Belize: Where Emerald Jungles Meet Azure Shores
Belize is a little known luxury destination spot tucked away in the eastern coast of Central America. It is a true slice of heaven, with transcendently pretty Caribbean Sea beaches, bath temperature waters, and intriguing Maya ruins dotted around a verdant jungle. Venture off shore and you will be transported into an aquatic paradise, with the expansive Belize Barrier Reef teeming with life below you. It is home to three of only four coral atolls in the western hemisphere, and speckled with hundreds of cayes to explore. Belize is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and sports fishing, but that is not all that this tropical oasis has to offer.
A secluded house on the water in the Northern Islands.
To experience true Caribbean-style island life, travel to the Northern Islands. Be instantly refreshed by the calming and tranquil waters, languid beaches, and friendly locals. Enjoy a laid back lifestyle of sunbathing and snorkelling beside docile nurse sharks. One of the best places to go snorkelling is Hol Chan Marine Reserve where you will find a host of marine life including turtles and stingrays amongst the schools of tropical fish. Then try your luck at Shark Ray Alley, for more underwater sights such as French angelfish and parrotfish swimming around the vibrant coral. The more adventurous can hire a guide to take them out spear fishing for snapper, barracuda, conch, and even lobster when it is in season. When you return to the beach your guide will prepare the fresh catch and cook it over coconut husks on a fire. Or after a long day of snorkelling you can take a relaxing boat ride to Caye Caulker and find yourself on a charming waterfront full of seafood restaurants and local art shops.
The vibrant coral reefs in the waters surrounding Belize are teeming with life.
Belize is home to the largest reef within the Northern Hemisphere. Its 185 miles of vivid coral, crystal clear waters are a sanctuary for diverse and exciting marine wildlife. Scuba divers look no further – you have found heaven. Famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau said that Belize was “one of the four must-dive locations on this blue planet”. In 1996 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Making it well worth the trip to Ambergris Caye to see over five hundred species of fish and over ninety species of coral. The aesthetic beauty of the sight will take your breath away; just don’t swallow too much seawater. There is an almost infinite supply of dive sites catering from the beginner to the dive masters. One such site is the unbelievable Great Blue Hole, which is so large that it is visible from outer space. You can dive right on the Earth’s beauty spot, and see underwater stalagmites and stalactites, as well as lots of sharks. While in Ambergris Caye check out the Palmilla Restaurant in Victoria House for internationally acclaimed fusion Belizean cuisine. Enjoy a truly romantic dinner in the private pier gazebo perched above the sea. The twinkling stars above you provide an intimate setting. Afterwards try an infamous key lime pie martini at the cool and exclusive Rojo Lounge
The barrier reef hugs the shoreline, making a perfect place for water sports. Here you can do everything from kayaking and jet skiing, kite boarding and wind surfing. You can even parasail, or if you prefer to really sail take a catamaran snorkelling trip with Seduced by Belize in San Pedro. If you prefer to sail in more style then stay overnight on a luxury catamaran with Belize Luxury Sailing, where your own-chartered boat comes with a knowledgeable crew to attend to your every need.
The ancient Mayan ruins of Belize.
The Central Coast is a mixture of Belize’s historical past. Ancient Maya ruins stand next to British history, creole culture, and a rich natural setting. If you are ready for a challenge then try to hike Altun Ha, a Mayan site, where you are rewarded for your efforts by the sight of the rainbow of birds that live there. To truly experience Belize City, take a city tour that will unveil the old colonial architecture and the new “Kriol” culture. After building up an appetite sightseeing locals recommend having lunch at Bird’s Isle. Take a car to this beautiful restaurant, which is housed under a palapa on the ocean. Try the authentic cowfoot soup or their famous conch ceviche. Finish off your meal with a delightfully decadent piña colada.
The palm-fringed beaches of Belize are a sight to behold.
In the south Belize the landscape becomes wilder, with luscious rainforests, cacao farms, and fields of orange groves. This unique area is truly a sight to behold, with thousands of Maya temples sprinkled throughout the hundred thousand square miles of wild and dense jungle, home to a vast array of wildlife inhabitants. For a long list of exciting adventure activities head to Cayo, where you can horse ride or hike through the jungle, float through the biggest cave network in Central America, or kayak down the Macal River. For the best view of the jungle, without all the effort, hire a helicopter to fly you above the treetops and see an aerial view of the Mayan ruins. Return to your luxury jungle villa rental to enjoy the memories of your spectacular adventures.
The stunning white sand beaches of Belize frame the azure sea.
One of the most popular eco-tourist attractions in Belize is the once sleepy fishing village of Placencia. It is a picturesque little peninsula with sixteen miles of stunning beaches and a lagoon. The Stann Creek region is the center for lots of activities. There are dive centers and guided tours through the Mayan ruins and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the first Jaguar Reserve in the world. You can also hire a boat here to take you to the idyllic outer cayes. After a long day experiencing everything that Placencia has to offer, have a special night out at the Quarter Deck Restaurant in the Laru Beya Resort. Then head to Rumfish Y Vino for a fun evening, knocking back their legendary ginger mojitos. Return to your own luxury villa rental to truly feel at home in this paradise.
