Hamanasi
This adventure and dive property in southern Belize is considered one of the premiere eco-resorts in the country. The list of eco-friendly practices exercised by Hamanasi is long and growing. When building the resort, the owners kept as many trees as possible, not only to save the coastal forest but to help minimize erosion. They kept a six-foot swath of vegetation on the beach to reduce silting and much of the vegetation, including fruit, sea grape and coconut trees. They've set aside 10 acres of preserve, adjoining a swampland savannah. The resort also supports the local community by hiring and training local staff and donating to local businesses. The resort has beachfront, treehouse-style rooms with private baths and decks. A variety of excursions are available to guests, including rainforest hikes, bike excursions, visits to Mayan ruins, canoeing, caving, kayaking, snorkeling, diving and fishing.
Hamanasi
P.O. Box 265
Dangriga, Stann Creek
Belize, Central America
877-552-3483
hamanasi.com
Cotton Tree Lodge
This eco-friendly lodge is set on 100 acres, nestled along the banks of the Moho River. The entire property is "off the grid," relying on a combination of solar panels, batteries and a generator to supply power. Eleven private cabanas, handcrafted from native wood, have thatch roofs and overlook the river or gardens. The cabanas are perched above the ground and connected by boardwalks. They have private bathrooms with hot showers and ceiling fans and many have private balconies. The resort uses biodegradable soaps, shampoos and cleaning products. Around the property, resort owners have begun a reforestation program, planting native trees, like teak and mahogany. Guests at the lodge have a variety of activities to choose from, like cultural tours, hiking, climbing, caving and more.
Cotton Tree Lodge
PO Box 104
Punta Gorda Town
Belize, Central America
cottontreelodge.com
Belize Lodge & Excursions
This premiere eco-friendly resort is set on 60,000 acres of private preserve and features three distinct lodges. The Jungle Camp sits on the banks of Golden Stream, deep in the forest; the Ballum Na lodge is located in the Boden Creek Preserve and the Moho Cay lodge is on a private island within the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. The resort is a leader in eco-friendly design and practices. It has set aside 13,600 acres as a private reserve and supports a number of agro forestry and reforestation projects across the country. Electrical power in each of the lodges is supplied by either solar panels, batteries, wind energy or silent generators. Safari boats are electric and staff is hired from local communities.
Belize Lodge & Excursions
P. O. Box 1840
Belize City
Belize, Central America
501-223-6324
belizelodge.com
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
