Some vacations help you escape. Others transform the way you see the world.
The Wild Cat Expedition is one of those rare journeys that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. Created through a partnership between The Belize Collection and Belize Wild Cats, this 12-day conservation experience invites travellers to go far beyond sightseeing. It offers the opportunity to step into one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, contribute to conservation efforts, and experience Belize in a way very few people ever will.
With picture perfect beaches, lush rainforests, fresh cuisine, and a slower pace of life, Belize offers the ideal environment for wellness focused travel. Whether your goal is relaxation, stress reduction, physical activity, or simply reconnecting with nature, Belize provides the perfect setting to restore both body and mind.
Where the Journey Begins
Your adventure begins at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant Rainforest where the pace of life changes almost instantly.
As you travel through the Maya Mountains, the landscape transforms into endless shades of emerald. Towering trees replace busy roads. The air becomes fresher, filled with the sounds of birds instead of traffic. By the time you arrive at the lodge, you’re no longer simply visiting Belize, you’ve become part of its rainforest.
Nestled among the foothills, The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant offers a feeling that’s difficult to describe until you’ve experienced it yourself. Mornings begin with mist rising from the jungle canopy as howler monkeys announce the new day in the distance. Breakfast is enjoyed with panoramic views of untouched rainforest, while colourful birds dart between flowering trees.
Even moments of stillness feel alive.This peaceful setting becomes your home for the next seven nights as you slowly immerse yourself in the rhythms of the jungle.
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well being. In Belize, nature is never far away. Travelers can start the day with a sunrise walk along the beach, spend the afternoon kayaking through calm waters, and end the evening listening to the sounds of the jungle.
This constant connection to the natural world creates a sense of calm that many visitors find difficult to achieve elsewhere.
Learning to See the Forest Differently
Most people walk through a rainforest looking for wildlife.
During the Wild Cat Expedition, you’ll learn something far more remarkable: you’ll learn how to read the forest itself. Guided by conservationists from Belize Wild Cats, every trail becomes a story waiting to be uncovered. Footprints pressed into soft earth reveal who passed before you. A scratch on a tree or a hidden camera quietly watching a game trail becomes evidence of an unseen world that exists all around you.
you’ll begin to understand the intricate network that allows these magnificent animals to survive. Each day reveals another layer of the rainforest.
You’ll visit active trail cameras and discover the incredible images they’ve captured. You’ll record wildlife behaviour alongside researchers. You’ll venture beyond established hiking paths onto the same animal trails used by Belize’s elusive wild cats. Every discovery, no matter how small, deepens your appreciation for the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
Conservation You Can Be Part Of
One of the most meaningful aspects of the expedition is that your presence creates lasting impact. This isn’t conservation viewed from a distance. It’s conservation experienced firsthand. You’ll help restore wildlife corridors by planting native trees, learning how connected forests create safe passageways for Belize’s five species of wild cats. You’ll understand why fragmented habitats threaten wildlife and how simple actions today shape the future of these cats.
By the end of the experience, the forest feels personal. The trees you’ve planted, the wildlife you’ve helped document, and the knowledge you’ve gained become part of a much larger conservation story, one that continues long after your journey ends.
Discovering the Cultural Heart of Belize
The expedition isn’t only about wildlife. It’s also about understanding the people, history, and landscapes that have shaped Belize for centuries. Visits to the ancient Maya temples , Xunantunich reveals towering temples that still overlook the jungle today, while cave tubing adventures and excursions offer opportunities to experience Belize’s natural wonders from entirely different perspectives.
Evenings are equally memorable. Conversations around the dinner table with researchers and guides replace ordinary travel stories with fascinating discussions about conservation, wildlife behaviour, and the future of Belize’s forests. Campfires beneath starlit skies become classrooms without walls, where every question leads to another discovery.
