The Hamanasi Green Team participated at the Holy family School Fair March 2013. This energetic team had 1 goal in mind, to create as much awareness about our environment and the impact we have on it, and to achieve this they set out to impart their knowledge to the local Hopkins residents.

They had a fresh supply of Lion Fish Ceviche for sale – and gave out interesting facts of what damage this fish does to our reef system and how we can help by eliminating or at least decreasing the numbers. Less than 20% of residents did not know that lion fish is edible and so tasty!

Fresh produce like lettuce, bok choy, cabbage and herbs from Hamanasi’s organic garden were on display and the team encouraged the benefits of backyard gardening and composting.

They also talked about the goals of each department within Hamanasi Resort and all the eco-friendly products that are used at the Resort.

The team also had lots of fun giving out some Prizes; all you had to do was answer an easy question to win a Hamanasi t-shirt, water bottles or a lunch voucher for the restaurant. 100 coconuts plants were given away to be planted. The feedback from the public was very positive and refreshing. Overall is was a successfully event for everyone

“You made us feel like family!”

Stephen Brodovsky and family, Winnipeg, Canada

“Everyone was extremely helpful and kind. it was a pleasure to be around people who really like their  jobs!

Julie Greer, Seattle, WA

“Just keep on doing all the special things you do – it was amazing how everyone knew our names; checked on us frequently and went the extra effort to accommodate us.”

Tom Strike and Family, Winnipeg, Canada

“I thought that among all luxury properties to where I’ve travelled, this had the best service I’ve experience.”

Michael and Donna Levy,

“We are Travel Agents and this was absolutely one of the best vacations ever!”

Rodney and Lisa George, Saint Louis, MO

“Unbelievable!!! So happy to see how everything is used to potential in the organic garden.”

Valerie and Patrick Harwood, Omaha, NE

“Service is the highlight of the resort!”

Wayne Parman and Jana Obrien, Oak Park, IL

“Everyone was so friendly and helpful during our stay. It’s one of the reasons we want to come back. Thank you for being and eco-friendly resort, this was an important part of choosing Hamanasi for us. Keep up the good work!”

Marie-Andree Lamando, Montreal, Canada

“The best vacation of my life, a true vacation. Best customer service I have ever received anywhere.”

Joe and Lynee Fornes, Greenville, NC

“You guys have it perfect!”

Brian Daugbjerg Family, Longview, TX

“You’ve already worked so hard to make this such an incredible place.”

Joshua and Anna Kollaja, Westminster, CO

“Not one way could our visit been more perfect! Our whole trip we felt life family. Every little request was met and with attention and speed we couldn’t hope to expect.”

Jesse and Whitney Hill, Bentonville, AR

“Service was impeccable from dining wait staff to diving/snorkeling staff to grounds personnel and tour guides. You understand service!”

Rose and Ronald Anderson, Renton, WA

“Everything and everybody was top-notch!”

Becky and Salomon Toelkes, Glenpool, OK

“Continue doing the quality of products/services currently provided. Customer service was top drawer, consistently.  A wonderful place , very special trip!”

Pam Gibbes and Ray Smith, Fort Mill, SC

“This is the best service I have ever had!”

Lisa Rich and Family, Brookfield, WI

“You are doing a great job of hiring well and paying attention to detail! Keep it up.”

Tim and Lee Laing, Eden Mills, Ontario

On March 16th, 2013 Hopkins village had it’s 9th Annual Kite Fest and over 100 children participated between the ages of 6 – 14.  The kids came out with different sizes, colors and design kites and all were very creative.   It was another successful year and all the participants were awarded a small gift for participating along with a snack.   Most donations were done by the local business and resorts in Hopkins.  The winner was Tyrell Roches and his prize was a new beach cruiser bicycle.

The day was full with fun, local food and music.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous 2013.  A big “Thank you” to all our December 2012 guest! Thanks for coming and we hope you had a great time with us and we can’t wait to have you back soon!  From the Hamanasi Team.

“The service was impeccable. Every staff person we encountered went out of their way to make this the best vacation.”

Deborah and Mark Buel, Gainesville, FL

“Love the attention to detail. Top notch – Perfect. This resort could teach service and hospitality to other!”

Zocher Family, Clyde Hill, WA

“Don’t expand too much. The small, community-like feeling of the resort is part of why it’s so great.”

John and Brenda Schulz, Hamburg, NY

“Everyone was special and gracious. Keep doing what you are – place is fantastic.”

Florence Sofer, Mount Kisco, NY

“Service was very, very good! Appreciated all of the personal attention.”

Tracy and Mike Killion, Humble, TX

“Amazing and very personalize service. Everyone made my stay very enjoyable.”

Mary Grabowsky, Albuquerque, NM

“It’s beautiful here! Don’t change a thing.”

Mike and Arletta Hitch, Rose Hill, AL

“Exceptional service, thank you all so much. We will be back many times, our wedding here was perfect.”

