| Maruba Resort Jungle Spa near Maskall Village in Belize, Central America | |
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The Resort
Our flight from Philadelphia to Miami had been interrupted by an unscheduled stop in Jacksonville for a medical emergency. Unfortunately, it delayed our arrival in Miami, and my husband and I missed our connecting flight to Belize. We were a day late in arriving at Maruba Resort Jungle Spa, and we would have one less day for our adventure.
Spa Tip 1: We bought a phone card when we arrived in the Belize airport. When we ran into a few unexpected delays during our travel in Belize, we were able to call the people on the other end and let them know we would be late.
When we arrived by van from the airport, Jeff and I sat on the long sofa in the main building during check-in. While we sipped a "welcome" fruit punch, we read the large guest book filled with interesting comments. There was no middle ground. Past guests either loved Maruba or hated it. We wondered what side of the love/hate line we would end up on. We were just happy to finally be there.
We were given a quick tour and vital information...Dinner is served in the main building starting at 6 pm...Breakfast and lunch are served in the adjacent outdoor dining areas. We were shown the pool and the sulphur-scented mineral pool (sulphur is good for the skin). The resort was spread out and connected by several winding gravel paths through the encroacing jungle. The jungle was very real and very foreign to us. There was a sense of excitement, sensuality and adventure. We looked at each other and smiled.
Spa Tip 2: This resort is in the jungle. While Maruba includes a fairly effective insect repellent and anti-itch cream in the room amenities, I suggest you bring your own in the large, economy size - DEET 30 (greater if you can find it). My anti-itch remedy of choice is Rusto Lotion spray. Fortunately, we were not overly bothered by insects during our stay at Maruba. However, I stopped wearing sandals after getting a painful ant bite on the toe. Because of their tenacious hold, these ants are used in remote areas for sutures. Also bring sunglasses, sunscreen and something soothing for sunburn (I personally use Calendula Gel or Manuka Honey & Aloe Vera Gel).
We were taken to Garden View Suite #11, our home while at Maruba Resort. We stepped in and took a look around. We looked at each other again and smiled. We liked it. The suite had a living room, large bedroom and bath. The decor was most unusual - an earthy mix of Mayan, Creole and African design elements - silver walls, tall chairs, mosaic floors and bathroom, and hibiscus blossoms everywhere. During our stay, we spent a fair amount of time in the room. While it had air conditioning, we found the ceiling fan adequate. We enjoyed listening to the rain on the tin over our thatched roof at night and the jungle wildlife waking in the morning. Electricity was brought to this part of Belize only a year ago. The resort depended on generators before that.
Spa Tip 3: The tap water at Maruba is brackish and smells strongly of sulphur. While this is fine for the shower and the mineral pool, I would not recommend drinking it. Fresh, potable water is supplied in the rooms in pitchers. You can also buy bottled water. I bring a suitcase of bottled water with me on trips like this. When the water is gone, I have room to bring back souvenirs.
What remained of the first day was was filled with relaxing activities. We lounged in our room and enjoyed the pools. We walked around the property and saw the horses, monkeys and crocodiles.
The following day, we took a trip to Altun Ha in the morning and had spa treatments in the afternoon (see below). Altun Ha, 2000+ years old, is one of the most excavated Mayan sites in Belize. It is located a half hour from Maruba Jungle Resort Spa. Altun Ha was a major Mayan ceremonial center and a trading center during the classic period (250-99 AD). There are 275+ structures and 250-300 unexcavated mounds. The city covered five square km and the population is estimated to have been 8,000 to 10,000 people at its peak. We were the only tourists there, but we weren't alone. A large crew was working on restoration. It was fascinating.
We ate all of our meals at Maruba. The food was very good. We had a chance to try some regional dishes including lobster, gibnut (The Royal Rat, so-named because Queen Elizabeth had it during a visit), sour sop ice cream, and craboo liqueur (very sweet and absolutely delicious). According to Jerry, Maruba's bartender and waiter, the craboo fruit ripens in September. Female jaguars roll in the fallen fruit to attract male jaguars.
One of the unique experiences at Maruba involved rums made by the resort - Viper Rum and Stinger Rum. In each bottle of Viper Rum is...you guessed it...a snake. In each bottle of Stinger Rum is a scorpion. Jerry talked us into the Maruba Rum Ritual. Step 1 - We dipped our fingers in the rum and put it in the flame. We put out the fire by putting our fingers in our mouths. Step 2 - We dipped a piece of watermelon in course sugar, dabbed it on our necks and put the watermelon in our mouth. Step 3 - We kissed the sugar off. Step 4 - We drink a shot of Rum. Step 5 - We kiss and take the watermelon from each other.
