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The Women Behind The Belize Collection

Everything Belize - A Collection of Words

Eight Women That Make The Belize Collection a World-Class Leader in Hospitality

For 2023’s Women’s Day, The Belize Collection is putting the spotlight on eight women whose creativity, hard work, and talents go into making The Belize Collection’s resorts some of the most spectacular places to visit in Belize.

Julie Kee, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Belize Collection

Julie Kee has been The Belize Collection’s Director of Sales & Marketing for a little over a year. She enjoys the variation the work day brings. Julie’s role is a combination of strategizing at the main office and being present onsite to ensure effective execution. Her day can start with meeting with the Sales and Marketing departments to plan out campaigns and end at the resorts hosting visiting press and travel agents. One of the greatest highlights from her time at The Belize Collection so far was when they hosted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. She brings to her job a passion for not only marketing and sales, but for the hospitality and tourism industry. Julie hopes to someday become involved in a training school or a full tourism program, providing her skillset to new people coming into the field. Julie enjoys running, hiking, and traveling and recently got into skiing. 

Accalia Boscardi, Director of Human Resources at The Belize Collection

Accalia Boscardi has been with The Belize Collection for five years. She appreciates the autonomy given to her by her bosses and the mixture of team members of really young people striving for excellence and other colleagues who bring years’ worth of experience. As the organization’s Director of Human Resources, she brings a strong working knowledge of all the departments and their needs. She’s currently halfway through an MBA at Manchester Metropolitan University and hopes to broaden her career horizons in business development and consulting. When she’s not studying, Accalia can be found doing macrame or planting. 

Delmi Aguiar, Accounts Manager at The Belize Collection

As of May 2023, Delmi Aguiar will be working at The Belize Collection for 15 years. She enjoys the new challenges work brings her way, like when she learned how to drive a bus. 

She has extensive knowledge of The Belize Collection’s various sectors. When Delmi first started out, she thought she’d be at The Belize Collection for a year or two, but remained on staff thanks to her love of the company’s dynamism. She loves to spend time with her kids.

Odarli Lima, Lead Accountant at The Belize Collection

Odarli Lima has been with The Belize Collection for 8 years after starting there as a summer job the year after her graduation. She appreciates the positive work environment where everyone gets along really well. She recalls working during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to recognize how the pandemic affected all aspects of her business. She wore multiple caps during this time and saw how the entirety of the business worked and how it strengthened the bond among employees. A trustworthy and resourceful team member, Odarli loves to come up with new projects. Now working towards her Certified Public Accountant license she hopes to contribute even more of her skills to TBC. She loves reading epic fantasies and is currently reading ‘The Way of Kings’ by Brandon Sanderson. 

Crisna Jimenez, Front Desk Manager at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

Crisna has been with The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant for almost three years. Even after all that time, she continues to enjoy meeting new guests and feels very assured in her guest relation skills. She once got lost at The Rainforest Lodge while in search of bridge number 5, and loves to interact with the staff, teaching them most of what she knows. An adventurer who loves hiking and kayaking, Crisna is a huge fan of the various on-site activities The Belize Collection’s resorts make available for their guests. She takes great pride in being a leader for her staff, and enjoys relaxing and listening to music to relax. Crisna possesses a saintly degree of patience, which she uses to assist her clients and colleagues with all their concerns.

Janini J. Vega, Head Chef/Food and Beverage Manager at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

Janini J. Vega started only five months ago but in that time she’s already developed into an irreplaceable part of the food and beverage team at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant. She’s excited for the opportunities to grow in her skills with the company, and adores the regular exposure to wildlife her time at the resorts provides. She loves to learn more about the culinary possibilities available in Belize and shares her insights with other members of the staff. She finds great joy in helping in others’ development and sharing time with her kids in Orange Walk on her days off. Ever open to criticism, Janini takes heed of the possibility of constantly growing and evolving.

