Visitors to Calibishie, Dominica’s popular northeastern tourism destination, now have a waterfront luxury lodging option. Calibishie Cove is a large villa with four private suites which rent individually for prices from USD $120 to $240. Half of the accommodations feature kitchens in-suite.

 

Nestled above the sea, with views of the magnificent red rocks and greenery that make the northeast coast of Dominica so captivating, Calibishie Cove recently opened its doors to enthusiastic customer response.

 

Exemplifying the establishment’s Eco-Luxurious™ concept, all units feature hardwood and stone finishes and luxury touches like locally-made natural soaps and moisturizers. The guesthouse’s ‘green’ features include solar heated hot water, exceptional natural ventilation (the building was designed specifically for this site’s breezes and sun angles), rainwater catchment, and grey water reuse on site. The Paradise Penthouse unit features a private plunge pool with saline instead of chlorine.

 

The four suites integrate wonderfully with the lush natural surroundings. French doors in every room and large wraparound balconies make for an unforgettable indoor/outdoor living experience. Custom-built local hardwood furnishings and unique artwork complete the experience. Wireless Internet access and 110/220V electrical outlets are provided throughout.  

 

A short walk down backyard steps leads to a pair of comfortable benches that overlook the sea and Treasure Island, just off the coast.  The shaded spot is suited to quiet contemplation or a lively chat. Exemplifying the thoughtful touches found throughout, the owners have installed a bottle opener on one of the benches, so that guests may enjoy a toast of fresh local Kubuli beer from this forest perch.

 

Another short walk leads to a beautiful beach where a fresh, crystal clear river empties into the ocean.  The cove features calm waters thanks to Treasure Island at its entrance. Good snorkeling is found between the beach and Treasure Island, which can be hiked in sturdy shoes. Kayaks are also available to rent from Calibishie Cove’s manager, for exploring the river, Treasure Island, and coast. 

 

Discounts are available for stays of seven nights, or full-villa bookings: www.calibishiecove.com

As part of its ongoing commitment to operating an environmentally friendly business, Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is working towards becoming a climate neutral eco-boutique hotel not only by enabling its guests to offset the carbon emissions produced by their flights to Jamaica, but also by offsetting its own carbon emissions and making continued efforts to reduce them thus reducing its environmental footprint.

Their approach is fourfold: firstly, by paying into an accredited carbon offsetting programme (STI’s My Climate) to offset their carbon emissions; secondly by improving their environmental performance they reduce their carbon emissions; thirdly by seeking their guests’ involvement and fourthly by contributing to a local programme which is trying to mitigate some of the environmental problems faced in Jamaica.

They have a link to Sustainable Tourism International’s carbon calculator on their website making it easy for guests to be responsible for carbon emissions resulting from their trip. Guests can also support a Jamaican environmental programme.

The contribution towards a Jamaican project is important. The Jamaica Conservation Development Trust is a non-governmental organisation promoting sustainable resource management, helping to increase local awareness of environmental issues, training park rangers and developing and promoting community based tourism in the John Crow and Blue Mountains. The JCDT’s programme is particularly important as they plant in areas that have been identified as high priority areas for rehabilitation using mainly native Jamaican forest trees, particularly those that are fast growing and have little value for lumber but which are excellent for biodiversity and includes the Hernandia catalpifolia – Water Mahoe, the tree that the endangered Giant Swallowtail Butterfly lays its eggs on and the only plant the caterpillars will eat.

The decision to make these contributions is not about easing conscience, but is part of the hotel’s strategy to operate in environmentally sound manner. The operators of Hotel Mocking Bird Hill are taking responsibility for the emissions generated through their business as well as those produced by their clients’ trips to Jamaica. This initiative is about investing up front to conserve for the future without sacrificing on the comforts associated with an eco-chic hotel.

STI has recently calculated the hotel’s emissions at 68.78 VERs (verified emission reductions, ton of CO2 equivalent) annually.

For information about Hotel Mocking Bird Hill’s environmental commitment:
http://www.hotelmockingbirdhill.com/english/environment/sustainabletourism.php
Further information:
http://www.hotelmockingbirdhill.com
Contact: Shireen Aga
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +1 876993734
Skype: mockingbirdees

 

The story of Chaa Creek began in 1977 when two young travelers stumbled upon what would later become their adopted home.  In those days most business was conducted around bar room tables in Belize City and it was there that Mick and Lucy Fleming ran into the owner of an overgrown 140 acre farm on the Macal River in the Cayo District.

 

They soon moved out to the jungle property and within a short while the land was producing home grown vegetables.  In those days the farm had no road access so the Flemings transported their produce by dugout canoe to the ready markets of  San Ignacio Town, much as the Maya had done 1,000 years before.

 

The little farm was soon producing milk, yoghurt, cheese and eggs; as well as two baby Flemings.  When other travelers heard about the farm they would often trek out to visit, sometimes staying to lend a hand.  As more visitors came, the Fleming’s one room farmhouse became smaller and smaller and the idea was launched to build a guest cottage from materials found on the land.

