Belize Lodges and Resorts

Article Written By: Burl Schempp

Traveling to Belize can be a unique vacation experience with the right choice of accommodations. From the many jungle lodge options to the frugal local bed and breakfast, you need first hand advice. Recently we spent 8-nights visiting the many lodges and resorts of Belize with a chance to experience what's new and what has changed.

The Coastal areas, the Mayan Ruins, Diving and Snorkeling, the vast Jungle experiences provide a combination of Reef and Rainforest vacation experiences, like know where else in Central America. Ancient Mayan Ruins can be explored along with a rainforest that is alive with hundreds of bird species and exotic plants and animals. Belize is home to the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, making it a snorkeling and diving playground.

Entry into Belize requires a passport into this British Commonwealth country, formally part of the British Honduras. Located in Central America its neighbor to the north is Mexico and Guatemala to the west. English is the official language and the currency is BZ Belizean Dollars. U.S. dollars are accepted at a rate of $2BZ-$1US. Recommended form of payment for transactions is cash for meals, tours, local handicraft items. Credit cards are acceptable but not widely used other than for hotel stays and large purchases. Most restaurants and meals will offer the staple of rice, beans and chicken on their menu along with a nice selection of fresh seafood, which is plentiful and recommended. The people are friendly warm and accommodating.

On our recent trip we began with an overnight in Belize City at the Bestwestern Biltmore. This property is good for a family on a budget, its moderate, clean and efficient. It has a pool, restaurant and bar, rooms are standard and the staff is friendly and helpful. Later that evening we drove out another lodge called the Black Orchard for a site review. It's located along the banks of the Belize River approximately 10 - 15 drive from Belize City. The lodge has 21 comfortably rooms, restaurant, lounge, gift shop, pool and friendly staff. Travelers staying in the lodge can take a trip down the river to view birds, howler monkeys and iguanas. It's has an open outdoor plantation atmosphere not your standard hotel in Belize City. Another property we visited was the Radisson, the nicest of the group in Belize City. It's also a clone of other Radisson hotels but clean efficient and nice. It also has a restaurant, bar, pool and overlooks the bay.

Many travelers start their vacation the next day flying to destinations within Belize by commuter air carrier. The local commuter carriers depart almost hourly from Belize City to various cities around Belize. On this particular day, we headed to the Island of Ambergris Caye, just a short flight from Belize International airport. Ambergris Caye a popular island is one of Belize's 200 off shore Cayes. Hotel and resorts on the island range from very moderate to luxurious upscale properties, people are friendly, and accommodating. On arrival into San Pedro we took a sea taxi to the first property we stayed at, The Belizean Shores and the second resort called Coco Beach. The island is a narrow, 25-mile long island, the front side is the Caribbean Sea and the back side of the island is the lagoon/mangrove area. One of the nicest resorts on the island is the The Victoria House. A short distance from the airport, it is located about 10-15-minute walk to the small town of San Pedro. Rooms at the Victoria House range from standard rooms, individual casitas and villas for families with kitchens. Multiple pools are scatter around the resort property with a long stretch of beach and its own dock. It's a good choice for couples, honeymooners and families. Any day tours that you desire can be arranged right there.

Activities available on Ambergris Caye are a snorkeling or glass bottom boat to Hol Chan Marine Preserve/ Shark Ray Alley. In the reserve view coral formations, fish, and other marine life while snorkeling or choose to view it from a glass bottom boat a perfect option for the less adventurous, and families traveling with younger children. Swim with the Sharks and Rays in a safe condition. One of the most popular snorkeling destinations is Hol Chan just one of the many sites to choose from. Visit many of the fun local restaurants in San Pedro and relax and enjoy your evening at the one of the many great hotels and resorts.

From Ambergris Caye our journey was south to Placencia. Flying takes about 45 minutes, if you decided to take a water taxi and then drive to Placencia, it's about 2 1/2 hours. Our morning began touring Robert's Grove, The Placencia Resort, The Singing Sands Inn, Los Porticos Villas, Chabil Mar Villas and the luxurious Turtle Inn. After a full day, we relaxed in style at the Turtle Inn, one of Francis Ford Coppola properties. Its unique Balinese-inspired cabanas feature spacious screened decks large rooms with seafront, sea view options. The property has a nice pool, large thatched roof dining and bar area, very inviting and peaceful.

One of the most interesting destinations in Belize is Placencia which has some of the best beaches in Belize. Travelers will find a variety of activities along with relaxation. Some of the more popular activities include fishing, the Mayan Ruins, Manatee watching and a trip on the Monkey River tour and of course diving and Snorkeling.

Our next journey was to the interior of Belize to the Cayo district of Belize. The Cayo offers Mayan history, endless rainforest, wildlife, caving, trekking, and jungle horseback riding. Our first night was spent at Hidden Valley Lodge and resort, about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Belize City. The property has 12- cottages surrounding a central lodge. The resort facilities include trails and waterfalls are reserved for guests only, making your stay an incredibly private and personalized experience. The property has a nice dining room, bar, library lounge, Wi-Fi, riverside spa, horse stables, organic garden and miles of trails for hiking and walking. This is the kind of place you can do as much as you would like or just relax and enjoy the scenery. There are beautiful gardens, dense jungle, and ancient Mayan ruins of Caracol nearby. We enjoyed the view on the open veranda overlooking the mountain side. In the morning we took a journey to the different waterfalls located on the reserve. Other highlights of day activities include Mayan Ruins, Cave Tours, Bird watching, Horseback riding, River Canoeing and Kayaking, Zip lines and jungle excursions.

Belize is a unique vacation adventure filled with beaches, jungle lodges, wildlife, friendly people and relaxation. If this type of vacation sounds fun, visit our web site at www.belizetravelpoints.com or call us to help arrange your vacation

About the Author

Burl Schempp has traveled to Belize on numerous occasions and has written a very informative piece for travelers seeking advice on where to stay. Request your free Belize Travel Guide today.

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