Choosing a Regenerative Resort will be one of the best decisions you make when planning your next vacation. You’ve heard of eco resorts, sustainable resorts, nature resorts, responsible resorts. But what is a regenerative resort — and why book one? Regenerative resorts like Hamanasi aim to regenerate the environment and communities. Many ecosystems at popular vacation destinations actually are unhealthy and the communities may be suffering. Sustainability as a practice today is more about slowing down degradation.
A regenerative resort’s goal is to improvevs. merely sustain. It has a commitment to regeneration and is dedicated to the highest levels of positive social and environmental impact. By choosing a regenerative resort you, too, are making a positive contribution.
A view of lush Hamanasi. Photo: Emily Kazston Frangie
At our environmentally conscious resort, you can immerse yourself guilt-free into the wonders of Belize, enjoy world class customer service and/or simply relax in our casually elegant, lush setting. Hamanasi believes in responsible nature and cultural based eco-tourism. We are taking steps to make positive impacts on the local ecosystems and communities. Here are a few ways you will enjoy staying at a regenerative resort like Hamanasi:
Highly Personal with Seamless Regenerative Integration
Guests and staff have opportunities to interact and learn from each other.
Many hotels are often overdeveloped and packed with as many rooms as possible. Such properties can feel less intimate and impersonal as you are just one among hundreds and maybe even thousands. Worse, standard hotels may have a significant negative impact on the environment.
With only 30 rooms and world-class customer service, at Hamanasi you’ll experience the difference immediately. The second you arrive you are greeted by name and notice that staff are invested in getting to know you so that you have a vacation of a lifetime.
Grab a reusable water bottle and explore reef and rainforest adventures that support Belize’s national parks and reserves. Photo: Charles Slessar
Details about a stay are designed so that guests effortlessly support our regenerative initiatives while exploring the wonders of Belize. Upon arrival guests receive a stainless steel refillable water bottle to use. This eliminates the need for single use plastic water bottles during excursions that support nature, national parks, archeological sites and cultural preservation. Soaps do not come with packaging. Shampoos, conditioners and lotion are ordered in bulk and placed in reusable wooden containers vs. plastic.
Each week, guests have the opportunity to get to know our Green Team composed of staff members from every department during the Green Hour Happy Hour. This is an opportunity for employees and guests to connect, enjoy sustainably sourced snacks and learn about Hamanasi’s regenerative projects. Guests even have the opportunity to directly donate to community initiatives by participating in Hamanasi’s dollar for dollar matching program for the Stann Creek Humane Society or with the Pack for a Purposeprogram where guests bring needed items for the nearby village schools.
Protecting Natural Spaces
Surrounded by nature on the porch of a Deluxe Treehouse. Photo: Leah Flores
Exploring Hamanasi is being immersed in a sensual experience. Hamanasi boasts a lush littoral forest, expansive beach, wetlands habitat, organic garden and a 25-acre nature reserve. Along the high tide line on the beach a vegetation strip is maintained to minimize siltation of the reef. The treehouses were intentionally built within nature, rather than cutting down trees to make space for the rooms. In fact, on denuded land that was aquired thousands of trees and bushes were planted. Reforesting the property resulted in rewilding – the return of animals, reptiles and birds which can be spotted from one’s private balcony.
Giving Back to the Local Community
The Hamanasi team donated funds it won from a Lionfish fishing competition to help the preschool after a recent fire.
By booking a regenerative resort, guests are actively making a positive impact on a destination for future generations. Travelers become mindful that their trip has costs and consequences. Reflecting on why and how one travels allows guests to live out their values. Travel becomes a richer experience creating deeper, positive outcomes. Instead of doing harm, they are actually improving the lives of local people and repairing and replenishing the environment.
Hamanasi supports several local NGOs, including the Stann Creek Humane Society, The Nature Conservancy Belize, Belize Family Life Association, Fragments of Hope and more. We provide internships to local and international students, including implementing a Women’s Dive Internship and Career Development course which will give Belizean women the tools they need to start a career in the dive profession. Hamanasi conducts regular beach clean ups with community members and partners and supports families with the education fund to assist students with school fees. Recently, we landscaped the grounds of a local church, which will provide shade, beauty, habitat and beach stabilization. Our Green Team works with local youths to engage them with their environment.
Garifuna dancers performing at Hamanasi. Photo: Jaron Johns
We honor and seek to preserve local cultural customs. Each week we have Garifuna drummers and dancers perform at Hamanasi sharing their history and culture. Guests will enjoy the serenades of Paranda and Mariachi singers. Many of our tours explore rich cultural history, such as the Ancient & Living Maya Culture, the Garifuna Cooking Class and Che’il Chocolate Tour and the Hopkins Village by Bike – led by a local resident. We hope guests will leave with a better understanding and appreciation of this rich cultural heritage.
Hamanasi employs 180+ Belizeans and provides ongoing training and professional development. We celebrate diversity of staff at all levels and create ample internal advancement opportunities. In 2016, Hamanasi implemented a wellness program to support the physical and mental health of its employees. The wellness committee also organizes fun staff events such as an annual triathlon, women’s rally, volleyball tournament and men’s health month.
Utilizing Best Practices to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Big Ass Fans™ in the Singanga Restaurant
It is no surprise that jumping on a big jet plane to fly to a vacation destination bumps up carbon footprints – please use a carbon calculator to offset air travel. By choosing a regenerative resort that employs eco-practices in its day-to-day operations, carbon footprints are minimized. Hamanasi is a Green Globe certified resort, TripAdvisor Green Leader and is a founding member of Regenerative Resorts. We take our green initiatives seriously. These are a few ways we are working to reduce our impact on the environment.
Organic Savvy Rest mattresses on all Hamanasi beds.
While all rooms have AC, our housekeepers turn them off during the day while guests are out and turn them back on before they return. Our treehouses are built within the cooling coastal forest. All rooms and buildings have ample natural light and air flow. We use EnergyStar appliances, LED lighting and water aerators. Most water heaters are solar powered. Energy and water usage are closely monitored to ensure efficiency. Furniture is built by onsite carpenters using sustainably sourced lumber. Guest relax on Savvy Rest Organic mattresses that are not only heavenly to sleep on, but also eco-friendly.
Within our operations we practice a Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle program to eliminate single use plastic and minimize waste. We have a robust composting system that turns kitchen food scraps and lawn waste into fertile soil used throughout the property and in our certified organic garden. Guests may take a complimentary tour of the garden and composting area. Only use eco-friendly cleaning products throughout the resort.
Gardener tending to a papaya tree.
When guests decide to put their time and resources into a trip, they are affirming the type of travel they desire. Staying at Hamanasi is more than just beautiful rooms, exciting adventures and delicious food. It is about making a positive impact on the world. It is about how to regenerate one’s relationship with life.
