Exploring: Belize
Monkeys, macaws, reefs and rainforest are among the many reasons that make Belize a beguiling choice for British tourists, says Judith Baker
Although it was called British Honduras until 1973 and still has The Queen on its banknotes, Belize remains mostly undiscovered by British tourists.
But that looks set to change as Belize has been widely tipped as a 'one to watch'.
In fact, on the back of increased marketing activity from the Belize Tourist Board, the country saw a 24.3% increase in overnight European tourism arrivals between JanuaryJune this year, compared to 2017. And the UK was in the vanguard of this growth, with numbers up by 20.6% over the same period.
Located in Central America, Belize offers access to the Caribbean and borders Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south.
For such a small country, it offers a wellrounded and diverse range of activities and experiences. The only English-speaking country in the region, Belize has a tropical Caribbean coastline, lush rainforest, wildlife including toucans, jaguars crocodiles and monkeys and a fascinating cultural mix.
Karen Pike, Director of Marketing and Industry Relations at the Belize Tourism Board comments: “Whether you want to relax on a luxury escape, search for wildlife in the rainforest, reef, islands and mountains or want to learn about our many different cultures, there really is something for everyone in Belize.”
Dive right in
Belize’s famous Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole that is visible from space. Near a small atoll 100 kms from the mainland, it measures over 300 metres across and 125 metres deep and is the world’s largest natural formation of its kind.
Marine life includes giant groupers and several types of sharks. Belize also has the second-largest barrier reef in the world with pristine areas of reef and is recognized by The World Wildlife Fund as a leader in protecting their ecosystem.
Nature, Mayans and beaches
Must dos include a trip down Monkey River near Placencia, where a local guide will point out howler monkeys, crocodiles and manatees, the gorgeous toucan, scarlet macaws and yellow-headed parrots.
Swim into the Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM cave to see examples of Maya sacrifices that include a crystallized skeleton.
More Mayan history can be visited at Cahal Pech archaeological site near San Ignacio, while other sites include Min Li Punit and Xunantunich.
Beaches in the cayes are clean and dotted with shady bars for cold beers or cocktails.
New hotels
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club,
(mahoganybayvillage.com) Hilton’s first property in Belize, features 205 cottage and villa-style rooms. The property is situated on a 60-acre waterfront site with 10 dining outlets and beach clubs. Itz'ana Resorts & Residences on Placencia Caye (itzanabelize.com) has opened with farm-to-table dining and a spa.
A number of luxury resorts are being developed across the country including a private island Four Seasons resort on Caye Chapel with 18-hole golf course, scheduled to open 2021( fourseasons.com).
Getting there
Most flights, into Phillip Goldson Airport in Ladyville, located just minutes from Belize City, are via the main USA gateways such as Miami, Dallas, Charlotte and Los Angeles. Belize is also connected via flights from Guatemala and Cancun.
Easy access to neighbouring countries makes Belize a viable option for twocentre holidays. South is Guatemala, with its famous ruins at Tikal and colonial city Antigua. North is Mexico's Yucatan and the resorts of Tulum and Playa del Carmen.