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 Banana
Bank Lodge & Jungle Equestrian Adventure
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Banana Bank
Lodge & Jungle Equestrian Adventure is 2 miles from Belmopan,
and a 45 minute drive from Belize City and the International Airport
(Mile 47 Western Highway). It is located on the Belize River and
in the heart of the Belizean countryside, surrounded by evidence
of both ancient Maya and the historic logging tradition that is
basic to Belizean culture.
 
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A myriad of
activities are offered at the 4,000 acre lodge, including a state
of the art Equestrian Center for all levels of horseback riding
and learning. Activities include horseback riding into the jungle,
visiting Maya ruins and caves, canoeing, star gazing, trail walks,
birding or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquil grounds of
the lodge.
Banana Bank
is especially well suited to accommodate families, organizations,
and student groups, assembling complete itineraries that include
adventure, nature, and cultural activities.
Banana Bank
is the natural habitat of some 230 species of birds, monkeys, and
other wildlife. A beautiful jaguar named Tika has made Banana Bank
her home for 20 years.
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features delightful accommodations blending to the jungle landscape.
Cabanas with THATCH roof made -- uniquely designed. Built by expert
craftsmen using fine Belizean woods. They are, in themselves works
of art. Each cabana has a solarium bath, a sitting room and two bedrooms,
each with 1 queen bed and 1 single bed. artwork by Carolyn Carr and
jungle ambiance -- a truly memorable surrounding.
The dining
room is full of exotic presence. It has a soaring thatched roof.
Carved banisters, pink gypsum stonewalls, and rich local hard wood
paneling make this a beautiful place to enjoy. Meals served family
style, widely reported to be some of the best in Belize. The family
atmosphere provides a setting for lively discussion between guests
of different parts of te world. Menus vary but feature "home
cooking" we call "grandma food" -- some of the best
cuisine found in Belize -- all you care to eat..
Standard
"Gallery" Rooms
Caracol Room
- The soft rounded shape of this room in creamy rose color, stained
glass windows, bamboo ceiling and solarium bath room. A delightful
place to snuggle in. The unique use of sea shells in a stunning
mirror is another feature that lets you know this is a designer
room. Cteiling fan or air conditioning. Has a reading desk, a tea
kettle for that hot cup of late night tea and a comfortable easy
chair. 1 queen size bed.
Maya Room
- This room is a tribute to the Maya heritage of Belize. There is
a Maya fresco in the bath and a solarium tub with stained glass
windows. Maya pottery, carvings and paintings decorate the room.
Ceiling fan or optional air conditioning. Has queen size and a single
bed.
Creole Room
- Dark burgundy lace curtains/bed spreads. Mood is set for the sensual
mystery of the creole culture. Authentic accent pieces. A hand hewn
paddle, a rice beater, and whisky crock take you back to the Belize
logging era. Beautiful hand carved mahogany headboard clearly expresses
why so many struggled so hard to harvest this precious wood. The
solarium bath with the stained glass windows and delicate curves
is a work of art. Ceiling fan or air conditioning. The room has
a queen sized bed and a single bed.
Sunshine
Room - The minute you enter this room you know you are in a special
place. As the name implies, it is joyous. Large bath is a molded
artistic expression of curves and stained glass . Rich fabric and
carved furniture complete the feeling that all is right with the
world. Option of ceiling fan or air conditioning. In this room is
a queen sized and a single bed.
CHATEAU BRIO
- A designer 3 story building -- blending styles featuring curved
stairway, large patio that can be viewed through arched, stained
glass windows. The Chateau has 3 suites and 2 standard rooms. Perfect
for weddings and romantic getaways.
  
The Chalet
- A 2 story building for budget travelers. These 3 rooms have the
dollar conscious in mind. Each room has five single beds and 1 double.
The prices are right for families on a budget, back-packers, student
or specialty groups.
BANANA BANK
- ECONOMY ROOM DETAILS
Chalet rooms
are intended for budget travelers/groups
1. Each room
has 5 or six beds (one double bed and the rest are twins/single)
2. The rooms are spacious (about 18' x 18') so the beds are not
that close together.
3. No A/C. Only ceiling fan.
4. Each bed has a mosquito net.
5. There is spacious bathroom with a shower only. No bath tub.
6. Simple decor.
 
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Get
Horseback Riding Lesson (Fantastic opportunity, especially for kids!)
"Banana Bank
is home to the finest Equestrian Center in Belize.
You are considering a vacation in Belize... You have ridden over mountains,
prairies and parklands... Expectations are high... Can the tropics show
you anything you haven't already seen?
You will awaken to
the soft ethereal glow of dawn breaking through tropical mist. Palm fringed
pastures, wherein dozens of horses graze, will prompt a rush of excitement
and a desire to get on a horse and ride.
Banana Bank is big,
beautiful and boisterous. Miles of jungle and riverside trails are awaiting
you. There are opportunities to experience horsemanship in a variety of
ways, from setting your own itinerary to participating in structured lessons.
The well kept horses,
quiet river, lush pastures, gentle breeze, ancient trees laden with bromeliads,
flocks of parrots, flaming sunsets, delicious meals, friendly people,
and exotic surroundings will speak peace into your soul.
Activities -
Banana Bank offers guests an opportunity to participate in a hands
on experience of interacting with horses. In the arena and round pen,
communication between horse and rider begins to meld. Making it easy to
do the right thing and difficult to do the wrong thing. These concepts,
as presented by John Lyons and Pat Parelli, two of the most popular horse
clinicians in the United States, are the basis for horsemanship at Banana
Bank. Key words are communication, trust and discipline.
A variety of activities
include barrel racing, gymkhana events, overnight rides, Saturday to Saturday
itineraries that may be flexible. While we mostly ride western, we also
have two sets of English saddles and tack for your use. There are miles
of jungle trails often times under the forest canopy.
Horses -
About 50 head (a mare has a colt every once in a while) of well-kept,
mixed breeds, predominately quarter horses. This combination provides
sturdy but agile mounts necessary to negotiate river terrain and jungle
trails.
Stable -
35' x 60' with classic clerestory roof design, 24 stalls, 12 on each side
of a central 10' tiled corridor that features cedar paneling, brass lamps
and other appointments making it truly distinctive.
Equipment -
35 Western saddles with accessories to make the riding experience safe
and comfortable. Equipment is well cared for, clean and attractive. If
you feel comfortable riding your own saddle, bring it with you.
Round Pen -
A four rail state of the art 60' diameter enclosure that not only gives
the rider a circular confined space to hone riding skills but commits
the horse to the will of the handler in a gentle but firm situation of
control. We welcome guests to use the round pen with our horses.
Arena -
A beautiful two rail 200' x 100' enclosure to safely put the horse through
the paces of walking, trotting, cantering or galloping. This arena is
sufficiently large to allow action but keeps rider and instructor in charge.
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