Belize's Best Relaxing Retreats

Belize is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, amazing water sports, rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food. It is known for its white sand beaches, the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, and its Mayan Ruins. The best places to stay in Belize include:

- Belize City: The largest city in the country, with a mix of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions.

- Caye Caulker: A budget-friendly island offering some of the best diving and snorkelling spots.

- San Pedro: The main town on Ambergris Caye, known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning views, and lively bars and restaurants.

- Corozal: A small and friendly town near the Mexican border, offering Mayan Ruins and golden sand beaches.

- San Ignacio: A small town in central Belize, known for its proximity to renowned Mayan Ruins and outdoor adventures.

Belize City: The largest city in Belize, with a mix of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and is located on a small peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The city is a mix of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, as well as great food and a vibrant nightlife.

Historical Landmarks and Attractions

• The Belize Sign Monument: A quick and easy photo opportunity at the southern tip of the city.
• Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve: A gentle tube ride through the caves and jungle is a popular activity.
• St John's Cathedral: A modest yet charming brick cathedral with a nice and neat lawn and garden.
• Baron Bliss Lighthouse: Named after Baron Bliss, one of Belize's greatest benefactors.
• Supreme Court of Belize: A colonial-style building at the beginning of Albert Street.
• Lamanai Archaeological Reserve: A stunning Mayan archeological site on the mainland, featuring pyramids you can climb.
• The Museum of Belize: Learn about Mayan history and explore the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha.
• Altun Ha: Mayan ruins located near Belize City.
• The Great Blue Hole: A giant marine sinkhole off Belize's Caribbean coastline, popular for snorkelling.

Cultural Attractions

Belize City reflects the multitude of cultures that have come together to shape the country. As the main port and the biggest city, it is a great place for visitors to experience local urban culture and enjoy a wide range of entertainment and cuisine.

Architectural Attractions

Belize City has an element of run-down elegance, with graceful colonial houses and seaside parks. The city boasts nineteenth-century civic and religious landmarks like the Government House and St. John's Cathedral, as well as traditional houses from the same period. Most of these traditional houses are raised above the ground, clad with weatherboarding, and covered with steeply pitched corrugated metal roofs, a style called Creole Colonial.

While the city's traditional buildings have yet to be studied in detail, efforts are being made to develop protection strategies and an inventory to ensure their preservation.

Caye Caulker: A budget-friendly island with beautiful beaches and water sports

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, just a 40-minute boat ride or 1.5-hour ferry ride from Belize City. This paradise island is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, with the world's second-largest barrier reef and stunning marine life, including manatees, stingrays, sharks, and turtles. It's also a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy delicious seafood, and explore the local culture.

Where to Stay

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly hostel or a more upscale hotel, Caye Caulker has something for everyone. Here are some recommended places to stay:

• Tropical Paradise Caye Caulker: This colourful and comfortable resort is located in the heart of the island, offering easy access to restaurants, shops, and the beach. It provides free wifi, a ticket service, and a cosy lounge bar.
• Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel: Conveniently located within walking distance of the beach and shops, this hostel offers well-stocked rooms with free tea/coffee, wifi, and purified water. There's also a rooftop terrace with beautiful views.
• Vista del Mar Guest House: This guest house is just a short walk from the water taxi, offering spacious common areas, gardens, and a chance to meet fellow travellers.
• Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages: Located right on the beach, this property provides scenic views of the Caribbean Sea. It features comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
• Island Magic Beach Hotel: This charming hotel is also situated on the beach, offering private beach access, a swimming pool, and comfortable rooms with romantic decor. They provide an airport shuttle service and serve delicious meals at their beachfront restaurant.

Things to Do

In addition to its beautiful beaches and water sports, Caye Caulker has a variety of other attractions to keep you entertained:

• Snorkelling and Diving: Explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, swim with sharks, rays, and nurse sharks, or discover the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.
• The Split: This channel divides the island in two and is a popular hangout spot for locals and travellers alike. You'll find calm, shallow waters and the Lazy Lizard bar, serving strong drinks and bar food.
• Food and Drinks: Indulge in delicious seafood, including lobster and conch, at restaurants like Chef Kareem's UnBelizeable Lunch, or try the street grills serving up seafood until the late afternoon. Don't miss the chance to have your catch of the day cooked at one of the local restaurants!
• Excursions: Join full-day excursions to see manatees, visit Mayan temples, or experience cave tubing and zip-lining on the mainland.
• Art and Culture: Visit the Aria Kat Art Gallery to discover local artistic talents.

