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The Draw
• Lush rain forests, Mayan ruins, sacred caves, pristine beaches and the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere
• This former British Colony is predominantly Anglophone, and boasts a stable government, currency and tourism infrastructure
• A new crop of small, creative luxury retreats, inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s resorts
The Scene
Belize still has an edge. You’ll feel that you are poised at the very edge of civilization, nothing but a thin veneer of jungle between you and that jaguar, nothing but a few yards of open water between you and that shark. But the tiny Central American nation is also about adventure with a cushy landing, because it boasts some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Caribbean: ecolodges, reef boutiques and wilderness retreats where pampering is as much a part of the experience as the endless lagoons and jungle-covered Mayan temples. Belize’s main attraction is the barrier reef, which extends the entire length of the country from Ambergris Caye to the Gulf of Honduras -- the largest reef system in both the Northern and Western Hemispheres. More than 500 fish species -- and larger animals like sea turtles and manatees -- call the reef home. Several hundred sandy isles and hundreds of dive spots mean the reef is nirvana for scuba freaks and snorkel aficionados. But Belize is more than water; the most diverse destination in the Caribbean, it’s a place where you can scramble up Mayan pyramids, bike jungle mountains, kayak down whitewater rivers and indulge yourself with an aromatherapy massage -- all in the same day. Having been a British possession for several hundred years (when it was called British Honduras), Belize has an ethnically diverse population drawn from all over the former Empire.
To Be Seen
• Glover’s Atoll. The largest and most remote of the barrier reef marine parks, this huge expanse of lagoon and coral is biologically diverse. Comprised of more than 850 separate reefs, pinnacles and sandy cays, the atoll offers unrivaled scuba diving and snorkeling.
• New River. A boat journey up Belize’s most famous watercourse offers a little something for everyone: incredible bird-watching, jungle-shrouded Mayan ruins and an up-close look at Mennonite life.
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. One of eight Belize parks managed by the world-renowned Audubon Society, Cockscomb was the world’s first jaguar reserve. About 80 of the big cats roam the 40,000-hectare park, which is also home to four other species of wild feline and loads of other wildlife.
• Cayo District. This remote area of western Belize boasts one of Central America’s best collections of Mayan ruins, including the sprawling city of Caracol and a ceremonial center called Xunantunich, known for its towering stone temples.
• Tikal. Located just across the Guatemalan border, this legendary Mayan city is an easy day trip from western Belize. If you’re going to visit one Mayan ruin, this is it.
• Placencia. A relaxed alternative to bustling Ambergris Caye, this small village is home to several exclusive resorts, including Turtle Inn and Robert’s Grove.
For The VIP
• Director Francis Ford Coppola developed two places in Belize as his own personal hideaways -- Blancaneaux, a jungle lodge, and the shoreline Turtle Inn -- before deciding to turn them into superexclusive small hotels (with the best wine cellars in Central America.)
• One-acre-wide Robert’s Caye, a private island located roughly 10 miles off the coast of Placencia, is home to four villas and a small restaurant. Book a villa for the night for a decidedly upscale desert-island experience.
• Hire a 65-foot catamaran from Belize Sailing Charters in Placencia and discover the barrier reef in your own time and style.
Overrated
San Pedro. The main town on Ambergris Caye can get hectic and chintzy. It might be worth an evening stroll, but certainly don’t plan a day around it.
Underrated
The food. You rarely hear about Belizian food outside of Belize, but quite a few tasty dishes have originated on these shores. Among the local delicacies are coconut bread, conch chowder, cowfoot soup (yes, you heard right), salbutes (corncakes) and panades (corn turnovers stuffed with chicken, beef or fish.)
Don’t Miss
The Blue Hole. You’ll need a boat to reach it, but this spectacular underwater sinkhole (a favorite of Jacques Cousteau) attracts snorkelers and divers from all over the world.
When To Go
Summers are hot and steamy; hurricanes can blow in during the fall; Christmas is overrun with norte americano families. Which leaves February and March as the best months to visit Belize: cooler temperatures, lower humidity and nobody at the top of that Mayan pyramid but you.
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