From Rainforest to Caribbean Paradise
After seven unforgettable days in the jungle, your adventure continues with an entirely different side of Belize. The journey transitions to The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, where the rhythm of the rainforest gives way to the calming sounds of the Caribbean Sea. Arriving at Jaguar Reef feels like taking a deep breath. Palm trees sway gently above golden sand, warm sea breezes replace cool mountain air. It’s the perfect balance to your rainforest adventure, a place where reflection comes naturally after days spent exploring Belize’s wild interior.
Life here moves a little slower. Spend quiet mornings watching the sunrise over the Caribbean sea, enjoy fresh coastal cuisine, relax beside the beach, or listen to the waves rolling onto shore. Yet even here, conservation remains at the heart of your journey.
Protecting Belize From the Coast
Belize’s story doesn’t end in the jungle. Its rivers eventually meet one of the world’s extraordinary marine ecosystems, and the health of each depends on the other. Together with Belize Wild Cats, you’ll explore mangrove forests by boat, learning why these remarkable ecosystems protect coastlines, nurture marine life, and support the Belize Barrier Reef.
You’ll plant mangroves, discover how sea turtles rely on healthy beaches and nesting habitats, and witness firsthand the vital connection between forests, rivers, mangroves, and coral reefs. By experiencing both ecosystems, you’ll come to understand that conservation isn’t about protecting individual species, it’s about protecting the connections that allow marine life to thrive.
Evenings are equally memorable. Conversations around the dinner table with researchers and guides replace ordinary travel stories with fascinating discussions about conservation, wildlife behaviour, and the future of Belize’s forests. Campfires beneath starlit skies become classrooms without walls, where every question leads to another discovery.
A Journey That Leaves a Legacy
Every storyteller is different and we want to know more about you so that we can create a personalized relationship with you. Please fill out our form and be as detailed as possible. All applications will be reviewed and vetted. We are eager to work with Luminaries based on their creativity and quality of work.
Qawa Ki’ché is Qʼeqchiʼ Maya and translates to God of the Jungle. This is the artists’ attempt at capturing and preserving the spirit of the iconic Sleeping Giant that The Rainforest Lodge is known for. The Maya giant is a nod to the Maya Mountains the lodge is nestled in and its surrounding communities. Ancient, revered, and adorned in jewelry, he sleeps peacefully in the jungle he created and protects.
Sculpted with a chainsaw, this piece is dedicated to womanhood and freedom. Las Tres Marias consists of 3 women sculpted out of purple heart wood. Each represents a phase of womanhood. The symbol of freedom forms part of two of the sculptures in the form of Pajaritos Que Vuelan which translates to Birds Who Fly. Ultimately, this piece may be interpreted as an individual woman achieving independence or the feminist movement acting as a catalyst for all women.
Ah Puka’An Garrobo directly translates iguana below the ground. The largest installation from the 2023 Artist in Residence program, this piece represents the spikes on the iguana’s back. Inspiration was also drawn from imagery in the poetic and beloved story The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Benefits include increased circulation, improved flexibility, and purging toxins from the muscles. 60 Minutes: $85 | 90 Minutes: $125
This therapeutic massage is ideal for those who suffer from old injuries or chronic pain. 60 Minutes: $94 | 90 Minutes: $140
Restores elasticity and revitalizes the skin. Relieves stress, and purges toxins while increasing circulation. 60 Minutes
A soothing full-body massage with gentle strokes to relax muscles and ease tension. 60 Minutes
Hands are soaked and exfoliated in a warm bath. Nail shaping and gentle cuticle treatment will keep your nails looking their best. Finish with a moisturizing lotion massage and the polish color of your choice.
Feet are soaked in a warm bath and exfoliated. Nails are shaped, cuticles pushed back and conditioned followed by a complete foot massage for relaxation, finishing with the polish color of your choice.
A blend of pineapple, mango, papaya, honey and an infusion of essential oils is massaged into the skin for a soft, silky and radiant glow.
Rich in minerals, this body exfoliation, purifies the skin while stimulating new cell growth.
Organic cane sugar and honey works as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin, detoxify, and stimulate your skin to heal and renew.
This mask uses special components of essential minerals and vitamins that help to strengthen soft tissue to achieve a toner looking body.
