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.
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
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
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We’ve been working with New York-based designer, Cara Araneta, to upgrade the interiors of our Balam Suites, King and Queen Casita Suites. Her vision was to combine Belize’s colonial heritage and indigenous crafts with expedition influences, scattering antiques like vintage binoculars, cameras, telescopes, and old, military medals. Also, placing English colonial portraits adjacent to local artists’ artworks and using warm, local textiles and patterned accents. Each suite is personally styled. “I wanted every room to tell a story – and feel personal.” Here are some work-in-progress snapshots.
