The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Chaa Creek, set on a 400-acre private reserve along the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, is one of Belize's first eco-resorts and offers accommodations for every style of traveler—from rustic eco-pods to sprawling suites with private Jacuzzis and plunge pools. The classic accommodation we use features 23 palm-thatched cottages, or casitas, each with tile floors, ceiling fans, large mahogany beds, and private bathrooms with hot and cold showers. The lodge offers fresh Caribbean, Mexican, and Belizean dishes savored in an open-air thatched dining room. Enjoy a guided early morning birding tour along the well-marked forest trails, rent canoes to explore along a peaceful river, enjoy numerous nearby Mayan ruins and caves, or pamper yourself with a massage from the spa. The lodge has won numerous awards including the Condé Nast Traveler Ecotourism Award, the World's Best Awards from Travel & Leisure readers, and, most recently, was named one of the best environmentally friendly hotels in the world by CNN Traveller. Upgrades are available (based on availability).