Punta Gorda, Belize-- Taza Chocolate of Somerville, Massachusetts and Cotton Tree Lodge of Toledo, Belize, will partner to offer a special Chocolate Week itinerary in May of 2010. Alex Whitmore, co-founder of Taza Chocolate, will lead the trip. Cotton Tree Lodge will provide accommodations.
Chocolate Week, which is scheduled May 16 – 23 , will introduce guests to the ‘bean-to-bar’
In addition to being a cacao growing region, southern Belize is home to several Mayan villages and a number of stunning natural attractions. Participants in Chocolate Week will have the chance to learn about Maya culture as well as visit caves, waterfalls, and Mayan ruins. Snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef and volunteer projects to aid local villages may also be arranged.
Trip leader Alex Whitmore co-founded Taza Chocolate in 2006. Taza produces artisan, stone-ground, 100% organic chocolate based on traditional methods that Alex learned in Oaxaca, Mexico. As an experienced chocolate maker with a deep commitment to equitable treatment of cacao growers, Alex is looking forward to showing guests where their chocolate comes from.
Cotton Tree Lodge, the resort which will host the chocolate week, has been offering its guests chocolate-related activities since opening in 2007. Over 375 cacao trees grow on the property, a small sister company called Cotton Tree Chocolate operates in Punta Gorda, and lodge guests can tour nearby cacao farms. The lodge, which was featured on the January/February 2010 cover of National Geographic Traveler, has been recognized for its commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability.
Chocolate Week runs from May 16 – 23, 2010. Rates start at $1365 per person for the week based on double occupancy, and include accommodation in a thatched cabana with private bath, meals, transfers from/to Punta Gorda Airstrip, all chocolate making workshops, all tours as detailed on the itinerary, and on-site activities including horseback riding, nature walks, and kayaking. The rates do not include flights, 9% Hotel Tax, alcoholic beverages, gratuity and ocean excursions such as fishing and snorkeling. For more information, please contact holly@cottontreelodge.com or call 917-439-5192.
