Located in the Toledo District of Belize- Cotton Tree Lodge, offers luxury vacation packages with an eco-adventure twist.
Founder Chris Crowell planned the Belize resort as an off-the-grid jungle retreat with limited impact on the surrounding environment. The lodge’s electricity is drawn from a combination of solar panels, batteries, and generator. Composting toilets return nutrients to the soil through self contained banana plantings rather than a traditional leach field which prevents waste water from contaminating the nearby Moho River.
Only organic methods and local plant species are used in the vegetable garden which produces nearly 50% of the fruits and vegetables used by the Cotton Tree Lodge kitchen. The garden is also used by Sustainable Harvest International, an NGO that teaches environmentally sustainable agriculture techniques to local farmers.
Crowell has done his best to incorporate the local environment into the lodge’s activities. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the swimming, kayaking, and bird watching along the Moho River which abuts the Cotton Tree Lodge property. Guided medicinal plant walks led by a local bush doctor teach the benefits of plants found on the Cotton Tree Lodge grounds and in the nearby jungle.
Guests are also encouraged to participate in the effort to keep their Belize resort vacation as “green” as possible. Guests are asked to be mindful of electricity and water usage. Additionally, guests are assigned a reusable water bottle to refill with purified water for the duration of their stay.
Cotton Tree Lodge guests typically purchase an all-inclusive package that includes accommodation, meals, on-site activities, and day trips to local natural and cultural sites. Scheduled trips might include hiking through the jungle, diving from waterfalls, snorkeling, or exploring caves. Cultural excursions include Mayan ruins, Garifuna drumming, and trips to village homes to learn about tortilla making or chocolate making.
While this Belize resort is marketed as a “green” resort, Cotton Tree Lodge is a luxury property and keeps guests comfortable in private, handcrafted cabanas with traditional thatched roofs, rosewood detailing, private bathrooms, ceiling fans, and comfortable queen or king beds. In-house systems ensure that fans, lights, and hot and cold running water function all night without interruption. Private porches with hammocks and river views give guests a great vantage point from which to enjoy the natural beauty around them.
Cotton Tree Lodge, Belize resort combine “green”, luxury, and the exotic for a unique experience. Cotton Tree Lodge, All Inclusive Belize Resort includes: accomodations, meals, and activities.
Raul
I have a balcony off my bedroom, and there are brick walls on two of the sides. I’d like to suspend a hammock between the two - is this possible? I feel like the brick wouldn’t take the weight, especially of a two-person hammock.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Eddie
I am looking to purchase a hanging chair/hammock chair like the one at Sandals Resort. You can see it at this link:
http://www.ultracaribbeanresorts.com/html/sandals.html
Any suggestions as to where I can find one of these???? Thanks for your help! Have a blessed day!
Ruben
In the episode the brothers converted some discarded slats into a relaxing hammock, and I was just wondering what the dimensions of the hammock were and what type of materials they used to build the hammock so I can build my own.
In the episode the brothers converted some discarded slats into a relaxing hammock, and I was just wondering what the dimensions of the hammock were and what type of materials they used (maybe even step-by-step instructions if available) to build the hammock so I can build my own.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hjunk/episode/0,3006,HGTV_26876_49494,00.html
It’s from this episode here.
Randy
My wife bought one that was already assembled, had them disassemble it for transport and now I have to put it together without instructions. Help!
Tanya
I bought a hammock that is starting to sag. I want to get better rope and re-string it, but I am not sure how to do this.
Terri
If you are looking for miles of white sand beaches, a small rustic style inn on the beach, yet with all the luxury amenities you need, PLUS it has to be in The Caribbean, AND it mustn’t be mass market, then look no further than The Turtle Inn in Belize. The Turtle Inn offers both privacy and convenience. The palm-roofed cabanas, a beach house, and a bar and restaurant comprise the resort, and there are never more than thirty guests at any one time
The Turtle Inn is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, and the Italian influence, especially in the kitchen is noticeable!!
Location
Turtle Inn is on the southern coast of Belize, just north of the Creole fishing village of Placencia, which is located at the southern tip of a narrow 15-mile peninsular in the Stann Creek District. Separated from the mainland and the Maya Mountains by a pretty lagoon, the miles of white sandy beach considered the finest in Belize face due east toward the spectacular coral reefs and cayes.