Our range of facials detoxifies, tones, and revitalizes tired and stressed skin using all organic products. Skin is left clean, refreshed, and revived.
For last minute bookings contact the front desk at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant.
All our services can be enjoyed in the comfort of your room, balcony or on the river deck
All prices are in USD and subject to government sales tax of 12.5% and resort fee of 10%
All wine prices are in BZD | Tax Inclusive and Subject to Resort Fee
Nopal syrup, lime juice, and tequila are shaken and strained over ice in a citrus and spice-rimmed margarita glass.
Cinnamon pineapple syrup, guava and lemon grass juice, lime juice, and simple syrup poured over ice served with a slightly dry red wine float.
Tequila, carrot juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and cinnamon pineapple syrup are shaken and strained over ice. Served in a citrus and spiced-rimmed glass.
Sweet corn is pureed with light creamed cheese, shaken with coconut cream, corn syrup, and white rum, served over ice.
Freshly picked sweet coconut water carbonated to order, white rum, Tanqueray gin, tequila, lime juice, and signature ginger lemon grass syrup, stirred, with mint leaves added.
Sky vodka, cinnamon pineapple syrup, passion fruit juice, simple syrup and house–made pineapple soda shaken and strained over ice.
Locally made cacao cream, bourbon, hints of espresso, and simple syrup served over smoked ice.
White rum, coconut cream, soursop juice, and cinnamon pineapple syrup
are shaken and strained over ice,
topped with a soursop and peach foam.
Cane juice rum is combined with passionfruit, orange juice and lime juice, carbonated and poured over gently muddled mint leaves.
Tequila is shaken with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur served on the rocks with a salted rim.
Fresh mint leaves are muddled with rum and cane sugar, built and topped off with club soda and a dash of bitters.
Sugar, and bitters are muddled and combined with bourbon or rye.
Whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters are gently stirred and served traditional style.
Fresh pineapple juice is shaken with sugar cane rum and coconut cream.
Bourbon, sugar, and mint are muddled and served over ice.
Prices are inclusive of tax. Subject to Resort Fee.
Fried pizza dough topped with shredded chicken and arugula lightly tossed in a balsamic glaze. Finished with shaved Parmesan.
Heirloom tomato carpaccio topped with balsamic-dressed arugula, crispy capers, shredded Fior di Latte and shaved parmesan. Served with toasted sourdough.
House-made granola topped with seasonal tropical fruit, citrus marmalade, and fresh mint. Finished with a zesty lime yogurt dressing.
Toasted artisanal bread layered with melted mozzarella, thinly sliced prosciutto, and arugula drizzled with a balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil.
Crisp, golden sourdough fry jacks served with sides of fresh arugula, cold prosciutto, whipped goat cheese, and classic tomato sauce.
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Black Olives, Onions, Sweet Pepper, Pulled Pork, and Fresh Pineapple
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Oregano, Fresh Basil, and drizzled with Olive Oil
Tomato sauce, Mozzarella, and Pepperoni
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Ham, and Fresh Pineapple
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Bacon, Ham, Sausage and Pepperoni
Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ham, Cheese, Garlic, Arugula, drizzled with Olive Oil and Balsamic Dressing
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Roasted Tomato, Purple Onion, Sweet Pepper, Black Olives, Mushroom and Fresh Basil
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Basil, and Garlic Shrimp
All prices are inclusive of 12.5% GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.
Seasoned, black olive–crusted mozzarella cheese sticks, fried to a golden finish, served with a yellow corn vinaigrette, pickled green papaya and house-made tomato jelly.
Creole shredded pigtail served with crispy wonton and marinated leeks accompanied by a citrus yogurt dressing.
Smooth beetroot paté, chimichurri sauce, and fresh paneer cheese served with garlic herb crostini.
Fried local corn ducunu served with a tomato and bacon jelly and topped with crema de queso.
Traditional Q’eqchi’ Mayan chicken soup with citrus micro cilantro and a side of handmade corn tortilla.
Fried wontons stuffed with blue cheese served in a black bean and tomato soup simmered over a traditional fogón served with a side of garlic herb crostini.
