Press Release: Hall of Fame

For immediate release:

Black Orchid Resort

 AWARDED TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS

Inducted into ‘Hall of Fame’ of Five-time Certificate of Excellence Winners on the World’s Largest Travel Site

CITY, STATE/COUNTRY – May 22^nd  2015 – Black Orchid Resort, Burrell Boom Village, Belize District today announced that it has been recognized as a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame winner.  The Certificate of Excellence award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. The ‘Hall of Fame’ was created to honour those businesses that have earned a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years.  Winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience. 

EXAMPLE QUOT “Being awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence five years in a row and inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ is a true source of pride for the entire team at Black Orchid Resort and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Beverly Dawson, Operations Manager at Black Orchid Resort. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.  Black Orchid Resort has been ranked #1 on the TripAdvisor Customer Satisfaction Index in the Belize District for over 9 years”.

"Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years is a remarkable feat. TripAdvisor is pleased to induct five-time award winners into the ‘Hall of Fame’,” said Marc Charron President, TripAdvisor for Business. “By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on consistently delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive an improvement to hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.”

When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honorees that take into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews and opinions submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period as well as business’s tenure and ranking on the Popularity Index on the site.  To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

-ENDS-

Black Orchid Resort

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 225 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4.9 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 24 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.iens.nl and www.besttables.com), www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.tripbod.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, www.viator.com, www.virtualtourist.com, and www.kuxun.cn. 

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, December 2014

**Source: Google Analytics, average monthly unique users, Q1 2015

Contact:

Douglas Thompson

Owner

Black Orchid Resort

douglas@blackorchidresort.com

www.blackorchidresort.com

cell: 633-8288

La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge

'It’s more than just a race’

March 7th, 2014...the start of the 16th Annual La Ruta Maya River Challenge 2014, where more than 60 teams will compete in various categories in this four-day challenge. The competition kicks off on Friday March 7th at 5:30 am from the foot of the Hawksworth Bridge on the Macal River which connects the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the Cayo District.This gruesome 180 mile canoe race is more than just a race; it’s everyone’s passion, determination and perseverance to cross the finish line.

The first day of the race starts with the gathering on the banks of  the Macal River in San Ignacio/Santa Elena for the opening ceremonies which features cultural presentations and performances by local artists. The first leg is approximately 46 miles, which often sees the paddlers winding and dodging down the Macal River without losing focus and determined to make it to Banana Bank, the first stop.

The second day of the challenge, the longest of the four days, is often vigorous and tests the paddlers’ stamina and perseverance throughout the 60 grueling miles. From Banana Bank on the Macal River to Double Head Cabbage on the Belize River, each team tries to capitalize as much on their time.

By day three of the race, from Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom Village, the challenge usually takes a slightly new turn. The 36 miles of paddling now traverses into deeper waters and requires more experience and skills. Many of the villagers, locals and visitors from around the country gather on the banks of the Belize River to cheer their favorite team. At Black Orchid Resort we often host some of the paddlers and visitors who come to get a closer look as the race passes in front of the resort.

The final day, which normally attracts thousands along the banks of the Belize River, is the shortest of all. The 25 mile run from Burrell Boom Village to Belize City is usually completed in less than three hours. It is always an impressive finish on the fourth day.  The Challenge ends at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City, where thousands gather on the bridge and along the banks to cheer on the teams as they complete the challenge. The winner; however, is the team with the best cumulative time and usually walks away with thousands of dollars in prizes!

In Celebration of this historical event Black Orchid Resort is offering the 4 night free for any visitor planning to visit in March of 2014! Conditions apply.

Black Orchid Resort moving forward in 2014

The new year brought many positive changes and game changing moves for the directors and team of Black Orchid Resort. Never before have we seen so many changes and developments in such a short time! Recently we completed the Thompson Building which includes 3 Garden View Luxury Suites and 4 River Front Luxury Suites, The Sky Roof which includes the roof top lounge and mini pool and The Spa at Black Orchid Resort.