 

Chaa Creek Cottages, the first jungle lodge in Belize, opened its doors in 1981 and over the next decade growth has kept pace with the ever increasing number of visitors.

 

The Chaa Creek road was built by the British Army Corps of Engineers in 1983 and was accompanied by the addition of a dining room to cater to the six existing cottage rooms.  Two years later indoor plumbing was installed and a further six cottage rooms, a 6,000 gallon water tower, staff quarters and a gift shop were built. 

 

The year 1987 brought the electrification of Chaa Creek which meant that washing machines replaced scrub boards, a deep freezer saw the end of salted block of ice and a submersible water pump retired the gasoline engine relay pumping system.  A batch of new canoes took guests on excursions down the Macal River.

 

The luxury of a hot water shower was introduced in 1988 while an ice machine helped make the perfect margarita for guests who relaxed on the deck of the bar.  The cottage rooms had grown by four to a total of 16.  To round off the year an office was built and outdoor lighting was installed in the gardens.

 

All of the cottages were upgraded in 1990 and a new business office was established in nearby San Ignacio Town.  In order to accommodate horseback riding and hiking, nature trails were cut through the forested property which had by now expanded to 330.  The property was officially designated a private nature reserve.

 

In 1991 the Flemings noticed that their original thatched house was falling down around them.  This prompted construction of a new house for themselves and their two children.  In addition, a manager’s house was built atop the hill.

 

By 1992 there were 26 members of staff in residence at Chaa Creek.  Infrastructure was upgraded and a new horse coral was built for the increasing number of horses.  Chaa Creek also played host to a team of archaeologist who were invited to investigate the ancient Maya sites that dotted the property.  Their reconnaissance mapped out over 70 ancient sites.

 

The Chaa Creek Natural History Centre was established in 1995 to become the first one of its kind in Belize.  The Centre houses interpretive displays of the local flora, fauna, ecosystems and geology of Belize.   Maya archaeology exhibits display ancient artifacts recovered from within the reserve and offer interpretive views of the life and culture of this early civilization.  There are also anthropology exhibits depicting the life and culture of the modern Maya.  Natural resource conservation and ecology exhibits offer educational information to the hundreds of local and international students that visit the facility.  The Centre also showcases the work of the numerous scientific research and environmental conservation projects that are sponsored by Chaa Creek.  An extensive research library has been established which houses an on-going collection of scientific reports, studies, books and other educational materials.  This library is utilized by our visitors as well as local and international students and scientific researchers.  The Chaa Creek Butterfly Farm where the iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly is propagated and exhibited is also located on the grounds of the Centre.  Most recently, Chaa Creek has acquired and reopened the adjoining Rainforest Medicine Trail which showcases the many medicinal plants of the surrounding forest.  The Chaa Creek Natural History Centre and Nature Reserve has evolved into a premier education and research field station that is utilized by hundreds of local and international students and conservation organizations each year.

 

In 1997 the Macal River Camp was constructed along the banks of the Macal River just downstream from the Lodge.  This facility is totally solar powered and consists of ten raised platform screened cabins with its own kitchen and dining area.  The camp was built to accommodate student groups and provide an option for the more budget conscious traveler.

 

Further building and renovations in 1997 resulted in a total of 21 cottages at Chaa Creek including a Luxury Suite and a Jacuzzi Suite.  1998 saw the addition of electric lighting to replace kerosene lamps and fans in each room for added guest comfort.

 

The Spa at Chaa Creek was constructed in 1999 and offers our guests a complete line of professional and refreshing spa services while enjoying a panoramic view of the majestic Macal River valley and the Maya Mountains beyond.  Next in 2000 came the opening of The Conference Centre at Chaa Creek.  This beautifully designed structure was put in place to provide a facility for both local and international conferences, meetings and social functions.

 

Two spectacular Tree Top Jacuzzi Suites overlooking the pristine Macal River were constructed in 2002 to replace two of the older cottages which were taken out of service.  2003 saw the addition of the expansive Orchard Villa and the Sky Room with its enchanting view of the river valley.  This expanded the accommodations inventory at Chaa Creek to a total of 23 outstanding cottages, suites and villas.

 

The construction of a fully equipped carpentry shop was completed in 2003.  This provided Chaa Creek with the ability to design and manufacture our own furniture and other items of wood construction that are found throughout the property.  Expansion and improvement of the trail system within the now 365 acre Chaa Creek Nature Reserve was completed in 2004.  With over 10 miles of well maintained trails, the Nature Reserve offers our guests exceptional opportunities for naturalist hiking and birding as well as horse and mountain bike riding.  Next to come was the Chaa Creek Stables.  Just recently opened in April of this year, this functionally designed structure houses our equestrian centre and provides our guests with an enhanced and professional riding experience.

 

What’s next?   Chaa Creek continually strives to offer our guests the highest quality services, facilities and accommodations while remaining true to our original mission statement and environmentally sound management and operational practices.  We are dedicated to these principals and will not waiver from this goal.

 

To visit their website: http://www.chaacreek.com