Looking for a guilt-free-and sun-soaked-getaway this winter?
Look no further than the new Itz'ana Resort & Residences in Placencia, Belize, which is now officially taking reservations.
Stays from December 15th onwards can currently be secured at this groundbreaking resort, which has created its very own style of sustainability called "Mission-Driven Luxury". The philosophy aims to offer guests authentic experiences that only serve to enhance and preserve the region's indigenous culture and natural environment.
Of Mission-Driven Luxury, the resort's website divulges more details:
"Our mission is to not only sustain the beauty of our natural surroundings, but add to it, giving back to the community, its people, as well as our environment."
Colin Hannan, co-founder and managing director at Itz'ana Resort & Residences has added:
"We're committed to going above and beyond what's expected of a beachfront resort, and we believe that giving back to the local community and environment while also offering an enhanced luxury experience will make Itz'ana unlike any other hotel."
Itz'ana has declared that all business decisions will be evaluated on their impact on Mother Nature, their ability to provide a healthy environment for both guests and local Placencia residents, as well as respect for the ancient Maya civilization that once inhabited the region.
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Itz'ana Resort & Residences takes the luxury side of their mission just as seriously.
The design has been overseen by renowned architect Roberto de Oliveira Castro, who has given the space a tropical-yet-sophisticated feeling.
Interiors were created by interior designer Samuel Amoia, who has filled Itz'ana with furnishings produced by local artisans or sourced from Central America. He has also overseen the installation of vibrant colors and a series of stunning murals.
Initially, the resort will offer 16 deluxe suites and two beachfront suites, with plans for 32 resort suites (including two penthouses) and 46 waterfront residences.
Food and drink lovers will be well looked after at Itz'ana, as the resort will be home to several venues:
- Overlooking the Caribbean, Limilia Restuarant will feature fresh "reef-to-table" fare, with some dishes inspired by the cuisine of the local Garifuna people.
- The Harbour House Restaurant & Ceviche Bar will both offer a more barefoot approach to enjoying seafood.
- No trip is complete without a few cocktails, and Biblio Bar is slated to be a sophisticated drinking den- ith the hidden Rum Room offering intrigue and seemingly endless bottles of the Caribbean's favorite spirit.
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The resort will also offer a wide-range of "adventures" aimed at getting guests immersed in both the local culture and landscape. Examples include night-hiking through a wildlife sanctuary, a trip to a Maya cacao farm, ancient ruin viewing, cooking-your-own catch, manatee-watching and diving with whale sharks.
You may not feel the need to leave Itz'ana, but you will find Placencia to be a pleasurable "sand-in-your-toes" kind of place. There, you will enjoy everything from beachy bars and coffee shops to third-generation Tutti Frutti Gelato and the beachside Maya Bistro.
Placencia also benefits from its location near the Belize Barrier Reef, currently the world's largest living barrier reef.
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