Spa Tip
4: Maruba can be quite costly. At the time of our visit, some of the prices
were ...
>$60 US per person: Round trip transfers to the airport cost for a
scheduled pickup (9:00 am, 1:30 pm, or 4:30 pm). If an alternate or private
pick-up or drop-off time is required, add an additional $90 US per
person.
>$358.45 US: The EP price for one night in Garden View Suite
#11 including tax
>$61.50 US: A la carte dining for one day (Breakfast $12.50, Lunch
$14.00, Dinner $35.00) - don't forget drinks, taxes and tips.
>$85 + $90 US plus 7% Hotel Tax and 8% Sales Tax: The price of
Aromatherapy Massage and Mood Mud®
Massage. Plus tips.
>$45 US per person: Trip to Altun Ha. Plus guide tip.
Bottom Line: Look
for savings in packages.
The Spa
I had heard about the Mood Mud® Body Pack long before ever thinking of a trip to Belize. I had seen pictures of human forms plastered from hair to toes with multi-color mud, darting through the jungle, looking like they belonged in the lush foliage - almost primal. But when it came time to choosing our spa treatments, I couldn't talk Jeff into trying it. This body treatment was way out of his comfort zone. He wanted a massage. A little disappointed and not wanting to do the body pack alone, I chose another Mood Mud® therapy - the Mood Mud® Massage.
We relaxed in our suite until it was almost time for our treatments. Lucy, who was to be Jeff's massage therapist, knocked on our door. She gave each of us a bottle of water and led us down the path to the spa. She invited us into one of the large treatment rooms where there were two massage tables. The spa had the same decor as the rest of the resort - silver walls, glass bottle "stained glass" windows, custom furniture, mosaic tile floors (where there wasn't a gravel floor), interesting wall hangings and decorations, and hibiscus blossoms everywhere. Lucy asked us both to disrobe, gave me paper panties to put on, then stepped out of the room. We climbed on our separate tables and, a few minutes later, Lucy reappeared with Jose, my therapist. Jeff had an aromatherapy massage and thought Lucy did a good job. Jose massaged me with yellow Benin Mood Mud® (as opposed to massage oil or cream) which is supposed to encourage confidence, wisdom, attraction, divination, and mental powers. The massage was great. When the massage was done, Jose had me wrap up in a towel and walk across the path to the locker/shower hut. We entered a wet room where there was a trough of water. I rubbed off the mud while Jose repeatedly dipped a bucket into the trough and poured it over me. I dried off with a fresh towel and met Jeff back at the main spa building. While I enjoyed the treatment, three things could have made it even better: 1) A towel - I was not draped during my massage (Jeff was), and I felt pretty exposed despite the paper panties; 2) Moisturizing lotion after the treatment (my skin always feels dry after a mud treatment); and 3) The floor of the treatment room was pea gravel. Each step a therapist took corresponded in an audible "crunch" sound. Not much they can do about this, I suppose.
Spa Tip 5: If the "crunch" of your therapist walking on a pea gravel floor would bother you, I suggest you request the "wet" treatment room with a ceramic floor when scheduling your spa treatment.
