Work-cation in Belize and the importance of team building.

The end of the quarter is usually a crazy time but...we found a great deal to Belize plus it was "take a man on a date month" so we opted to get away and handle business in the jungle! We decided to stay outside the city and planned minimal activities to focus, get all our work done and also relax.

Belize: A nation on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east, dense jungle to the west and home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai; and Altun Ha, just outside Belize City.

Accommodations:

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The Maruba Resort & Jungle Spa is located in the rural outskirts. This is the perfect family-friendly resort with an authentic jungle experience. It was off peak season so we literally had the entire property to ourselves, including private chef for breakfast, lunch and dinner cooking only what was fresh and available that day. This is a popular date night spot for locals. It was nice to chat and dine with them.

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Team Building Exercises: Since this was a work-cation (work + vacation). It's important to add in some not so serious time through a series of planned team bonding events that are fun and motivational. Teams build skills like communication, planning, problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Chess is one of the oldest strategy games as its original version was played back in 600 A.D. Studies have shown that the game is effective at improving higher performance in cognitive functioning. Chess and other strategy games improve observational skills, problem-solving skills, concentration, memory, logic, critical thinking, creativity and reasoning.

Once all the work was complete we were able to relax and treat ourselves to a couple fun days. We took advantage of the 1 Day Couple’s Spa which included:

• Welcome Marubian drink

• Exotic Signature Mood Mud Massage and the UMBA (gray) – for all skin types mud bath which "enlightens the future and the free spirited."

• 3 course tropical lunch in Jungle Tree House

• Use of Jungle Waterfall Pool and Japanese Mineral Bath

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Altun Ha Mayan Ruins:

Just 30 minutes away from the resort is Altun Ha. One of the more easily accessible Mayan ruins from Belize City. It is a small site featuring two large central plazas surrounded by mid-sized pyramids. Only a few of the most impressive structures have been uncovered while many more are still covered by the jungle vegetation. We had an early morning private tour which allowed us to get some great unobstructed photos.

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The jungle resort and work-cation was nothing short of amazing! However, a few things to remember : YOU ARE IN THE JUNGLE!

• Cell phone reception is definitely sketchy in this area. There was a little hut on the grounds to make telephone calls in, but service was not the best. Be prepared to really unplug and immerse in jungle vibes.

• Mosquitoes were in full effect! No matter how much we sprayed ourselves, still came back itching and scratching for at least 2-3 weeks after our trip.

• Belize city is beautiful, however we didn't spend much time there and plan to explore more when we return.

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- With love, from Belize!

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