On a recent trip to Belize, our head of PR, Rebecca enjoyed a true tropical adventure. She explored the paradisical Placencia Peninsula, enjoyed some R&R in the resort town of San Ignatio and sampled an array of epic activities: snorkelling over colourful coral reefs, a scenic flight over the iconic Blue Hole, climbing the ancient Mayan temple of Xunantunich and hand rolling tortillas and chocolate. Read on for the lowdown on her trip and discover her top tips for anyone planning a trip to this unbelizeable (sorry) country...
- Where did you visit?
- What did you get up to?
- What made your trip special?
- What’s your favourite thing you ate?
- What new things did you learn?
- Did you learn about any hidden gems?
- What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
- Did anything surprise you about the destination?
- What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
Where did you visit?
Where to begin... the Cayo District, which is known for its pre-Columbian archaeological sites; the town of San Ignacio, which is a great base for exploring ancient Mayan ruins; Placencia, a resort town on the Caribbean coast; and the city of San Pedro which had sandy streets and lots of great seafood restaurants.
What did you get up to?
I climbed the ancient Mayan temple of Xunantunich, which is one of the finest archaeological sites in Belize; hand rolled tortillas and chocolate; tried my hand at pottery; took a scenic flight over the Blue Hole (a giant, perfectly spherical, marine sinkhole off the coast); and snorkelled in the crystal-clear waters off Moho Caye, which has a healthy coral reef teeming with tropical fish.
What made your trip special?
Exploring the Placencia Peninsula was really special. It’s a true tropical paradise which ticks all the boxes: swaying palm trees, check; blinding white sand beaches, check; turquoise waters, check. It’s a blissful place to be. Our scenic flight over the Blue Hole was incredible as well. Belize is home to the second-longest barrier reef in the world and seeing it from the air and by boat on an island-hopping tour, where you stop at uninhabited islands to snorkel and sunbathe, is truly mind blowing. The jungle was really beautiful as well, albeit in a different way – lush, green and teeming with wildlife. We saw toucans, armadillos, hummingbirds, iguanas and howler monkeys without even trying.
What’s your favourite thing you ate?
Most days, I feasted on two of my favourite dishes – shrimp tacos and ceviche – but it’s true what they say: everything tastes better if you make it yourself. Our handmade tortillas with refried beans were simple and delicious and I could have eaten them forever. Fryjacks were a highlight too. They are reminiscent of a light Yorkshire pudding and commonly eaten for breakfast. Don’t mind if I do.
What new things did you learn?
I learned that nothing is more refreshing than hibiscus juice, and that Green and Blacks (my favourite chocolate) is based on a traditional Mayan drink of cocoa and spice from Belize and that locally-grown Belizean cacao nibs are delicious. I also learned that you will hear ‘it’s unbelizeable’ a lot!
Did you learn about any hidden gems?
The Mayan temple of Xunanatunich was a hidden gem. I have travelled a lot in Mexico, visiting various Mayan sites and Xunanatunich was easily as impressive, but minus the crowds. We had it practically to ourselves, which was incredible. It’s one of 20 sites open to visitors, and it’s thought that there are in excess of 400 sites in Belize still to be excavated, which is pretty mind blowing. I also just loved exploring the interior and discovering there’s so much more to Belize than its beaches and reef – with cave tubing, zip-wires and jungle trekking, it offers just as much adventure as Costa Rica, with the added bonus of Mayan culture.
What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
The Belize Barrier Reef. It’s the second-longest barrier reef in the world, stretching the entire length of the country, and whether you snorkel, dive or island hop, it’s a fantastic experience.
Did anything surprise you about the destination?
That there’s also so much more than the reef. Venture inland too and you’ll enjoy incredible wildlife, rich Mayan culture and thrilling adventure activities.
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
Don’t be afraid to travel in the shoulder season. It rained, yes, but like clockwork at 3pm, so you can go out for a good half-day and lunch and then come back for a cocktail while the heat gets washed away. The rainbows are incredible too.
Header image: Victor Stonem
Written by: Rebecca Lowe & Ella Mawson