from Magnum Belize:
Banana Bank a Good Fit for Groups, Families
Banana Bank Lodge & Jungle Equestrian Adventure is billed as "a place
far from the real world and near to the things you've dreamed of-an
exciting but peaceful place."
Located on the Belize River and in the heart of the Belizean
countryside, Banana Bank is surrounded by evidence of both ancient
Maya and the historic logging tradition that is basic to Belizean
culture.
Owners/Managers John and Carolyn Carr offer myriad of activities at Banana
Bank, including a state of the art Equestrian Center for all levels of
horseback riding and learning. Day trips include horseback riding
into the jungle, visiting Maya ruins and caves, canoeing, star gazing,
trail walks, birding or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquil
grounds of the lodge.
Banana Bank (and there are indeed bananas; there's something novel
about picking and eating them in the wild) is especially well suited
to accommodate groups and families with children. In addition to the
many families that vacation here, the lodge often hosts groups with
special interests, such as photography, birding, horses, and art.
Carolyn herself is an artist, with many paintings in her studio and
gallery that focus on Belizean culture. Banana Bank also facilitates
group workshops and groups of students, assembling complete
itineraries with an emphasis on the priorities of any particular group
or family.
The 4,000-acre Banana Bank Lodge, half of which is primary growth
rainforest, holds a unique place in Belizean history. Back in the
1800's, when logging was the primary industry and the only way to the
interior was by boat, Banana Bank was an outpost on the Belize River,
and served as headquarters for a land development company. Banana
Bank later became a working cattle ranch, and in the 1950's and 60's,
it became renowned for hosting horse races.
Around 1945, an old train station built around 1910 in a Belizean
frontier town was dismantled and shipped in pieces by river to Banana
Bank. It served for many years as the original ranch headquarters.
Now, the Carrs have refurbished it into a clubhouse called "The
Headquarters," which plays host to receptions and serves as a guest
lounge.
Guests will feel at home, hosted by Carolyn, a Kansas native, and
John, a former saddle bronc rider born in Montana. An assortment of
native animals and birds also call Banana Bank home, including a
collection of wild birds, monkeys, and a beautiful jaguar named Tika.
Accommodations are comfortable, all-you-can-eat home cooking is served
family style, and free coffee and fresh squeezed juice are available
anytime.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
