As a member of the International Ecotourism Society, Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort on the southern coast of Belize is committed to the values and practices of environmentally sensitive tourism. From the resort’s name – Kanantik means “to take care” in Maya Mopan – to the 600 coconut trees planted along the beach, ownership and staff at Kanantik have taken the utmost care to preserve the surrounding environment and create an eco-sensitive destination.  

Preserving the Integrity of the Land 

With the resort’s proximity to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar preserve, the owners knew they wanted to take time to preserve the integrity of the land. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was established as a result of jaguar studies conducted in the area by Alan Rabinowitz of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York. Besides being the home to Belize's largest cat, the sanctuary protects the headwaters of two major river systems. Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are ringed by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains and the natural wonders are accessible to both the casual visitor and the serious naturalist through a series of nature trails. 

The trail system within the sanctuary provides breathtaking views across the basin and there are many waterfalls throughout. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all five of Belize's cats: jaguar, puma, margay, jaguarundi and ocelot. It is estimated that over 80 resident jaguars are in the area, and Belize's national animal, the endangered Baird's Tapir, also inhabits the basin. Additionally, more than 290 different species of birds have been recorded. Guests at the resort can enjoy many wildlife sightings, as well, with jaguars, agoutis, coatis, crocodiles, parrots and toucans visiting the property.

Even before the resort was built, the beach was carefully cleared of weeds and overgrowth for six months, using only a machete in order to preserve the pristine natural surroundings. All ornamental plants throughout the resort are native to the region and transplanted from the nearby forest. This is done because they adapt easily to the environment and they do not need as intensive care as other imported species. No chemical spraying is used at Kanantik in order to protect the food chain and the surrounding eco-system.

Sustainable Yet Luxurious

Kanantik is situated right on the beach surrounded by 300 acres of forest teeming with wildlife. The resort’s unique design focuses on both sustainability and luxury, offering guests a chance to envelop themselves in nature without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. 

Architectural Digest featured the resort just after it opened and highlighted the octagonal cabanas with capacious decks, the rustic, artisan-crafted furniture and the use of natural materials such as the hardest of hardwoods -- sapodilla.  

In an effort to blend with the surroundings, local materials and styles have been incorporated wherever possible. The resort’s four-poster beds, chairs, tables and thatched roofing are crafted by locals using indigenous techniques and from Santa Maria lumber, which was harvested from the property. Maya construction workers “painted” the walls of the cabanas by using cloths to rub in natural dyes, and each room features artwork from local artisans. 

As steady trade winds blow in from the sea almost every day, the cabanas are designed with two doors and large wall openings instead of conventional windows for better ventilation. There is also an open edge between the walls and the roof to improve ventilation, and all cabanas are elevated from the ground to avoid humidity by allowing the breeze to pass underneath. The restaurant, bar and reception areas are constructed in the same way, with an open-air design instead of windows and doors, creating the feeling of being part of the environment.

Stones from nearby creeks line the spacious rainfall showers in each cabana as well as the sides of the resort’s swimming pool. Compost from the kitchen is used to nurture the on-site garden where limes and pineapples are grown and then used by the culinary team.  The overall natural design and beachfront location invites guests to truly relax to the point that they are comfortable coming to dinner barefoot.

Eco-Sensitive Septic System

One of the most innovative aspects of the resort’s design is Kanantik's WASTEWATER GARDENS (WWG) septic system, the most eco-sensitive septic system in Belize today. This unique system was designed by Dr. Mark Nelson, chairman and CEO of the Institute of Ecotechnics, United Kingdom, and the vice president of Wastewater Gardens, Planetary Coral Reef Foundation, United States. WWG uses only plants, microbes, limestone gravel and gravity to remove up to 99 percent of bacteria and more than 86 percent of the environmentally harmful nitrates and phosphates. 

WWG sewage treatment system was initially developed in the Biosphere 2 Test Module in 1987 and then put to full test in the world-renowned first large scale global ecology and closed systems laboratory experimental facility. Subsurface flow wetlands have been reviewed by and meet the wastewater standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Health authorities and various other countries' agencies. WWG technology has been proven to be far more effective, affordable and long-lasting than conventional sewage treatment systems and is designed as to use only one-fifth of the area of open surface wetlands, according to company officials, while its high biodiversity raises constructed wetlands to a complete ecological system.

While paying close attention to the eco-sensitive aspects of the resort’s design, Kanantik’s owners also ensured that the overall look is aesthetically pleasing to the senses.     

For more information on Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort, visit  www.kanantik.com.