
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
In an effort to foster initiatives in Belize, banking institutions extended loans for business ventures focused on tourism during this time. Mr. Escandar Bedran took this opportunity to begin the construction of San Ignacio Hotel.

OPENING
San Ignacio Hotel opened its doors to guests with a dance event held in its Dance Hall which is now the “Bedran Hall”. The event counted with the presence of ministers, family, townspeople, and other influential personas from Belize. The San Ignacio Hotel consisted of 14 rooms, a small family-style restaurant, tennis court, and conference facility.

"GATEWAY TO TIKAL"
This was the slogan used by the hotel during its inception as the property became a popular destination for travelers coming through Guatemala or those wanting to visit the neighboring Tikal Maya temples.

MS. MARIAM BEDRAN & MR. JOHN ROBERSON'S WEDDING
Ms. Mariam Bedran and Mr. John Roberson’s wedding. This momentous celebration counted with the attendance of over 1000 individuals and chefs from the British Army. Up to this day, the Bedran-Roberson wedding continues to be the largest wedding in the hotel’s history. Ms. Mariam tells the story of her father printing extra invitations and just giving them out to all his friends! He was obviously very proud of his hotel and wanted a big celebration. Now 40 years later we still boast the best wedding destination venue.

"THE GROTTO" NIGHTCLUB
Mr. Escandar finishes construction of the very popular night club known as the “the Grotto” located under the Bedran Hall. The “Grotto” disco and nightclub reigned as the best club and place to be in Cayo for 8 years until 1988

BELIZE CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE
Cayo celebration of Belize Independence is held at the hotel. The hotel’s tennis court and bleachers which can host several hundred guests was the venue for musicians from the Caribbean who came to celebrate our Independence with a concert.

MRS. MARIAM ROBERSON STARTS WORKING AS COOK
Mrs. Mariam Roberson, the 2nd daughter of Mr. Escandar Bedran, returns to Belize and begins working at the Hotel part-time as a kitchen cook.

POOL CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
Extension and construction of the hotel’s pool recreational area begins. Mr. Bedran first built a swimming pool at his residence so he could then learn and design the one for his hotel. The first pool he built was dedicated and named after his grandchildren.

LOWER HILLSIDE ROOMS ADDED
The lower hillside rooms are introduced at the Hotel increasing the room count and availability. These rooms are today called the Regal rooms, after the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1994.

MS. PAULITA BEDRAN JOINS TEAM
Mrs. Mariam is promoted to Manager at the San Ignacio Hotel on full-time basis. Ms. Paulita Bedran, the youngest of the family, jumps on board in the hotel’s operations in the Accounting Department.
MRS. MARIAM RECEIVES AWARD
Mrs. Mariam receives The Florida State University Department of Hospitality Administration’s Salut Au Restaurateur Award.

MS. PAULITA BEDRAN & DR. RAMON FIGUEROA'S WEDDING
Ms. Paulita Bedran marries Mr. Dr. Ramon Figueroa! Wedding reception was held at the SIRH.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II VISITS
Queen Elizabeth II visits Belize during her Jubilee Tour and stays at SIRH. A historic and honorable day for all of Belize and especially for San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Today a wall of fame in our lobby has been dedicated to Her Majesty’s visit.

MR. ESCANDAR BEDRAN RETIRES
Mr. Escandar Bedran retires from San Ignacio Resort Hotel and leaves his four daughters in charge of the hotel’s ownership and operations. Mrs. Mariam is then given the title of Managing Director.
1995 CONFERENCES HELD AT SAN IGNACIO HOTEL
Two eco-tourism conferences are held at San Ignacio Hotel on behalf of BTIA & BTB.

CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT
Mrs. Mariam becomes Managing Director and Mrs. Paulita becomes Operation Manager of San Ignacio Hotel.

GREEN IGUANA CONSERVATION PROJECT BEGINS
In an effort to increase the population of green iguanas in San Ignacio, Mrs. Mariam Roberson and Mr. Daniel Velasquez begin the Green Iguana Conservation Project. An interactive exhibit for the hatching, rearing, and releasing process of the specie.

BEDRAN FAMILY REUNION
Bedran family reunion was held at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel bringing the Bedran family together for the first time from all over the world.

THE STORK CLUB OPENS
The Stork Club is opened at the hotel in remembrance of Mr. Escandar’s old bar. History of the Stork Club is on our website.

THE CARACOL ROOM IS BUILT
The Caracol Room, the second largest event venue at the Hotel is built.

THE RESTAURANT BEGINS RECONSTRUCTIONS
The restaurant begins a new reconstructions and relocation phase.

NEW SLOGAN: "A NEW ERA OF LUXURY”
”A New Era of Luxury” slogan is launched and begins a movement that marked a transition and expansion towards becoming a luxury property.

LOBBY BEGINS UPGRADE
San Ignacio Resort Hotel’s lobby area begins and is remodeled into an area showcasing marbles columns and furnishings.

HONEYMOON SUITE ADDED
The main Lobby is completed and the first Suite is introduced into the Hotel’s second floor—Honeymoon Suite.

BEDRAN HALL RENOVATION
Renovation phase for the Bedran Hall takes place and ends in 2010 with a luxury venue showcasing ample space for large conferences and events. It is the largest event venue found in Western Belize.

MS. KRISTIN ROBERSON WEDS AT THE SAN IGNACIO RESORT HOTEL
Mrs. Mariam’s first daughter, Ms. Kristin Roberson, weds at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. An event that marked the beginning of a family tradition within the Bedran-Roberson family.

35TH ANNIVERSARY
35th Anniversary is held at San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

SIRH CATERS FOR PRINCE HARRY
San Ignacio Resort Hotel caters for Prince Harry during the Royal Jubilee Tour held at Xunantunich Maya temple.

MR. JOHN TRE ROBERSON WEDS ARIADNA PUENTE CARDOSO
Mrs. Mariam’s only son, Mr. John Tre Roberson, weds Ms. Ariadna Puente Cardoso.

NEW KITCHEN
New kitchen premises are constructed at the resort.

SIRH HOSTS MICE EVENT
SIRH hosts the first ever MICE event in Belize, Central America.

SIRH WINS HOSPITALITY AWARD
SIRH wins Hospitality Award 2015 and Mrs. Mariam B. Roberson wins the Minister’s Award.

SIRH'S MR. KEVIN CHI WINS TASTE OF BELIZE 2016
SIRH’s Prep Cook, Mr. Kevin Chi, competes at the Taste of Belize 2016 hosted by the Belize Tourism Board and wins first place in the National Amateur Cook Competition.

40TH ANNIVERSARY
San Ignacio Resort Hotel celebrates 40 Year Anniversary of family hospitality in Belize.

NEW WEBSITE
San Ignacio Resort Hotel launches new responsive website.

SIRH WINS HOTEL OF THE YEAR AND RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
SIRH receives Hotel of the Year and Restaurant of the Year during the Belize Tourism Board’s 14th Annual Industry Awards.

BEDRAN 2ND FAMILY REUNION
The Bedran family held it's 2nd family reunion at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

MS. CARRIE ROBERSON WEDS BRIAN CLAXTON
Ms. Carrie Roberson weds Mr. Brian Claxton at San Ignacio Resort Hotel—closing off the family tradition of marrying at the Resort.