• 15.2 million days of work were lost in 2013 due to mental health problems, up from 13.3 million days in 2011 (‘Sickness Absence in the Labour Market’, Office for National Statistics)
• People demanding greater ‘wellness’ from their holidays, with 82%, wanting a holiday that offers a spa or massage, 73% an eco-property, 82% require nature experiences
• The Baymen Lodge and Spa offers excellent investment opportunities in boutique eco resort with spa in rainforest surrounds

With working hours ever-increasing and work-life balance issues seemingly growing more and more intense, modern technology has made us a 24/7 contactable generation – using our smart phones to monitor emails on the move, check ourselves in via Facebook, and keep on track with the very latest breaking news on Twitter at the mere touch of an app.

Yet being part of the ‘have it all’ generation comes at a cost. Although technology was originally developed to save us time, it now takes up our time, and this all-consuming lifestyle is beginning to have an effect on our health. The Office for National Statistics revealed in their ‘Sickness Absence in the Labour Market’ report that 15.2 million days of work were lost in 2013 due to mental health problems such as stress, depression and anxiety, up from 13.3 million days in 2011.

Not only affecting people’s mental health in a detrimental way, stress also lowers the body’s ability to fight infection and disease, with a recent study detailing the worrying damage it can cause the heart, which taken alongside the more commonly known effects of digestive and respiratory problems, stress has a wide-ranging negative impact on a person.

For many the solution is to take a holiday, escape from everyday pressures for a week or two, yet the Spafinder Wellness 365’s ‘2014 Trends Forecast’ has shown that 85% of people surveyed returned from their break less rejuvenated than before they left. The answer is to choose the right kind of holiday, one that will allow a true escape and has relaxation at its core.

Wolf Worster, MD of  Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc, a global property consultancy marketing  The Baymen Resort & Spa in Belize’s Cayo region, explains what makes a resort a truly relaxing,

“For me I would say it is the little touches that make a resort totally tranquil – a beautifully designed spa with the very best fittings, the location of the relaxation areas that allow for idyllic views, comfortable sofas in which to flop after a warm day in the sun, the pure waters of an infinity or plunge pool – all adding to the serenity of the surrounds. At The Baymen, all of these aspects are included, and more, offering the ultimate in relaxation for individual owners and those staying as guests.”

The Spafinder Wellness 365 report also confirmed, in response to returning unrefreshed from their holidays, that people were now demanding greater ‘wellness’ from their breaks. 82%, for example, now claim they want a holiday that offers a spa or massage, 73% require an eco-property, and 82% look for nature experiences. All aspects that contribute to the overall relaxation of a resort, The Baymen in Belize ticks all these boxes.

Situated in the lush jungle foliage of a private rainforest location, the eco hotel has been designed to reveal its beauty gradually, encouraging guests to feel immediately tranquil and enthralled by the resort as they are welcomed with a signature cocktail and refreshing chilled towels infused with local organic oil.

From a nature perspective, the majority of the lodge sits among the rainforest canopy, seemingly floating off the ground so guests can truly feel part of the ecosystem, aiding relaxation and a sense of remoteness and of being away from it all, even though the resort is conveniently located 30 minutes away from the town of San Ignacio, which is a short flight from Belize City.

With a breathtaking infinity pool of non- chlorinated pure water that appears to float like a tablet of water suspended in air, providing the chance to watch nature pass by, the pool is located next to the palapa spa, a serene place where guests can be pampered whilst listening to the sound of water gently cascading from the infinity pool into a natural spring. In addition to this, a tranquil series of natural Maya spring plunge pools gently flow down to a stunning natural waterfall, providing a unique experience of natural relaxation unequalled at any other Belizean resort.

Individual residences can be purchased at The Baymen, providing 30 days personal usage a year at either The Baymen or its sister property, The Belize Ocean Club (www.belizeoceanclub.com), along with healthy rental returns throughout the year as the property is run as a boutique hotel. Each residence encompasses the notion of old world colonial charm, with four-poster beds, stunning bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a large outside deck, all utilising natural materials of the highest specification, with prices ranging from $230,000 USD to $460,000 USD.

For more information about The Baymen Lodge and Spa, visit www.thebaymen.com  or contact Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc on free-phone 0808 169 6526 or  info@thebaymen.com

• Belize ranked second fastest growing Caribbean tourist destination (Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO))
• 11.6% increase in tourist numbers in February 2014, compared to previous year (Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO))
• Travel & Tourism expected to contribute an additional 4.1% to Belize’s GDP in 2014

A naturally beautiful, near-magical place, of exotic black orchids, mysterious Mayan history and the flaming colours of wild toucans and scarlet macaws, Belize is undoubtedly magnetising. Yet, it remains one of the final unspoilt jewels in Central America’s crown.

