The Report

Calling all adventurous history buffs and world wanderers! Ka'ana Resort is a boutique property located in the western town of San Ignacio in the country of Belize. The resort was built by two young Irish brothers who fell in love with the raw, untouched beauty of Belize and who wished to create something using locally sourced raw materials but that focused on offering visitors the ability to be immersed in a different culture and region while still enjoying the modern comforts of luxury travel. The resort's 17 rooms are spread out over 7 of the 16 acres and the remaining land is occupied by lush greenery, the organic garden, and helipad. Ka'ana'slocation is perfect for visitors who want to have easy access to town as well as all the adventure tours that this area is known for (Maya ruins, caves, jungle, rivers, waterfalls, etc.). The resort's La Ceiba Restaurant and Frieze Lounge are relaxing  spaces that you can sip, savor and enjoy in the open air and casual or private/formal settings!

PILLOW TALK: 5 rooms are located in the main house, called the Balam building and these enjoy garden or pool views. 10 of the rooms are built as standalone cottages called "Casitas" and all have private decks, private gardens and outdoor showers. The final 2 rooms are the 1 and 2-bedroom private pool villas.

HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?:90-minute drive from the International Airport; 30-minute flight from International airport to local airstrip 10 minutes away from the resort; 45-minute helicopter ride from International airport to on-site helipad

The Scoop

The resort has two great venue spaces on property: La Ceiba Restaurant and the Frieze Lounge.   These can be customized based on your event preferences (open air and casual or private and formal). Both spaces can be used together or separately, depending on the size of group. Previous events at Ka'ana have included destination weddings, birthday parties, wedding receptions, corporate retreats, bachelorette parties, anniversary parties, and formal group dinners.  For those of you who think three's a crowd but four or more is a party, then this intimate venue space is for you. All of the events held at Ka'ana have typically been for groups between 5-30 people, which is an ideal number for this property. The restaurant is typically used for more formal events, whereas the lounge has been used for more casual events.

PARTY TIP: One of the more creative ways that the space has been used in the past  included setting up multiple "stations". There was a station where guests learned to make traditional corn tortillas, one where they could listen to live music and have cocktails, another that was just for making a variety of different tacos (yum!), etc.

BELIZE IT OR NOT: If you REALLY want a wedding ridden in both history and the unique factor you can get married at Xunantunich. Overlooking the jungle-lined Mopan River, Xunantunich - a legendary archaeological site in the quiet village of San Jose Succotz - is an impressive and popular ruin.  Travel across one of the region’s last hand-cranked chain ferries to its courtyard, museum and temples. Climb to the top of El Castillo which rises above the jungle canopy allowing you an uninhibited view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As the only country that allows weddings at a Maya City, tying the knot in the courtyard of Xunantunich is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine saying 'i do' standing on ancient stones that were once walked upon centuries ago by priests and royalty. The travel time from the resort is a mere 20 minutes, so you can head back to the resort for your reception.

Bonus

Ka'ana stands apart because of it's attention to detail and the huge focus on it's farm to table cuisine. There is a 2 acre organic garden on property where the chefs pick herbs and other ingredients that hours later end up on your fork. Local and interesting artwork and crafts are scattered all throughout the resort's rooms and public spaces and are great conversation-starters. Ka'ana also boasts a 2,000-bottle wine cellar, sip sip hooray!  We are especially enamored with the overnight trip to the Mayan ruins that you can arrange with the resort. Ka'ana will set up tents and luxury accommodations under the stars and near the jungle filled with exotic flowers and wildlife. You and your guests will be treated like the royalty that once resided in the area centuries ago, and experts on the region will guide you and act as wonderful storytellers. Pure magic.

STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING

1. The resort boasts a 2 acre organic garden so set your tables with simple and aromatic herb centerpieces     2. Ka'ana will arrange a visit to the San Antonio Women’s Group, who still make ceramics by hand. They will demonstrate how this is done using the “coil method” and you and your guests will be able to try creating something of your own. This will be a fun field trip AND make great decor for your event! Use these ceramics from San Antiono as decor on your table settings.  3. You must incorporate the Mayan Calender into your settings! Shop for souvenirs like antique sterling spoons with Aztec Mayan Calendars etched into them to set onto your tabletop.

Inside Scoop

Joanna from Ka'ana resort recommends utilizing the entire property (if it's a resort takeover) and adopting the "stations" concept. The property can be transformed at night with the use of candles and tiki torches and having your guests meander along the pathways at night is magical. She also recommends customizing the bar experience. Ka'ana creates its own infusions and syrups and signature cocktails can be created just for the event- the ingredients are fresh and most come from the organic garden so doing something with a local twist will be tasty and memorable. The outdoor fire-deck is a great space for live music and family-style dining. Being outside, under the stars, surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a roaring fire, and a great water feature is a perfect complement to delicious farm-to-table cuisine.

Highlight Reel

Around Town

Shop for your Event at the Cayo Market:

If you want to experience real Western Belize life go to the Cayo market on Saturday, where farmers & locals come to buy & sell. Try the pupusas & look for different varieties of tropical fruit not usually seen in other countries. Photo via San Pedro Scoop

Horseback Riding amongst Ruins:

Take guests Belize horseback riding across an open pasture towards the bank of the Mopan River, an exciting river crossing that takes you off the beaten path and on an eye-opening ride that reveals a different, slower way of life. A stunning Belize adventure.

Cave Tubing in the Jungle:

Have the resort arrange for you and your guests to go cave tubing & ziplining. You will soar through sub-tropical jungle canopy then float along cool waters, listening to bubbling rapids and cascading waterfalls, on this amazing Belize jungle adventure!