A secluded house on the water in the Northern Islands.
To experience true Caribbean-style island life, travel to the Northern Islands. Be instantly refreshed by the calming and tranquil waters, languid beaches, and friendly locals. Enjoy a laid back lifestyle of sunbathing and snorkelling beside docile nurse sharks. One of the best places to go snorkelling is Hol Chan Marine Reserve where you will find a host of marine life including turtles and stingrays amongst the schools of tropical fish. Then try your luck at Shark Ray Alley, for more underwater sights such as French angelfish and parrotfish swimming around the vibrant coral. The more adventurous can hire a guide to take them out spear fishing for snapper, barracuda, conch, and even lobster when it is in season. When you return to the beach your guide will prepare the fresh catch and cook it over coconut husks on a fire. Or after a long day of snorkelling you can take a relaxing boat ride to Caye Caulker and find yourself on a charming waterfront full of seafood restaurants and local art shops.
The vibrant coral reefs in the waters surrounding Belize are teeming with life.
Belize is home to the largest reef within the Northern Hemisphere. Its 185 miles of vivid coral, crystal clear waters are a sanctuary for diverse and exciting marine wildlife. Scuba divers look no further – you have found heaven. Famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau said that Belize was “one of the four must-dive locations on this blue planet”. In 1996 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Making it well worth the trip to Ambergris Caye to see over five hundred species of fish and over ninety species of coral. The aesthetic beauty of the sight will take your breath away; just don’t swallow too much seawater. There is an almost infinite supply of dive sites catering from the beginner to the dive masters. One such site is the unbelievable Great Blue Hole, which is so large that it is visible from outer space. You can dive right on the Earth’s beauty spot, and see underwater stalagmites and stalactites, as well as lots of sharks. While in Ambergris Caye check out the Palmilla Restaurant in Victoria House for internationally acclaimed fusion Belizean cuisine. Enjoy a truly romantic dinner in the private pier gazebo perched above the sea. The twinkling stars above you provide an intimate setting. Afterwards try an infamous key lime pie martini at the cool and exclusive Rojo Lounge
The barrier reef hugs the shoreline, making a perfect place for water sports. Here you can do everything from kayaking and jet skiing, kite boarding and wind surfing. You can even parasail, or if you prefer to really sail take a catamaran snorkelling trip with Seduced by Belize in San Pedro. If you prefer to sail in more style then stay overnight on a luxury catamaran with Belize Luxury Sailing, where your own-chartered boat comes with a knowledgeable crew to attend to your every need.
The ancient Mayan ruins of Belize.
The Central Coast is a mixture of Belize’s historical past. Ancient Maya ruins stand next to British history, creole culture, and a rich natural setting. If you are ready for a challenge then try to hike Altun Ha, a Mayan site, where you are rewarded for your efforts by the sight of the rainbow of birds that live there. To truly experience Belize City, take a city tour that will unveil the old colonial architecture and the new “Kriol” culture. After building up an appetite sightseeing locals recommend having lunch at Bird’s Isle. Take a car to this beautiful restaurant, which is housed under a palapa on the ocean. Try the authentic cowfoot soup or their famous conch ceviche. Finish off your meal with a delightfully decadent piña colada.
The palm-fringed beaches of Belize are a sight to behold.
In the south Belize the landscape becomes wilder, with luscious rainforests, cacao farms, and fields of orange groves. This unique area is truly a sight to behold, with thousands of Maya temples sprinkled throughout the hundred thousand square miles of wild and dense jungle, home to a vast array of wildlife inhabitants. For a long list of exciting adventure activities head to Cayo, where you can horse ride or hike through the jungle, float through the biggest cave network in Central America, or kayak down the Macal River. For the best view of the jungle, without all the effort, hire a helicopter to fly you above the treetops and see an aerial view of the Mayan ruins. Return to your luxury jungle villa rental to enjoy the memories of your spectacular adventures.
The stunning white sand beaches of Belize frame the azure sea.
One of the most popular eco-tourist attractions in Belize is the once sleepy fishing village of Placencia. It is a picturesque little peninsula with sixteen miles of stunning beaches and a lagoon. The Stann Creek region is the center for lots of activities. There are dive centers and guided tours through the Mayan ruins and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the first Jaguar Reserve in the world. You can also hire a boat here to take you to the idyllic outer cayes. After a long day experiencing everything that Placencia has to offer, have a special night out at the Quarter Deck Restaurant in the Laru Beya Resort. Then head to Rumfish Y Vino for a fun evening, knocking back their legendary ginger mojitos. Return to your own luxury villa rental to truly feel at home in this paradise.