The country, which ranges around 20,000 km², is known for its diversity of flora and fauna that is second to none and makes for an enthralling experience. Spanning rich rainforests – home to tapirs who swim in the rivers and colourful motmots who dot the trees – and near-endless barrier reefs – the longest in the world – it is no surprise that Belize is growing in popularity as a to-visit destination.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) recently released figures showing Belize coming in at second place on the list of fastest growing tourist destinations in the Caribbean in the first quarter of 2014, behind only the Turks and Caicos Islands. The country registered 32,712 tourist arrivals in February, an impressive increase of 11.6% in the number of people discovering Belizean treasures on the same month the previous year.

This healthy growth was complemented by interesting figures, also released by the CTO, which broke these arrivals down in terms of the main markets that were visiting. These figures showed an increase of 11% in US visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2014 as well as a vast growth of 26.6% in visitors from Europe.

Wolf Worster, MD of  Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc, a global property consultancy marketing  The Baymen Resort & Spa in Belize’s Cayo region, gives his take on Belize’s charms,

“Belize really is an outstanding country with the most breathtaking of landscapes and intriguing species, it has a great deal to offer the keen visitor, and it is no surprise that numbers of these are growing as more and more people explore its hidden treasures.

In this context, The Baymen, set within the beautiful Belizean jungle, is being developed to take full advantage of the incredible environment in which it is set, incorporating a natural waterfall and Mayan spring-fed plunge pools, whilst at the same being virtually carbon neutral, with outstanding eco credentials. Providing tourism is handled carefully and resorts are sympathetic to the rich flora and fauna of Belize in this way, the increase in tourism can only be a good thing for the region.”

And this certainly seems to be the case. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released their recent Travel & Tourism Economic Impact report for Belize that showed that travel and tourism contributed 13.5% to the country’s GDP in 2013, a figure they predicted would rise by 4.1% in 2014. This is also not only an immediate trend, with the report also forecasting an even higher 4.4% annual rise in the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Belize’s GDP from 2014 to 2024.

As claimed by Worster, this would be a positive result for the country, with the WTTC predicting an additional 10,000 jobs being generated in the Belizean travel and tourism sector in the next decade, benefitting the wider community.

The Baymen Resort and Spa is a rainforest home that makes the very most of its unique setting amongst the lush vegetation of the Belizean jungle. The majority of the lodge sits amongst the rainforest canopy seemingly floating off the ground to give the feeling of being a part of the ecosystem. It also boasts stunning features that include a suspended infinity pool, a palapa spa and even a natural wine cave.

Each individual residence encompasses the notion of old world colonial charm, with four-poster beds, stunning bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a large outside deck, all utilising natural materials of the highest specification, with prices ranging from $230,000 USD to $460,000 USD.

Investment in The Baymen provides 30 days personal usage a year at either The Baymen or its sister property, The Belize Ocean Club (www.belizeoceanclub.com), along with healthy rental returns throughout the year as the property is run as a boutique hotel.

For more information about The Baymen Lodge and Spa, visit www.thebaymen.com or contact Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc on free-phone 0808 169 6526 or  info@thebaymen.com

• 50 years since Belize was granted self-governance by the British in 1964
• Country still British-influenced: English the official language, English legal system and Queen Elizabeth II the ruling monarch
• James Thornett, from Leeds, one of many Brits enjoying a new life in Belize

Historically part of the British Empire, the Central American country of Belize is celebrating a special anniversary this year, as it recognises the 50^th anniversary of self-governance. 1964 saw British Honduras, as it was then known, granted autonomous rule by the British who up until then were in charge of the country, with full independence coming 17 years later in September 1981.

Now, at this notable milestone of liberation, Brits are beginning to turn their interests back to Belizean shores.

In 2014 the British are not looking to rule Belize, however, they are instead being taken over, themselves, by its charms: captivated by its multifaceted culture, enthralled by its sublime natural surrounds, and enchanted by its mysterious ancient history.

James Thornett, originally from Leeds in West Yorkshire, now lives in Placencia and the Cayo district of Belize. He explains why he was one such Brit captured by Belize,

“I was posted in Belize with the British Army in 1999 for 6 months and I fell in love with the jungle. I made the decision to move here in 2013 and I just love the place!  Everyone is very friendly, it’s easy to get around and it has wonderful attractions both on the water and inland. I would say it probably has the best attractions of any Caribbean country, with a huge variety of wildlife, and as the epicentre of the Mayan culture, it has many fantastic ruins and attractions.

