Where in the world can you find thousand foot waterfalls, rainforest-canopied rivers, twenty-foot orchids and Mayan ruins just three hours from Atlanta? If you ask Beth Clifford, Founder, Owner and CEO of Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club, a Curio brand, she will reveal the intimate Caribbean country of Belize possesses all of this and more, which captured her heart twenty years ago. Ms. Clifford asks, “Where else can you roll out of bed and be swimming with Nemo in ten minutes?”
This was exactly the type of activity Ms. Clifford and her associates were searching for when they began the hunt for a property located in a natural setting with world class activities, culinary delights and luxurious surroundings, fueled by passionate locals and the love for their country. After eleven years of procuring the property, planning, constructing and designing, the resort opened in 2017 and is now the largest in Belize.
Walk through the resort and discover the 19th century British Honduras architecture displayed throughout the property. Rich mahogany sourced in Belize and lovingly crafted by locals covers floors and accents spaces in an effort to stay ecologically accurate. From the “Great House” to the villas, cottages and beach club, this sentiment is evident throughout the property. “I wanted to build a product that presents the country of Belize to guests, using local resources, materials and the labor of this great country”, says Ms. Clifford.
This same time and attention is also evident in the amenities offered, from the highly experienced and trained staff to the smallest of details. This is what sets this world-class property apart from the rest. No one knows this better than Richard Evanich, Managing Director of Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club. From a family of twelve where you had to “fight for your seat at the table of eight”, Mr. Evanich learned early how to stand out. He inherited his hospitable spirit from his mother, along with the love for cooking and a natural gift for making friends and guests feel welcomed and comfortable. From dishwasher to managing many ultra-luxury properties over forty years, including the Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria, Mr. Evanich caught the attention of Ms. Clifford. A dynamic working relationship formed instantly, rooted in their shared vision for crafting the perfect guest experience at Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club.
For seekers of the ultimate in luxury and tranquility, the resort offers a full-service spa that serves as a sanctuary of relaxation. No worry if you don’t want to shake off the sand and visit the spa, you can enjoy mini spa treatments on the beach as you sip a sumptuous cocktail, soak in the rays and watch the tide come in.
For the perfect family bonding experience you can charter Blue Bone Fishing and their crew right from the resort’s marina, catch your favorite fish, spear the lobster you’ve been craving or dive for that conch you can sample right on the boat. At sunset, the crew will happily grill your catch of the day on the beach as you listen to the band and take in the night.
Adrenaline seekers and groups may love the opportunity to charter a plane ten minutes from the resort, view Thousand Foot Falls from the plane, then land at one of the Coppola Hideaway properties and take in the rainforest’s beauty over a glass of wine or tasty rum cocktail. After, you can stop in at the Mayan ruins or tour a working cacao plantation before making it back to the resort by dinner. Alternatively, you can spend the entire day exploring the Blue Hole or scuba diving in the Ambergris Caye, the second largest barrier reef in the world. The best part is that these amazing sights are only a short boat ride from the resort.
At Mahogany Beach Resort and Beach Club you can do as much or as little as you want. Ms. Clifford states, “We think of our property as your basecamp to your Belize adventure. Your adventure one day can be two mimosas and a Danielle Steel book by the pool, and the next day you can ride horses through the rainforest, visit a sugar cane plantation and then have a perfectly curated dinner, beachside, with all the wholesome goodness of local offerings”.
Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club has so much to offer, yet Ms. Clifford and Mr. Evanich never rest on their success. They continually strive to greet the customer from the time they arrive with fresh ideas and razor focused purpose. Solar powered golf carts to explore the island is just one innovative idea that is in the works, as well as highly personalized concierge services that are sure to elevate your curated vacation to epic heights. Groups and large parties are welcomed at the resort with open arms and can carefully craft itineraries fit for monarchy. Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club is in a class of its own run by professionals that are passionate about making your vacation the best it can be.