Belize: SCREEN GEMS
By Patricia Canole
A tried-and-true formula for cinema success is to take an exotic tropical setting, toss in a dose of adventure and let the good times roll. It’s also a great recipe for an unforgettable getaway. Why not borrow a theme from a classic movie and play it out amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Belize?
A small Central American country, about the size of Massachusetts, Belize was formerly known as British Honduras and, unlike its neighbors, English is the primary language. Since becoming independent from England in 1981 the country has wisely emphasized eco-tourism and the preservation of its bountiful natural resources, and some top-notch resorts catering to active travelers have sprung up. Adventures await nature lovers in Belize.
INDIANA JONES
If you fancy yourself as an Indiana Jones-type, then Lamanai Outpost Lodge (lamanai.com), named for the nearby Mayan ruins of Lamanai (it means submerged crocodile) will bring out your inner explorer.
Lamanai is all about adventure, which begins before you even set foot on the property. It takes a 45-mile transfer from the airport, and an unforgettable hour-long boat trip up the New River just to get to this secluded resort. Simple but elegant describes the accommodations housed in thatch-roofed cottages. The Mayan ruins and the abundant wildlife are the star attractions here. You can climb to the top of the pyramids and look out over the treetops of the surrounding forest, board a nighttime boat safari and look for the endangered Morelet’s crocodile, take a hike through the jungle in search of howler monkeys, or go on a birdwatching trip with one of the resort’s naturalists. And when you’re ready to kick back and relax, you can sip your favorite beverage at the lodge or take a nap in one of the most comfortable hammocks you’ll ever experience.
TARZAN AND JANE
Perhaps your style is more Tarzan, the Lord of the jungle, and Jane, his well-mannered wife. If this is the case, then Pook’s Hill Lodge (pookshilllodge.com), at the foothills of the Maya Mountains, has the right mix of adventure and style to keep you both happy.
A wildlife enthusiast’s dream, Pook’s Hill is tucked away in a rainforest clearing bordering a nature reserve. Birds such as hummingbirds, toucans, and parrots all flock to the towering canopy attracting birdwatchers from all over the world, while Jaguar, coatimundi, and howler monkeys roam nearby as well. During the day you can go tubing down the river, explore the Maya underworld in the haunting caves of Barton Creek or Caves Branch, or search for wildlife with one of the lodge’s full-time naturalists. At night, relax at the bar before dining by lantern light in the main house. Later, go for a flashlight safari with a guide or turn in for the evening in your private cabana.
BLUE LAGOON
For those who prefer the beach to the jungle, modern conveniences such as WiFi and cable television in your room to rustic charm, then X’tan Ha Resort (xtanha.com) on Ambergris Caye is your place in the sun. A short transfer from Belize City, X’tan Ha encourages guests to take full advantage of the world-class diving, and snorkeling found alongside this island.
Blessed with the world’s second largest barrier reef—only the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is larger—Ambergris Caye has long been a diving hotspot. But you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the splendors below the surface of the water. Even beginners can experience the coral reefs and the wildly-hued tropical fish, or swim at Shark Ray Alley with the amazingly tame rays and sharks. If warm-blooded creatures are more to your liking, you can snorkel with manatees at nearby Goff’s Caye. When you’re ready to relax you can lounge on your private verandah, stretch out poolside, or lie on the beach. And if shopping, restaurants, and nightlife call out to you, trek to San Pedro, a town with a distinct Caribbean flavor.
For more information on Belize, visit travelbelize.org.
