It always surprises me how few people living in the US and Canada have been to Belize in Central America. And that’s a shame because it’s one of the most ecologically diverse little countries you can fly to in just a few hours. Most folks speak English in Belize since England occupied the country in the 16th century until it received it’s independence in 1981.
I happen to adore Belize because not only do you have the mountainous rainforest, but then you have the second largest barrier reef in the world along the coast! Nature lovers have so much to do on the mainland, including visiting the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai, Pacbitun, and Xunantunich. On the other hand, water lovers have the perfect environment for snorkeling and scuba diving along with fishing (bonefish, tarpon, barracuda, parrot fish, snapper) and lounging on the stunning beaches. So what are you waiting for?
For me – the perfect trip to Belize includes some time spent on the mainland in the mountains combined with a nice long respite along the water – or rather in the water in this case. One of my favorite resorts is Cayo Espanto located on it’s own private 4-acre island, featuring 7 luxury villas screened off and separated from each other by the lush mangroves and landscaping – surrounded by turquoise waters.
If the location and the calm waters of the Western Caribbean are not enough; the attentive personal service, exquisite cuisine, Yves De Lormes premium Egyptian cotton bedding, personal houseman, full service staff, Satellite TV and DVD player with video library, wireless internet and private verandah or sundeck are sure to please! Of the 7 villas, 5 feature one bedrooms averaging around 1500 sq ft, and 2 feature 2 bedrooms averaging around 2500 sq ft.
Casa Ventanas is unique in that it extends over the water and has a window in the floor of the villa that you can watch the fish through (kids love this). But all of the villas are amazing and you can’t go wrong no matter where you are staying. The island’s Chef Patrick is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, and is trained in European, French and Italian cuisine. He truly puts his heart and art into every meal.
We can create a beautiful itinerary for you combining a visit to Cayo Espanto with time in the mountains to visit Francis Ford Coppola’s place – Blancaneaux Lodge (a 20-room exclusive resort). I stayed right on the river when I was there and it was heaven listening to the forest sounds and the rushing water. The food was great too (thank the heavens that I am thin)! From there you can visit Mountain Pine Ridge, do some hiking, visit the ruins, horseback riding or even go for a moonlight jaguar quest!
Cayo Espanto has a special 4 night “Dive the Reef” all inclusive package (1 massage, 1 day at sea, 3 half day boat charters for scuba, plus all the usual amazing amenities) for $7,995.00 including taxes. Please enjoy the slide show of the facility above and their wonderful video below.
Summer rates at Blancaneaux Lodge start at $230.00 for a Garden room cabana (a minimum 3 night minimum stay required) including a continental breakfast. They always have packages that are all inclusive and definitely worth taking advantage of.
Travel with an open heart & live boldly, Sheri
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