Our bungalow at Ka'ana in Belize

DAY FIVE — After a three hour drive from Placencia, entertained the entire way by our 24-year-old guide and driver Wilbert Moh, we arrive at a new style Jungle resort in the Cayo district just outside San Ignacio.

Ka’ana has just 14 well appointed rooms — the beds are amazingly comfortable with down pillows — complete with plasma screen TVs, iPod docking stations, WiFi, and all natural soaps in the bathrooms.

The 36-acre resort, which is growing popular with families, also has a terrific pool and a young chef who is said to be among the best in Belize. Most of the vegetables and herbs are provided from the organic garden — everything from zucchini and peppers to cilantro, dill and parsley. (How about tipsy tequila shrimp or beef carpaccio, homemade pasta or tenderloin? Did I mention the wine cellar? The spa?

The owner, Ian Lizarraga, who used to manage the Coppola resorts here, explains that the idea was to give visitors a little serenity and luxury after intense days touring the jungle, and Mayan ruins. The Guatemalan site of Tikal is a couple of hour’s drive and other ruins are just a short drive away within Belize.
We sample Nance, the popular Belizean liquor made from the Craboo berry and then can’t remember half of what we eat for dinner.

We can laze by the pool, on our back deck or our hammock on our front porch, listening to the birds chirp. Those who come here want to experience what is authentic in Belize without sacrificing their creature comforts, Lizarraga tells me. Nothing wrong with that. (Check out the family program that offers a second room at 50 per cent off till November www.kaanabelize.com)

In this area, we have our pick — Mayan ruins, tubing through caves, canoeing or kayaking, swimming in natural pools — there just aren’t’ enough days! I like the chance to explore and come back to a nice dinner and comfortable bed. Wouldn’t you?