It’s time to start planning spring/ summer getaways, and when it comes to ideal destinations there’s a Central American gem that  stands out: Belize.
Convenience and ease of travel, exceptional and unconventional, yet a place with a plethora of unique activities all within minutes from each other, this is the spot.

Whether you favor metropolitan fine dining and nightlife, museums and cultural heritage, lush mountain exploration and ziplines, or some of the world’s best turquoise waters designed for ultimate diving and snorkeling, Belize has all this and more.

Getting There

Traveling to Belize from the U.S. is now easier than ever. There are direct flights from main airline hubs in Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas.
American, JetBlue, United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Frontier are among the major carriers arriving at the principal airport, Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport – BZE. From there you can explore the rest of the nation and visit the many keys surrounding the mainland.

Belize City

The starting point when visiting is Belize City. The nation’s capital has experienced rapid growth, improving its infrastructure and adding several global hospitality brands for increased luxury lodging.

EAT

On the way to your hotel, stop by Midpoint Restaurant and Lounge, an emblematic restaurant serving native dishes, superior seafood, and savory steaks.
It faces the water, with a laid-back deck meant to capture picturesque sunsets.
Among our favorite dining options are the New Zealand lamb chops, and the Dallas ribeye. But you’re on the waterfront and the seafood can’t be missed, especially the 2Lb fried snapper, or a whole grilled octopus. There’s an unexpected selection of Turkish dishes, or opt for tasty salads, pastas, or a signature conch, lobster, and shrimp ceviche.

STAY

Grand Resort & Residences offers luxe accommodations and spacious rooms. The location is unbeatable, sitting on the edge of the Belize River and in front of the Haulover Bridge.
You’ll have relaxing views and stunning sunrises.

A dip in the pool may offer surprises; during our swim we were amazed to see dolphins making their way to sea.

The on-site Seaside Haven restaurant will keep you satisfied with Belizean cuisine to international favorites.

Be sure to try their lobster, among the best anywhere.

WHAT TO DO

Tuk Tuk Belize Sunset City Tour
See Belize like a local with a city tour that takes you to hidden places, and popular hangouts, all with commentary providing true insider knowledge.

The Museum of Belize

For an emotional and informative experience visit The Museum of Belize.
It serves as an educational hub for understanding the development of Afro-descendant communities in Belize and the lasting impacts of the transatlantic slave trade. When we visited the museum showcased enSLAVED: The Rise and Fall of Slavery in Belize.
It delivers a look into the complex history of slavery in the region, tracing the arrival of African slaves in the region, mostly during the colonial period, as well as the role of the British in the transatlantic trade.
It’s a truly moving visit serving as a reminder of the injustices of slavery and as an educational resource for lovers of history. Besides this exhibit you can learn about Belize’s flora, fauna, rum making, its Mayan heritage, and the origin of many of the traditional customs.

Xunantunich Archaeological Site 

Belize is blessed with several archeological sites. Less than a two hour ride from Belize City you’ll find Xunantunich.
This ancient Mayan city in Western Belize, is only 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District, less than .6 miles from the border with Guatemala, atop a ridge above the Mopan River.

Xunantunich is impressive and well preserved. As you climb up a hill and enter the site you are faced with a massive pyramid that dominates the landscape. Best of all you can still make your way to the top.

The panoramic view is overwhelming. You can see several other structures and the court that gave birth to what is now futbol.
You can enter other temples and increase your knowledge, and even witness mummified remains.
Xunantunich served as a Mayan ceremonial center in the Late and Terminal Classic periods. At that time, when the region was at its peak, nearly 200,000 people lived in the Belize Valley.

Rainforest

The beauty of Belize lies in its biodiversity. You can be in the city center now, zip lining through the rainforest within minutes, and diving into the world’s second largest barrier reef in less than an hour.

For a complete immersion in nature visit Tiger Cave zipline and Cave tubing at Dark Knight
Here you can go tubing calmly down the river, explore underground caves, and soar across the jungle skies through an intricate network of ziplines. It’s a thrilling fast paced adventure meant to satisfy the most demanding adrenaline seeker.

Caribbean Sea Caye Caulker

Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages

A quick 20 minute flight from Belize City will bring you to Caye Caulker.
Here your vision of a tropical getaway is even better when experienced at Weezie’s.

The charming resort sits oceanfront, with a dock ready to serve as launching pad to your Caribbean sea adventures.

Perfect for couples or families, the resort has three pools, and large one or two bedroom suites with full kitchens, with terraces facing the water or quiet gardens.

Snorkel At Mexico Rocks

With a coastline that features the world’s second largest barrier reef Belize has the best scuba diving and snorkeling you’ll find.
Among them is Mexico Rocks, designated a marine reserve in 2015, it remains an unspoiled and tranquil snorkel site.It has beautiful coral reef formations, colorful fish and a resident family of sea turtles.

From there you can sail to a section close by and swim with nurse sharks, truly a once in a lifetime experience.

For more information on Belize visit www.travelbelize.org