If you’re ready to trade in your slippers and mittens for flip-flops and sunscreen, you deserve to know that you don’t have to travel far. A direct flight from Florida to Belize is just over two hours, and winter is Belize’s dry season — sunny, bright, and pleasantly subtropical practically every day. And Blue Marlin Beach Resort has spent 34 years showing guests to Belize the best that the country has to offer. Here’s how this world-class resort in Southern Belize can warm up a snowbird’s winter.
The Destination: South Water Caye
Aerial of South Water Caye by Duarte Dellarole.
Belize is a beautiful little slice of Central America positioned right on the Caribbean, but hundreds of islands that sit off the coast offer some of Belize’s most beautiful vistas. Blue Marlin is positioned on South Water Caye, conveniently within reach of both the mainland coastal town of Dangriga and the Belize Barrier Reef itself. But as one of the smaller islands in the area, there’s a more placid and pristine feel to Blue Marlin when compared to major tourism hubs like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. It’s a place to get away from it all in Southern Belize, but it’s also a place ripe with opportunities for adventure for any snowbird.
The Accommodations
View this post on Instagram
While there is a range of different cabanas to stay in, all of them offer a unique view of the resort. There are seafront cabanas sized for both romantic couples and families, while the adjoining standard rooms offer privacy and a great view for traveling friends or multigenerational families.
View this post on Instagram
There’s also a family villa offering a garden view. All of the lodgings are comfortable, adorned with art and furniture from local artisans, and equipped with both a full range of modern amenities and all the tools you need to enjoy your time on the island. Ceiling fans and full air conditioning can provide you with all the comfort you deserve if you aren’t used to the subtropical weather.
The Service
As a locally and family-owned business, the focus is on providing a relaxing and authentic experience to the guests every day. The guest concierge is your gateway to the entire island, and you can count on them to answer any questions and coordinate your unique demands. Whether you’re looking to schedule a tour, borrow a Bluetooth speaker for the pool, schedule the perfect romantic evening for your partner, or just get a cold glass of fresh and local coconut water, they’re your point of connectivity. Free Wi-Fi means you’ll never be completely out of touch with the real world, and Blue Marlin will even handle your transit to and from the resort.
The Adventures
View this post on Instagram
South Water Caye may be a small and secluded island, but there’s no lack of things nearby to keep your interest. Diving and snorkeling are naturally two of the more popular activities in and around the area, and Blue Marlin even has their own full-service PADI Dive Center to provide you with the equipment, training, and advice you need to really explore the barrier reef. Those looking to take a taste of the reef’s fish rather than just see them up close can schedule a deep-sea fishing expedition out on the reef, while those looking for a more zen experience can do a lot with the spa and relaxation services.
There’s a package for any taste, and you can even venture out onto the mainland to explore the various nature reserves, Maya sites, and modern villages that dot its surface. Blue Marlin is also an exceptional place for hosting your wedding, and you can even take advantage of group rates to rent out the whole resort for a special event of any type.
The Cuisine
Even if you don’t decide to book a fishing expedition, you deserve to taste the fresh and local seafood. With the calm and warm waters, the winter is the perfect fishing season for a number of different delicacies. This includes both conch and lobster as well as less exotic but no-less-delicious options like tarpon, bonefish, and permit. Charlie’s Dining and Bar offer as satisfying a Caribbean dining experience as you could hope for.
View this post on Instagram
The menu celebrates the unique cultural blend of Belizean life and incorporates local ingredients and traditions into recipes that also draw from American, Latin, and Caribbean influences. Charlie’s Dining and Bar is available for every meal, and they can adjust their options to suit your dietary preferences.
View this post on Instagram
Whether you’re looking for a delicious and healthy smoothy or an equally delicious but much less healthy cocktail, you’ll find something satisfying when you saddle up to the bar. And there are alternate dining options as well. Book a private and romantic dinner on the beach with that special someone, or take advantage of the barbecue grill out on the beach. This is one tropical getaway a snowbird won’t want to miss in Southern Belize.