Julee Rash, Front Desk Receptionist at Umaya

Julee Rash has been working as the front desk receptionist at Umaya Resort for almost two years. A fast learner, she enjoys the work she gets to do and being able to constantly meet new people. Always striving to develop her skills, she isn’t afraid to seek advice from her colleagues and push herself to learn new things. She recalls meeting Ms. Charitina Tush who was a mentor to her when she first started, and shared with her the skills necessary to successfully manage the front desk. When not manning the reception desk, Julee enjoys catching up on her shows and sleep. She’s also a member of her church’s choir.

Tessie Duran Tonaco, General Manager at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

Tessie Duran Tocano recently hit her 1-year work anniversary with The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. In that time, she’s grown to really appreciate the opportunity to share ideas with her colleagues and try new ways of doing things. She loves how the work at Jaguar Reef is never stagnant and always moving. She’s a people person very good at managing conflict resolution and resolving situations with clients. An industry pro with over 30 years experience, she moved to The Belize Collection in order to work with the best in the businesses and encounter new challenges. She loves traveling and visiting different parts of the country. In 2018, she summited Machu Picchuu. A lover of adventure, she always strives to find her own path and be a leader.

These 8 women are just some of the staff members that make The Belize Collection a place of excellence where collaboration, mutual support, and mentorship facilitate a culture of constant improvement. Say hello next time you see them at the resorts.

Special Offers:

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Beat the rush
Stay 2 nights or more and receive 30% off !

Booking Dates:

March 28, 2023

to

October 15, 2023

Travel Dates:

August 1, 2023

to

October 31, 2023
Applicable to all room types.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

JAGUAR-REEF-DRONE-0199
Fall Into Savings!
Book 3 nights or more and get 15% off your stay!

Booking Dates:

March 11, 2023

to

December 15, 2023

Travel Dates:

September 23, 2023

to

December 15, 2023
Applicable to all resorts. Black out dates apply.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

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A Night On Us
Book 4 nights or more and stay 1 extra night free of charge!

Booking Dates:

December 2, 2022

to

November 30, 2023

Travel Dates:

January 1, 2023

to

January 2, 2024
Applicable to all room types.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

UMAYA-4285
Placencia All Inclusive
All inclusive plan includes Four (4) night stay for Two (2), Meals, Beverages, Tours and Transfers.

Booking Dates:

January 6, 2023

to

December 15, 2023

Travel Dates:

January 6, 2023

to

January 6, 2024
Other details and restrictions apply to this offer.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

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Your 2023 Tropical Escape
Take advantage of 10% off accommodations and get $100 resort credit!

Booking Dates:

December 2, 2022

to

February 28, 2023

Travel Dates:

January 6, 2023

to

April 17, 2023
Applicable to all room types.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

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Spring Is In The Air
Enjoy Spring with with 20% off stays, and get complimentary continental breakfast.

Booking Dates:

December 2, 2022

to

April 15, 2023

Travel Dates:

March 20, 2023

to

April 30, 2023
Applicable on all room types.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

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New Year, New Villas
Get 10% off Stays, $50 Resort Credit, Complimentary Continental Breakfast and a Bottle of Champagne!

Booking Dates:

December 2, 2022

to

November 30, 2023

Travel Dates:

January 1, 2023

to

December 16, 2023
Applicable to all new Jaguar Reef Villas.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

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Belize It!
Local and Resident Offer. 30% Off for locals.

Booking Dates:

January 5, 2023

to

December 31, 2023

Travel Dates:

January 5, 2023

to

December 31, 2023
Applicable on all room types. Black out dates apply.

Terms and conditions apply. Not valid with other offers.

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Dinner

APPETIZERS

RICOTTA-BALSAMIC BRUSCHETTA
US 5 | BZ 10

Crumbled Mennonite ricotta sprinkled on a toasted baguette of balsamic drizzled
vegetable medley.

SQUASH & COCONUT SOUP
US 7 | BZ 14

Roasted organic squash pureed with fresh squeezed coconut milk served with
sweet potato crisps.

FISH FRITTERS
US 7.50 | BZ 18

Fresh-caught fish bites tossed in Belikin beer batter and fried to a crispy golden
finish, served with an habanero aioli dipping sauce.

WATERMELON ARUGULA SALAD
US 9 | BZ 18

Organically grown arugula tossed with our house balsamic dressing, toasted peanuts, topped with crumbled cheese on a bed of sweet watermelon slices.

