Three Belizean resorts voted tops in region
If anyone thought that Belize’s steady growth as a top tier tourism destination was beginning to level off, they better think again. The results of one of the world’s most prestigious rankings of global resorts are in and according to that poll, three of the best resorts in Central and South America are found right here in Belize. Taking first place honours is the Lodge at Chaa Creek, while Blancaneaux Lodge ranked fourth and San Pedro’s Victoria House took the eighth spot. The rankings are put together by the magazine Conde Nast Traveler and are based on the replies of over twenty-eight thousand readers who filled out a detailed questionnaire covering a wide range of criteria. Chaa Creek began operations in 1981 as a working farm with a single thatched roof guest cottage and outdoor plumbing. Today, after a quarter century of hard work under the direction of Mick and Lucy Fleming, the three hundred and sixty-five acre private reserve along the Macal River boasts twenty-three luxury cottages, full service spa, natural history centre, butterfly farm, horseback riding, and miles of nature trails. The Conde Nast rankings are by region and include separate lists for the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. In the South and Central American ratings, Costa Rica joined Belize with three properties in the top ten, while Chile had two.