Ecotourism

Nurturing Nature

Connect with the abundant flora and fauna of Belize. BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH

Natural Habitat: Spotted moray eel in Belize Barrier Reef (left), and jaguar (right)

PHOTOS:© JAMES KELLEY | DREAMSTIME.COM, © MILOSK50 | DREAMSTIME.COM E cotourism enthusiasts can immerse in the conservation success of the Caribbean island of Belize. More than 70 percent of the country is forested, boasting 103 protected areas, many of them animal sanctuaries. Imagine spending your days feeding howler monkeys, spotting jaguars in their natural habitat and watching more than 500 species of birds. You can even participate in the Green Iguana Conservation Project, aiming to conserve and look after the endangered species in Belize.

Adventurers hike to waterfalls, ride horses and snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere. But the fun doesn’t end when the sun sets. Take a bioluminescence tour — a nighttime trip through a jungle tunnel and mangroves directly into Anderson Lagoon, all aglow. When you’re ready for another evening you’ll never forget, sign up for the Jaguar Preserve Night Time Exploration at the world’s only jaguar preserve, home to some 80 of the cats.

As for where to lay your head after epic days, seek respite in the jungle greenery at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge in Belmopan, Belize’s capital city. Snuggled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains along the Sibun River and surrounded by 10,000 acres of the Sibun Nature Reserve, Sleeping Giant is the official base camp for National Geographic Expeditions in Belize. Take your pick of 31 amazing accommodations, but don’t look for a television in your room: Nature is the show here. The secluded Creekside Cottages, somewhat hidden among exotic plants and gardens, include open-air bathtubs. Or wake up in a Riverview Room and set your eyes first thing on the Maya Mountains and Sibun River. Start your day slow, chilling in the hammock on your patio. If you really want to treat yourself, opt for a Mountain View Suite, built 78 steps above the main grounds around a cliff with views of the Maya Mountain canopy. Think wildly romantic with a private porch and your own plunge pool.

Come mealtime, make your way to The Grove House, a field-totable restaurant serving up North American and Belizean cuisine with local and organic ingredients from surrounding gardens. Immerse yourself further in the cuisine and culture with Riverside Maya Cooking Experience taught by the resort’s chef and a local Maya chef. Learn about traditional ingredients and enjoy them in the included lunch.

Complete your mind, body and spirit reset in harmony with nature with an aromatherapy or algae massage, tropical fruit scrub or honey body polish. You’ll be in capable hands, and you don’t even have to leave your room.