San Pedro: A bustling town on Ambergris Caye, known for its lively bars and restaurants

San Pedro is a bustling town on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its lively bars and restaurants, as well as its stunning beaches and beautiful views.

San Pedro offers a wide range of dining options, from beach clubs to seafood restaurants. The town is also famous for its nightlife, with options ranging from relaxed pubs to lively clubs. Jaguar's Temple is a popular nightclub in San Pedro, where the party often continues until daybreak. For those who enjoy karaoke, there is Fido's Courtyard and Pier, a casual joint that claims to have the largest thatch palapa in Belize.

In addition to its vibrant food and drink scene, San Pedro also offers a variety of water sports and activities. Visitors can go diving, fishing, snorkelling, sailing, and kayaking. There are also underground caves to explore and museums to visit.

When it comes to accommodation, San Pedro has something for every budget, from luxury beach resorts to budget-friendly hostels and apartments. Victoria House, a beachfront resort just outside San Pedro, is a great option for those seeking a luxurious stay. For a more affordable option, the Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant offers cheap and cheerful accommodations close to the beach and the town's vibrant nightlife.

San Pedro is an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and lively entertainment, with plenty of options to choose from.

Corozal: A small and friendly town near the Mexican border, offering Mayan ruins and golden beaches

Corozal is a small seaside town in northern Belize, just a few minutes' drive from Mexico's large border city of Chetumal. It is a great base for fishing trips, bird and wildlife-viewing tours, and exploring Mayan ruins. The town is also conveniently located for day trips to Chetumal and the Yucatan Peninsula's Maya ruins and beaches.

Corozal Town is located on a bay of the Caribbean Sea, and its waters are often a milky green-blue shade, especially during the rainy season. The town is set on a crystal-clear bay and was once an important centre on the early Mayan trading routes. Evidence of this can be seen in the ruins of Cerros and Santa Rita, and the old English Fort Barley.

Today, Corozal is a sleepy, laid-back town with a growing expatriate community. The town is not part of the traditional tourist circuit, but it is a great place to relax and enjoy the local pace of life. There is a long, attractive seaside promenade with beaches, gazebos, restaurants, and fruit juice vendors. The town also has a government-sponsored cultural centre, the Corozal House of Culture, which functions as a museum and art gallery.

One of the main attractions in Corozal is the Santa Rita Mayan Ruins. These ruins are located on the outskirts of the town and are all that remains of the enormous ancient Mayan city of Santa Rita, which once reached all the way to Chetumal. The site includes a large building that can be explored, as well as numerous rooms and passageways.

Another set of Mayan ruins that can be visited from Corozal is Cerros. This site is larger than Santa Rita and can be reached by boat or car in less than an hour. Cerros features several structures, including a 65-foot-tall funerary temple with stunning views of the Corozal Bay.

In addition to its Mayan ruins, Corozal also offers a range of other attractions, including the Shipstern Nature Reserve, the Corozal Farmer's Market (primarily manned by Belizean Mennonites), and the Free Zone, a duty and tax-free shopping area on the Mexican border.

For those looking to relax and enjoy the golden beaches and calm waters of Corozal Bay, there are several resorts and hotels in the area, including the Almond Tree Hotel Resort, the Tilt-Ta-Dock Resort Belize, and the Sunshine View Hotel and Restaurant.

Corozal is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Belize, with its friendly locals, rich history, and diverse culture.

San Ignacio: A great base for outdoor adventurers, with nearby Mayan ruins and a rich cultural experience

San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo region of Belize, close to the Guatemalan border. It is a great base for outdoor adventurers and those looking to explore the country's famous Mayan ruins. The town is also known for its diverse culture and ethnicities, including Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Mennonite, and a mix of expats.

For outdoor enthusiasts, San Ignacio offers easy access to nearby Mayan ruins and archaeological sites. The Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve, located just a short walk from downtown San Ignacio, was once home to an elite Mayan family. Other notable ruins include the Caracol Archaeological Site, with its intricate stone monuments, and the Xunantunich ruins, which served as a Maya civic ceremonial centre.

In addition to its rich cultural and historical offerings, San Ignacio provides a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can go horseback riding, birdwatching, canoeing, and hiking. The area is also known for its rivers, including the Macal River, where visitors can enjoy canoeing and wildlife tours.

When it comes to accommodation, San Ignacio has something for every budget. From luxurious resorts like Ka'ana Resort & Spa to more affordable options like hostels and guesthouses, there is something for everyone. The town also boasts a variety of local restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightlife spots.

San Ignacio is an excellent choice for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and exploration of Mayan history and ruins. Its central location makes it a convenient base for day trips and exploring other parts of the country.

Frequently asked questions