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!

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!

1.  Skydive in the most amazing spot in Belize!

     2. Explore the wonders of Belize’s  Barrier Reef!

     3.  Swim with Whale Sharks.

4.   Zip through the jungle on the longest Zip line in Belize

5.  Face your Fears! Go Jaguar trekking through the Belize Jungles

6.  Tie the knot (On a Rock!) What better place to start eternity with your Sweetie?

7. Have Champagne with loved ones in the place where it all started.

8.       Have the best meal of your Life! (In style too, might we add!)

9.  Party like It’s (really) the End of the World!

10.       Yoga on a Maya Ruin and reflect on Life.

“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.

If you are one of those folks who likes spicy food, Belize is one of the Meccas for getting as much (read: mouth on fire!) or as little heat as you can handle. One of our favorite hot sauces here at Ka’ana is Marie Sharp’s.

Well known, and loved all over Belize, these habanero sauces have made their way to International fame for their flavor and heat. They come in different levels – for amateurs (mild) all the way to one whose name could only be its own warning label – “BEWARE!”

It’s a crowd favorite here at Ka’ana on dishes that beg for additional heat. Come try them on our Pibil Tacos, Salbutes or  Empanadas; they even add some kick to our signature Bloody Mary’s – do you dare?

“Friends and family stayed here for my mother’s birthday. The place was simply THE best. The staff was amazing. Above and beyond anything we could have imagined. They created a special dinner for our group for her birthday evening (without us asking) and I do mean created. They made dishes they had never made before for us and it was outstanding. Not only that but we asked them if they could make her a birthday dessert, she is not a cake fan so I left it up to them, telling them only that she didn’t like cake but loved fruit. They made the most wonderful fruit tart, it was really a work of art. We almost hated to eat it…almost.

They do have spa, but we didn’t have time to make use of it but given everything else, I’m sure its awesome. The grounds are lovely and serene. The pool is nestled in the middle of the property surrounded by flora and fauna… Okay, I wanna go back…”

October 16, 2012 Review by Beth B. from Huntington Woods, Michigan.

The tradition of celebrating the life and death of lost loved relatives dates back to the ancient Maya, an indigenous culture of Belize and Mesoamerica.  November 2nd is the Day of the Dead for the departed spirits who passed on beyond the age of 12 while on earth and through adulthood and into elderly age

Families always make sure they have delicious traditional Belizean foods such as Bollos, Caldo de Gallina local, Chirmole and Ishpasha Atole. Here in the Cayo District, Tamales are called Bollos. While many may argue that there is a distinction between a Bollo and a tamale, what they will not argue about is that it is definitely an all around favourite throughout Belize and the world for that matter!

November first begins the Dia de los Muertos (also known as “Day of the Dead”) festivities with All Saints Day in which the deceased children are honored and remembered. November second All Souls Day is for the remembrance of the adult dead. Dia de los Muertos combines these days to celebrate the the deceased and enjoy their memories.

A hot cup of masa gruel known as Ix-pa-xa (pronounced Ish-pa-sha), otherwise known as Atole made from purple corn is used to nourish and warm the spirits when they return and/or when they leave on these special days.

Here’s the recipe for this tasty Maya treat: Ixpaxa

3lbs purple corn (not on the cob) – this is to be left 1-2 days to “spoil” while being softened in the water.

1 tin condensed milk

1 habanero pepper

Method

Blend corn and some of the water with condensed milk and habanero pepper.

Strain to remove husks,

Boil and add sugar to taste.

Enjoy.

Historical note: Before the invention of condensed milk, ripe plantains were used to sweeten this dish. Hence for authentic taste substitute ripe plantains for condensed milk.

Here’s an insight into the real cross-culture Maya Halloween thats celebrated November 1st and 2nd here in Belize. Inspired by Latin tradition of the entire Central American Maya region, “El Dia de los Muertos” is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. It is believed that the spirit of the dead visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2

In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place ofrendas (offerings) of  the traditional  and favorite food of the departed, candles, incense,  fruits, candy and most importantly a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar.

We can’t believe it’s November! Fast forward through the turkey drawstring pants, cranberry hiccups and office parties… Where do you want to go to deal with your post season’s holidays? Don’t worry, we’re here to give you some ideas.

You walk into your private Pool Villa.

You lounge around your fancy digs.

You, of course, have a cocktail.

You have breakfast at La Ceiba to get you ready for today’s adventure. Shown here, our layered tortillas!

You swim into a cave opening, it’s dark and you’re drenched. You explore ATM Cave and and follow the trail of the old Maya civilization, may even spot some human remains. It was scary, but now you feel accomplished! (Read More)

You’re back at Ka’ana and stop by Frieze Lounge for some victory cocktails!

You’re back in your villa taking in some sun and dipping in the pool.

Back to La Ceiba for dinner! Shown here is our popular Res Snapper on Cedar Plank.

You stop by the Organic garden to see where the ingredients came from.

You have that fourth – err second drink.

You’re in bed feeling great. You can’t wait for what the next day will bring and are wondering if these are 1000 count sheets. (Yes, they are.)