The Tree of Life Chapel, Braga, Portugal. The chapel functions as an intimate prayer room, a place of quiet contemplation for those living in the seminary. Every detail of the structure and its adornments draws its origins from the Bible. Even the overall floor plan and structural solutions echo the six days of creation and the seventh day of rest.
Thrill-seekers have the rare opportunity to spend the night on an ancient Mayan ruin in a luxury tent resembling a suite at Ka’ana, without having to sacrifice the comfort and amenities of the Belizean luxury resort. Ka’ana takes ‘glamping’ to the next level, beginning with a ride through the Belizean jungle next door into Guatemala’s Yaxha National Park. Enter the 1,100-year-old city just after dusk where an expert guide will lead guests to their meal prepared by a local Mayan cook at the base of the ruins.
After dinner, the guide will lead the ascent to highest temple where guests can enjoy views of the Guatemalan countryside while an archaeologist waxes historical about the intricate excavation of the Yaxah Temple. At the end of the evening, guests retire to their luxury digs — a replica of the rooms at Ka’ana, complete with a king-sized bed. The Morning After: Cross Lake Yaxha via boat to visit another, not-yet-excavated Topoxte Maya ruins. kaanabelize.com; packages starting at $2,000
T H E E X P E R I E N C E E D I T I O N
40 WWW.ATLANTATRIBUNE.COM
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!
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 asked Ronan (Half the dynamic Duo of the Hannan brothers – ahem – owners.) about his experience diving Belize’s famous Blue Hole!
What was your first thought when you saw the Blue Hole?
First sight of the Blue Hole – way bigger than it looks in photos. Everyone has seen photos of it from the air but when you get there it is pretty incredible since it is such a perfect circle even with such a large diameter – boating from one side to another takes a while! Overall one of the greatest things about going to the Blue Hole is actually “going” to the Blue Hole. It does takes a couple of hours to get there, but as you stop to snorkel or dive, viewing the spectacular colors of the reefs and marine life along the way, you can’t help but be amazed with its awesomeness.
Was this your first time scuba diving?
No. I learned to dive on Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. I’ve dived the Great Barrier Reef, as well as in the Maldives and numerous other warm water destinations. I have to admit I have never dived in cold water!
How does the Blue Hole experience compare with other scuba diving excursions?
The Blue Hole is a very different diving experience due to its size, and obviously fish need to feed, so away from the walls there isn’t much sea-life. In the center it can get quite confusing as to which way is up and which way is down! It’s like an abyss! But over by the wall there are multiple stalactites and innumerable small cave systems. This is where the sharks hang out so its certainly interesting from that perspective. It is one of those dives that any diver absolutely has to do in their lifetime!
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.
