Belize is a relatively small country yet it offers some very unique experiences when it comes to planning a vacation there. On the beautiful coastline you have the Caribbean Sea, with its famous 186 miles long Belize Barrier Reef known as one of the largest in the world. It’s tops for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.
The tropical rain forests inland, make for spectacular wildlife and bird watching and there are fascinating pyramids left from a once thriving Mayan civilization, places like Lamanai and Altun Ha.
It has the largest cave system in Central America and several underground rivers that have made cave tubing a national recreation and tourist attraction. Quite Exciting if you ask me!
Belize has so much to offer, whether you are looking for a peaceful spa retreat, taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle or want to experience the oneness of swimming with the amazing sea life off the barrier reef, you will find it all here in this beautiful little country.
I’d like to share with you two very small, eco friendly and special resorts which were created to reflect the beauty of its natural surroundings. One lies by the warm Caribbean waters close to Placencia, The Turtle Inn; and the other tucked in a pocket of the Maya Mountains, The Blancaneaux Lodge – both are Coppola Resorts (Francis Ford Coppola director of The Godfather!).
The 25-room Turtle Inn is a seafront hideaway and combines luxury with its natural surroundings. Accommodations are in traditional thatched cottages, each decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings and naturally cooled by the ever-present sea breezes. Just steps from your private deck, leave your footprints on the beautiful white-sand beach or enjoy the day by one of the two pools.
After a day of scuba diving or fly fishingalong the barrier reef, enjoy the rejuvenating experience of a luxurious spa treatment. The Sunset Spa is set in an open-air Balinese Rice House featuring hand-painted murals inspired by ancient art,offering some of the most stunning views of Placencia Lagoon.
All treatments use only locally-sourced organic ingredients and the spa specializes in traditional Thai massage practiced by a professional staff that has studied the ancient techniques at the Sacred Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok.
After experiencing the gentle breezes from the Caribbean Sea why not spend a few more days to experience what Belize has to offer inland – a jungle filled with natural treasures, sights and sounds you’ll remember for a life time.
Set in the Maya Mountains is the Blancaneaux Lodge, a 20-room luxury resort where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy. Its remote setting surrounded by rain forest makes it a perfect place to relax next to a beautiful river and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Guests can also explore the ancient civilization of the Maya, which still lives on in the sacred sites throughout this magical region. From the ceremonial caves along the white-water rivers of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve to stalactite caverns and the vast ruins of Caracol deep within the lush rainforest, the Blancaneaux Lodge is your perfect gateway into the world of Belize’s wonders.
These two little resorts are the perfect way to experience the best of both worlds in Belize. If you would like to hear more about this amazing country and resorts, call or e-mail me.
With Love & Blessings, Ales Struna – Director of Custom Travel Services
ales@journeysofthespirit.com
As special ‘Thank You’ to Coppola Resorts for the beautiful pictures.
