The Kanantik Story

natural tropical flower around kanantik

As a member of the International Ecotourism Society, Kanantik is committed to the values and practices of environmentally sensitive tourism. From the resort’s name to the 600 coconut trees planted along the beach, in defense of the ‘lethal yellow’ disease which came years ago from Florida and spread quickly along Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, killing all the native Panamanian coconut trees, ownership and staff at Kanantik have taken the utmost care to preserve the surrounding environment and create an true eco-sensitive destination.

Before the resort was built, the beach area was carefully cleared of overgrowth for six months, using only machetes in order to preserve what Mother Nature had created. All ornamental plants throughout the resort are native to the region and transplanted from the nearby forest. This is because they adapt easily to the environment and they do not need as intensive care and water as other imported species. No chemical spraying is used at Kanantik, in order not to destroy the food chain and the surrounding eco-system. The resort’s unique design focuses on both sustainability and luxury, offering guests a chance to envelop themselves in nature without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Kanantik is surrounded by 300 acres of pristine forest, teeming with wildlife. In an effort to blend with its surroundings, local materials and styles have been incorporated wherever possible. The four-poster beds, chairs, tables and thatched roofing throughout the resort are all hand-crafted by locals, using indigenous techniques. Maya construction workers “painted” the walls by using cloths to rub in natural dyes. Each room features artwork from local artisans.

Cabanas are designed with two doors and large openings in the walls instead of conventional windows for better ventilation, as the steady trade winds blow in from the sea almost every day. There is also an open edge between the walls and the roof to improve ventilation and all cabanas are elevated from the ground to avoid humidity by allowing the breeze to pass underneath. The restaurant, bar and reception areas are constructed in the same way, with an open-air design instead of windows and doors, creating the feeling of being part of the environment.

May Mask Carving

Maya mask wood carving

Stones from nearby creeks line the rainfall showers in each cabana, as well as the edges of the resort’s swimming pool. Compost from the kitchen is used to nurture the on-site garden, where limes and pineapples are grown and then used by the culinary team. The overall natural design invites guests to truly relax to the point that they are comfortable coming to dinner barefoot.

Kanantik’s “wastewater garden” septic system was designed by Dr. Mark Nelson, chairman and CEO of the Institute of Ecotechnics, UK and vice president of Wastewater Gardens, Planetary Coral Reef Foundation, US. This system uses only plants, microbes, limestone gravel and gravity to remove up to 99% of bacteria and more than 86% of the environmentally harmful nitrates and phosphates, which are affecting the reef. This is the most eco-sensitive septic system in Belize today.

The attentive staff at Kanantik is comprised entirely of Belizeans, which helps provide opportunity and support for members of the local community. The staff is part of the Kanantik family and receives accommodations, meals, laundry service and housekeeping at the resort as part of their employment.
Guests can experience a taste of local culture first-hand when the Garifuna people from the surrounding community visit the resort to perform traditional song and dance.