With all the new developments  comes new personnel and at Black Orchid Resort we did just that by hiring the best employees in all of Belize. This action has yield positive guest feedbacks and increase efficiency in customer service delivery and quality assurance. We would like welcome the following personnel who we are confident will make your stay at Black Orchid Resort a super experience.

Raul Rodriguez

As a young and vibrant individual Raul has excelled in his young life and comes to Black Orchid Resort with positive energy for development. Raul has ten (10) year experience in various capacities in the hospitality industry including: food & beverage manager, concierge, tour guide, front desk manager, reservations manager, & recently sales & marketing manager.

The team at Black Orchid Resort welcomes Raul as the sales & marketing manager and look forward to all the positive developments.

Master Chef Dennis Roache

Chef Dennis was born in Kingston Jamaica. He has over 30 years’ experience and specializes in Jamaican and International cuisine. He was trained at the Jamaica Cooker’s School, Oceana Hotel and most 5 star properties in Jamaica.

Chef Dennis arrived in Belize in 1994 in search for a home where he can apply his love for food preparation. He was firstly contracted by Petrojam Ltd. and work as a head chef at the Santa Cruz Lodge for several years. Over the years Chef Dennis shared his experience in several high end properties including Best Western, Captain Morgan’s, Caye Chapel, Cayo Espanto and most recently at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Belmopan.  

We welcome Chef Dennis to the Black Orchid Resort and look forward to delicious gourmet meals!

Cesar Elder Vasquez

Cesar was born in the beautiful Spanish speaking town of Orange Walk. Throughout his childhood he moved constantly and relocated to different towns and villages since his dad served in the police department. His love for his country became evident at an early age as he traveled every year to a different location in Belize.

Cesar has worked in the Tourism Industry for over
12 years in a wide range of capacities which include Marine Guide & Supervisor, Boat Captain, Terrestrial Guide, and Dolphin & Animal Care Trainer. He has special training in Customer Service, Historical and National Interest, Archeology, Natural History, & Healthy Reefs and Animal Care. He is an advocate for responsible tourism and ensures that this is promoted in his tours and activities.  He has led both international universities and college groups throughout various locations in Belize always ensuring that each and every client need is well taken care of.

We are happy to Welcome Cesar to our team at Black Orchid Resort and know that each minute spent in his capable hands will be worth your while. Click here to view tour options

 

 Staicy Montero

The very young Staicy recently joined our team as the spa therapist for the newly constructed Spa at Black Orchid Resort. Staicy received all her training from the Holistic School of massage and has worked at a very prominent facility before joining the team at Black Orchid Resort. We guarantee that every time spent with her will be revitalizing, relaxing and rejuvenating. Click here to view our spa facilities and treatment options.

 As 2014 proceeds we will continue to bring exciting news as we look forward to hosting you on your next Belize Vacation.

THE BLACK HOWLER MONKEY

The Black Howler Monkey, (Alouatta pigra) known as the ‘baboon’ in Belize has very limited range including Belize, Southern Mexico and Northern Guatemala. It is one of the six howler monkey species found in Central and South America. One of the most remarkable traits of the howler monkey is its loud, rasping howl, which can be heard roaring across the forest for well over a mile. Throughout most of its range, the Howler Monkey is endangered from hunting and habitat destruction. Fortunately, Belize has a healthy population of these loudest of primates. Visitors to Black Orchid Resort are most likely to come to a very close encounter with this specie especially if they opt for a river cruise down the Belize Old River!

The black howler monkey typically lives in troops of 4-12 individuals, with one to three adult males and multiple females and a dominant male heading the troop. The monkeys are strictly vegetarian eating a wide variety of leaves, flowers and fruit.