Organic baby spinach, guava ribbons, onions, tomatoes, and farm fresh ricotta cheese, topped with salted toasted pepitos and a soursop vinaigrette.
Fresh arugula topped with dried olives, Parmesan cheese, and infused cherry tomatoes drizzled with a yellow corn vinaigrette.
Pickled lemon grass infused carrots tossed with farm fresh lettuce, pickled green papaya, infused tomatoes, and toasted pepitos with a lime zested yogurt dressing.
Chicken in a sauce of roasted spices with citrus-zested creamy rice and carrots infused with cinnamon herb butter.
Free-range chicken breast seared in a citrus recado sauce with a side of sweet pan fried ducunu and green beans sauteed in bacon fat.
Penne pasta, dehydrated mushrooms tossed in olive oil, and organic spinach cooked in a roasted red bell pepper sauce, finished with grated parmesan and black olive powder. Served with a side of garlic herb crostini.
Grilled prawns served over linguine with red bell pepper carbonara sauce and crispy morcilla sausage topped with parmesan and black olive powder. Served with a side of garlic herb crostini.
Prawn served in crema de yucca with lime-zested rice and sweet arugula. served with a side of garlic herb crostini.
1” pork chops marinated with Chef’s tamarind-molasses marinade served with roasted cinnamon carrots and sweet arugula.
Ribeye seared in garlic butter and herbs, finished to your desired temperature. Served with sweet potato mash and grilled corn ribs tossed in chimichurri.
Fresh fish fillet in a citrus marinade with a side of creamy citrus rice, roasted tomato, red pepper sauce, and sauteed spinach.
Beef rib glazed in tejocote barbecue sauce, butter, and herbs, seared over the grill. Served with sweet potato purée and chimichurri corn ribs.
Beef Tenderloin drizzled with a peppercorn and cardamom sauce, served with bacon fat sauteed green beans and potato puree.
Fresh organic cauliflower drizzled in pressed coconut oil, grilled and served over roasted cherry tomatoes and a cumin chickpea puree.
Grilled bean curd glazed with fresh ginger and soy sauce, accompanied by spinach and cumin chickpea puree.
Slow roasted potatoes in coconut milk and spices, served with freshly toasted crostini.
Hand-selected farm vegetables layered over our classic tomato sauce and topped with Mennonite cheese, then baked to perfection. Served with a bowl of coconut white rice.
Chimichurri paneer steak served with creamy eggplant pilaf, cinnamon roasted carrots and our house red bell pepper sauce.
Locally harvested sweet potato served in coconut milk and assorted spices, tossed with linguine pasta and basil leaf.
Lime-infused cream and mascarpone layered over an orange-flavoured sponge cake, topped with flambéed meringue.
Smooth guava cheesecake with bites of guava fruit garnished with an almond and cinnamon crumble.
Craquelin topped cream puff filled with a house-made red pepper jalapeño jam and cream cheese served over chocolate sauce.
Sponge cake moistened in a three-milk sauce with a mascarpone filling garnished with edam cheese.
Silky chocolate cake coated with a citrus-infused chocolate ganache.
Prices inclusive of 12.5% GST. Subject to Resort Fee.
Prices inclusive of 12.5% GST. Subject to Resort Fee.
Fried tortilla shell topped with burnt yellow corn-marinated shrimp, purple onions, sliced jalapeno, and marinated cucumber peels.
Yellow corn stuffed with Creole pigtail and black beans, topped with all-spice cucumber and herb lettuce slaw.
Beetroot pâté with vegetables marinated in olive oil, and ricotta cheese served with fried green plantain chips.
Fresh arugula and lettuce paired with cucumbers, green beans, celery, basil, and pork sausage crumbles served with soursop vinaigrette.
Fior di latte cheese shredded over colour lettuce, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, topped with toasted peanuts and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Shaved Parmesan and pepitos granola on a bed of fresh arugula with fried shrimp and lime zested yogurt dressing.
Creole shredded oxtail on a toasted sourdough bun with marinated leeks, purple onion, and a side of fried plantain chips.
