Matachica redefines laid-back luxury travel in Central America

For Immediate Release - San Pedro, Belize, March 1st, 2011 – Matachica Resort & Spa is proud to begin the New Year with two prestigious prizes awarded by the world’s most distinguished travel publications. After announcing its multimillion-dollar redesign and expansion, this hidden jewel facing the world’s second-largest barrier reef is increasing its international recognition.

Condé Nast Johansens, the purveyor of international luxury travel guides, has revealed the winners of the 2011 Awards for Excellence. Matachica was selected among 270 outstanding properties throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands, and named one of the Top 3 finalists for the Most Excellent Romantic Hideaway in Mexico and Central America. Readers of the guides, hotel guests and the Condé Nast Johansens team all contributed votes for the 2011 awards. As a result, the Excellence Awards winners represent the very best of the best.

In addition, Matachica’s Jade Spa was named one of Spa Magazine’s Favorite Resort + Hotel Spas in Central and South America and was featured in the magazine’s Worldwide Guide 2011 issue. This prestigious Spa Magazine 2010 Silver Sage Readers’ Choice Award highlights Jade Spa’s growing popularity among discerning spa-goers. Jade Spa features rejuvenating massages and treatments – including papaya facials and Mayan coffee scrubs – using natural ingredients sourced locally from the Belizean jungle and sea.

“We are thrilled to receive these significant recognitions from the well-traveled readers of the Condé Nast Johansens guides and Spa Magazine. We aspire to exceed all of our guests’ expectations for a truly unforgettable experience, and it’s great to receive these acknowledgements. These awards support our intentions and propel our commitment to our guests even more,” says Daniel Lighter, proprietor of Matachica.

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Located on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, and set on a secluded stretch of natural white-sand beach facing the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Matachica offers a spectacular Caribbean getaway with a signature relaxed attitude and barefoot elegance. Matachica features 24 intimate villas facing the sea, a freshwater infinity pool with Jacuzzi, one of the best restaurants in the country, Mambo Restaurant, as well as Jade Spa, offering a distinctive experience with its own Belizean twist.
www.matachica.com

Congratulations San Mateo Bombers - 6-a-side Tournament Champions!!

The 6-a-side football team San Mateo Bombers took home the top honors this past Sunday when they became the tournament champions. Having bested out the SP Police team (2nd Place), as well as other teams like the Fire Blazers, Tropic Air, SP Strikers, Mario's Boys and Mata Chica Bombers, San Mateo took the lead and 1st place trophy.

Councilor Joseph Elijio was on hand to aid Miss San Pedro Natasha Stuart, as well as Deputy Mayor Pablo Ico in handing out the trophies to the winners. Congratulations once more, and job well done!!!

As always, big up to the referees who were on hand for all the games!

Paving of the Southern Highway

Press Release - Belmopan - February 28th 2011 - A contract signing agreement was signed between the Government of Belize and the Contractor Cisco Construction Ltd at a cost of BZ $47,995,867.50 for the upgrading of the road from Big Falls Village (Dump) to the Belize/Guatemala Border. Funds for the implementation of this projects were sourced from a loan to the Belize Government from the Kuwait Fund for the Arab Economic Development and AFID (OPEC Fund for the International Development)including the Central American Bank for the Economic Integration (CABEI), and counterpart funding contributed by the Government of Belize.

The works consist of upgrading approximately 34KM (23 Miles) to paved standards, the existing road embankment from Big Falls Village –mile 14 (Dump) to a point 1.5km south of Jalacte Village, following the current alignment, which passes through the villages of Mafredi, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Santa Elena and Pueblo Viejo. The road cross section will comprise of two 3.25 meters of wide lanes with 1 meter wide paved shoulders; this is a total of 8.5 meters surfaced roadway width. All major existing drainage structures (box culverts) and concrete bridges will be rehabilitated to ensure continued service life.

When completed, the highway will serve several objectives and will allow Villages located in the Western part of Toledo District improved access to Punta Gorda and the rest of the country. It will enhance our capacity for commerce and trade from our Central American neighbours and encourages the formal establishments of a second border crossing with Guatemala.

San Pedro RC School celebrates Belize's many cultures

Culture day is always a fascinating way to see children's perceptions of the cultures in their country. With a great mix of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian, Chinese and a growing number of North American residents, Belize is a glorious mix of peoples. San Pedro RC School held an open/culture day on Friday, February 25 to showcase what children have learned about the cultures they were assigned, and below are some photos of the results.

The Creole

The Mestizo

The Garifuna

The North Americans

Chinese

East Indian

Garifuna

Ketchi Maya

Mennonites

The Art of Life - The Jewel Stand

By Christopher Emmanuel
“We are all diamonds seeking to be polished”

Selling jewelry on the beach all depends on the weather for her. On cloudy days I pass by the makeshift stand-an oil drum with plywood on it empty. Today she is carefully placing her jewels on a cloth. “A wan sell today have to mine me picne.” “Me man done gwane an lef we.” She says as I pass by. She polishes the jewels with a loving touch every day to keep the shine. Later as the sun sets she will pack the jewels taking the table cloth leaving the stand behind.

We could all learn from the lady at the jewel stand. In each of us is a jewel we take with us when we pass on. This is the essence we are without bodies. This essence belongs to the Divine source energy we are. This jewel is all we can take with us. The stand is the body we leave behind to decay back into the dust it came from.

Some people worship the body and its desires so much that they struggle to let go of people, places and things. The now pleasures can be intoxicating and make addicts of us all. School prepared us for life, but preparation for passing on we are not taught. Nature walks, Church songs, your child’s stare, your favorite creative sport or activity, any and everything that connects us to this expanded nature teaches us our essence. Once we know our true essence and work towards polishing it. Death is no longer a bother but just a passage to go home to love.

Books by Christopher Emmanuel can be purchased at his Art Gallery in The Sun breeze Hotel, Art of Touch, Pages Book Store, Black orchid Spa and Sol Spa.