Belize | Forest Therapy with Love Thy Nature Journeys

Led by Sylvie Rokab
Date:
Oct 30 - Nov 5, 2022
Duration:
7 Days
Price:
From $3,995
Interests:
Join Waitlist This departure is SOLD OUT Print Itinerary

Do you crave quiet time in nature?

Join Love Thy Nature Journeys on this sensorial exploration of Belize above and below the surface on this 7-day adventure. The eco-paradise of Belize offers the perfect setting for reviving or deepening your connection with the natural world:  lush rainforests, colorful birds, ancient ruins, coral reefs, beaches, sunsets, and serenity. 

Access the wisdom that can only be found in nature

  • Marvel at the wonders of nature while snorkeling at South Water Caye Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef and while observing the rich biodiversity of the tropical rainforest.
  • Connect with the soul of Belize while exploring an ancient Maya ceremonial site deep within the earth at Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.
  • Awaken your senses in the Belizean wilderness with immersive walks and kayaking excursions designed to deepen your connection with nature, fellow participants, and yourself.
  • Experience the healing powers of nature during multiple sessions of Forest Therapy, the Japanese practice of mindfully communing with the forest through your senses.
  • Gain insights into your own wellness through meditation, group circles, and a special screening of the film “Love Thy Nature.”
PLEASE NOTE: As safety and security are our highest priority, we have adopted extensive protocols to address COVID-19. Our field leaders are vaccinated and we require our travelers to be vaccinated. We follow strict field hygiene practices which are outlined on our website. If required, we arrange for Covid testing at the end of your program.

Reserve Risk-free - Registrations made for travel departing between now and December 31, 2022 are fully refundable with no cancellation penalties until the final payment deadline (95 days before departure). We strongly recommend purchasing travel protection.

Meet your leader

Sylvie Rokab, M.A.

Born in Rio and raised by French and Italian parents, Sylvie is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, mindfulness mentor, and nature therapy guide certified with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. By blending these disciplines, Sylvie offers simple but powerful techniques that help participants find freedom from anxiety, isolation, and helplessness to access the healing, wisdom, insights and wonder that can only be found in nature.

Narrated by Liam Neeson, her film Love Thy Nature earned 27 film awards and launched over 300 global screening events – helping viewers realize that the modern trance that humans are separate from nature is at the root cause of their discontent. Through Love Thy Nature Journeys, Sylvie helps rekindle a nature-inspired mind and heart - the source of healing, wholeness, motivation, purpose and freedom. 

Fluent in four languages, Sylvie is a warm and engaging guide who is passionate about helping others discover the beauty and power of their inner-and-outer nature, while deepening their relationship with themselves, others, and our spellbinding natural world.

Land Cost

$3,995

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $550

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Belize City
Upon arrival at the airport in Belize City, you will be met and transferred to the oceanfront Radisson Fort George Hotel. Please note check-in time is 3 pm. Early evening program orientation with your Belizean group leader followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. After dinner, you are invited to a screening of the "Love thy Nature" film - narrated by Liam Neeson - followed by Q&A with director Sylvie Rokab.
Dinner included
Radisson Fort George Hotel
Belmopan
Early breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Transfer to Guanacaste National Park for hiking in the rainforest then continue to San Ignacio for lunch. After lunch, cross the Mopan River via a hand winched ferry at the Maya village of San Jose Succotz for a visit to Xunantunich, Belize's most accessible Maya site of significance. The site's dominant structure, El Castillo, rises 130 feet above the jungle floor, offering superb views of western Belize with forest stretching out all around and the rest of the ancient city mapped out beneath you. Continue to the lodge, check in and then there will be a late afternoon sense awakening practice, sunset meditation and group circle (deep sharing/deep listening) facilitated by leader(s), followed by dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
Belmopan
After breakfast, take a forest bathing (aka nature therapy) walk with leaders and then explore the Maya underworld during a visit to Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. This excursion combines land and river hiking and caving, beginning with a 45 minute hike up the Roaring River Valley and through the rainforest of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to the entrance of the cave. Explore this geologically fascinating cave and also the main attraction, the "Cathedral" chamber, which was a Maya ceremonial and burial ground. Later this afternoon, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
Hopkins
Following breakfast, visit the very popular St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park which is within the Sibun Water Shed. Explore its forests and unique geological features and then also visit a sunken underground cave that is approximately 300 feet wide and 100 feet deep by tube. There is an onsite changing room so bring your swimsuit! Return to lodge for lunch then check out and transfer to Hopkins. Later this afternoon check in at the beachfront Jaguar Reef Lodge. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach. Evening sunset viewing and meditation before dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jaguar Reef Lodge
Hopkins
Enjoy breakfast, then board our boat for a 30-minute ride to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve for snorkeling on the pristine coral reef. Discover the mangroves both above and below the surface. Also cruise along Man O' War Caye reserve to see nesting frigatebirds and the brown booby. Enjoy a picnic on one of the remote islands, then return in time for optional activities at our beach resort or walk into Hopkins. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jaguar Reef Lodge
Hopkins
After breakfast, gather for our excursion to the Sittee River for relaxed kayaking and nature viewing. We hope to see colorful birds, iguana, turtles, and an occasional crocodile. Have lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a drum session before farewell dinner/closing ceremony.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Jaguar Reef Lodge
Depart
This morning transfer to the airstrip in Dangriga for the domestic flight to Belize International Airport and then international flights back to the U.S. Please book flights back to US after 2:00 pm.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$3,995