About Mood Mud® Therapy
Mood Muds® are said to have healing energies. They are available either aromatic or unscented. Here are the muds with their colors and properties:
| Daji | red | Arouses strength, health, protection, sex, passion, and courage |
| Benin | yellow | Encourages confidence, wisdom, attraction, divination, and mental powers. |
| Benin Cellulite Mud | This mud firms, tones, and increases the circulation in problem areas decreasing cellulite. | |
| Kula | black | Stimulates healing, absorbs and destroys negativity. |
| Mafasa | orange | Inspires truth, purification, protection, peace, and sincerity. |
| Mafasa Clay Body Scrub | This product is excellent for detoxifying and exfoliating the skin. Leaves skin feeling clean, silky and soft. | |
| Umba | gray | Enlightens the future and free spirited. |
| Zitra | pink | Encourages self improvement, eloquence, and intelligence. |
Spa Services at Maruba Jungle Spa
| BODY TREATMENTS |
| Seaweed Massage | Seaweed is used to massage the body, relax the muscles and increase the circulation. This aids in the reduction of cellulite, restoration of elasticity and revitalization of the skin. |
| Mood Mud® Massage | Mood Mud® is used to relax your muscles through vigorous manipulation. The Mood Mud is then allowed to dry as pack. This treatment relaxes and relieves stress as well as detoxifies and firms the skin. |
| Aromatherapy Massage | You are massaged with the rare essence of oils derived from the Marugan tribe. It is an aromatic massage which is an experience of natural wonders. This is excellent for reducing stress and muscle fatigue, while improving circulation. |
| Jungle Herbal Wrap™ | Steaming linens, soaked in a rare essence of exotic herbs from the surrounding jungle environment, enclose the body,. Soothe and relax tired muscles, while the body is revitalized. This eliminates toxins, purifies the body, cleanses the pores, and provides a smoothing, firming, restorative action. |
| Seaweed Body Wrap | The body is covered with seaweed gelee and then warmly wrapped to aid in the absorption of nutrients, as well as detoxification and purification of the skin. This also aids in the reduction of cellulite, restores elasticity, leaving skin looking and feeling smooth and rehydrated. |
| Mood Mud® Body Wrap | Mood Mud® is applied to the body, which is then wrapped in warm moist linens which aids in the absorption of minerals. This treatment moisturizes the skin while removing toxins. It leaves the skin rehydrated and replaces lost nutrients. |
| Mood Mud® Body Pack | Experience the mysticism of ancient times as one or a combination of Mood Muds® is applied to the body. These muds are natural treasures from the earth which revitalize, detoxify and firm the skin. Choose an aromatic mud to stimulate your senses while the healing energies envelop you or use the muds as color therapy. |
| Benin Cellulite Treatment™ | This treatment is specially designed to reduce cellulite from the hips, thighs and love handles (in men). Using a combination of a natural enzymatic mixture and Benin Mood Mud®, cellulite is broken down, circulation is improved, and toxins are removed leaving firm, tight skin. This treatment complements any diet and exercise program. |
| African Honey Bee Body Scrub™ | This treatment exfoliates the skin while at the same time restores moisture, revitalizes the circulation, and adds sweetness to the soul. Leaves skin glowing and silky smooth. |
| Marugan
Body Scrub™ or Mafasa Mud Body Scrub™ |
These treatments were used in ancient times to cleanse and purify the body for ceremonial events. |
| Sugar Cane Molasses Scrub | Leaves skin glowing and silky smooth. Adding sweetness to your soul. |
| Arthritis Mud Pack / Eczema Treatment | 1st visit includes Physician evaluation |
| FACIAL TREATMENTS | BEAUTY SALON SERVICES |
| Cleansing Facial Anti-Aging Facial Hydrating Facial Hair Pack (mood mud, honey, or seaweed) |
Manicure (30-45 min.) Includes: Hand scrub, hand & arm massage Pedicure (45-60 min.) Includes: Foot, partial massage & scrub |
Spa Packages at Maruba Jungle Spa
| 1 Day Adventure Escape | Choice of any 2 spa treatments and tropical lunch (Transfers not included) |
| 1 Night | 1 night Junior Suite jungle accommodations, 1 full body massage or Mood Mud® body wrap, 1 facial, 1 manicure or pedicure, breakfast, lunch and dinner, round trip hotel transfers from Belize International Airport. |
| 2 Nights Rejuvenation | 2 nights Junior Suite jungle accommodations, 1 full body massage or Mood Mud® body wrap, 1 facial, 1 manicure or pedicure, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, choice of Altun Ha tour or horseback riding in the jungle or safari hike, round trip hotel transfers from Belize International Airport. |
| 5 Nights | 5 nights Junior Suite jungle accommodations, 2 full body massages, 1 African honey bee body scrub, 1 aromatherapy massage or 1 herbal wrap, 1 facial, choice of manicure or pedicure, breakfast, lunch and dinner, adventure tour to Altun Ha, choice of horseback ride in the jungle or safari hike, tour of Lamanai, round trip hotel transfers from Belize International Airport. |
| 5 Night Spa Package Add-On | 1 night Junior Suite jungle accommodations, choice of one full body massage or herbal body wrap, breakfast, lunch and dinner. |
| 26 Day Weight Control and Rejuvenation Program | 25 nights Junior Suite jungle accommodations, 3 nutritional diet cuisines/day, daily exercise program and relaxation, round trip hotel transfers from Belize International Airport. |
Things To Do At and Near Maruba Resort
Around the resort, there are a number of things to do: swim in the pool and enjoy its waterfall, sunbathe, soak in the mineral pool, play chess or chat in one of the many secluded spots, bird-watch, crocodile-watch (from the safety of an observation tower at the banks of a croc-infested pond), visit the resort's monkeys, horseback ride (1.5 hours through the jungle - additional charge), take the Rainforest Medicinal Safari Hike (learn about the medicinal uses of the vegetation - additional charge), work out in the fitness center and, of course, enjoy the spa.
