Courtesy The Lodge at Chaa Creek

District One of Belize's first eco-lodges (opened in 1981) and one of its most luxe, Chaa Creek goes out of its way to preserve nature and culture — and ensconce guests in both. The staff is entirely from nearby towns and villages, and the 365-acre grounds are a nature reserve. A highlight is the Rainforest Medicine Trail, a path through trees and plants used in traditional Mayan healing. The pretty hilltop spa takes a more modern approach, using Pevonia products, but incorporates a local twist: Some of the therapists studied abdominal massage with Rosita Arvigo, one of Belize's foremost Mayan-medicine practitioners. — A.A.

877-709-8708, www.chaacreek.com