Exploration and Relaxation in Belize

Green mountains, blue waters, interesting culture and Mayan pyramids - quite a lot within the space of a small Central American country. Belize offers honeymooners an incredible mix of experiences - it is the kind of place where you can wake up and decide what to do - will it be the beach? Exploring ruins? Shopping in local villages? Hanging out in a hammock? Searching for jaguars in the rainforest? Active people who also enjoy their downtime will find Belize an irresistible place for a honeymoon.

As yet undiscovered by the masses, Belize is a...

pristine, beautiful and diverse place for a honeymoon. Known best for the hundreds of islands off its Caribbean coast, the immediate temptation is to think of Belize as a beach destination. It certainly can be, if you wish to spend your honeymoon this way, but it offers, as does this honeymoon itinerary, a view of this beautiful little country above and beyond its blue waters.

Upon your arrival in Belize City, you will be greeted by...

your private driver, and without further adieu, be whisked to Blancaneaux Lodge, in the Cayo District. This unspoiled mountain country has beautiful rivers, rainforest, waterfalls, caves and flowers, and Blancaneaux Lodge sits in the middle of it all in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. You'll stay in a riverfront cabana, where you'll listen to the water tumble across the boulders. Take full advantage of your beautiful environment with a day-long horseback ride and picnic lunch next to a waterfall, or simply relax on your cabana's deck, with a glass of fine wine.

If you are interested in ruins...

Blancaneaux and Cayo offer excellent access to Tikal, Guatemala, where you can take a day trip and visit one of the most phenomenal and well-preserved of the ancient Mayan cities. It's a long day, but highly worth the effort it takes to visit - climbing to the top of the Pyramids you can feel yourself going back in time to a very foreign, yet sophisticated society.

On to the coastal area of Hopkins - a short plane ride from Belize City, and you'll find yourself on the beach shortly thereafter. Hamanasi is an intimate, yet full service resort full of bright colors and relaxing rooms. The change in venue turns your mind to beach activities - relaxing on the sand, swaying in a hammock, or reading a novel. But should you feel the urge for a little more discovery, the underwater world awaits. The numerous cayes and atolls offer amazing snorkeling or scuba diving - in between dips stop for a picnic lunch, or arrange a ride out to one for a day of total serenity. Also visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - look for jaguars, float down a river in an innertube, or hike the many trails. More ruins too - there are a number of good sites within an hour or two. No lack of unique things to do and see, should you feel so motivated.

You've now relaxed, enjoyed, and had your fill of activity, but there is one special place left to visit - the best, as some would say, for last. Cayo Espanto (Phantom Caye) is a small, private island off the coast of Ambergris Caye, off the northern coast of Belize. While Belize has little in the way of truly luxurious accommodations, Cayo Espanto is the wonderful exception. Five villas (each with an amazing bed), your own dock on the water, gourmet dining, and your every need attended to. For a few days, you leave the rest of the world behind and enjoy your indulgence. As the owner of Cayo Espanto says, "See you in paradise".

On your last full day, you'll fly back to...

the mainland for your international connection home, although you'll wish you still had another night or two on Cayo Espanto. Nevertheless, as you take off over the clear blue water, your mental images and state of relaxation convince you that you've had a wonderful, memorable, honeymoon.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those who wish to combine mountains, culture and beautiful waters. Those who value a lesser-developed country for its pristine nature. Wildlife lovers, snorkelers, and divers.

Who should avoid this trip:

Those desiring spa or large resort accommodations are better off elsewhere in the Caribbean. Those who value and wish to emphasize nightlife as part of their honeymoon experience. Those who value fine sand beaches would probably prefer elsewhere - many of Belize's are on the coarse side.