I meant that their experience at Maruba and the incident with the monkey wasn't the norm, and to not infer that the monkey incident was a normal occurance in Belize. I never said, nor meant that Maruba wasn't a good experience. However, now with the new information concerning Maruba and the enviromnent, I will say that I am re-thinking my thoughts on the spa. I don't care if it wins more awards than any other place on the planet, if they don't act responsibly towards the environment and it's creatures, I can't support it, even with recommendations.
My husbands trouble with the horse wasn't any fault of Marubas, and they encouraged us to intermingle with the animals. Perhaps they could be more aware of the "attitudes" of the animals, and keep them away from their guests if they are subject to biting.
They are still wild animals...we shouldn't forget that.

Nothing put positive vibrations for me about Maruba. I did the Altun Ha trip and Maruba was the highlight of this tour. So much so, that one couple in the group that I traveled with decided to stay overnight. The food was great, the spa service I received was nice and the whole place was relaxing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the zoo is the pot calling the kettle black. A dead viper in a bottle/animals caged in a "zoo" (and no, this is not their "natural" environment). On that note, I enjoyed the zoo as well and would highly recommend both. If you don't like caged animals don't go to the zoo, if you don't like snakes in a bottle, don't order that drink. Good luck Maruba, you deserve that award.

When you said it before did you say it under a different name? Just curious as you registered about half an hour ago.

"deleted" LA........

LA
I've logged on as SANHAM or SANHAM1 in the past - haven't posted here in a quite a while so I registered again as I'm too too tired of Maruba getting beat up over a dead viper in a bottle and wanted to respond. Just my two cents.

Now there's a straightforward answer. Your two cents are worth as much as everyone else's!

For those who might be confused, I just wanted to explain that The Belize Zoo is not a conventional 'zoo' by any stretch of the imagination. It is a conservation, research and education centre. The animals there were either orphaned, injured in the wild and in need of rehabiliation, rescued or relocated from other zoological societies. They are all native to Belize and kept in large enclosures in a natural habitat. Don't be surpised if, when you visit, you find it difficult to see some of the animals as the Zoo is designed with the animals in mind. I highly recommend that anyone who visits Belize, takes the time to go to Belize Zoo. By doing so, they will be supporting important conservation work as well as getting the rare opportunity to see endangered species such as the Jaguar and Harpy Eagle up close.

Autour Du Rocher Far Side of the World Jimmy Buffett describes it well

the zoo? or maruba?

I went to Maruba and I found the place to be nice and relaxing. Each person will see Maruba differently. Some poeple that were there at the resort when I was there liked it and maybe 1 or 2 did not. You will only know if you like Maruba if you experience for yourself. I like being outdoors and like to visit different types of places not just the ordinary.

I for one am glad Maruba won this award and I can see why.