The water activities are great too, from fishing to scuba diving, and it also has the biggest and best barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere. Belize has it all!”

With its colonial history, Belize is an exciting melting pot of cultural influences, yet holds key British traits – Queen Elizabeth II is ruling monarch, English is the official language (it is the only English-speaking Caribbean country) and it has an English legal system. Wolf Worster, MD of  Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc, a global property consultancy marketing  The Baymen Resort & Spa in Belize’s Cayo region, emphasises the important role this has to play,

“Foreigners find it reassuring that the Belizean legal system is based on the common law of England and this, combined with well-established banking system and large expat community, make the transition of moving to Belize easy. Belize also has a retirement package which is arguably the best in the world, for those aged 45 and above, and that also makes the country a popular prospect for British people looking to move overseas.”

When buying property in Belize, British people can buy outright and the fact that the country has an ‘immature’ property market means that prices are much more affordable than in other Caribbean destinations. This in turn means that there is great upside potential for those keen on investing, with low property taxes also helping on this front.

James Thornett can see the potential for those interested in following his lead and buying in Belize,

“I can only see an upside for Belize. The number of people buying property here is increasing because of the safe nature of the investment and how easy it is to live here, and there are huge increases in visitor numbers too. Yet, importantly, the country still maintains its charms. I would advise anyone looking at Belize to decide their requirements and what they want from their investment. Bear in mind that prices can differ widely depending on where in the country you want to be.”

For those British, and others, looking to invest in Belize, The Baymen Resort and Spa is an excellent option. This lodge is a firm hands-off investment, run by one of the top US hotel groups, Noble House Hotel and Resorts, which also allows for 30 days personal use a year. Buying a property at The Baymen is also a true investment in nature, with the property being carbon neutral and eco-focussed.

Located in a breathtaking jungle setting, The Baymen boasts a host of luxurious features including an infinity pool that appears to float in the rainforest, Mayan spring pools and waterfall, and even a natural wine cave. With a choice of deluxe suites or two-bed suites available, each individual residence encompasses the notion of old world colonial charm, with four-poster beds, stunning bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a large outside deck, all utilising natural materials of the highest specification. Prices start from $230,000 USD.

For more information about The Baymen Lodge and Spa, visit www.thebaymen.com or contact Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc on free-phone 0808 169 6526 or  info@thebaymen.com

Latin America is set to steam ahead in the coming years with its share of the ‘wellness’ tourism industry, according to new figures released by the Global Wellness Tourism Congress (GWTC), part of the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).

• Latin American wellness tourism to grow by 13.4% annually (Global Wellness Tourism Congress)
• Region’s market share predicted to reach $42billion
• Baymen Resort and Spa in Belize is a luxury hotel focussed on relaxation and rejuvenation 

The figures, from the ‘Global Wellness Tourism Economy Report’ which monitors the growth of this increasing sector, reveal that Latin America (a region that covers Mexico/the Caribbean and Central and South America) is on the up, with a notable 13.4% annual growth predicted until 2017. These figures put Latin America behind only the Middle East in terms of wellness tourism growth, outperforming the long-established regions of the US and Germany, on track to record just 5% annual growth, as well as the predicted global average of 9.9%.

Wellness tourism is described as ‘all travel associated with enhancing one´s personal well-being’ and can encompass aspects such as spas, retreats, fitness facilities, yoga and beauty. It is a large part of the travel industry, currently taking up one in every seven tourist dollars, and sure to be a sector to watch for continued future growth as people work longer hours and focus their free time increasingly on relaxation and rejuvenation.

Taking Latin America’s market share to a predicted $42billion, one resort that is certain to enhance this figure is The Baymen Resort and Spa in the Cayo region of Belize. This luxurious rainforest resort has ‘wellness’ at its heart and features a sumptuous spa with infinity pool and hot tub, fed by stunning natural Maya spring pools and waterfall.

The Baymen’s eco-credentials are also central to its feeling of wellbeing, with the majority of the lodge sitting amongst the rainforest canopy, and an infinity pool that appears to float like a tablet of water suspended in mid-air, allowing guests to feel as though they are truly part of nature, making it easy to unwind.

