Our Story

The story of The Lodge at Chaa Creek begins in 1977, when adventurous young travelers Mick and Lucy Fleming stumbled upon an overgrown 140-acre farm along Belize’s Macal River. With no road access and only a dugout canoe to reach nearby San Ignacio, they began a humble life off the grid growing vegetables, making yogurt, raising animals, and eventually welcoming their first guests into what would become Belize’s first jungle lodge.

From those pioneering days, till now Chaa Creek blossomed into a world-renowned eco-luxury destination. The Chaa Creek Cottages opened in 1981, setting the standard for sustainable tourism in Belize. Over the decades, additions such as a dining room, nature trails, horseback riding facilities, a Natural History Centre, and a private nature reserve spanning over 500 acres have made Chaa Creek a flagship for conservation-minded travel.

Key milestones include:

• Electrification in 1987 introduced modern comforts to the jungle.
• The Macal River Camp was established in 1997 for students and budget travelers.
• The Spa, Conference Centre, and Tree Top Jacuzzi Suites by 2002.
• And most recently, the stunning Ix Chel Luxury Villas, complete with private plunge pools, jacuzzis, and personalized butler service.The award-winning Guava Limb Café was established in 2012 as an artisan bakery.
• Chaa Creek’s evolution reflects a deep commitment to sustainable tourism, local empowerment, and conservation. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Central America’s leading eco-resorts, the Chaa Creek journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and harmony with nature.