As we cautiously look to travel again, it is clear motivations around travel have further changed. Those that are thinking of a vacation crave something more meaningful. Trips where they can connect with loved ones and with Mother Nature. In addition, they want to travel with those that positively impact the environment and community. Sustainable travel has long been a buzz word within the industry. However there have been those in the industry who have long been championing this movement. One such hotel in Belize showcasing sustainable tourism at its best is Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort.
About Hamanasi Resort
This award winning eco-resort is located on the Southern coast of Belize. Here, the guiding principle is delivering vacation experiences of a lifetime with gracious Belizean hospitality. The hotel was recently ranked 3rd on TripAdvisor’s list of Top 25 Hotels in Central America. Nestled between the lush Maya Mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Hamanasi is a special place. Rooms are casually elegant. For example, guests can choose to sleep amidst a jungle canopy in a private treehouse. Alternatively, enjoy the breathtaking ocean views from a beachfront room.
A treehouse at Hamanasi Resort.
Cheers from the staff of Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort.
The Great House is the heart of all activity. It houses the lobby, reception, gift shop, restaurant, library and bar. All are a welcome retreat and feel like a home away from home. Dining is an affair of its own. Menus are inspired by the many culture of Belize. In addition, local ingredients, including those from the edible garden, are used. And there is entertainment too. On special evenings, Hamanasi hosts Garifuna dancers, drummers and other musicians. Here, guests can learn about the local culture whilst having a dance! Furthermore, the hotel is the perfect base of which to explore the best of Belize. Hamanasi offer a host of rainforest and reef adventures. Snorkel the nearby tiny islands or head inland and climb Maya temples. Whatever you choose, the Hamanasi Adventure Centre can help you plan all your adventures.
Sustainable Initiatives
Whilst all the above sounds incredible, there is more to what makes this resort so special. Hamanasi believes in responsible, natural and cultural based eco-tourism. They understand the importance of preserving our environment and indigenous communities. Therefore, in all they do they take steps to minimize their negative impact on and actually regenerate the environment while increasing awareness and appreciation for nature and diverse cultures.
Here is Hamanasi is making a sustainable impact and a difference:
Environmental Awareness
Designed and built to be sustainable from the ground up, Hamanasi is a resort within nature. Not a resort that removed nature. They were recognized by the Belize Tourism Board for being the first beach resort in Belize to be Green Globe Certified. In order to gain this status they have implemented many practices. These include habitat protection, sustainable design and green purchasing.
In addition, the resort practices a reduce, reuse and recycle policy and energy resource management program. Finally, their organic garden is truly special and must be seen for anyone visiting the property.
Community
Hamanasi isn’t an entity that exists on its own. They are active members of Hopkins village and surrounding communities. Also, they extend their support to the Stann Creek District and Belize as a country. Local employment and training are at the heart of what they do. For example, over 97% of the employees are Belizean. In addition, they run an internship program to train local youth in hospitality.
Along with these, Hamanasi also support the World Pediatric Project, Hopkins Health Clinic and Hopkins Belize Humane Society. Read further on their many community projects here.
Hamanasi Green Team
Hamanasi’s Green Team is a group of dedicated volunteers from each department. Each member acts as the voice to ensure that Hamanasi’s environmental and sustainability policies are followed. Additionally, they actively think of new initiatives to become involved in.
Sustainable Guest Involvement at Hamanasi
Whilst the hotel champion a range of initiatives, it’s their encouragement of guest involvement that is even more impressive. With each project, Hamanasi encourage guests to do their part to support. For example, prior to arrival they tell guests about Pack for a Purpose. This initiative encourages guests to use some of their luggage space for school supplies. Furthermore, they educate guests on all their initiatives and their benefits when on property. These range from informative educational sessions to encouraging the use of reef friendly sunblock.
We are proud to both support and share resorts like Hamanasi who showcase sustainable tourism at its best. Together we can make a difference! For more information or to book the resort, please visit their website.
