COTTON TREE LODGE
Why should I consider staying at Cotton Tree Lodge on our Belize vacation? As I read through the experience of staying here, I could not stop but thinking how self-contained this resort is. They grow their own food, they've created their own tours (with the help of the local community), they donate to the children in the community, I have to say I was impressed. Staying here was like learning to live life all over again, only with a new set of rules. This is a great experience for any family, seeking to teach their children about culture, Mayan history, rainforest facts, and how to make chocolate. The highlight of this entire stay, was the cultural experiences.
Cotton Tree Lodge was founded in 2006 by Chris Crowell and Jeff Pzena. Chris had previously "discovered" Belize while traveling through Mexico and Guatemala. In his travels he noticed a unique quality that made this little country somehow different than the rest of Central America.
Later he returned with his sailboat looking for something he could do that would make a difference in the world. He found what he was looking for while traveling up the Moho River-a beautiful farm nestled on the bank of the slow moving river beneath a towering Cotton Tree. Not only was his breath taken away, he had a dream of sharing the magic and mystique of Belize with others. He saw a chance to create an atmosphere where people could appreciate other cultures and learn something about their own spirit. A dream of impacting lives… of exploring new terrain… of creating stories for a lifetime.
After three years of formulating ideas with his longtime friend and business partner Jeff Pzena they formed Cotton Tree Lodge. It took them another three years until they opened the doors in December 2006. Chris now resides in Mankato Minnesota with his wife Kristin (they met at Cotton Tree Lodge). Jeff and his wife, Tanya, live in New York City. Jeff has now turned all his attention to Cotton Tree Chocolate and is the owner of the Cotton Tree Chocolate factory in Punta Gorda as well as the Moho Chocolate Company.
Later he returned with his sailboat looking for something he could do that would make a difference in the world. He found what he was looking for while traveling up the Moho River-a beautiful farm nestled on the bank of the slow moving river beneath a towering Cotton Tree. Not only was his breath taken away, he had a dream of sharing the magic and mystique of Belize with others. He saw a chance to create an atmosphere where people could appreciate other cultures and learn something about their own spirit. A dream of impacting lives… of exploring new terrain… of creating stories for a lifetime.
After three years of formulating ideas with his longtime friend and business partner Jeff Pzena they formed Cotton Tree Lodge. It took them another three years until they opened the doors in December 2006. Chris now resides in Mankato Minnesota with his wife Kristin (they met at Cotton Tree Lodge). Jeff and his wife, Tanya, live in New York City. Jeff has now turned all his attention to Cotton Tree Chocolate and is the owner of the Cotton Tree Chocolate factory in Punta Gorda as well as the Moho Chocolate Company.
As Told By Chris Crowell - As a kid I wanted to be an archeologist. Favorite movie was Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Around the time I graduated high school I realized that archeology was nothing like Indiana Jones. I didn't want to work at a desk or write papers. I wanted to explore and see new places. I decided travel and tourism was better suited for me.
I saw my first Mayan Pyramid in 2003 (Chacchoben). I was thrilled. In 2004 I visited Tikal. Mind blown. In 2005 it was Chichen Itza. And so it continued... In 2012 Kasey and I took a vacation to Belize. We had previously traveled to various locations in Mexico and Guatemala and were excited to see a new country. What we saw was indescribable. We snorkeled pristine coral reefs, hiked/swam deep into caves, played in waterfalls, enjoyed open air markets, climbed to the top of pyramids, and fell asleep listening to the sounds of the jungle. Ever since that trip we talked about moving our family to Belize. We own a small resort in Minnesota and while we love Minnesota, the winters are fierce. And long. And very cold. We always thought the perfect life would be to run our little resort in Minnesota in the summers and operate a jungle lodge in the winters. For years we talked and talked. In the fall of 2018 we decided to take another look at Belize. I flew down to meet with the owner of a resort in the Cayo we were interested in. But I didn't love it there. Crowded, noisy, too developed. San Pedro was worse. I felt impressed to travel down to Toledo and so I did. As soon as I got to Cotton Tree Lodge I knew my search was over. I texted Kasey immediately. "Now this is a real jungle lodge!". Kasey joined me for a later trip in early 2019 and she too was blown away by Cotton Tree Lodge. We knew we had found something special. In August of 2019 we made it official and purchased Cotton Tree Lodge. Along with our three children-Adyson (12), Brock (9) and Chase (3) we are extremely excited to work with the crew at Cotton Tree Lodge sharing something we love-with you. |
ROOM DESCRIPTIONS
Deluxe Cabanas
Deluxe Cabanas are approximately 400 square feet and distinguished by their private balconies with hammocks. Furnished with one or two queen beds, Deluxe Cabanas are appropriate for individuals, couples, friends, or families. A set of bunk beds can be added upon request. Garden Vista Rooms Garden Vista Rooms feature 300 square feet of living space with views of our organic garden. These rooms can be reserved individually or in blocks of up to 5 rooms, ideal for families or groups looking to have adjacent accommodations. Each room has a queen size bed. An additional set of bunk beds can be added. Family Cabanas These larger cabanas are perfect for families, featuring one queen bed downstairs and two twin beds in a loft. An additional set of bunk beds can be added to the main level to accommodate up to two adults and four children. Approximately 400 square feet, private balcony with hammock. Standard Cabana Our Standard Cabana is approximately 300 square feet and is outfitted with one queen bed. Appropriate for individuals and couples, friends, or small families. A twin bed or set of bunk beds can be added upon request. Deluxe 2-Bedroom Cabana Our largest cabana features two separate sleeping areas with one queen bed in each. A twin bed or set of bunk beds can be added to sleep up to four children and two adults. Approximately 1000 square feet with kitchenette area and private balcony with hammocks. Honeymoon Cabana Enjoy your honeymoon or romantic adventure in beautiful Belize! Featuring a screened in cool soaking tub overlooking the Moho River, the Honeymoon Cabana is one of our most popular accommodations in the lodge. Cool off with aromatic bath salts in the Jacuzzi tub. Approximately 400 square feet with a king bed and private balcony. A great choice for couples (or individuals who like pampering!) |