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $550

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • All tips
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
  • Donation
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Travel protection, post departure coverage, excludes trip cancellation
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Trip cancellation coverage
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 6 participants in double occupancy.

A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations after this date are not refundable.

Please note: Your participation as a traveler indicates acceptance of Holbrook Travel’s Covid-19 protocols in place at time of travel.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $550


Final payment due date: July 27, 2022

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

American and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Belize and Guatemala. For travel to Guatemala  U.S. passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Canadian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from Belize and Guatemala.

A visa is not required for visits up to 30 days in Belize and 90 days in Guatemala.

When leaving Belize by air, there is a departure tax of USD $55.50, which is usually included in the cost of your airfare. Consult with your airline to determine whether the departure tax is included in your ticket cost. If the departure tax is not included in your ticket cost, it should be paid at the airport prior to check-in, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). Please note exit taxes are subject to change without prior notice.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the countries' respective embassies for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Belize, Guatemala, or Honduras, unless you are arriving from an endemic yellow fever area, in which case all three require a yellow fever vaccine.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

CHIKUNGUNYA

Locally transmitted cases of chikungunya have been reported in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Central America take the usual precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Zika Virus

Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

Print Resources

Links

Love Thy Nature official site

Suggested Packing List

To help you get ready for your expedition, below is a suggested packing list. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store, plus many clothing and accessory items.

CLOTHING

  • Several short-sleeved shirts and at least one lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts for the field and in towns
  • Pants (lightweight, quick-drying), useful in the evenings and for protection against mosquitoes
  • Lightweight jacket/windbreaker or sweater/sweatshirt
  • Underwear and socks
  • Shoes: a pair of comfortable walking shoes for cities/non-field wear and a pair of sturdy, water-resistant hiking shoes/boots
  • Reef runners/water shoes
  • Sandals: for around your lodge or at the beach
  • Bathing suit(s) and towel

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, hat/sun visor (please note: if swimming in the ocean, biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen is required)
  • Rain poncho and/or collapsible umbrella
  • Insect repellant
  • Flashlight or head lamp
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
  • Travel alarm clock
  • A small backpack for day walks
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Photocopies of all documentation, passport, and tickets
  • Prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription

In addition to your toiletries it is useful to pack a small medical kit which you can easily prepare. Helpful items include bandages, insect repellant, antihistamine, a pain-reliever, individually wrapped moist towelettes, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-fungal cream, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Please do not pack valuables such as money, cameras, jewelry and expensive clothing in your checked baggage. We cannot be held responsible for any losses. Bring bags that can be locked and please keep your luggage locked at all times.

The ATM cave in Belize is still one of my favorite activities in any of the countries we've visited. Snorkeling out of South Water Caye was the best snorkeling I've ever experienced.
- Pamela Knight
Belize , 2018
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