There are too many languages, cultures, people, foods and historic tales blended together in this tropical nation to make anyone feel like an outsider. Come for a relaxing honeymoon and leave with so much more – a taste of the beginning of civilization, the chance to have seen exotic species on land or underwater and some sun-kissed cheeks from lazy days on the picture-perfect coast.
Economic failure in the past decade and a subsequent recovery made possible by the cooperation between labor, tourism officials and the government have made visitors essential to the nation’s success. So, anywhere you go, you’re guaranteed a smile with your service, making sure that your new spouse isn’t the only thing you’re in love with when you have to leave Belize.
LAY OF THE LAND
Settled by the Mayans thousands of years ago and trampled on by everyone else in between, the history of Belize is just as rich as its landscapes. The barrier reef along the coast is the second largest in the world and home to white sandy beaches. The rest of the country is scattered with mountains, lakes, flora-heavy marshes and a dense jungle that boasts many of the world’s most exotic species. There’s something for every type of adventure sport buff, nature-lover or beach bum in Belize, the trick is deciding what you want to do or finding the time to do it all.
TOP MUST-SEE'S MUST-DO'S
Explore the Sea
Almost every tourist destination in Belize involves a beach, and if you’re stressed out from your big day and need a drink by the crystal blue water, you’re going to the right place. Take a step off the white sand, though, and explore the other wonders Belize is hiding:
Explore the Rainforest
About half of Belize is covered in a dense, well-protected rainforest. The animals and birds the jungle houses are unparalleled in the rest of Latin America, and the kinds of orchids alone are over 250. Toledo, a city in the southern part of the country, is the best place to visit. A little off the beaten path, the adventurous couple can spend days here exploring the rainforest and mountains, rivers, lakes and Mayan villages that go along with it.
Go Underwater!
If you’re a certified diver, you probably already know what Belize has got to offer – the largest coral reef in the Caribbean teeming with hundreds of species of marine life and rare aquatic plants. It’s a diver’s dream. No worries if you’re not a pro – Belize is the perfect place for beginners with countless dive locations year round. Whether you’d like to become certified or try your hand at snorkeling, Belize dive groups offer a variety of options ranging from master dives to afternoon boat tours. Make sure to ask at your hotel or shop around town to get the best rates – there is plenty of competition so it’s also a great place to get a good deal.
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See Mayan Ruins
The beautiful water and bountiful rainforests you may visit are perfect tourist destinations, but centuries ago they were what made Belize the perfect place for Mayan tribes to build communities. Today, many ruins are still well-preserved for visitors and a great way to marvel at the resourcefulness and intelligence these founders of civilization possessed. Tours range from day expeditions to week-long treks through some of the villages and jungles, so decide what you’d like to do and shop around for the best deal.
WHAT TO EAT
The cuisine of Belize is as varied as its landscape. For a day of local flavor, start with a breakfast of tortillas with many types of cheeses and refried beans, munch on rice and beans with coconut milk and some tamales for lunch and dine on meat pies, escabeche (an onion soup), or a good stew for dinner. If you’d rather have a meal that tastes closer to home, most of the main cities have a wide variety of well-prepared international cuisine. The popular tourist destination Ambergris Caye offers everything from traditional Belize cuisine to pizza – and in between you can stop at Wine de Vine to sample some fine wines and cheeses. Caulker Rasta Pasta’s is a great spot on the beach, popular for its delicious yet affordable selection and great atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY
Think about what you want before you come to Belize – pool? Beachside? Great restaurants? Opportunity for organized day trips? It’s easy to find all of the above in a package set-up, especially in Ambergris Caye, the island getaway.
Coco Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye
www.cocobeachbelize.com
Coco Beach Resort guests can expect a subtropical climate, palm trees, coconuts, hammocks and the most incredible swimming pool on the island. The resort offers luxurious accommodations in a quaint environment with activities including SCUBA diving, fishing, day tours, volleyball, sailing, kayaking and much more.
Belizean Cove Estates Villas, Ambergris Caye www.belizeancove.com
Whether you’re are looking for a private beachfront ceremony for two or an
extravagant affair with family and friends, Belizean Cove Estates offers an elegant setting for your special day. A quiet place that offers everything, and the option to personalize your experience, Belizean Cove Estates is a complex of eight luxurious beachfront villas individually decorated with fully equipped kitchens. Travel to and from the mainland for day activities can be coordinated thru the front desk.
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The Black Rock Lodge
www.blackrocklodge.com
If you want to stay away from the resorts, try the cabanas or lodges in the Cayo District. Secluded, affordable cabanas at Black Rock Lodge offer a unique experience. This unique eco-lodge is nestled in the dense triopical forest above the Macal River in the Maya Mountains of Belize, 2.5 hours west of Belize City, south of San Ignacio. Experience the lodge’s environmental commitment to hydro and solar powered electricity, spring fed water and fresh organic fruits grown on site.
Black Rock Lodge’s stunning forest surroundings offer abundant opportunity for exploration and venture. Whether canoeing down the pristine Macal River, horseback riding to the Flour Camp caves, or hiking up the varous Canyon trails, the abundant diversity of the local flora and fauna is inspiring. Kayak, tubing, horseback riding, birding, caving and Maya site trips run daily from the hotel.
* Wherever you go, make sure to mention you are honeymooners while you’re booking, most places offer special deals, secluded rooms or upgrades.
Victoria House
www.victoria-house.com
Victoria House is located on the south section of the island, Ambergris Cayes, and offers a selection of packages ranging from romantic honeymoons in exotic suites to action filled salt water fly fishing, scuba diving on the barrier reef and inland tours to Mayan ruins.
Hidden Valley Inn www.hiddenvalleyinn.com
Belize's Nature Lover's Paradise, Hidden Valley Inn, is an intimate eco resort offering quality accommodation, fine food and attentive service in a natural environment unspoiled by man. Hidden Valley Inn is a luxury hotel, including 12 cottages, located on a 7200 acre private reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize.
Portofino
www.portofinobelize.com
Located North of San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye (island), Portofino sits on the most beautiful beaches of the island. Although you come to a very peaceful and quiet resort, town, shops and the nightlife are just 15 minutes away by boat.
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