Black Orchid Resort

Overview

Description

The Black Orchid resort is nestled on the banks of the pristine Old River. Local wildlife such as iguanas, crocodiles, and resident and migrant birds can all be viewed by taking a river tour from the resort. We also offer the following tours:

• Bermudian Landing Community Baboon Sanctuary
• Belize Zoo
• Cave Tubing (includes lunch)
• Lamanai Mayan Ruin (includes private boat, lunch)
• Altun Ha (includes lunch)
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (no lunch)
• Xunantunich (includes lunch)
• Diving/Snorkeling the Cayes
• World Heritage Sites and Protected Areas: to be announced; inquire at the reception desk
• Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
• Blue Hole Natural Monument -Lighthouse reef
• Half Moon Caye natural monument
• South Water Caye marine reserve
• Glovers reef marine reserve
• Laughing Bird Caye Natural Monument
• Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve
• Whaleshark Diving
• Shark Ray Alley/Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Horseback Riding Jungle Adventure
• Jungle Hike
• Belize River Tours

Rooms

19

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 21

Percentage of local employees: 100%

The Black Orchid Resort is a proud member of the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism. As a part of this joint venture between Expedia.com and the United Nations Foundation, the resort is currently managing its conservation efforts in line with sustainable practices by supporting local vendors and businesses using renewable resources, and using eco-friendly cleaning products.

At Black Orchid Resort, we have delicately fostered an environmental balance where guests to our resort are acquainted with our local "in house" neighbors the black howler monkey, parrots, iguanas, and of course Belizeans. Since its opening in 2005, the executives of the Black Orchid Resort recognized the significance of preserving the pristine river environment which has protected and nurtured the rich biological diversity for centuries. In order to accomplish and standardize its practices towards sustainability, the modern and chic Black Orchid Resort participated in training programs offered by the Rainforest Alliance, and is a member of the World Heritage Alliance to "go green" and implement activities and programs designed to educate both staff and visitors in practicing conservation efforts. As an excellent alternative near Belize City, the Black Orchid resort is committed to the preservation of the environment for generations to come by supporting local vendors, participating in eco-educational workshops, and practicing eco-friendly standards in waste and water runoff treatment as well as partnering with other hotels and tour operators committed to sustainable development.

We support the local community by sponsoring local scouts events, purchasing from local artisans committed to the amelioration of poverty in indigenous communities, maintain local schoolyard, adoption of local parks, hiring of local employees from surrounding communities, and buying from local art and craft vendors who produce products made from renewable resources (i.e. bamboo, slate, clay, coconut, etc).

Rates

$101 – $150

For more information about rates, please visit:

• www.blackorchidresort.com/rates.html (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Belmopan (BZE)

Nearest local/national airport: Belize Municipal Airport (TZA)

Travel time to nearest airport: 15 minutes

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

July 2009.

Photo courtesy of Black Orchid Resort, Belize, for SustainableTrip.org.