About Us | Matachica Resort & Gaia Riverlodge, Belize
The story behind Matachica Resort & Spa and Gaïa Riverlodge — a family-owned hotel group in Belize. Reef and rainforest, one family, SLH members.
At a glance
About this Belize website
The story behind Matachica Resort & Spa and Gaïa Riverlodge — a family-owned hotel group in Belize. Reef and rainforest, one family, SLH members.
- Publisher
- thelightercollection.com
- First discovered
- 13 September 2026
- Last checked
- 15 September 2026
Information found on this page
Highlights and services
How We Think About Hospitality
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The People Behind the Properties
Four people set the tone across The Lighter Collection. Two have been here since the beginning; two run the properties day to day.
Daniel Lighter
Founder, The Lighter Collection Learn More about Daniel LighterDaniel practiced law in Montreal for more than three decades, first as a criminal prosecutor and later as a defense attorney. A solo diving trip to Ambergris Caye sent him looking at property. He bought a small beachfront hotel on a secluded stretch of the island, grew it into Matachica Resort & Spa, and later added Gaïa Riverlodge in the Mountain Pine Ridge. What he thinks matters has not changed since.
Stephen Lighter
Director, The Lighter Collection Learn More about Stephen LighterStephen grew up visiting Belize and settled on food early. He trained at the Culinary Institute of America in baking and pastry arts, then in hospitality management with a concentration in wine studies, and worked at Bouchon Bakery in Napa Valley and at The French Laundry. He moved to Belize in 2020 to take over dining at both properties.
Jorge Cante
General Manager, Matachica Resort & Spa Learn More about Jorge CanteBorn and raised in the Orange Walk District, Jorge joined Matachica in 2010, at eighteen. It was his first job on Ambergris Caye. He has since worked in accounting, at the front desk, in the restaurant, in human resources and in operations, and in January 2024 he was made General Manager. He is also Vice Chairman of the San Pedro chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association and of the Ambergris North Alliance.
Nigel Richards
General Manager, Gaïa Riverlodge Learn More about Nigel RichardsNigel started at the original Five Sisters Lodge in 2003 and helped turn it into Gaïa Riverlodge. He has run the lodge since 2012, covering operations, sustainability and guest experience. The Green Globe certification and the 2015 Belize Hotel of the Year award both came under him. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Belize.
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