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The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an eco-resort and 365 acre private nature reserve located in the Cayo District of Belize, Central America. Established as a small family farm in 1981, it has grown to be one of Belize’s most recognized resorts. It has also received international recognition as a model for sustainable tourism and responsible travel by Conde Nast, ''National Geographic Adventure'', ''Travel and Leisure'' magazines, and other publications and organizations. Chaa Creek runs educational and natural history programs with a focus on Belize Maya culture and civilization. ==Early history and development== In the late 1970s Mick and Lucy Fleming decided to make Belize their home and purchased a disused, overgrown citrus farm on the banks of the Macal River in the Cayo District of Western Belize. As there was no road access into the property at that time, travel to and from San Ignacio, the closest town, was by river, utilising a dugout canoe as their neighbours had for centuries. The Flemings supported themselves by taking produce such as vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese and yoghurt into the Saturday markets in San Ignacio Town. In 1981 they opened Chaa Creek Cottages, the first jungle lodge in Belize, with two thatched roofed cottages built from local materials. In 1983 the British Army Corps of Engineers built a road into Chaa Creek, which facilitated the construction of a dining room for the now six cottages. Within two years another six cottages, gift shop, water tower and staff quarters were built. By 1988 there were 16 cottage rooms, and electrical generation allowed for luxuries such as ice and hot water. A landing for a growing fleet of canoes and other improvements were added. All of the cottages were upgraded in 1990 and a new office was established in nearby San Ignacio Town. As the property expanded, trails were established throughout the growing nature reserve as horseback riding tours, mountain biking and trekking were introduced. By 1992 there were 26 members of staff in residence at Chaa Creek. Infrastructure was continually upgraded with new stables for the growing herd of horses. Chaa Creek also hosted teams of archaeologists conducting research on the property and nearby sites. The Chaa Creek Natural History Centre and Blue Morpho Butterfly Breeding Centre were established at Chaa Creek in 1993. Both centres continue to raise awareness of the local environment and encourage scientific research while recording and displaying, for the public and students, the results of scientific investigation and artefacts found on the property. By 1997 there were a total of 21 cottages including several luxury suites, and the next year electric lighting and fans were added to the rooms In 1999, the Macal River Camp at Chaa Creek with ten bungalow style casitas, and a central dining/social area was renovated. In 2003 Chaa Creek acquired the adjacent Ixchel Medicine Trail (now known as the Maya Medicinal Plant Trail), which was established to investigate and perpetuate traditional Maya healing practices and medicinal plants. The Maya Organic Farm, which showcases traditional Maya agricultural practices and also supplies fresh vegetables for the resort, was also established. Along with the many Maya archaeological sites and temple on Chaa Creek, and with the Natural History Centre, they contribute to visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the Maya habitation of Belize. Chaa Creek currently consists of 23 cottages and employs 135 staff. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「The Lodge at Chaa Creek」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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