The duPlooy's Story

Our mission: to provide a unique experience for visitors in a natural setting, while minimizing environmental impact

From Farm to Forest
In December of 1987, Ken and Judy duPlooy (originally of Zimbabwe and Maryland), packed up their 5 daughters and headed for Belize. After meeting the challenge of nearly 2 months of camping through southern USA and Mexico with 2 teenagers, (14 and 16), a pre-teen (11) and two youngsters (6 & 4), moving to a farm in the "middle of nowhere" was nothing!

After having been in Belize for a whole three days, Ken and Judy went to look at a 20-acre farm on the banks of the Macal River. They fell in love with the big sandy beach and facing limestone bluffs on the other side of the river and just ignored the fact that the farm had running water from only a small rain water tank (not nearly enough to provide water for a family of 7) or electricity. Off they went to find the farmer and make arrangements to purchase the property.

After signing a contract, they went back to the hotel where they were staying and announced excitedly to the children that they had just bought a farm in the jungle. They took everyone to look and tried to make light of the lack of amenities, but when the girls found out that there really was no running water, or electricity, faces fell. When they walked down to the river and saw the 20-ft high rock they could jump from into the river; the little girls shouted with glee. When the older girls realized that this was their bathtub, they shouted, but not with glee.

Soon everyone was enrolled in local schools and adjusting to the adventure of living in Belize and a 10-mile ride to school over a bumpy dirt road; or getting there via a motorized canoe down the Macal River.

Building The Lodge
At the time of the duPlooy's arrival the only existing buildings were a house where the family lived until they could build a more accommodating home for 7 people, and a small tool shed, now the office. The original house, presently known as the Belize River House, with the 4-bedroom, 2 bath Mopan Suite and the 3-bedroom, 2 bath Macal Suite now provides a vacation home for other families, students and other groups.

Within a week, a large crew of workers was hired and the planting and building began. Nine months later, in December 1988, duPlooy's opened with 6 Jungle Lodge rooms and a dining room/bar building. Later the remaining 3 Jungle Lodge Rooms, 3 Bungalow Cottages and Bar/Deck were added. With the completion of La Casita in December 2000, the planned number of rooms was complete. Later came the fun stuff like the bird deck, and spa.

Becoming a Jungle Lodge
Originally the property, except for a few fruit trees around the house, was practically devoid of trees and other plants. Since the property consisted of 20 acres of cleared land, Ken was able to indulge his botanical leanings by planting hundreds of trees and plants and duPlooy's started on its way to becoming Belize's Premier Jungle Lodge.

The decision to have an organic property was made and the battle to control local pests by natural means was on until it was noted that if things were left pretty much to sort themselves out, not many plants were lost. As plants and trees grew quickly, very soon the property could provide habitat and food to attract the many birds and small animals that make their homes at duPlooy's.

Toward the end of 2010, the long-time dream to convert to solar power was realized. To continue the journey as the "Greenest" Lodge in the Jungle, and Belize's Premier Eco-Lodge, we constantly continue assessing our efforts toward environmentally sustainable tourism. (See environmental message for more information)

Belize Botanic Gardens
In 1993 we were able to purchase eighty-two acres adjoining the original 20. Forty-five acres of this land was severely eroded former farm land and the restoration process was begun.

Hoping to do our bit toward conservation, a large number of native orchids and palms were collected and many tropical fruits were planted experimentally. In 1997, an Irish colleague suggested that, since all plants were collected by permit only and recorded; that we should register this property as a Botanic Garden., This was the beginning of Belize Botanic Gardens. The remaining 37 acres of pasture land was left to re-forest naturally and trails were cut for birding and horseback riding.

Belize Botanic Gardens is the only botanic garden in Belize and, as such, plays an active role in the conservation of native flora. We offer programs for both local and foreign students and travelers, as well as providing a place of beauty, education and recreation for visitors.

The Present (As of 2010)
After twenty-two years in Belize the family has changed and grown. Ken died in August of 2001 and his presence is greatly missed. Daughter Heather took over duties as Curator of Belize Botanic Gardens and when she partnered with Brett Adams in 2002, he became the garden foreman. They have since moved on to Naples, Florida where Brett is the Curator of the Naples Botanical Garden and Heather is taking care of their daughter, Ila (Eye-lah), born March 29, 2010. Oldest daughter, Patricia, with her children Kayla (11) and Ethan (9), and #3 daughter, Shayla and her husband, Chris live and work within a few blocks of one another in Seattle, Lorna, #4, and her husband, Raul and their three children, Gavin, (5) Brooke (2) and Bryn (born April 27, 2010) live in Panama and Stephanie, the youngest and her daughter Eve, live in Austin, Texas.

Looking Back
Everyone remembers the early days before generators and running water as good times. Evening baths and play in the river were a must after a hot day in the tropics and amid much laughter and tears, an unbreakable bond was formed among the duPlooy girls

If you want to find out more about duPlooy's Jungle Lodge, Belize Botanic Gardens, our new business, duPlooy Travel or our real estate venture, The Gardens at duPlooy's, take a look at "What's New" on our website..