CEVICHE de CAMARON
US 12.50 | BZ 25

Lime-cured diced shrimp tossed with onions, tomatoes, cucumber and cilantro. Served with spiced corn tortilla chips.

ADD TO SOUP, SALAD or PASTA

Chicken US 2.5 | BZ5
Shrimp US 4 | BZ 8

ENTREES

PASTA POMODORO
US 10.50 | BZ 21

House made classic pomodoro tossed with fresh-picked herbs and linguini,
topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

BBQ PORK BELLY
US 11.50 | BZ 23

Roasted pork belly glazed with our signature BBQ sauce, served with homemade
flour torilla, refried beans and pico de gallo salsa.

STEAMED WHOLE SNAPPER
US 20 | BZ 40

Today’s catch rubbed in local spices, wrapped in plantain leaves, steamed and served with cilantro rice.

SHRIMP & EGGPLANT PESTO SALAD
US 16 | BZ 32

Medley of grilled eggplant, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes brushed with basil pesto,
sprinkled with crumbled Mennonite cheese and topped with juicy grilled shrimp.

CATCH OF THE DAY
US 17 | BZ 34

Pan-seared fresh caught fillet of fish served with potato mash, grilled vegetables, and a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.

Sorrel Red Wine Rib Eye
US 31 | BZ 62

Prime cut of rib eye steak spiced with crushed peppercorn, smoked salt, seared in herbs, garlic, and butter (cooked to your requested temperature). Accompanied with pesto potatoes, coconut oil perfumed greens and signature sorrel red wine reduction.

Chimichurri Beef Tenderloin
US 28 | BZ 56

Local cut of grass fed beef tenderloin grilled to perfection served with toasted cumin mashed potato, balsamic arugula and fresh Chimichurri sauce.

Coconut Smoked Sea Salt Fish Fillet
US 23 | BZ 46

Fresh catch of the day, spiced with our homemade smoked sea salt, organic coconut oil perfume and seared to perfection. Served over a bed of wild rice and cream of spinach.

Camarones al Mojo
US 19 | BZ 38

Farm shrimp sautéed in spices, freshly squeezed orange juice, minced garlic, and herbs. Accompanied with a bowl of mushroom and spinach brown rice.

Skillet Pollo Asado
US 14 | BZ 28

Quarter cut of pre-marinated chicken grilled to perfection. Served with seared garlic, broccoli and roasted diced potatoes.

Ask your server about our daily dessert selection.

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Room Service available at a fee of  $5 USD plus tax

Dinner

Appetizer

BBQ Pig Tail
US 11 | BZ 22

Smoked salt-cured pork tails, brushed with house barbecue sauce and served with a warm,
hand-made flour tortilla and pickled habanero-onion sauce.

Country Barn Mozzarella Sticks
US 13 | BZ 26

Seasoned, breadcrumb-encrusted mozzarella cheese sticks, deep fried to a crispy
golden finish, served with jalapeño tartar and a
sweet/spicy tomato habanero sauce.

Entree

Herb Tomato Pasta
US 18 | BZ 36

Al dente linguine pasta tossed in a slow-roasted tomato sauce with fresh herbs,
tossed in fresh Country Barn ricotta cheese.

Pollo Asado
US 18 | BZ 36

Tangy herbed chicken cuts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh Mennonite
cheese, served with a warm flour tortilla, re-fried beans, guacamole, and house
pico de gallo.

Oregano Pork Ribs
US 20 | BZ 40

Tender, slow-smoked pork ribs simmered in an all spice-oregano barbecue sauce.

Cocoa-Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank
US 27 | BZ 54

Locally raised lamb shank, slow braised in a rich, fresh ground cacao and red wine
broth, served with a side of warm, home-made bread.

Creole Oxtail Stew
US 27 | BZ 54

Free range oxtail cuts slow-cooked in a rich Creole tomato sauce with farm
vegetables, served with coconut cilantro rice.

Latin American Carne Asada
US 31 | BZ 62

Local beef tenderloin, pan-seared in garlic butter, brushed with home-made
chimichurri cause and served with sides of the evening.