As much as I enjoyed being on the property, there were many adventurous day trips that I wish we had time to take - particularly the Lamanai and Cave Tubing trips. Other guests were very enthusiastic about them. Here are activities available nearby:
|
Altun Ha |
This is the one trip we did have time for. It is a ceremonial Mayan center, founded 200 B.C. It is where the largest carved jade head of the Sun God was found. Click HERE for photos and more information. At the time of our visit, the cost was $45 US per person. |
| Lamanai (lunch included) | A fascinating jungle boat trip to the site of Mayan ruins settled more than 3,500 years ago. Tall pyramids tower above the jungle. |
| Jungle Riverboat or Canoe Ride | A leisurely cruise down an exotic jungle river with an opportunity to see hundreds of varieties of orchids, bromeliads, wildlife, and birds. |
| Cave Tubing | Tube through ancient underground caves along the winding waters of the Cave Branch River. There is a fairly steep hike to get to the starting point. |
| Fishing | The Northern River, a
prime fishing area, empties into the Caribbean Sea and is located about
one mile from Maruba Resort Jungle Spa. The resort offers a number of
different fishing trips depending on the location and the time of year
one fishes. Each trip is customized to the individual guest preferences.
One can combine a number of different areas or just concentrate on one
area.
It is Strongly Recommend That You Provide Your Own Tackle And Lures. |
| Marubian Scuba Adventure (min. 2) | Spend the day scuba diving at the second largest barrier reef in the world. Includes 2 tanks, lunch, guide, and transfers from Maruba Resort Jungle Spa. Dive Instruction and Certification Available (NAVI & PADI) |
| Marubian Reef Safari (min. 2) | Round trip boat taxi from Maruba Resort Jungle Spa to the second largest barrier reef in the world, lunch and snorkeling. |
| Baboon Sanctuary | Featuring the fun and exclusive Baboon or Howler Monkey in their natural habitat. |
| Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary | 2-hour guided boat tour on Crooked Tree Lagoon, a resting place for thousands of migrating birds during the dry season: Boatbilled Herons, Chestnut bellied Herons, Tiger Herons, Ducks, Egrets Kingfisher, Hawks, and Jabiru Storks, the largest bird in the Western Hemisphere. |
All in all, we had a great time at Maruba Resort Jungle Spa. There are at least a couple of adventures we would like to return to experience. Count us on the "loved it" side of the love/hate line.
About Belize
Belize is ...
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a member of the British Commonwealth, independent since 1981 (formerly British Honduras).
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English-speaking. It is culturally and ethnically diverse, and the people are genuinely friendly.
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"wired" like the US - 110 volts.
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on US Central Standard Time year-round.
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750 miles (about a 2-hour flight) from Miami.
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subtropical - temperatures average about 80 degrees.
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located on the Caribbean coast in Central America, a neighbor of Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south.
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9,000 square miles in area - less than 70 miles wide (east to west) and 180 miles long (north to south).
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next to the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, the site of extraordinary diving and fishing.
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the site of the largest concentration of Mayan ruins in the region.
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actively protecting its natural resources - 40% of the country is national parks and preserves, including the world's only jaguar preserve.
The currency exchange rate at the time of our visit was 1 Belize dollar = $.50 US. Many places accepted US currency. Tipping is customary and expected.
Code
of Ethics for the Responsible Traveler
(from Maruba's
website)
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Travel in a spirit of humility and with genuine desire to meet and talk with local people.
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Be aware of the feelings of the local people; prevent what might be offensive behavior.
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Cultivate the habit of listening and observing rather than merely hearing and seeing or knowing all answers.
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Realize that other people may have concepts of time and have thought patterns which are different than yours.
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Instead of seeing the exotic, discover the richness of another culture and way of life.
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Get acquainted with local customs; respect them.
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Remember that you are only one among many visitors; do not expect special privileges.
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When shopping through bargaining, remember that the poorest merchant will give up profit rather than give up his/her personal dignity.
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Make no promise to local people or new friends that you cannot implement.
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Spend time each day reflecting on your experiences in order to deepen your understanding. What enriches you may be robbing others.
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If you want a home away from home, why travel?!
| Music at Maruba Resort Jungle Spa & a Movie Filmed in Belize | |||||
| Related Books | |||||
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