LOCATION:
In the ancient Mayan language Ballum Na means "House of the Jaguar". Located in the heart of the Boden Creek Preserve this boutique lodge is situated about two miles from our private airstrip within beautiful jungle habitat along side the idyllic Boden Creek. The four-story lodge rises like a grand tree-house above the jungle canopy and is also home to two male jaguars, Bosch and Xupi, who are brothers that were born in captivity as part of a captive breeding program. They live in a habitat that encompasses 2.1 acres of jungle.
ACCOMMODATION:
There are three suites, a grand Master Suite and two adjacent Junior Suites located next to the jaguar sanctuary. The Master Suite has a spacious bedroom, paneled in warm hardwoods, overlooking the main jaguar habitat, with sitting room suspended above the rushing stream. An elaborately tiled bathroom includes a large Jacuzzi tub, walk-in shower and dual vanities. The two Junior Suites look out over the Boden Creek, and each feature private sitting areas. Each room has large comfortable king beds, plush linens and ceiling fans.
LIGHTING & POWER:
A silent generator runs for part of the day and charges batteries that provide 110v all day and night via an inverter system. The capacity of the system is limited to low current usage (no hair dryers), but guests may charge electrical equipment like cameras at any time.
MAIN AREA:
On the third floor guests will find a private restaurant and bar, dedicated to their comfort and refreshment. Expansive decks and a circular canopy walkway, overlooking the jaguar habitat below, allowing for plenty of areas to relax as the sounds of Parrot Falls just below create a sublime jungle sanctuary. On the 4th floor, a spacious observation deck, complete with overstuffed hardwood lounge chairs, provides vistas of the surrounding jungle canopy and the Maya Mountains to the north. This rooftop perch is a popular spot to begin the day as the jungle comes to life, or end the day with a cocktail at sunset, as you recount the day's adventures.
MEALS:
All meals are table d'hôte and include wake up tea and coffee service, a light breakfast at dawn, or whenever you choose to get up, a hearty brunch on return from the morning activity, afternoon tea and snacks before the early evening activity, with a five course dinner in the evening. Special meals and dietary requirements can be catered on request. All local drinks are included in the rate.
ACTIVITIES:
A short distance from Ballum Na are the ancient Maya ruins of Nim Li Punit, a significant site with many carved monuments including the second largest in the Maya World. Nearby Lubanntun, another sacred Maya site, was a major trading center for the region and in ancient times produced large quantities of Cacao (chocolate). The two sites include restored temple and burial ruins, a ball court, huge trading and ceremonial plazas, and other structures of archaeological significance. Nearby Blue Creek Cave offers the chance to explore the inner beauty of the Maya Mountains, where a crystal clear subterranean river emerges from the mouth of the cave and invites you for a cool dip. Around Ballum Na, the private Boden Creek Ecological Preserve offers miles of nature trails to explore by foot, mountain bike, or electric safari cart. The Golden Stream watershed's is home to one of the largest concentrations of jaguar in Central America. In addition, the 13,000-acre preserve is a haven for over 400 species of birds and other wildlife, including the Baird's tapir, puma, wild pig, monkeys and much more.