Escape To….. Living It Up In Belize!! The ABC of vacation luxury and exciting adventures - Part 1

Booking a vacation can often become the most stressful part of the trip, especially when you and your travel mate have differing ideas of what makes a good getaway. You like spelunking and tracking giant lizards, they like frou frou accommodations and foot massages… Why isn’t there a place that can cater to both travel personalities? There is — Belize. And creating a unique and incredible getaway that encompasses the best of luxury and the most exciting of adventures is as easy as reciting your ABC’s.

Letter  A … Stands for: Ambergris Caye - A stretch of island so small and delicate that locals get around in golf carts, Ambergris Caye is the perfect spot for those who are on the hunt for the kind of relaxation that only comes with powdery white sand and crystal clear aqua water. With a collection of incredible hotels and fantastic restaurants, even the most discerning traveler will leave with a smile on their face.  Letter B… Stands For: Breadfruit - It’s like a potato, only better. The breadfruit comes in season toward the fall and features a deliciously starchy texture that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Have Sharon at Hamanasi fry some up for you, and make sure you get a side of garlic sauce for dipping.  Letter C Stands For… Cave Tubing -Deep in the jungles of Belize lies one of the most fabulous experiences you’ll have on your trip. Part exhilarating and part relaxing — and yes, I realize that’s an oxy moron — cave tubing is an adventure unlike any other. Grab an inner tube and prepare to go for a bit of a hike before you slip into the lazy river waters, which gently guide you through spacious caves featuring gorgeous rock work and even a surprise or two.
Letter D… Stands For: Dolphin Experience - Located just a short boat ride away from the Radisson in Belize City, Hugh Parkey’s Dolphin Experience is truly one of a kind. Learn the ins and outs of dolphin life with a knowledgeable guide before getting in the water with a skilled trainer, who shows you all the clever tricks a dolphin can do. Plus, you’ll even get to cradle one and get a porpoise kiss captured on camera for the ultimate souvenir!
Letter E… Stands For: Elvi’s Kitchen - This little Ambergris Caye eatery has been owned and operated by Ms. Elvi since 1974, and has survived many a hurricane to continue to bring patrons some of the best seafood on the island. The coconut shrimp starter isn’t the deep-fried concoction you’re used to — instead, expect fresh and juicy shrimp in rich coconut milk. Chase it with Elvi’s Scallops grilled with garlic butter, and you’re halfway to heaven. Sandy floors and a thatched roof complete your island dining experience.  Letter F… Stands For: Fruit - Belize features some of the freshest produce around, meaning everywhere you eat will offer freshly squeezed juices — try a watermelon lime blend — and chunks of mango, pineapple and watermelon for breakfast. Yum!  Letter G… Stands For: Grand Colony - If luxury is your aim, this is the spot for you. Grand Colony at Ambergris Caye’s Banyan Bay feature top of the line two and three-bedroom condos with rich hardwood floors, fully functional granite and stainless steel kitchens, big screen TVs and Jacuzzi tubs, not to mention master bedrooms with a bed the size of a football field. Most of the units overlook the sea, making your balcony the perfect spot for a nightcap.  Letter H… Stands For: Hamanasi - Combining the best of the jungle and beach atmospheres, Hamanasi will definitely make you feel like you’re on vacation. You have the option of choosing a beach-facing room or the incredibly unique tree houses for $375 a night in high season. The tree houses are set back from the hubbub, making it perfect for those on a honeymoon — especially because there aren’t any phones, alarm clocks or televisions to distract you!
Letter I… Stands For: Internet - If you find it hard to leave your corporate life behind, some hotels offer Internet for your convenience… but do you really want to log on to a net meeting when you could be soaking up the sun?  Letter J… Stands For: Jaguar Paw - Deep in the jungle lies Jaguar Paw, a unique 16-room escape from the everyday that offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. Booking a room at Jaguar Paw means you’re at ground zero for cave tubing, within a short distance of the incredible Belize Zoo, and close to Mayan sites like Xunantunich. And if you’re really up for an adrenaline-fused adventure, try repelling, rock climbing or take a jungle walk.  Letter K… Stands For: Kneading - What’s a proper vacation without a spa treatment? Make sure you book some time at Matachica’s Jade Spa, where skilled massage therapists know exactly what to do to melt your cares away. Sign up for the 90-minute Therapeutic to really get rid of that stress.  Letter L… Stands For: Lobster - It’s fresh, it’s plentiful, it’s delicious. Have it as much as possible while you’re there. If you’re a serious lobster fan, visit Belize Jun. 14-21 for their annual lobster-fest. During this week-long celebration of the beginning of lobster season, watch local fishermen compete to see who brings in the most catch! The best part? Local restaurants cook up lobster feasts more ways than you could possibly imagine! Yum.  For more information on the direction, structure, and progress of the tourism industry in Belize please visit the Belize Tourism Board’s tourism information site at : www.belizetourism.org BELIZE TOURISM BOARD
P.O. Box 32564 Regent Street, Belize City, Belize, Tel: 011-501-227-2420, Fax: 011-501-227-2423
Toll free: 1-800-624-0686, Email: info@travelbelize.org, Website: http://www.travelbelize.org