5 minute read

Vacation on the Caribbean Rim

PHOTO CREDIT: KEVIN QUISCHAN

“Your new favorite Caribbean island isn’t an island at all – Here’s how to vacation mogul-style in Belize, while on a budget.”

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WRITTEN BY: LARRY WAIGHT

Are your aspirations bigger than your bank account? No problem. By visiting Belize, you can still vacation in the Caribbean and return home with cash in your wallet. Take the June 2020 travel poll by Aggressor Adventures, which showed island destinations leading demand by 49%, with remote adventure travel and the Caribbean as the first priority points of entry. In the months or even years to come, travel trends predict the Caribbean to be regularly chosen over other swanky destinations like Monaco and the Amalfi Coast.

Make Belize your go-to destination

According to the Robb Report, “Your Favorite New Caribbean Island isn’t an Island at All”! Citing Belize as the new St. Barts, St. Lucia and any number of high-end vacation spots eager to eat up your retirement funds on a single holiday, Robb reports that Belize is a “laid-back nation of sandy roads, beachshack restaurants, and seriously impressive ruins.” Editors go on to say that visitors won’t find a better frozen daiquiri or couples’ massage outside the nation of Belize.

Atmosphere. Affordability. Everyone speaks English and takes U.S. dollars. Seriously, what other Caribbean nation can make those claims while treating you like royalty? Isn’t it time to find out why Belize has become the place people from all walks of life find the kind of paradise once offered only by Caribbean resorts with more pretense than character?

What can you do in Belize that you can’t do elsewhere in the Caribbean?

1. Roam the world’s #1 sacred cave according to National Geographic magazine: Actun Tunichil Muknal in Belize’s Cayo district. 2. Enjoy a beach side massage at Victoria House Resort & Spa located on Ambergris Caye’s southern shore. 3. Check out the true Belize locals at The Belize Zoo, which doubles as a rescue and rehabilitation center for over 200 native wildlife. 4. Snorkel with manatees offshore in Belize. They’re herbivores, so you needn’t worry about becoming lunch. 5. Eat up. Belize dishes are an exotic mix of Caribbean cuisines, and no other Caribbean nation serves The Queen “Royal Rat”. 6. Indulge your passion for beer by lounging on the riverside or seafront with a locally-made and loved Belikin beer. 7. If you haven’t the moxie to dive into the Blue Hole, an aerial tour by domestic flight or private helicopter is a super alternative. 8. Visit Belize’s Community Baboon Sanctuary where guests can chat up resident Howler Monkeys. 9. Scuba dive the world’s 2nd largest reef system: the Belize Barrier Reef. 10. Stay at eco-friendly resorts, whether inland at Mystic River Lodge, or offshore to Ray Caye Private Island.

Who needs a pricey Caribbean island to enjoy a holiday that’s extraordinary and comes with so many diverse adventures? In Belize, you can enjoy the destination of your dreams that also happens to be the most affordable along the Caribbean rim.

Dangriga

What to do

O Admire Tiger Fern’s double-waterfall and 360 summits at the world’s first jaguar preserve,

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary O Visit the interactive exhibits of the Gulisi Garifuna

Museum O Enjoy a traditional Garifuna dish, like Hudut, on the beachfront O Visit Belize’s 2nd tallest waterfall, Davis Falls, by ATV O Snorkel Belize’s largest marine protected area at the

South Water Caye Marine Reserve O Embark on the Marie Sharp’s Factory Tour

Where to stay

BLUE MARLIN BEACH RESORT reservations@bluemarlinbeachresort.com www.bluemarlinbeachresort.com

BLUE HORIZON LODGE info@bluehorizonbelize.com www.bluehorizonbelize.com

PHOTO CREDIT: DUARTE DELLAROLE

Hopkins

What to do

O Embark on a night hike tour of the world’s first jaguar preserve -

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - with Hamanasi Adventure & Dive

Resort O Groove to the Garifuna riddim with private drumming lessons at Lebeha

Drumming Center O Visit Belize’s historical reserve, Serpon

Sugar Mill, near the village of Sittee

River O Spot wild crocodiles on the Monkey

River Boat Ride O Try stand up paddle boarding at sunrise at Hopkins Bay Resort O Go on a day trip snorkeling to Bread and Butter Caye O Discover the secrets of Maya medicinal remedies at H’men Herbal

Center O Enjoy a rum punch at the over water

Starfish Bar of nearby Thatch Caye O Rappel 250 feet down the onsite waterfalls of Mayflower Bocawina

National Park O Embark on a bioluminescence tour and sunset river cruise in Anderson

Lagoon during Belize’s dry season

Where to stay

HAMANASI ADVENTURE & DIVE RESORT reservations@hamanasi.com www.hamanasi.com

HOPKINS BAY RESORT reservations@hopkinsbaybelize.com www.hopkinsbaybelize.com

PHOTO CREDIT: DUARTE DELLAROLE

Placencia

What to do

O Support local artisans by shopping along the world’s smallest street – The Placencia Sidewalk O Discover Belize’s most well-formed atoll at Glovers

Reef, by scuba or snorkel, with Splash Dive Center O Play a round and relax at Inky’s Mini Golf at Sirenian

Bay O Dive with majestic Whale Sharks in Gladden Spit and

Silk Cayes Marine Reserve O Go snorkeling at ‘The Turtle Spot’, nearby the Silk

Cayes O Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary O Grab a mango-colada at the colorful and sunny seaside bar of Tipsy Tuna O Sharpen your skills at Jaguar’s Bowling Lanes – the only bowling alley in Belize O Enjoy local art at Lola’s Art in Seine Bight Village O Dine on fresh seafood and traditional Italian cuisine at Mare, Turtle Inn’s flagship restaurant O Delight yourself with authentic and tropical gelato flavors at Tutti Fruti O Take a day trip to Moho Caye, 40 minutes East of

Placencia O Try your hand at catching a “Grand Slam” while fly fishing in the South.

PHOTO CREDIT: KEVIN QUISCHAN

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