NEW OWNERS
We are honoured to introduce ourselves as new owners of Mariposa Jungle Lodge! We are father and daughter Paul & Aline of Montreal, Canada and we have been in the hospitality industry in Belize for the last 13 years. We are very passionate about the history, culture, people, music and food of the country and we love sharing space with people from all over the world!
Prior to Mariposa, we owned and operated Wild Orchid in Placencia, but something was missing… Both my father and I wanted to do more than host people. We wanted to help people. We immediately fell in love with the vibrancy and energy of Mariposa. With its kind and attentive staff, luxury cabanas, and Chef Norma’s healing and replenishing culinary creations, we instantly knew this was the perfect place for us (and others) to live, love, learn, grow and heal.
We are deeply committed to sharing our values of love, acceptance, peace, and compassion in all aspects of our resort, and are well on our way to becoming a leader in sustainable tourism. We are dedicated to protecting our environment, and helping people find optimal health with the benefits of yoga, meditation, rest, and plant-based wholesome foods.
The practice of Yoga has transformed our lives. We wish to share this practice and our little piece of paradise so that others can have transformative experiences as well. We just built a breathtaking yoga deck under the lush jungle canopy, as well as a newly expanded spa for our world-class Mayan massages. We are opening our doors to yoga teachers, leaders in health and fitness, and other conscious groups who would like to host retreats, seminars, and events at our beautiful resort.
Clara Albeno
Clara has been involved in the Hotel and Tourism Industry at different levels during the last 19 years, has completed a Tour Guide Training Course and a degree in Tourism Management. She has a passion for Caving, archaeology, and Scuba Diving that has taken her to many unique places throughout Belize. From diving The Great Blue Hole to exploring the underworld caves, her spirit of adventure has no limit. She has instilled a strong sense of conservation in her life and a commitment to the protection of the environment.
Agusto Ixtecoc & Damian Ixtecoc
Gladimir Canto
Gladimir has been at Mariposa for the past 8 years and continues to be an asset to the company. He is a great multi-tasker starting up from assisting in the management of the resort, accounting and working with guest services up to trouble shooting internet and security system. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Belize and a Certificate in Tourism Hospitality Management. His leadership style has motivated the rest of the staff to work together as a team towards achieving the company’s objectives.
Norma Humes
Norma is the Head Chef here at our Resort who is specialized in various culinary techniques which gives it a unique taste to our different specialties. She learned cooking at an early age which makes her an experienced Chef in the kitchen. She obtained a Certificate in Food Preparation from Cayo Center of Employment Training (CCET). Her priority is making individuals feel special through the taste of her meals either being appetizers, soups, Vegan dishes or Deserts. Norma is an active woman who is part of the San Antonio Women’s Group Cooperative in the village of San Antonio.
Rosa Gonsalez
Rosa has been working at Mariposa Jungle Lodge for the past 5 years as a Housekeeping and Waitress. She enrolled for a course at Cayo CET and earned a Certificate in Tourism Hospitality Management. Rosa has unique talent of decorating Cabanas for Check-ins and honeymooners. When working in the dining, she will always make you feel at home through her smile and will ensure you have a memorable stay.
Josue Mai
Josue is an expert in plants, botanical and does landscaping in order to keep our Resort at first sight. His love for plants started from since he was small up to signing up for a Horticulture Course and being the Head Guide at his previous workplace. He is eager about expanding his knowledge when it comes in the development and proper care of plants.
Luis Barrientos
Luis is one of Mariposa’s first employees and continues working hard for the success of the company. He contributed in the development of the Resort setting and building our Luxury Cabanas, Restaurant and other attractions that we are pleased to offer. His main work area includes gardening, maintenance and makes sure everyone is safe. He can do anything from repairs to electrical and he’s also a Church Pastor.
Conservation practices we follow:
-
Showers include refillable dispensers with biodegradable body wash, shampoo and hair conditioner. This helps reduce waste associated with product packaging designed for individual use
-
We use only biodegradable toilet tissue
-
To conserve energy, we use fluorescent lighting where appropriate throughout the property
-
Without compromising functionality, we have installed low flush water toilets and conservation shower heads
-
We use “on demand” water heaters, which only heat up when a hot water faucet is turned on
-
Water is served in our bar and restaurant “on request” in order to conserve
-
“Gray Water” from the sinks and baths is used to irrigate the flora and fauna found on our Belize Eco-resort
-
to make a personal choice on how often they want towels or linens changed
-
to turn off faucets when not actually using running water
-
to return all bottles, whether plastic or glass, for recycling
We contribute to the sustainability of our Village environment in many ways:
-
Participating in a private litter removal program on our local road. Mariposa adopted a mile of the San Antonio Road (from the junction with the Mt. Pine Ridge Road north) and our staff regularly picks up litter left by people who aren’t sensitive to its effect on the natural beauty and ecology of our area.
-
Burning flammable materials, burying organic food waste, and returning bottles and plastic for recycling or safe disposal
-
Bringing our own cloth or paper carriers to the markets
-
Boycotting the use of Styrofoam products
-
Promoting the use of unadulterated seeds by local farmers
-
Developing an education program to present in local schools and churches to sensitize the local people about the need for immediate care and long-term preservation of our precious land and rainforest
We also contribute to the indigenous people of San Antonio, Cayo (our local Village) and select Belize charities:
-
Sponsoring attendance at specialized training educational courses for our employees and local youth
-
Offering specialized tools and training for employees who have become skilled finish carpenters and construction workers
-
Contributing to San Ignacio Rotary to support scholarship assistance to needy and deserving local youth
-
Providing Christmas food baskets and basic clothing for needy families
-
Establishing adn funding the MJL scholarship program to enable deserving young locals to attend High School. Contributions by our generous guests are greatly appreciated.