Getting here
Belize is less than two hours by air from Houston, New Orleans and Miami.
The Sofia, a private Islander aircraft, can transport you from Belize City to Turtle Inn in less than an hour. Buses and commercial airlines also fly between Belize City and Placencia
Accommodation
Turtle Inn is a small and intimate inn on a big beach.
There are 18 bungalows, all right beside the beach, which are built in the style of traditional Balinese thatched huts, with large screened decks, ample living spaces, and ornate carved doors. Built by Mayan Indians they provide just the right amount of tropical ambience. Each is comfortably rustic and has a private bath with hot water, 110 volt electricity, ceiling fans and tropical hardwood interiors, with hammocks slung on the verandas. The two bedroom fully equipped beach house is ideal for honeymooners, couples and families desiring a little more independence.
Why Come Here
As total capacity is less than thirty, each guest is assured of receiving just the right amount of personalized attention. Individuals, couples, families and small groups return to The Turtle Inn year after year.
The inn provides a casual, warm atmosphere, great excursions and outstanding meals. Added to that the miles of white sand, the azure sea, the superb reef, fine dining, attentive staff……………… Your own Caribbean paradise
Dining
There are two dining choices.
Firstly the open air dining room, sheltered under a palm thatch roof, and cooled by sea breezes, is very comfortable and relaxed. Here you can enjoy food which has a genuine Italian Caribbean twist, including genuine pizzas prepared in a wood burning oven, and a wide variety of pasta and other traditional Italian Specials. The vegetables are all organic, and I’m not forgetting the abundant freshly caught seafood. Dining under lantern light is so romantic, and not to forget the menu changes every day. The lovely Belizean wait staff wear white linen shirts and sarongs.
In addition to the main restaurant, there is dining right on the beach under umbrellas. Plates are traditional wooden platters covered with banana leaf. In an all seafood menu you can choose your lobster (in season), prawns, river lobster and fish, conch cooked on the beach over glowing coconut husks and served to your table at the water’s edge.
The sand floor sunken “Pirate” bar is a fun place full of relics and tradition from Turtle Inn’s rich and quirky history featuring Southern Belize’s widest range of enticing cocktails, traditional Belizean favorites such as draft Belikin beer and fine Niebaum-Coppola’s wine selection.
What to do and see
Watch the sun slowly rise above the Caribbean, relax in a hammock.
Rent a kayak.
Read a book.
Organize a game of beach volleyball.
Stroll along sixteen miles of white sand beach.
Take a dip in the Caribbean.
Watch the waves.
Stargaze.
Check out the excursions and activities the inn can provide.
Everything from snorkeling
to bird watching
to SCUBA diving
to hiking in the rain forest
to sport fishing
to kayaking
to swimming in waterfalls
Visit Mayan families and the cities built by their ancestors.
Even visit the world’s only jaguar reserve,
cruise up the Monkey River and observe tropical birds, iguanas, mana tees, crocodiles, and black howler monkeys.
Or you could just just sip a limon fresca and enjoy a siesta.
The choice is yours, from scenic strolls to scuba diving, the Turtle Inn staff will provide the region’s most knowledgeable and trusted guides
Pamela
Have you ever looked at a ferret in a pet store and wondered what it would be like to own one? Or perhaps you have a friend who owns a ferret, and you’ve become curious about what kind of pet a ferret would be. The following is some basic ferret information - from the history of the ferret, to feeding requirements, to playtimes - to give you an idea of what ferret ownership will be like.
HISTORY
It’s a common misconception that ferrets are rodents. In fact, ferrets are in the Mustelid family along with otters, mink, weasels, and polecats. They have been domesticated for over 2,000 years, and their duties have included hunting rabbits, vermin control, running cable and wire through small spaces (there is even a rumor that ferrets ran video cabling for the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles), and, of course, companionship.
WHAT ARE THEY LIKE AS PETS?
Personality
Ferrets are very intelligent and highly curious, which can lead to some frustrating moments for unprepared ferret owners! They require training and lots of interaction with humans for proper socialization. Ferrets are social animals that bond with their owners and their fellow ferret cage mates.
