As you approach Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort property by van or boat you will notice something that makes us stand out from the rest. Hamanasi’s property is greener, lusher, cooler, and the air smells sweeter. This is because we LOVE our coastal forest!
Hamanasi is an intimate resort of 30 beachfront and treehouse rooms located on 45 acres, most of which is coastal forest.
Littoral, a.k.a.coastal, forests play an immensely important role in seaside communities, such as Hopkins. Learn more about the benefits of a healthy coastal forest ecosystem, what we do to support ours, and how our guests’ experiences are enhanced by them.
Benefits of a Healthy Coastal Forest
A beautiful view of Hamanasi’s coastal forest at sunset. Photo: Ben Kim
After a long day of traveling filled with the hustle and bustle of airports, crowds, lines and luggage, picture yourself stepping out of a Hamanasi van and onto a picturesque pathway lined with mature trees, chirping birds, colorful shrubs and sweet tropical flowers. Not only is our coastal forest beautiful and aids in creating a peaceful, tropical atmosphere at Hamanasi, but it has many environmental benefits, as well.
A healthy littoral forest absorbs and stores carbon. It provides habitat for interesting native and migratory species. When extreme weather arrives, such as storm surges and flooding, the trees and ground covers alleviate the effects. It filters groundwater and reduces siltation of the coastal waters and the reef. In Hopkins and many other coastal communities, a healthy coastal environment is important in many cultural and traditional practices.
How Hamanasi Cares for Our Forests
Hamanasi’s green team is involved with community educational efforts and tree planting projects. Photos: Shelly Redden, Areli Perez and Nathan Barrett
From the fruition of Hamanasi, thought and care went towards preserving and regenerating the property. Treehouses were built amidst the original trees and plant life. Previously clearcut areas were quickly replanted with thousands of trees, bushes and flowers. Additionally, approximately 25 acres of coastal forest and wetlands were set aside as a nature preserve. We’ve even planted and maintained the low lying beach plants to minimize erosion and siltation of the coastal waters and reef, as too much sediment settling on a reef can damage the delicate ecosystem. Hamanasi has a crew of landscapers who have green thumbs! Their generational knowledge for caring for native flora makes our vegetaion regenerative and thrive.
Hamanasi’s Adopt a Tree program was designed to have three benefits. First, it helps regenerate coastal habitat. Second, residual funds go to our Education Fund, providing school tuition support to local families. Finally, this provides guests with an opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in the area. Since 2021, through this program Hamanasi and our guests have planted over 133 trees and shrubs. Look for signs throughout the property! In addition, we’ve spearheaded community projects, such as planting 132 native plants at the community church and school grounds.
As coastal forests are threatened by coastal development, pollution and rising sea levels, education plays a huge role in combating these issues. Hamanasi is a part of the Eco Kids club which partners with NGO’s and the local school, Holy Family Primary, to provide kids with fun, hands-on, and educational monthly workshops aimed at educating our youth on important environmental topics and initiatives. Furthermore, Hamanasi’s dedicated Green Team also hosts an onsite weekly informational session with inhouse guests called the ‘Green Hour’. This initiative is a great way to not only learn more about Hamanasi’s initiatives, chat with our friendly staff, but also a way for you to learn more about how you can make a positive impact!
Why Our Guests Love the Coastal Forests
With the coastal forests, guests enjoy privacy, beautiful views, and wildlife sightings. Photos: Shelly Redden, Leah Flores and Launce Roberts
A healthy and mature littoral forest is not only important for the environment and community, it greatly impacts guests’ experience while staying with us in beautiful, sunny Belize!
A beautiful lush forest is a natural air conditioner, providing shade, fresh air and a bit of relief on a hot tropical day. It is the best privacy screen you can ask for between treehouses, as it creates an aesthetically pleasing lush, green barrier while attracting interesting and native wildlife.
Imagine relaxing in a Jacuzzi tub located on the outdoor deck of your Deluxe Treehouse when a family of coatimundi skitter by, or you notice a large green iguana napping in the branches. If you are a birder, you are in for a real treat. Coastal forests are home to many native species, but also essential for migratory birds who need a stopping point to rest and eat during their journies. Hamanasi’s regenerative forest initiatives have not only created a lush tropical, private environment to enjoy, but it has also rewilded the area, attracting furry, scaly, and feathered creatures for you to spot during your stay.
Finally, staying at Hamanasi is a unique experience. You can enjoy both the forest and beach from one beautiful, eco-luxury resort. No matter which Treehouse you are staying in, you are never far from the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. Because our forest alleviate the effects of erosion, you are able to enjoy clearer tropical waters or relax in a hammock under the shade of a coconut palm. Connecting with the forest and nature will have you leaving Hamanasi feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Hamanasi’s lush grounds set us apart. Photo: Ben Kim
Healthy coastal forests have many benefits related to the environment, community, animals and you. At Hamanasi, we are dedicated to maintaining and regenerating our coastal forests, and it shows. As you approach the Hamanasi beach by boat, after a fun-filled morning of snorkeling or diving, you can witness the difference a healthy coastal forest can make. You may even feel a smile spread across your face knowing that you get to enjoy all of the benefits of this unique ecosystem from the comfort of your tastefully appointed eco-luxury accommodations at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort. We can’t wait to host you for an amazing vacation!