Howler monkeys have short snouts and wide-set, round nostrils. Their noses are very keen, and the Howler monkey can smell out its food up to 2 miles away. Their noses are usually roundish snout-type, and the nostrils have many sensory hairs growing from the interior. They range in size from 2 to 3 ft. excluding their tails, which can be equally as long, in fact in some cases the tail has been found to be almost 5 times the body length. This is a prime characteristic. Like many New World monkeys, they have prehensile tails. They can grasp items with it, hence why they are often found using their prehensile tails for picking fruit and nuts from trees.

They have lifespans of 15 to 20 years. Males are, on average, 1.5 to 2.0 kg heavier than females.

Howler monkeys generally move quadrupedally on the tops of branches of trees along the Belize River, usually grasping a branch with at least two hands or one hand and the tail at all times. Their strong prehensile tails are able to support their entire body weight. Fully grown adult howler monkeys do not often rely on their tails for full body support, whereas juveniles do so more frequently.

Black Orchid River Cruise – Explore Beyond

Take a motorboat cruise on the Old Belize River through the jungle. As you cruise the waterways teeming with crocodiles and iguana sunning in the trees, listen for the vocals of howler monkeys and birds and gain first-hand knowledge of the culture and history of the Belize Old River. At Black Orchid Resort we have several water crafts that can accommodate groups from 2 – 22 people comfortably.

Click here to see video of River Cruise from Black Orchid Resort.

Belize Mayan Tour: Lamanai River Tour and Maya Site

Our Belize Mayan Civilization Tour to Lamanai is a great way to see Belize birds and wildlife along the river, then embark at the Lamanai Maya Site cradled on the shores of the New River Lagoon. On the way, you will get to enjoy a scenic boat ride up the New River, providing a great opportunity for wildlife spotting. At the site you will get to marvel at panoramic views of the rainforest and lagoon from atop the High Temple.

This amazing tour is offered for $110 USD per person and can be scheduled with 24 hours advance notice to Black Orchid Resort front desk tour office. Email them to make arrangements.

 You can also learn about other Belize Tours and Adventures from Black Orchid Resort.

Lamanai is the largest Mayan ceremonial site in Northern Belize, one of the largest in Belize; it has more than 719 mapped structures, including two 16th century Christian churches as well as an intact 19th century sugar mill. The most impressive of these is the High Temple – a massive stepped structure built into the hillside overlooking the New River Lagoon – one of the largest Pre-Classic structure in Belize (108 ft / 33 m high). 

Lamanai features many large temples fully exposed to visitors.

Ruins of numerous dwellings, a ball court, and several other temples also remain. Earliest evidence dates to 1500 BC and as the populations grew, so did the center, becoming one of the largest in the region. Situated on a major trade route, Lamanai is one of the longest occupied Mayan cities and was inhabited for over 2000 years. People were living in the area in the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived and built a series of churches (right on top of Mayan temples). 

Archaeological museum has precious findings from the site on display portraying well over 2000 years of Mayan history. One of Belize's finest stelea is found here, which depicts an elaborate carving of the ruler Smoking Shell.

Some of the birds we may encounter on this trip include Black-Collared Hawk, Northern Jacana, Mangrove Swallow, Olive-Throated Parakeet, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and occasionally a Purple Gallinule. Other types of wildlife such as the endangered Morelete's Crocodile and Green Iguana are also a common sighting on the way to Lamanai. After arriving, we will have the chance to explore the ruins and have the opportunity to view birds such as Red-Lored Parrot, Blue-Crowned Mot-mot, Collared Aracari Toucan, Lineated and Pale-Billed Woodpeckers, and Black-Headed and Violaceous Togons. In addition, Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys are usually seen or heard here.  

The name Lamanai means “Submerged Crocodile” in Mayan. The name helps to explain the numerous crocodile motifs at the site. Crocodile effigies appear on figurines, vessel decorations, and on the large headdress on a limestone mask at one of the principal structures at the site.

To reserve your spots on this Belize Mayan Tour with Black Orchid Resort, please email us at info@blackorchidresort.com or call our front desk at +501 - 225 9158.