Belize Family Friendly Resort Chaa Creek’s Disney Connection Is Alive And Well With The Jungle Book

Oyster.com featured Chaa Creek in a Disney-themed article featuring the recent Jungle Book

The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s recent “Jungle Book” feature in the travel site Oyster.com once again highlights the family friendly reputation the popular Belizean eco-resort shares with Disney films, according to Chaa Creek GM Bryony Bradley.

Ms Bradley said that, with the Oyster feature “Jungle Book: 11 Retreats Perfect for a Jungle Vacation” coming on the heels of a Disney promotion for the animated film “Zootropolis,” in which a Chaa Creek Belize jungle vacation is being offered as a top prize, the association is stronger than ever.

The April 8, 2016 piece by Jane Reynolds leads with, “Disney's ‘The Jungle Book’ premieres next week, so we're all ready for an adventure -- and not just to the movie theater. The classic tale entices readers with… thrilling wildlife encounters amidst a remote jungle setting, and so… we can't wait to get inspired by the film and head back into the wild…here are 11 retreats perfect for a jungle vacation.”

The author lists resorts in Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bali and other destinations before describing Chaa Creek as, “one of Belize’s first eco-lodges… evolved from its humble beginnings as a working farm to become a premier luxury retreat… The riverside setting on a private rainforest reserve is phenomenal, and myriad tours and outdoor activities are offered through the hotel. To top it off, room rates are fair for what you get -- and there are even budget accommodations available at Macal River Camp, located on the property.”

Ms Bradley said that it was “an honour to be included with such prestigious resorts from around the world,” and that she and the Chaa Creek staff were happy to once again be associated with Disney.

“Like many people, I grew up with Disney films, and seeing Chaa Creek linked with them once again is an association we deeply value,” she said.

Ms Bradley said that it was only natural for Chaa Creek, formerly her own family’s small working farm, to have a strong family atmosphere.

“Living and growing up in Belize, which is very family oriented, and all of us working closely together ingrained a strong sense of the importance of family,” Ms Bradley said, “So ever since we opened as an eco resort, it seemed only natural to accommodate families, and as my younger brother and I grew up in a pretty remote location, meeting other kids from around the world was something we really enjoyed.

“And my parents became adept at developing activities and making things safe and interesting for toddlers, kids, preteens and teens. Chaa Creek definitely evolved as a place where parents could relax and enjoy themselves,” she said.

Since opening its doors to guests in 1981 as Belize was achieving independence, Chaa Creek grew from a few one room, thatched-roof cottages to become one of Belize’s most highly regarded eco resorts, with 23 rooms and a selection of luxury suites, as well as an internationally recognised Hilltop Spa, an infinity pool, the Belize Natural History Centre, butterfly exhibit, stables, canoes, conference centre and other amenities, she said.

A fine dining restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine and a variety of meal choices sourced from an onsite Maya organic farm and Belize’s Caribbean coast.

Ms Bradley added that the environmental and responsible travel ethos that has been central to Chaa Creek’s operations seems to strike a chord with families today.

“It’s been interesting to watch environmental sustainability becoming more important to people over the years, and it’s great to see entire families, from little kids to the adults, interested in walks through the Maya organic farm or watching our recycling operations and then responding so positively.

“We’ve even had some great suggestions, ideas and tips over the years that we’ve incorporated into our practices, so it’s kind of a two way street and shows how travellers are responding to the sort of responsible travel we’ve been promoting over the years,” she said.

“I think that especially in the early days there was a fair amount of word of mouth that Chaa Creek was a great place for families. Now that reputation has spread into popular media, to the point we’re seeing ourselves associated with Disney films.

“As far as we’re concerned, we couldn’t be in better company,” Ms Bradley said.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a multi award winning eco resort set within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize.