We got to work with some very talented friends who came down from New York to check out Ka’ana’s version of Belize – and capture it on video.

From making clay pots with local Maya women, horseback riding through rivers, hanging out in private pool villas, swimming into – and exploring Maya caves (Including human remains!) to helicoptering over rivers and waterfalls… The list goes on, so let’s leave it to the photos!

Arriving In Style!

Where’s Lamanai?

The View From The Helicopter, No Big Deal.

Chasing An Airboat On The Way To Lamanai!

Breaking-In The New Villas…

Luxury Tent At A Maya Ruin.

Firepit Sundowners

Our Genetically-Blessed Friends:

Spelunking The Maya Underworld!

Horseback Riding

Meeting The Locals At The Zoo.

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.

Balam Suite

Balam Suite – Detail

Bar Shelving – Expedition Finds

Beaded Shakers – Add Attitude To Headboard

Casita Suite – Queen

Casita Suite – Queen – Detail

Casita Suite – King

Casita Suite – King – Detail

Master Suite – Detail

Master Suite – Private Outdoor Deck & Shower

When we were in Guatemala, we had the pleasure of meeting talented artist, Guillermo Maldonado. He carves his designs into wood and makes limited edition prints that combine bold and graphic colors with an indigenous feeling, but still manage to be contemporary; so fitting for us at Ka’ana: combining modern with an ode to local history. You’ll be able to see his work throughout the resort and his exclusive pieces in the Villas.

A Few Of His Pieces:

The Travel Channel spotlights Belize’s Great Blue Hole, a sinkhole off the coast of Belize a few hours away from us here at Ka’ana. A great diving spot to explore!

We couldn’t think of a better way to combine our love for cocktails and helping our local school, so we came up with The Succotz Cocktail: Sweet Corn and Banana Colada with a Choco Banana treat. All proceeds go to Succotz Primary School. Now who says a drinking habit is a bad thing?

Check out our new villas! It was worth the blood, sweat and tears in making them. I mean, everyone needs a plunge pool now and then, right? More details and images to come, but our first guests said “Perfection!“

2-Bedroom Private Pool Villa: Rendering

2-Bedroom Private Pool Villa: In Progress

2-Bedroom Private Pool Villa: In Progress

2-Bedroom Private Pool Villa: In Progress

2-Bedroom Private Pool Villa: Wide

Ronan (L) and Colin (R) Hannan

Owners’ Interview On LookBooks: How 2 Irish Brothers Traveled The World And Landed In Belize – http://tinyurl.com/7rz6adh.

We’re Excited To Put The Final Touch To Our Private Pool Villas: Local Custom-Built 12′ Tall Metal Doors!

Thank You Wanderlustful Writing For A Great Ka’ana Shout-Out – http://tinyurl.com/7we7cus!