Wolf Worster, MD of Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc, the global property consultancy specialising in the sale and rental of ultra-luxury villas in some of the world’s most sought-after locations, who are marketing The Baymen, explains,

“With the everyday stresses of modern life getting increasingly intense, it is no surprise that wellness tourism is on the up and with a great deal to offer the discerning traveller searching for true relaxation, it is easy to see why Latin America’s slice of this market is growing too. Belize is one location that is rich in ‘wellness’ attributes – a warm and sunny climate, a wealth of natural features, amazing wildlife – and it is these factors combined with the development’s focus on luxurious relaxation and revitalisation that make The Baymen the perfect wellness retreat.”

With a choice of deluxe suites or two-bed suites available, each individual residence encompasses the notion of old world colonial charm, with four-poster beds, the highest quality finishes, stunning bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a large outside deck, all utilising natural materials of the highest specification.

Investing in a property at The Baymen provides above-average potential to benefit from the growing wellness tourism market, but also the opportunity to use the hotel, or Belize Ocean Club (one of the other properties in the Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc collection) for 30 days personal use annually.

To find out more about The Baymen Lodge and Spa, visit www.thebaymen.com or contact Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc on free-phone 0808 169 6526 or  info@thebaymen.com

To discover Belize Ocean Club, which is part of the 30 days personal use, visit www.belizeoceanclub.com

Steeped in history, with a rich heritage and a world-renowned diversity of flora and fauna, Belize is a true melting pot of natural treasures and enticing cultures.

Situated in north eastern Central America, bordered by Mexico to the North and Guatemala to the South and West, the country has become widely known for its ranging ecosystems that include the Belize Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world, home to five hundred species of fish and close to one hundred coral species, making it the country’s top tourist destination.

This, combined with Belize’s rugged geography, wide variety of wildlife, tropical climate and low human population, make the country an exotic and enthralling location to visit. However, with English the official language, Belize is also an accessible destination in which to travel.
It is these aspects, alongside a wealth of further natural treasures, which lend Belize so perfectly to a place in which to unwind and relax as well as to make the most of the mesmerising surroundings, making it the ideal place to rent property.

Global property consultancy Wolf Worster Associates, who specialise in the sale and rental of ultra-luxury villas in some of the world’s most sought-after locations, are launching a new high-end resort, The Baymen Lodge and Spa in the Cayo region rainforest of Belize.

Wolf Worster, MD of Wolf Worster Associates, explains why the region is an exciting addition to their portfolio,


“Following on from the success of our first project in Belize, Belize Ocean Club, we were really keen to promote a development that truly embraces the outstanding eco-diversity of this breath-taking country and The Baymen seemed the perfect fit. Its rainforest setting means the development is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. Enhanced by the ultra-luxurious elements of the hotel, where every detail has been carefully considered, guests are also enveloped by the natural beauty that Belize is world-renowned for: the ultimate in relaxation.”

Situated in a breath-taking jungle setting of 1,000 acres of private rainforest, The Baymen Lodge and Spa is an eco-friendly boutique hotel that offers the very best in luxury living, whilst being, at its heart, an environmentally sustainable lodge, in-harmony with its natural surroundings and Belize’s rich ecology.


With the majority of the lodge sitting amongst the rainforest canopy, The Baymen makes the very most of its location, boasting a luxurious spa with infinity pool and hot tub, a spectacular natural wine cave, as well as uniquely stunning natural Maya spring pools and a waterfall.

Each individual residence encompasses the notion of old world colonial charm, with four-poster beds, the highest quality finishes, stunning bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a large outside deck, all utilising natural materials of the highest specification.

It is the combination of each of these ultra-luxurious aspects with the outstanding location and eco credentials of The Baymen that make it the ideal investment opportunity, attractive for those looking to take advantage of year-round rental potential, commanding higher rates than coastal properties.

Offering the ultimate in luxury living, all of the villas include daily housekeeping and maintenance staff, for peace of mind and hands-off up-keep, as well as round-trip airport transfers from nearby San Ignacio Airport.

As a stunning new offering, Wolf Worster Associates has appointed leading international property PR agency, AB Property Marketing to raise the profile of this outstanding Belize development.

Charlotte Ashton, MD of ABPM, comments,”We at AB Property Marketing are delighted to be working with Wolf Worster Associates on the amazing Baymen Lodge and Spa. Belize is a country that has so much to offer, both culturally and environmentally, and the fact that this exquisite luxury development maximises on its eco-credentials to fit seamlessly into its stunning natural surroundings really sets it apart.”

As experts in luxury villa sales and rentals across the world, Wolf Worster Associates are available to share their adept comment on the high-end market, its buyers and Belize investment specifically.

To find out more about The Baymen Lodge and Spa, visit www.thebaymen.com or contact Wolf Worster Associates on free-phone 0808 169 6526.