Our three Central America resorts have all received new tour vehicles in a continuing effort to create an outstanding guest experiences across all our services, equipment and facilities.

Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn in Belize have each received two vans (Toyota Hiaces to Blancaneaux, Nissan Urvans to Turtle Inn), with one Hyundai van going to La Lancha in Guatemala. The delivery of the new vans will elevate the comfort and quality of our vehicle fleets, providing guests with an even better tour experience.

Above: One of Blancaneaux Lodge's new Toyota Hiaces.

Ryan Phillips of Belize Raptor Research Institute (BRRI), with support from Blancaneaux Lodge's Roni Martinez and Eddie Tzib, has successfully captured and radio tagged one female and one male Stygian Owl (pictured right) at two separate locations in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

The female, who was tagged first, was followed for two days. She moved around low branches and her movements indicated that she may have been scouting for a nest site. Her movements have been recorded by GPS in order to getter a better understanding of the use of roost and hunting sites.

Phillips will be posting an update on the capture and monitoring via the Belize Raptor Research Institute website now that he is on his way back to the United States. Learn more at http://www.belizeraptorresearch.org/.

Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn were once again recognized in Travel + Leisure's annual list of the World's 500 Best Hotels. The two Francis Ford Coppola-owned retreats were the only resorts in Belize to make the list, and Blancaneaux Lodge was also named the Best in Region, encompassing all of Latin America.

Blancaneaux Lodge made the list for the 5th consecutive year, while Turtle Inn was recognized for the 4th time in the past five years (2007-08, 2010-11).

Congratulations to the hardworking and dedicated staff at both resorts for this wonderful recognition!