Belize is the perfect vacation spot for those looking to reset and rewind after lockdowns and the stress of the pandemic. Unlike many popular vacation spots in the region, Belize remains open, thanks to strong measures taken by Belize health officials to protect citizens as well as visitors to the country. Now that the brunt of the pandemic has passed, it is a great time to book the ideal tropical vacation in Belize.
Take a leisurely stroll on the Tipsy Strip in Placencia Village. Image courtesy Carolee Chanona
After all, there are so many things that make Belize a wonderful place for North American and European tourists.
First of all, the official language is English, so you never have to worry about getting lost or not knowing what to order on a menu. People are generally quite friendly, so you’ll easily spark conversations while traveling on the public transportation or shopping at the farmers’ markets.
Stroll vendor stalls at the San Ignacio Farmer’s Market. Photo courtesy Duarte Dellarole
There are also a wide variety of things to do based on your interests. You can visit ancient Maya sites, go ziplining through the rain forest canopy, tube through vast underground caverns, snorkel or scuba dive in crystal clear waters filled with exotic fish, or simply bask in the sun while sipping a cold drink.
Ooo, barracuda. Fresh fish gets filleted. Image courtesy Family Coppola Hideaways
You’ll love the local cuisine. The seafood is extremely fresh, there are a wide variety of exotic fruits, and thanks to the diversity of the population you’ll find many special regional flavors.
So where should you stay during your visit?
If your idea of a perfect vacation spot includes pristine beaches, then the Placencia Peninsula is the place for you. While not as well-known as Ambergris Caye, it provides a more charming, laid back vibe. While San Pedro tends to be a non-stop party, Placencia provides a more relaxed atmosphere. The pace of life is slower, the locals are warm and Placencia has the best beaches in the country.
Enjoy the beaches of Placencia, Belize this winter. Photo by Kevin Quischan Photography
It’s the perfect place to work on your tan or go for romantic walks on soft sand. For those who like to shop and people watch, the village of Placencia has a marvelous main street lined with quirky boutiques and cafes. For more active people, you can try a variety of water sports or snorkel in the crystal waters.
Into the blue with Splash Dive Center. Image courtesy Carolee Chanona
If you would like to scuba dive, Placencia is only a short boat ride away from the Belizean Barrier Reef. If you’d like to spend a day exploring the rain forest or Maya ruins, they are also easy day trips.
During your perfect beach vacation in Placencia, consider staying at the Naia Resort and Spa.It is the epitome of a luxurious, decadent and relaxing holiday home.
Situated on 19 acres of beachfront property within a private 200 acre community, Naia Resort and Spa provides a secluded environment. There is nearly a mile of palm-studded beach along which are located 35 beach houses that provide an ambiance of casual luxury.
One of the best features of the resort is the Naia Spa, which is spread over several small islands in a freshwater lagoon. Here you can indulge in a variety of spa treatments. There is also a fitness center and yoga studio with views of a tranquil lagoon. There are 3 on-site restaurants which provide authentic Belizean flavors and seasonally inspired menus.
Kayaking the west side of Naia Resort & Residencies at sunset.
For those desiring a more active vacation, there are kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. There are also a variety of vacation packages and tours.
For lovers, the honeymoon package provides a wonderful option. All meals are covered, including a romantic dinner on the beach with champagne. A spa package is included that will help you connect with your partner in a meaningful way. And you will have free access to the resort’s pools, kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles.
Photo courtesy IG @fepaterlini
More active couples can book an inland adventure tour. You might see an elusive jaguar or the vivid scarlet macaw. You can enjoy nature by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, or zipline above the rain forest canopy.
There are also tours for those who’d like to go scuba diving or deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean and cultural tours that will take you to view ancient Maya pyramids and learn how chocolate was made.
Solvei, Naia Resort’s new addition.
These are all great reasons to stay at the Naia Resort and Spa, but perhaps the best reason is the luxury of the accommodations. Not only is everything you’ll need to be found on-site, but the spacious villas and beach houses provide amazing amenities. There are large soaking tubs, outdoor showers, private pools and locally produced furnishings.
Thanks to the lush landscaping, you’ll have a sense of privacy while staying in your vacation home, though if you’d like to be social, you can easily take advantage of the on-site bar or the spa pool to make new friends.
You’ll also appreciate the attention to detail that makes sure everything is perfect, from the heavenly scented bath accessories to the fresh coffee beans.
The only hard part about a visit to the Naia Resort and Spa is having to leave! You’ll be sure to book your next visit soon after you return home.