Grilled patty, blue cheese, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce on a toasted sourdough bun served with seasoned potato fries.
Shredded slow-smoked pulled brisket, fogón black beans, Belizean cheese dip, purple cabbage, jalapeno slices and shaved Parmesan served with fresh fried corn tortilla chips.
Citrus grilled chicken served with handmade flour tortilla, fogón black beans, chipotle tomato sauce, nopal sauce and pickled green papaya.
Shredded lamb and cardamom yogurt sauce on fried yellow corn shells with pickled beets, white onions, Parmesan cheese.
Grilled beef skewers and handmade corn tortillas served with a selection of house-made sauces including chimichurri sauce, pepper sauce, chipotle tomato BBQ sauce, and cardamom yogurt sauce.
Grilled shrimp on sliced organic tomatoes marinated in olive oil, marinated shallots, chives and shaved parmesan, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette with a side of herb crostini.
Ginger shredded over coconut milk, herbs and bean curd, served with white rice and fried plantains.
Stewed red kidney beans and crushed sundried tomatoes, spiced and topped with garlic croutons.
Hand selected market vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce, served with our coconut cilantro white rice and freshly grated ginger and spices.
Hand pressed yellow corn tortilla stuffed with refried black beans, fried golden brown and served with pickled purple cabbage.
Linguine pasta tossed in chickpeas and peanut sauce, served alongside a toasted baguette.
Seasoned chicken tenders breaded with spiced panko, deep fried until golden crisp served with potato fries.
Cheesy corn tortillas stuffed with smoked pulled brisket with a side of pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Shredded slow-smoked local brisket over soft garlic butter mini buns, and melted cheese.
A kid-sized authentic Don Tonito’s pizza topped with traditional tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices.
Linguine pasta tossed in a slow-roasted tomato sauce with fresh herbs, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Sliced milk bread topped with cured smoked chicken breast slices, cucumbers, and tomatoes drizzled with cream cheese dijon aioli.
Gooey mozzarella cheese stuffed inside a thin crust with a side of basil tomato sauce.
Lime-infused cream and mascarpone layered over an orange-flavoured sponge cake, topped with flambéed meringue.
Smooth guava cheesecake with bites of guava fruit garnished with an almond and cinnamon crumble.
Craquelin topped cream puff filled with a house-made red pepper jalapeño jam and cream cheese served over chocolate sauce.
Sponge cake moistened in a three-milk sauce with a mascarpone filling garnished with edam cheese.
Silky chocolate cake coated with a citrus-infused chocolate ganache.
All prices are inclusive of GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.
All prices are inclusive of GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.
Breakfast burrito made with warm handmade flour tortilla stuffed with refried beans, scrambled eggs, crispy pork bacon, farm vegetables and fresh Mennonite cheese.
Golden fried flour tortilla, stuffed with refried beans, sauteed vegetables,
habanero flavored sausage, scrambled eggs, and Mennonite cheese, served with pickled habanero curtido.
Two giant pancakes dusted with cinnamon sugar, topped with tropical fruit chutney, served with a side of grilled habanero flavored sausage.
Farm fresh eggs scrambled with onions and tomatoes, accompanied by
coconut refried beans, crispy bacon and Belizean fried jacks.
Two-egg omelette filled with sauteed organic vegetables, served with toasted
baguettes and fresh Mennonite ricotta cheese.
Baked goods, butter, jams, yogurt, fruit and granola.
Potatoes, chickpeas, and other farm-fresh vegetables pan-seared in coconut oil, spiced with toasted cumin, and served with handmade corn tortillas.
Freshly baked slices of toast dipped in vanilla cinnamon coconut milk, charred on a griddle, and topped with honey-glazed tropical fruit salsa.
Coconut flavored refried beans, fried plantain, sautéed okra and tomatoes served with golden brown fried jacks.
All prices are inclusive of GST and subject to 10% Resort Fee.
1512 Chemin de Stramousse, 06530
Grasse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Antoine Lavoisier – managing director
