Belize private nature reserve luxury accommodation
How this vacation makes a difference
Environment
Wildlife:
The first Orange Breasted Falcons born in captivity have been released by the Peregrine fund on Hidden Valley Inn's private reserve. 2007 marked the first release of Orange Breasted Falcons born and bred in captivity. 5 females and 1 male were released. The Peregrine Fund has a full report on this ground breaking event and ongoing research A camera survey was done to compare Ocelots and other animals of the Mountain Pine Ridge in Belize to those in the Tropical Broadleaf jungle near Las Cuevas.
Waste:
We separate all our waste, Organic, Plastic and Paper, Glass and Metals. We have an incinerator at the dumpsite which burns all the paper and plastic. The metals are collected and sold to a scrap metal dealer in San Ignacio. The bottles are crushed and used in a concrete mix when we construct bridges and other heavy concrete slabs.
Water:
We have an abundant water source – Barton Creek. We have gauges in place to measure our water usage.
Energy:
We use a diesel generator and invertor system.
Buildings:
The Main Building was built in 1970 using the pine, cedar and mahogany of the Mountain Pine Ridge. This year we refinished all the wood panel and furniture to give it back its luster.
Community
Friends and Neighbours:
We have collaborated efforts with the resorts and other operations in the Mountain Pine Ridge, to ensure safety and environmental education to the local schools in the area. We do not have all the activities on our property so Horseriding, Ziplining, Cave Canoeing and Tubing are outsourced to our neighbours.
Campaigning for Change:
With collaboration with our neighbour, we have started a Childrens Wildlife Club, where we are swopping catapults for binoculars. The children in the village see birds as food and will shoot them with their catapults all the time, the swop is to ensure we conserve the birds, than shooting them.
Charity:
We have donated a photocopier to the local school and have taken the primary school on a conservation educational tour of the property.
A Fair Deal:
We employ 90% of our staff from the local villages and offer them competitive wages and benefits. We have a low turnover of staff due to our working conditions and benefits. We offer training in-house and outside the establishment. We offer a Deferred Severance for all staff who has completed 5 years with the company. We also offer education grants for management employees to do higher education.
Local Crafts and Culture:
Our Location is the closest to the Maya temple of Caracol and the Maya villages of Cristo Rey and San Antonio. The Maya villagers are avid craftsman and weaver and we stock local products in our gift shop and use them for décor too. We take tourist with an interest in the culture to these villages to meet the people and see their modern way of life.
Traveling with Respect
We are committed to our Mission Statement:
Hidden Valley Inn will operate a world class Lifestyle Boutique Hotel in an eco- friendly environment providing outstanding quality, personalized and unparalleled service with value.
This will be achieved through the following commitments:-
- Striving for a triple bottom line – Environmentally Sustainable, Financially Profitable and developing viable Human Resources.
- An uncompromising attitude towards quality, guest care, and attention to detail.
- The continual development of guest orientated products and services that exceed expectations.
- The development of sound relationships with guests, suppliers, authorities and all stakeholders to develop a spirit of partnership and a future for Belize Tourism.
- Conduct our business proudly and ethically; in so doing, foster a deep respect for the natural environment and deliver Sustainable Tourism to the future generations of Belize.
- Employment and development of quality personnel in a working environment that provides for job security, innovation and motivation.
1of10