Living Arrangements
Many ferret owners in England and Europe keep their ferrets outdoors, but that practice is rare in the United States. This is because heartworm disease, canine distemper, and rabies are common diseases in the U.S., and ferrets can develop all of these. Another reason why ferrets do better inside is because they are extremely prone to heatstroke, and any temperature above 75°F can be dangerous. Ferrets are safest and most comfortable at 65°-68°F.
It is very important that a ferret has a safe and secure cage. For a single ferret, the smallest cage you put him in should be no less than 3 ft long by 2 ft high. Obviously, a bigger cage is better. If you have multiple ferrets, you will need a multi-level cage.
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED
The following ferret supplies are necessities:
- Water bottle or water bowl
- Food bowl
- Bedding - hammocks, blankets, and sleep sacks
- Litter box, ferret safe litter, and a litter scoop
- Toys - tunnels, balls, and other enrichment toys
I recommend that you use bowls and litter boxes that attach to the cage whenever possible. Ferrets like to rearrange their cages, which can make quite a mess! Cage clips allow you to attach any litter pan to your ferret’s cage if it does not include attachment hardware.
GROOMING
Ferrets are fairly easy when it comes to grooming, but this definitely isn’t something you want to slack on. Regular grooming you will need to do includes:
- Clipping nails - failure to do this can result in the ferret tearing a nail or breaking a toe.
- Cleaning ears - not cleaning your ferret’s ears regularly makes them more at risk to get ear infections.
- Brushing teeth - poor dental hygiene can lead to your ferret developing any number of bacterial infections or diseases.
- Flea prevention and treatment - if your ferret does develop fleas, treat them as soon as possible. Flea anemia is a very real threat.
While bathing can be a part of grooming, it is not a vital part like those listed above. Over-bathing strips essential oils from your ferret’s coat, causing him to overproduce oils in an attempt to correct the imbalance. The overproduction of oils leaves your ferret smellier and itchier. How often you bathe your ferret is up to you, but I don’t recommend bathing more than once a month.
DIET
Ferrets are obligate carnivores - this means that they must get their nutrients from animal protein and fat. They cannot digest and have no need for vegetable protein. Choose foods and treats that are meat based, and avoid fruits and vegetables. Also avoid any food or treat that has a high sugar content. Food should have no less than 35% protein and around 20% fat. Treats should always be fed in moderation, no matter what the ingredients.
VETERINARY CARE
Find a knowledgeable ferret veterinarian who has experience with both basic ferret care and health issues. Your ferret will need vaccines for canine distemper. Accepted ferret vaccines for CD are Purevax and Galaxy-D, and the vaccine for rabies is Imrab-3.
It is very likely that your ferret will have some medical emergencies, so in addition to finding a qualified ferret veterinarian, you will also need to have contact information for at least one 24 hour emergency veterinary hospital as well. You will probably want to locate at least two, since they may not always have a ferret veterinarian on call.
INTERESTING FERRET BEHAVIOR
During playtime, your ferret will probably start to bounce around excitedly, dancing towards you and away from you, jumping up and down with stiff legs, and running into things. This is affectionately known by ferret owners as the “happy weasel war dance,” and it’s completely normal behavior! It’s just your ferret’s way of trying to entice you to play with him.
PLAYTIME
Ferrets are incredibly playful creatures, and not just with toys - your ferret’s favorite toy will inevitably be you! Your ferret will need at least four hours out of his cage each day, at least two hours of which should be spent interacting with you. Avoid toys that have parts, or are made of materials your ferret could chew off and swallow.
SAFETY
Because they’re so curious, ferrets can easily get themselves into situations that are dangerous for them. Before letting your ferret out to play, always make sure that the area in which he will be playing is “ferretproofed.” Use Cord Protectors on all electrical cords.
One thing you need to remember - ferretproofing is an ongoing process, so do it each and every time you let your ferret out of his cage!
SO IS A FERRET THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU?
If all of these aspects of ferret ownership sound like things you can manage, then a ferret may be a good pet for you. However, it’s important to understand that owning a ferret is a major responsibility. They have an average life span of 7 to 10 years, and can be high-maintenance pets. Even if everything mentioned in this article sounds like it would be easy to handle, remember that you aren’t ready for a ferret if you aren’t ready for the time and monetary commitments.
Theresa
