The Belizean jungle offers exotic indulgence
for body and soul

As you enter the grounds, through a tunnel of palms, pulsating rhythms of music and wafts of incense pique your senses. Belize may seem like an unusual place to go for rejuvenation of body and spirit, but Maruba offers a distinctive alternative to your local health club.

Here, the adventurous nature of the jungle provides the backdrop for the African theme of Maruba Resort; dense vegetation surrounding the cabañas, pool, and walkways, and omnipresent hibiscus flowers, accentuate its provocative nature. Honeymooners, the overworked, and neglected bodies everywhere, will enjoy this exotic, hedonistic atmosphere.

Maruba is located about 40 miles north of Belize City on the Old Northern Highway, seemingly in "the middle of nowhere," and is very close to the Maya ruins of Altun Ha. Built about 12 years ago, it is now managed by Nicky Nicholson, the owners' son. The quietly congenial staff of friendly locals, contributes to the hushed, personal nature of this resort. As you sip your welcome cocktail of rum punch, you can pore over the tempting list of health and rejuvenation treatments available.

The swimming pool and its waterfall blend seamlessly into the garden

Consider a full body massage, with wonderfully scented aromatherapy oils, a facial, or maybe a Mood Mud Pack (your entire body painted with different colors of special mud blends), each with its own invigorating qualities. Refreshing dips in the swimming pool, and soaking in the warm, Japanese mineral bath will be in order, as well. The treatment rooms are located about a hundred yards down the garden path, isolated from the activity hub of the resort. Your "treatment" begins the moment you enter the large, candlelit room, a warm breeze flowing through the softly draped windows. Quiet mood music plays serenely, accompanied by the songbirds in the trees outdoors.

Facilities

The lodging offered ranges from regular rooms to junior suites, and a penthouse suite; a large, third floor, room with a nice living area and a great view over the surrounding jungle wilderness. Most of the buildings are single-storey, thatched structures, with multiple units under one roof. All the bedrooms have air-conditioners. Cabaña 12, (pictured, left) a single unit structure, is often used for honeymooners, as well as the "Chapel/Honeymoon Suite;" all suitably romantic and seductive.

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The third-floor, Penthouse Suite has great views of the surrounding garden and jungle.

Activities

At the resort itself, you can take horseback riding trips, and guided jungle walks...Perfect for working up a good sweat, after which you can treat yourself to the cooling Mood Mud Pack. Altun Ha ruins are easily accessible as a half-day tour, and a nearby jungle river provides for a boat or canoe adventure. The remainder of the tours offered, such as diving and fishing are farther from the resort and take up most of a day. While everything I've ever read about Maruba mentions the mosquitoes, indeed the resort "mascot" is the mosquito, I have to say that I did not suffer a single insect bite during my stay, and that is a rarity for me; and I have mosquito "groupies" that find me anywhere I go. The staff does take measures to control them around the buildings.I would recommend at least two to three days here, focusing primarily on the luxurious treatments and total relaxation. Trying to use this as a base for exploring outlying locations would require a lot of travel time, which wouldn't allow for much rest. In fact, a visit to Maruba would be the ultimate way to finish off your Belizean adventure tour, making you perfectly refreshed and ready to go back to the real world.

The Japanese mineral bath, ahhh...

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