Purple Falcon Software: belize

The Spa of The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize

All-Inclusive Belizean Vacation packages are becoming increasingly popular this year, according to The Lodge at Chaa Creek, and the Belizean eco-resort’s general manager said several reasons for this trend have recently emerged.

Lucy Fleming, who with her husband Mick turned their family farm into Belize’s first eco resort some 30 years ago, said that factors such as time management, security and value for money are some of the reasons driving the popularity of all-inclusive vacation packages in Belize.

"Since we first began offering all-inclusive vacation packages they've grown steadily more popular, but there has been a noticeable surge in the last few years, and recent feedback from our guests shows why," Ms Fleming said.

"One reason commonly given is that people want to make the most of their holiday time, and rather than micro-manage every aspect of their vacation, they’re happier to leave it to local professionals whom they trust.

"Another reason we hear is safety and security. With an all-inclusive vacation, travelers are looked after from the moment they are picked up at the international airport until we drop them back off, and this translates into a more attractive, carefree experience," Ms Fleming said.

All-inclusive vacation packages also offer better value as opposed to itemizing and paying for each aspect of a vacation, Ms Fleming said.

"At Chaa Creek, for example, we’re situated in the midst of a private 365 acre nature reserve on the banks of the Macal River in Belize, and over the years have been able to develop a wide variety of features, such as miles of well-maintained trails, stables, canoes, an educational Belize Natural History Centre, butterfly farm, infinity pool, our Hilltop Spa and fine dining restaurant and lounge. And being located in the heart of the ancient Maya civilisation, we have over 70 recorded Maya archaeological sites within our property, as well as a Maya medicinal plant trail, Maya organic farm and an ancient temple.

"All of this has been developed over the years, so that now we’re often referred to as Belize’s ‘destination within a destination’, offering an array of tours and activities such as cultural and nature walks as well as birding with professional guides, which means our guests can enjoy a complete Belize holiday without leaving Chaa Creek."

Ms Fleming said that overall improvements in Belize’s tourism infrastructure, such as the recent addition of a nearby airstrip with regular flights to Belize’s Caribbean coast, islands and the western hemisphere’s largest barrier reef and atolls have also made the resort’s all-inclusive "Rainforest to Reef" vacation packages more popular.

"It’s now possible to wake up in the midst of a pristine tropical rainforest and then spend your afternoon snorkelling in the clear Caribbean waters off one of our colleagues’ beaches, and all for one set price that includes everything from accommodation to meals, transfers and even staff gratuities.

"With everything arranged by professionals with an intimate knowledge of the country, and no surprises or hidden costs, all-inclusive packages make for a very secure vacation with one affordable upfront cost, and couples, families, groups and individuals are responding very positively to this," she said.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an award winning eco resort located in a 365 acre private nature reserve in Belize.

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Horseback riding in Belize's Chaa Creek

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is offering travellers six easy tips to ensure a safe holiday, provided by the Belizean eco-resort’s Safety and Security Manager, Emil Bradley.

Mr Bradley, a former police and law enforcement professional, said that while the vast majority of vacations result in happy, positive experiences, things can occasionally go awry. By following a few tips, however, travellers can optimise their chances of having a safe, rewarding holiday.

“Chaa Creek promotes responsible travel, which not only entails being sensitive about your effect on nature and the local communities, but looking after yourself as well. When you’re away from home, sometimes different rules apply, but by using the following six easy tips, you maximise your chances of enjoying a safe, hassle-free holiday,” he said, and provided the following guidelines.

1. Do some research. Before leaving home, do a bit of research on the country or countries you will be visiting. Get to know the local customs and culture, as what is considered acceptable in one country may be offensive or even illegal in another. It can be a good idea to write down or memorise some useful phrases if the language is different, and get an idea of the local attitude towards things like tipping and appropriate dressing.

2. Have copies of your important documentation. Making photocopies of your passport and driver’s licence is a good idea, and keep copies with the hotel and with a family member or friend back home.

3. Ensure that your family and friends know your travel arrangements. Just in case of an emergency or other event it can help if someone home knows of your itinerary. Remember that your mobile phone may not work in some places, so leave hotel or resort phone numbers if you have them.

4. Carry different forms of payment (cash, credit and debit cards, travellers cheques etc.) Always carry more than one credit or debit card with you in case your primary one gets lost, stolen, demagnetized or damaged. Also, be sensitive about showing large amounts of cash in public.

5. When you go out for the day or night, let the hotel know, and when you expect to return. This is also a good time to ask them about places you plan to visit, any security issues and other useful information. The front desk people may have some better ideas for you! It’s also a good idea to carry the phone number and address of your hotel in a place separate from your wallet or purse.

6. Avoid flashy dressing and wearing expensive jewellery, and keep track of your personal items. This is true anywhere, and especially when travelling in developing countries or rural areas. Leave your best stuff at home. It helps you blend in and not become a target for unscrupulous people. In Belize, for instance, informal is the norm. You’ll feel more comfortable and become part of the scenery.

“There are of course other considerations, but by following these tips people can avoid the majority of the difficulties we hear about. We want people to enjoy their holidays and have a hassle-free vacation. The point is to not worry, but always be vigilant. Personal safety is a personal responsibility, but with a little attention it doesn’t need to be a big deal,” Mr Bradley said.

Mr Bradley said that all-inclusive Belize vacation packages, like those offered by Chaa Creek, can go a long way in making a holiday absolutely worry free.

“Chaa Creek’s all-inclusive Belize vacation packages are an example of a carefree, affordable way to enjoy a holiday. We’re known as Belize’s ‘destination within a destination’ as we’re situated within a secure 365 acre private nature reserve with miles of maintained trails for horseback and bike riding, hiking, birding, and a range of activities, as well as having the Macal River for canoeing.

“From the time we pick our guests up at the international airport until we drop them back off, they’re looked after by our staff and everything is included in the price of the package. Except for alcoholic drinks, there’s nothing else to pay. No hidden costs or surprises – it’s all taken care of, so issues such as carrying cash or getting lost don’t apply. We consider our guests’ security very seriously, and behind that casually luxurious front you can rest assured that a team of professionals is constantly on the job.

“After all, feeling safe and secure is a big part of any vacation, and like everything at Chaa Creek, our goal is to optimise our guests’ experience to the fullest,” Mr Bradley said.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an award winning eco resort set within a 365 acre private nature reserve in Belize.