Meet Patricia Rodriguez, our Reservations Manager and Destination Wedding Coordinator. Patricia, affectionately known as “Patch” to all of us, is reserved and soft-spoken, but a steady and dedicated personality of Ka’ana. She works tirelessly with any guest, whether it’s about their stay or to co-ordinate their wedding day, to ensure that it will be amazing and everything they want it to be and more. We asked her a few questions about what motivates her.
What’s the most exciting part about your job?
Meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life; everyday is a new experience.
What keeps you focused on the details of other people’s weddings?
Knowing that the experiences our team puts together will create memories for our guests for a lifetime. When coordinating weddings I try to get in the mind of the bride to picture what she wants her special day to be like. That way I can ensure her wedding day is stress free, all she has to do is smile for the photos.
Do you have a favorite moment(wedding or otherwise) that stands out in your memory?
I’ll always remember my first wedding at Ka’ana. When Lauren & Eric walked over to their onsite wedding pergola it brought them to tears. It’s an amazing feeling to know that my team and I were a part of making that moment extra special.
(CNN) — Protected rainforests, Maya ruins, Caribbean beaches and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Add English as the official language and the widely accepted U.S. dollar, and you can get a great vacation on easy mode in Belize.
Still, with so much to do, it can become a lot of work to fit it all in. Travelzoo editor Andrew Young recommends taking on just a little bit of this country in the heart of Central America at a time, and offers this list of his five top spots to get you started.
The Blue Hole
Just off the coast of Belize lies an underwater paradise for novice snorkelers and veteran divers. The Blue Hole is world-renowned as an open-water diving spot. During the Pleistocene era, the Blue Hole was a giant cave on dry land. The stalactites and stalagmites remain and are staggering sights through the crystal blue water.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize, accessible via a small airplane from the mainland of Belize. Believe it or not, the best way to tour Ambergris Caye is by golf cart. Drive around and stop to see mangrove trees, the Belize Barrier Reef that almost touches the shore andlagoons teeming with crocodiles.
Maya ruins of Lamanai
Some use Belize as the entry point to Tikal, the famed ruins in Guatemala, but it is also home to several ancient Maya cities. One of the more interesting is Lamanai, which was still occupied by the Maya when the Spanish first arrived. The cultural collision is forever noted here, between the pyramids and the ruins of two Spanish churches.
Caves Branch River tubing
Geologists recently stumbled across a vast subterranean network of Maya ceremonial caves. At the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archeological Reserve, guides will lead you across jungle pools to the caverns filled with artifacts like sacrificial skeletons. The spiritual underwater history lesson is a must-do.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Interested in the chance see a jaguar up close and personal? The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s first jaguar sanctuary. And, it’s also a campground where you can pitch your tent, go hiking, and listen to a symphony of jungle sounds.
Know what you are doing for Valentine’s? We are hosting a special night with a menu to match and a side of live jazz with Tricia Gabourel. RSVP here: reservations@kaanabelize.com or call 824-3350
We’re so very proud of our little garden in bloom right now. We are even more proud to be able to show you where many of the ingredients for your meals come from – all fresh, all organic. We are currently harvesting potatoes and carrots and giant tomatoes, sweet peppers and arugula. Broccoli and cauliflower will be ready pretty soon. Your visit to Ka’ana is not complete until you check out our garden.
My husband and I recently stayed at the Ka’ana for the first leg of our Belizean honeymoon. We split our time in the country so that we could be adventurous and then lounge at the beach. My husband took the reigns in planning the honeymoon, so I was at first surprised when we arrived at the Ka’ana, and it was not located in the mountains, but was much more centrally located in San Ignacio.
What I quickly realized is that the location is perfect for people who want to travel around while in Belize. The Ka’ana is situated in such a way that trips to the mountains (Big Rock Falls- amazing) or the ATM caves or Tikal (right over the border in Guatemala) are all just over an hour away.
The cottages on the property are awesome. Comfortable beds, air conditioning, flat screen televisions, fully stocked mini bars, and a great bathroom. There is also a private back yard area with an outdoor shower and a chaise lounge for two. Perfect for relaxing before dinner. We took one day off exploring on Christmas and lounged by the pool. If you are looking to get sun, I would recommend snagging chairs on the lower level of the infinity pool. The staff was extremely attentive, taking food and drink orders and supplying the sun-bathers with water. The restaurant on site is great. I recommend the pork chop, short ribs or snapper from the menu- absolutely delicious. Complimentary breakfast room service is also a plus when you have early excursions.
The greatest part of the Ka’ana is the staff. They all know you by name, and are always available and willing to help you with whatever you may need. They are some of the nicest people I have ever encountered. They made our trip so enjoying and stress free. Along with the Ka’ana staff, the guides from the tour company they use are absolutely fantastic. If you are looking for adventure in Belize, and looking to do it in style, the Ka’ana is the perfect place to be
