting with the gardeners, maintenance, housekeepers – everyone that works at Ka’ana- whether or not they interact with guest, they all know that they have an important part in making each of our guests have the best experience ever!
4. What’s a classic dish that someone always orders?
When asked, I like to recommend the Maya Dukunu platter that’s served with Mennonite sausage as well as the Garifuna Seafood Sere. I know that these are dishes that are made with only the freshest ingredients from our garden and also the catch of the day. But that’s not the only reason I recommend it, I love when our guests get to taste a truly Belizean dish. Most people that I have recommended it to loved it and asked for it again.
5. What’s your favorite spot on the Estate?
Honestly, I love the Bar. Its such a cool and inviting place. You can have your drinks there, hang out with your sweetie or your buddies, listen to music, and simply chill.
6. What do you love most about your job?
I love interacting with people, meeting our guest and telling them a bit about our beautiful country. I love when they would take my recommendation for a certain dish or an activity and hearing their compliments after they’ve had a great experience – now that really makes me happy!
A picture can say a thousand words right? We handpicked our top 10 Belize Travel Images that depict everything from flora, fauna and everything else that makes Belize – well, Belize. Send us your favorite images!
1. The ‘Mother of all Caves’ .. Actun Loch Tunich ! This expedition starts off with a vigorous hike into the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The edge of the Actun Loch Tunich sink hole sits over 300 feet above the basin below, 200 feet above the rainforest canopy that grows out from the sink hole basin.
2. Jaguars are found throughout Belize in the lowland forests and along the coasts. Adult jaguars are solitary and only come together for a short time to breed. Belize, however, has one of the healthiest populations in Central America, and the Jaguar is protected from hunting throughout Belize. You can book a tracking expedition with us to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
3. This flashy and iridescent blue butterfly is the beautiful Blue Morpho that is widely known throughout Belize. Look carefully and you will see them all around our property.
4. The green iguana, known locally as “bamboo chicken”, is the largest lizard in Belize and one of the largest in the world. It is often found perched on a branch overhanging a river, and when threatened will plunge into the water for safety.
5. They are one of 3 types of rays inhabiting the waters of Belize. The spotted eagle ray is covered with large white and cream-colored spots on dark background and has a white underbelly. These rays can be found along reefs, walls and sandy areas, including shallow areas. Spotted eagle rays generally swim alone, although they are sometimes observed in pairs and occasionally schools.
6. Belize’s national flower is the Black Orchid. The flower is actually not black at all but deep purple or violet in color. It is one of the few Orchids that flowers all year long.
7. The Maya are just one part of the rich melting pot of cultures that exist in Belize. Their vibrant Maya history and culture is respected and celebrated in Belize and the world.
8. Red Eyed Leaf Frog: The red eyed leaf frog lives on leaves. This frog is nocturnal; hunts at night and sleeps during the day. In the forests of Belize, the Red-eyed tree frog minimizes water loss by resting underneath leaves and tucking its limbs up close to its body.
9. The falls here at Davis Falls are about 500 feet high and are the second highest in the country (after 1,000-Foot Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge), and the natural pool at the base of the falls is 75 feet deep. The swimming is wonderful, and the undisturbed forest around the falls is great for a picnic or enjoying nature.
10. You never know what color palette the sunsets in Belize will bring you. It is ever-changing, ever so beautiful and nothing short of spectacular each and every day.
Be one of a small handful of people able to spend a night on a Mayan ruin by booking a stay at Ka’ana in Belize. After a few days at their luxe spot in San Ignacio, you’ll helicopter into the jungles of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and camp out among the ruins of Caracol, the largest Maya city in Belize, with a tour by the country’s Director of Archaeology. Pass the time sampling hearty Mayan fare or take on a torchlit visit to a cave known for human sacrifices—just in case.
Check out other ways to tackle the apocalypse here.
We took a helicopter ride this weekend overseeing the natural beauty of Belize. This unique adventure took us over the Maya Mountains, which practically covers the lower half of Belize. This trip can be taken from Belize airport straight to Ka’ana’s own on site helipad.
It comprises of the Blue Hole National Park (665 ac.), (not to be confused with the “Blue Hole” atoll in the Barrier Reef), the Chiquibul National Park (265,262 acres) and Caracol, the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve (96,000 acres), the Five Blues Lake National Park (4,060 ac.), the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and the Colombia Forest Reserve.
Next up, our eyes were glued to a stunning waterfall somewhat hidden in a crescent of a large mountain. This is actually the largest waterfall in Belize and in Central America; called 1000 ft Falls. This has recently been proclaimed a National Monument and has been opened to the public. Even though the name suggest otherwise, this waterfall is closer to 1,600 feet. This isn’t the only waterfall- there’s many around this area.
After viewing all these amazing waterfalls, we then flew over Caves Branch where we were able to see the beauty of the river as it flows through the cave system. This area encompasses 58,000 acres that are situated beneath a 100 ft rainforest canopy and is bordered by turquoise waters of Caves Branch River.
We then flew across the Sibun Forest Reserve and finally the Southern and Northern Lagoons as we headed for our final landing on the helipad at Ka’ana Resort with these unforgettable images forever imprinted in our heads.
Today marks exactly one month before the predicted “End of the World”- at least according to the Maya Calendar- and we want you to end it with a bang (That is if it really ends, anyway!) Here’s our list of suggestions of the most memorable things you can do here in Belize!
“Ka’ana Resort is located inland in the heart of the mountains and jungle, and what a change it was from San Pedro! The resort was 5-star quality with excellent service, attention to detail, and our room got upgraded too!”
Read more about what this special couple had to share in their review.
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, and one of the largest creature of any kind alive today. They are most often seen in Belize from Placencia or Hopkins. Unfortunately, since whale sharks are night feeders, there really are no guarantees as to when they show up.
3 or 4 days before and after the full and new moons in April and May are the best times to interact with the sharks, they are often sighted through the summer months as well. They roam up and down the coast, the Gladden Spit area about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia is known to host large concentrations of whale sharks during April and May when Mutton and Dog Snappers are spawning (the whales ingest the spawn as food).
Despite their size, whale sharks are a remarkably gentle and curious creature. The whale shark’s gentle natures makes swimming with them a special treat for divers and snorkelers. The whale shark’s curiosity even pulls fishing parties into its thrall. We have sometimes had whale sharks seem to be asking to be petted as they glide alongside our fishing boats.
An opportunity to share the water with a creature larger than a school bus does not come often in life – and is definitely not soon forgotten!
Called the “King”, either because of his Royal coloring or demeanor, this magnificent bird is one of the four species of vultures that call Belize home. Known to locals as “King Jan-Kro” or “King John Crow”, he is the largest vulture, hence all other birds make way for him once he lands.
He has an extremely thick and strong bill, well adapted for tearing, and the long, thick claws for holding the meat. A scavenger by nature, his keen eyesight and sense of smell allows him to locate potential food sources (carrion) easily as he scours over the savannas and forested lowlands he normally inhabits.
Although on the decline due to habitat destruction in the Central American Region, Belize still has large healthy populations. Go bird-watching with us, perhaps you just might spot one!
