Belize - A New and Undiscovered Treasure



The Great Blue Hole in Belize

In doing research this week for a travel request, I got excited about visiting a destination new to me, BELIZE.  More and more people are asking us about this little gem, south of the border.  Belize, formerly known as the British Honduras, is in northern Central America.  English is the official language, but Spanish is widely spoken as the major ethnic group of Belize is now Latino.  The weather in Belize has two seasons, a rainy one and a dry one.  Rainy season is generally June to November.  The coldest month of the year is January, while May is the warmest.

Belize is home to the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, and is well known as a supreme diving destination.  Belize also has terrific snorkeling, sport and salt water fishing, hiking and biking, tubing, and Mayan ruins.  The country is home to more than 200 islands - many are secluded and less traveled. 

Placencia, Belize

Placencia is a beautiful emerald peninsula in southern Belize with 16 miles of sandy beaches.  The Caribbean Sea is to the east, and the lagoon lies to the west looking to the mainland of Belize.  Placencia is known for the warm and caring people.   Trips to the Reef, which is 17 miles away, can easily be arranged for snorkeling or diving.  There are several wonderful resorts on the island.  They range from basic accommodations, to luxury resorts with all the amenities a travel connoisseur would require.  Placencia while growing in popularity, still retains the beauty of its natural environment, the friendliness of  its people and its history and culture.     

The Placencia Hotel and Residences

Free Upgrade to First Class Air? Yes, Of Course.

Photo courtesy of Sandals Negril

Start your honeymoon off right by flying First Class. Ooh lah lah. Luxury and pampering from the start. When you book your 7 night air + resort honeymoon or destination wedding with Sandals Resorts and Delta Vacations you will be eligible for a FREE upgrade to First Class Airfare.

The options are endless. Choose from 7 resorts in Jamaica, 2 in the Bahamas, 1 in Antigua or 3 in St. Lucia. We can help you find the right resort for your personality. We have traveled extensively to these resorts so we can serve you best.

When it comes to your honeymoon or destination wedding trust only the experts at Destinations. Give us a call today, 479.582.1900 or toll free 888.398.9297.

Must book 3rd room category or higher to be eligible for promotion.

Christina + Paul go to Secrets Silversands

Christina and Paul

Secrets Silversands

Enjoying breakfast poolside

Christina and Paul celebrated their 4th Anniversary at Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun in Mexico. This adults-only, lavish all-inclusive was perfect for them. Here is what they had to say about their experience...

We absolutely loved Secrets Silversands - Riviera Cancun! From the minute we were picked up from the airport, we were taken care of completely by the excellent staff. We found a "Happy Anniversary" sign on our door to greet us, and received fresh flowers and champagne to celebrate the occasion as well. Most of our time was spent lounging on the beach, where drinks were brought to us continuously by the wonderful staff, but we would also visit one of the eight beautiful pools often as well. My husband enjoyed sailing on the Hobie Cat sailboats, but I preferred relaxing on the beach. The restaurants were incredible, and we enjoyed some of the best food we've ever eaten. After dinner, there was always nightly entertainment, and it was different each night. The staff was great about recommending things to do outside of the resort as well. We ended up doing the Canopy Tour with Selvatica, which includes ziplining through the jungle and then into a beautiful cenote. This was one of my favorite things from our vacation. We met a lot of people and just had an absolute blast. We would definitely recommend this resort to anybody!

Greece Anniversary Trip

Craig and Lee Ann celebrated their 30th Anniversary in serious jetsetter style. They did a dreamy itinerary...flying into Athens, island hopping, and then finished up in Istanbul, Turkey. It was a once in a lifetime trip they will cherish forever.

Thanks for letting Destinations customize your anniversary trip. It was so much fun!

[Their Fabulous Itinerary]
Athens - Divani Palace Acropolis
Santorini - Canaves Oia Suites (pronounced EeeAhh)
Mykonos - Myconian Imperial Hotel & Thalasso Center
Istanbul - Hilton Istanbul

[Their Fabulous Photos]

Parthenon in Athens

Santorini

Santorini

Santorini

Mykonos Sunset

Ashley + Curtis - The Royal Playa del Carmen

Ashley and Curtis vacationed to The Royal Playa del Carmen (adults only, all inclusive resort) in Mexico last month. They stayed in a Royal Jr Suite Oceanfront. They had a blast and thought the rooms were very nice as well as the amenities. They made time for three excursions - the pirate ship, catamaran, and a private fishing charter. Curtis caught a mahi mahi and a barracuda. Thanks for trusting Destinations with your vacation plans!

Melinda + Erik's Punta Cana Wedding

Melinda and Erik tied the knot May 5th on the beautiful shores of Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They were joined by many friends who wanted to celebrate their special day. Best Wishes to you guys! 

Millionaire Suite

The promised post on my glimpse at one of the Millionaire Suites is finally here! On my recent trip to St. Lucia I had the opportunity to see one of the four suites set up high on the bluff at Sandals Regency La Toc. I was blown away at the design and ambiance. I saw the suite in the evening and it sparkled. The first picture below is a view from the patio with private pool and whirlpool looking in at the bedroom which has retractable doors that open up. By the way, this is completely private and serene. In fact, if I stayed in this suite I don't think I'd ever leave. I might get out for a nice dinner, but that's it. You have a personal Butler to take care of your every need, deliver food, draw your bath water, etc. The view is absolutely breathtaking, and what better way to view it than from the lap of luxury. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

You might not be able to tell, but the wall in the bedroom is made out of stones. The creamy colors and textures are yummy. Can't you just picture yourself falling into this bed?

I love this old fashioned tub, it is the center focal point when you walk into the bathroom. To me it's old luxury and charming.

This chic living room is all that. I love the white accent pieces with the dark mahogany.

Bora Bora Retreat from $1899

Exclusive 7 night package to Bora Bora including:

• Roundtrip economy class airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
• 1 night at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort - Standard Room
• 6 nights at Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora - Ocean View Room, includes 2 FREE nights!
• Daily American Breakfast in Bora Bora
• All transfers, including domestic air to/from Bora Bora
• Meet & Greet with flower lei on arrival

UPGRADE to a BEACH BUNGALOW in Bora Bora - Add from $75 pp, per night. Valid for departures Jan 12 - Mar 31, 2010. Must book by Jan 20, 2010!
Prices are 'from', per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply. Strictly subject to availability at time of booking. U.S.
foreign taxes of approximately $94, incl. September 11 Security Fee are additional. Prices, itinerary and conditions are subject to change
without notice. City tax of approx. $1.80 per person, per night is not included. Tahiti Tourism North America

Antigua - The beach is just the Beginning

Antigua - the land of 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. The island was stunningly beautiful. Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin. Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.

I stayed at the Sandals Grande Antigua and Mediterrean Village. I am happy to report that the service was impeccable, the food was extraordinary, and the beach and water are breathtaking. This resort, which has been voted the Worlds Most Romantic 14 years straight, is located on the most famous beach in Antigua, Dickenson Bay. The sand is powder white, and the water a gorgeous turquoise blue color that you only see in Photoshop.

I can't say enough wonderful things about the Sandals Grande Antigua. I stayed there five years ago, and the differences today are amazing. This resort would appeal to honeymooners, those celebrating their anniversary, or anyone just wanting a beautiful beach and romantic atmosphere. Let us plan your next Sandals experience at the Grande Antigua and Mediterrean Village. The resort is currently on sale 60% off, and the discounts won't last long! Sarah and I are waiting to make this experience happen for you, so call us today. 479-582-1900. - Tracee