Citrus-Achiote Chop
US 21 | BZ 42

Seared 1″ butcher cut rib chop served with smashed potatoes, grilled zucchini
and slathered with our signature citrus-achiote gravy.

Camarones en Crema de Coco
US 24 | BZ 48

Fresh farm shrimp simmered in hand-pressed coconut milk with organic, reigonal
vegetables, herbs and habanero peppers, served with a side of coconut rice and creole
bread rolls.

Soups

Farmer's Bean Soup
US 10 | BZ 20

Slow-cooked red kidney beans, crowned with crispy chicharrones and pico de gallo,
accompanied by crispy seasoned corn tortilla chips.

Chicken Escabeche
US 13 | BZ 26

Organic chicken cuts, pan fried and simmered in Tia Blanca’s sun-dried oregano, jalapeño, lime,
onion broth, served with warm hand-made corn tortillas.

Salads

Citrus & Arugula Salad
US 13 | BZ 26

Dehydrated orange segments, with fresh arugula, farm vegetables, and sliced
hard-boiled eggs, served with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or our
Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Peanut & Ricotta Salad
US 15 | BZ 30

Toasted local peanuts and crumbled ricotta cheese on baby spinach, purple
onions and, tomatoes, served with your choice of our honey balsamic dressing or
our Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Vegan

Grilled Cauliflower & Chickpea Puree
US 13 | BZ 26

Fresh organic cauliflower drizzled in pressed coconut oil, grilled and served over roasted cherry tomatoes and a cumin chickpea puree.

Ginger Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Steak
US 14 | BZ 28

Grilled bean curd glazed with fresh ginger and soy sauce, accompanied by spinach and cumin chickpea puree.

Sweet Potato & Crostini Soup
US 11 | BZ 22

Slow roasted potatoes in coconut milk and spices, served with freshly toasted crostini.

Sweet Potato & Coconut Creamy Pasta
US 13 | BZ 26

Locally harvested sweet potato served in coconut milk and assorted spices, tossed with al dente linguine pasta and basil leaf.

Farmers Vegetable Lasagna
US 14 | BZ 28

Hand selected farm vegetables over our classic tomato sauce, topped with Mennonite cheese, before being baked to perfection. Served with a bowl of coconut white rice.

Desserts

Coconut Caramel Flan
US 7 | BZ 14
Mayan Chocolate Cake
US 9 | BZ 18
Soursop Cheesecake
US 9 | BZ 18

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Lunch

Appetizer

Country Barn Mozzarella Sticks
US 13 | BZ 26

Seasoned, breadcrumb-encrusted mozzarella cheese sticks, deep fried to a crispy
golden finish, served with jalapeño tartar and a
sweet/spicy tomato habanero sauce.

Shrimp Habanero Fritters
US 14 | BZ 28

Farm-raised shrimp tossed in Belikin beer batter with farm vegetables, habanero
peppers, golden friend and served with roasted garlic aioli dipping sauce.

Entree

Grove House Smoked Brisket Skillet Nachos
US 13 | BZ 26

Shredded slow-smoked local brisket over crisp corn tortilla shells, topped with
re-fried beans, 2 cheeses, and fresh lime cured salsa.

Pollo asado
US 16 | BZ 32

Tangy herbed chicken cuts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh Mennonite
cheese, served with a warm flour tortilla, re-fried beans, guacamole, and house
pico de gallo.

The Giant Burger
US 18 | BZ 36

Toasted home-made burger bun with grilled ground stead patty, topped with melted
cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a honey plantain mustard cabbage slaw,
served with potato fries.

Sandwich de Cochinita Pibil
US 14 | BZ 28

Slow-smoked pork leg, shredded and served on a freshly made bun, topped with Belizean
style coleslaw and served with potato fries.

Lamb Salbutes
US 15 | BZ 30

Locally butchered free-range lamb grilled to perfection on a golden fried yellow
corn tortilla, topped with marinated cabbage and tomatoes then
drizzled with mint pesto.

Soup

Farmer's Bean Soup
US 10 | BZ 20

Slow-cooked red kidney beans, crowned with crispy chicharrones and pico de gallo,
accompanied by crispy seasoned corn tortilla chips.

