PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE—California-based Belcampo Inc. has recently re-imagined its eco-resort in Southern Belize as Copal Tree Lodge. As part of the rebranding, the lodge has partnered with a new farm-to-flask initiative: Copal Tree Distillery, located adjacent to the hotel. Copal Tree Distillery is an initiative to support sustainable agriculture causes in Southern Belize via producing and selling premium organic spirits. As part of this re-brand from Belcampo Belize to Copal Tree Lodge, Muy’Ono Hospitality will provide resort management services to the lodge.
The intimate resort, situated within the tropical canopy of Punta Gorda, provides luxury accommodations to those seeking a retreat among one of the world’s most pristine natural environments. A destination for food lovers, passionate fly fishermen and adventure seekers, Copal Tree Lodge features 16 private suites and a three-bedroom villa, as well as an on-site farm, intimate spa, two pools, hiking trails, a rum bar and a locally-inspired restaurant.
At the heart of Copal Tree Lodge are the resort’s agricultural practices, including the first certified-organic farm in Belize growing indigenous crops such as coffee, cacao, sugar cane and vanilla. This winter, the lodge has added to its agronomic expertise by introducing the Copal Tree Distillery. As part of the new initiative, the distillery has begun combining heirloom sugar cane and spices grown on the property to create a premium spirit that will be aged and bottled in the heart of the rainforest. The new craft distillery will utilize high quality inputs and natural rain water to produce Coppalli Rum, available starting in June 2018.
Funds from Distillery to Supply Grants
Copal Tree Distillery is designed to operate as a zero-impact system, powered by sustainable regenerative biomass and supporting the full-circle conversion of production waste into agricultural inputs. As part of the new program, funds from the distillery will supply grants for local children to continue their education into high school, a rarity for low-income families in Belize where public schools only reach the 8th grade.
Guests will be able to taste Copal Tree Distillery’s newest rum exports at the lodge’s rum bar, where they can sip and savor a variety of cocktails made from local ingredients. As part of this initiative, Copal Tree Distillery is launching a range of immersion experiences that start from the cane field and finish at the bar, as well as a new Farm-to-Table All-Inclusive package.
Additional food-inspired activities include the Snorkel with the Chef boat excursion to catch and cook lobster, conch, crab and lionfish, an invasive species the lodge is helping to eradicate; From Bean to Bar chocolate-making class, where guests learn the cultivation of cacao and the process of creating the confectionery from scratch; and Coffee Cupping, a lesson on how to measure coffee quality through flavor profiling, taught by the lodge’s resident coffee expert.
