Ka’ana Resort: A 5-Star Boutique Hotel in Belize…Really.

Ka’ana Resort just outside San Ignacio is a relatively new one and one that I found pretty unique for Belize.  It was designed by two super star Irish brothers, Ronan and Colin Hannan.  I’ve never met them but after reading a bit about them in BusinessWeek, I can describe them with cool words I never get to use…like urbane and jet-setting.

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I stayed at Ka’ana for one night in November and was really hoping to meet the duo.  But it wasn’t to be.  They were probably at the Four Seasons Marrakesh or flying fishing on Christmas Island, perhaps sunning with Gwenyth in St. Barths.   Next time…

Ka’ana Resort is billed as a 5-star boutique hotel.  A tall order for lodging in the Belizean jungle but the resort, set just outside of San Ignacio on the main road, surprised me in lots of ways.  From the dual yoga mats provided in my walk-in closet to the beautiful turn down service, the resort is beautifully done and the final touches, impeccable.

My pictures don’t do it justice…honestly…but here they are.

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The room was large, cool and modern with beautiful Belizean art and carvings.  It was maybe my favorite part of Ka’Ana.  Gorgeous modern hotel with so many local touches – like they were antiques from someone’s collection.  The attention to detail was very impressive.

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My room had beautiful flowers and a lime-ginger REFRESHING drink was delivered on a white napkined platter.  All the staff at Ka’ana knew my name.  I’m a total sucker for that.

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Robes, lotions and hair products and about 14,000 thick towels.  IMG_4347

I took a walk around the grounds.  Each casita and room is tucked away down a private pathway.  The pretty pool…

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But I didn’t stay long.  The memory foam bed, powerful air conditioner, down pillows and gorgeous sheets were calling my name after my old school bus ride from Placencia to Belmopan and then Belmopan to San Ignacio.

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And I emerged to find that the resort at night…it was pretty incredible.

Each path is lined with candle and lights.

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My room number.

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And flowers and a fire pit as you enter the beautiful bar.

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So so beautiful.  I had a seat (picture from the day time)…

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and tried a Sweet Corn Colada.  No coconut, only sweet corn and cinnamon.  Inventive and delicious.

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And when I returned to my room that night, lots of tea lights were flickering around my room and there was this note…

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Delicious pastries.  How cool is that?  Fancy but fun.  Totally how I would define the word “boutique”.

The next morning, I had a Greek yogurt parfait with lots of fruit that someone spent a SERIOUS amount of time cubing…

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And some really really good coffee.

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Ka’ana is perfect if you want serious luxury, top restaurant food and service and you want the convenience of being close to town and all the activities that San Ignacio & Cayo have to offer.   Air conditioning, internet access in every room, gorgeous bedding and towels, room service…it is all part of your stay.  They can even set you up in an AMAZING “glamping” experience at the Mayan ruins.  Take a look at it on the website here.  It’s just BEYOND.  I’m pretty sure they are very willing to just about anything.

If you are looking for a jungle lodge with hundreds of acres of trails and wildlife and on-site hikes and activities, they don’t have it here.  But they can easily set you up with ANY activity in the area.  For more, check out their site.

Sadly, after only one night, I left 5-star amazingness to catch my usual Belize mainland transport back to Belize City.  No not a private helicopter…

IMG_4435The local bus.

 

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