Creole Oxtail Stew
US 13 | BZ 26

Free range oxtail cuts slow-cooked in a rich Creole tomato sauce with farm
vegetables, served with coconut cilantro rice.

Salads

Herb & Watermelon Salad
US 12 | BZ 24

Mennonite harvested watermelons, diced and tossed with organic greens, fresh
mint, basil and ricotta cheese with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or oue
Grove House Signature citrust vinaigrette.

Citrus & Arugula Salad
US 12 | BZ 24

Dehydrated orange segments, with fresh arugula, farm vegetables, and sliced
hard-boiled eggs, served with your choice of honey balsamic dressing or our
Grove House signature citrus vinaigrette.

Vegan

Chickpea Curry & Peanut Pasta
US 10 | BZ 20

Al dente linguine pasta tossed in chickpeas and peanut sauce, served alongside a warm, toasted baguette.

Coconut & Ginger Tofu Stew
US 12 | BZ 24

Ginger shredded fresh over coconut milk, herbs and bean curd, served with white rice and fried plantains.

Sundried Tomato & Bean Soup
US 9 | BZ 18

Stewed red kidney beans and crushed sundried tomatoes, spiced to perfection and topped with garlic croutons.

Teriyaki Vegetable Rice Bowl
US 11 | BZ 22

Hand selected market vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce, served with our coconut cilantro white rice and freshly grated ginger and spices.

Black Beans Empanadas
US 8 | BZ 16

Hand pressed yellow corn tortilla stuffed with refried black beans, fried golden brown and served with pickled purple cabbage.

Desserts

Traditional Vanilla Icre Cream
US 5 | BZ 10
Nance-infused Caramel Flan
US 9 | BZ 18
Ayote en Miel with Vanilla Ice Cream
US 9 | BZ 18

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.

Breakfast

The Little Donkey
US 9 | BZ 18

Breakfast burrito of warm handmade flour tortilla stuffed with re-fried beans, scrambled eggs, crispy
pork bacon, farm vegetables and fresh Mennonite cheese.

Belizean Stuffed Jack
US 10 | BZ 20

Golden fried flour tortilla, stuffed with re-fried beans, sauteed vegetables,
habanero flavored sausage, scrambled eggs, and Mennonite cheese, served with pickled habanero curtido.

The Giant Pancakes
US 10 | BZ 20

2 giant pancakes dusted with cinnamon sugar, topped with tropical fruit chutney, served with a side of grilled habanero flavored sausage.

The Village Breakfast
US 11 | BZ 22

Farm fresh eggs scrambled with onions and tomatoes, accompanied by
coconut refried beans, crispy bacon and Belizean fried jacks.

Chef's Farm Omelette
US 10 | BZ 20

2-egg omelette filled with sauteed organic vegetables, served with toasted
baguettes and fresh Mennonite ricotta cheese

Continental
US 12 | BZ 24

In-house baked goods, locally grown fruit, Mennonite yogurt and coffee.

Vegan

Tofu & Guacamole Journey Cakes
US 8 | BZ 16

Pan-fried bean curd and guacamole served on a journey cake, arugula balsamic salad serviced with seasonal fruit wedges.

Irish Potatoes & Chickpeas Hash
US 7 | BZ 14

Potato cubes, chickpeas, and other farm-fresh vegetables pan-seared in coconut oil, spiced with toasted cumin and served with handmade corn tortillas.

Coconut & Vanilla Cinnamon Toast
US 7 | BZ 14

Freshly-baked slices of toast dipped in vanilla cinnamon coconut milk, charred to perfection on a griddle, and topped with honey-glazed tropical fruit salsa.

Vegan Breakfast
US 9 | BZ 18

Coconut flavored refried beans, fried plantain, sautéed okra and tomatoes served with golden brown fried jacks.

Sweet Potato & Red Bean Burrito
US 8 | BZ 16

Organic roasted sweet potato cubes sauteed with hand selected farm fresh vegetables, red kidney beans, crispy romaine lettuce and guacamole, wrapped up in handmade flour torilla.

All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.