Omar and Shalane Rodriguez, Wichita, KS

“I always wondered what it would be like to be treated like royalty – now I know. Thank you for a wonderful vacation.”

Helen and Christine Hill, San Francisco, CA

“Everyone did what they could to help me solve problems and enjoy my stay – more than expected!”

Jim Mahoney, Greensboro, NC

“Service was exceptional. Value with the package was exceptional. We stayed inland for the first half of our vacation, it was nice but Hamanasi had them beat in every category! Great job!”

Theodore Rinehart and Sandra Callez, Los Angeles, CA

Hamanasi Peanut Butter Cookies 

2 tsp.                              Vanilla Extract

1 c                                    Peanut Butter; creamy

3                                      Eggs

1 c                                   Butter; softened

1 1/4 c                           Granulated Sugar

1 1/4 c                          Dark brown sugar

1/4 tsp.                        Salt

1/2 tsp.                        Baking Soda

2 c                                Purity Flour

Method:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, soda, and salt.  Mix well with a wire whisk
• In a large bowl, blend sugars using a mixer at medium speed
• Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste
• Add eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla, mix at medium speed until light and fluffy
• Add the flour mixture and mix at low speed until just mixed. (Do not over-mix)
• Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an un-greased cookie sheet, 1 ½ inches apart
• With a wet fork, gently press a crisscross pattern on top of the cookies
• Bake for 8-22 minutes until cookies are slightly brown along the edges
• Transfer cookies immediately to cool surface with a spatula

Happy Cooking & Eating from Hamanasi’s Kitchen Staff!

Deirdre Kelly Lavrakas, one of our repeat guests visited us for the second time in October 2012.  Deirdre volunteered time from her Hamanasi vacation to mentor the Grade V school children of The Holy Family Hopkins School with Drama classes. Deirdre is presently Production Operations Manager and a Teaching Artist with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Deirdre has directed over 75 plays, musicals and operas for both adults and young people.

The children were exited throughout the sessions along with their Language Arts teacher Mr. Troy Coleman.   The participation of the class was incredible, filled with lots questions and laughter.   At the end of the 3 days session, the children were given a certificate of participation and some yummy snacks for the Hamanasi kitchen.

A BIG thank you to all our Hamanasi guests that somehow contributed towards the Back to School Project 2012, we could not have done this without you all.

From a pack of pencils, story books, crayons up to school bags, all these donations were given to the needed school children from Hopkins, Maya Center and Silk Grass which brought big smiles to their faces. 

While we were closed in September for yearly renovations, Dive Master Shawn Lozano better known as “C-Dog” took time out of his vacation to go to Honduras and attend the PADI Instructor Development Course with Utila Divers. The course is run by Andy Phillips and it took two weeks to complete. It  entailed long days of class and water works culminating  in a two day exam which he sailed thru. C-Dog has now join the ranks of PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and he is very enthusiastic for this coming season as a Hamanasi Instructor. He is looking forward to creating fantastic new divers and impart his knowledge of the marine environment with his new students.  Hamanasi is very proud of his efforts and wishes him the best of luck!

Below is a selection of comments from guests at Hamanasi this September. From the Hamanasi staff to all of our guests this past month, Thank you for coming. We hope you had a great time, and we can’t wait to have you back!

“I have travelled many places in my life and this is by far one of the most fabulous boutique resorts I have stayed at.”

Maureen Evaskevich, Alberta, Canada

“Our stay has been absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for all your eco friendly efforts.”

Marsha McArthur, Parker, CO

“Don’t grow too much and too fast to lose that venture one on one service attitude, that personal by name friendship your staff builds is perfect. We’ve spend many vacations in the tropics over the years and I wish we’d have found Hamanasi sooner.”

David & Pam Metzger, Amherst, OH

“What a welcome change to stay with a family who cares so much about leaving as little negative impact as possible.”

Jana & William Sprayberry, Boerne, TX

“Continue doing what you do. You’ve got it down right!”

William Roell and Family, Waynesville, MO

“Beautification Project in Hopkins Village for National Service Day”                  

To commemorate the life, work, dedication and service of late Hon George Cadle Price, the Hamanasi Green Team (HGT) was involved in a beautification project at Holy Family RC School in Hopkins Village on September 19, 2012.

In reference, the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, was born on January 15, 1919 at the Price Family Home at number 3 Pickstock Street in Belize City which was to remain his home until his death on 19 September 2011 – three day’s short of the 30th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence – his crowning achievement. Mr. Price is one of the founders of the People’s United Party and the architect of the country’s independence, and is referred to as the Father of the Nation (Dr. John Waight, George Price Eulogy).

Before noon, the HGT planted over 225 plants which included 177 coconuts, 6 palms, 6 Hamans and 36 crotons around the library, old school ground, park and Holly Family School. The zealous, determined, nature loving and community centered team was able to attain success with the assistance of the principal, students and volunteers from the village, including the village chairman.