« MommaK Goes To The Dominican Republic, Pt. 2 | Billie Wins This Year’s Leatherback Turtle Race From Costa Rica to The Galapagos Islands »

How To Be Environmentally Green In Belize While Having The Time Of Your Life

By Jane Goodwin | April 30, 2007

It’s easy. Stay at the Cotton Tree Lodge. The Cotton Tree Lodge’s philosphy is to ". .. be a good neighbor to the land and people which make Belize the magical, historically significant and ecologically diverse place that it is."

It’s also beautiful. And very, very unique. Sitting on 100 acres of mostly natural, forested resort property in the jungle of southern Belize, the Cotton Tree Lodge is the focal gathering point where guests can relax and enjoy the serene Moho river environment.

You’ll be staying in a cabana, build well above the ground and nestled in the wild fig trees that line the river’s edge. Each of the ten cabanas has hot/cold running water, private bath, bay leaf thatched roof, eco-friendly flush toilets, screened windows, ceiling fans, and big private decks with hammocks. Sound wonderful yet? That’s just the beginning!

The Cotton Tree Lodge is a full service, ecologically sensitive resort, but the price is remarkably low for the level of attentiveness and service you’ll get here. The tours and day trips are unique; where else could a tourist have a chance to visit genuine Mayans and learn how to make real Mayan tortillas? Almost every tour organized by the Cotton Tree Lodge will enable you to share in the culture of the Kekchi Mayans, who are the most self-reliant ethnic group in Belize. They are also very peaceful people, well-known for their cooperative practices in farming and cultural development.

The restaurant, in the main lodge, serves only organically grown foods, in particular, organic foods grown on the resort property.

Belizean chocolate, long-famous world-wide, is made available for tourists; indeed, lessons in chocolate-making are offered. I would sign up for that, first thing!

The lodge also offers horse-back riding, canoeing, swimming, and all kinds of hikes and walks.

Don’t expect a lot of modern conveniences here; the Cotton Tree Lodge uses solar power for lights and cooking, and the electricity is "off the grid." It’s as close to a completely eco-friendly stay in the rainforest of Belize as possible. You will, however, have hot water and a flush toilet. You won’t miss the amenities, however. You won’t have time. Your stay here will be so unique, and the rainforest is so beautiful, and the people are so interesting. . . . well, that will be enough. When your stay is over and you have to go back home, you’ll remember your experience at the Cotton Tree Lodge for the rest of your life. In fact, the rest of your life will be more tranquil because of your stay here.

Chris Crowell, the founder and co-owner of the Cotton Tree Lodge, has said, "I saw a chance to create an atmosphere where individuals could appreciate other cultures while learning something about their own spirit."

Sphere It

Topics: Language, Culture, Friends and Family, Travel / Relocation, Lifestyle, Destinations |

Comments