Armando Cocom is an up-and-coming young chef in our kitchen. A local “boy” from the nearby Maya village of Succotz, only a couple miles down the road – he has been with Ka’ana almost from the onset. I caught up with him as he was preparing one of the new in-house specials and asked him a bit about what makes him tick.
How long have you been here at Ka’ana and how did you come about to your current position?
Well, I started out as a dishwasher when Ka’ana just opened in 2007, left for a short while, then returned and have been here ever since. To tell the truth I was just a regular kid that lived to play football in my village, I never really thought about what I wanted to do in life, but I realized I was growing up and had to find a job; this was actually my first job.
So how did you come about cooking?
Well, being here for a bit, I started observing what was going on around me – I noticed the other chefs and the preparation going on and I thought it was like “art” to see the food plated the way it was using all the ingredients grown right here in our organic garden – something that is not common at other resorts. Hearing the feedback from our guests was also very exciting and inspirational to me, so I started paying more attention. Pretty soon I was assisting and getting more involved.
What’s the most exciting part about your job?
The most exciting part about my job, honestly, (smiling shyly) is that I love what I do 101%! I never knew that I would find my life’s calling; I love being in the kitchen and being creative even when I am learning a new skill or technique. I am constantly training and learning – these days with Chef Jeff and its really great to work with him.
Is there anything that you personally helped to create that’s on our menu?
Actually I helped to come up with the concept of the layered tortillas recipe that I know is a crowd favorite.
Any advice to others who would like to follow in your footsteps?
Well of course, I would tell that if they find out that they really like to do what I do then to show their interest and go the extra mile to learn for themselves and train whenever possible and not to let anyone distract them from their dream. A special thanks to my bosses for taking an interest in this “village boy” and giving him an opportunity to excel!
Who doesn’t love the taste of hot corn tortillas? Here’s a forever-something you can take home from Belize – Maya knowledge. We’ll set you up with an authentic Maya cook from a nearby village who will demonstrate how she prepares this local staple while you assist.
Adrenaline junkies get ready for the ultimate adventure duo: Ziplining high above the jungle canopy and later floating through cavernous sanctuaries where Mayas once performed their sacred rituals with only your guide and headlamps to lead the way. Check out more details here.
Whether for relaxation or adventure, returning to the country where they were born, or visiting destinations rich with history, designers often find inspiration on their travels. We asked a number of fashion’s top names, including Sonia Rykiel, Brunello Cucinelli and Rona Pfeiffer, which destinations in the world have inspired their designs and how. What we got were personal photos and reflections on everything from recent trips to voyages that took place years ago. Noting different aspects of their collections that have been inspired by the things that they’ve seen and experienced along the way, these designers make it clear that travel has had a lasting impact on their lives and characters.
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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
