An Island and Jungle Escape in Belize For The Ultimate Honeymoon Itinerary

by Larry Waight

For honeymooners who want a combination of adventure and relaxation, the Central American nation of Belize is unbeatable. Spending time together on a white sand beach in the Caribbean or in a tropical jungle paradise are some of the most romantic ideas most couples can think of, and Belize not only has both but is just a short flight away from most major airports in North America. And these two sister properties have the ultimate honeymoon itinerary: Gaia Riverlodge for a jungle immersion, and the adults-only Matachica Resort for beachside romance. For the most romantic experience, you should stay at either or both of these resorts.

Gaïa Riverlodge

Gaia Riverlodge is the romantic background of your jungle dreams. Image by @RachelOffDuty (IG)

Gaïa Riverlodge is situated in the western Cayo District of Belize, deep in the rustic jungle in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and about an hour away from San Ignacio. Here, you can forge a deep connection with nature and each other.

Guests love how serene and peaceful Gaïa Riverlodge is, as well as the resort’s commitment to environmental sustainability. They have an on-site organic garden where they grow most of the produce served at the resort. Their remote location also affords privacy you will have a difficult time finding elsewhere and offers an unbeatable opportunity to disconnect from the busy outside world and recharge.

At Gaïa, it’s all about nature. Enrich yourself in the gorgeous jungle scenery, the sounds of nearby waterfalls, and the sight of birds and butterflies all around you. Activities include jungle zip-lining, birdwatching tours, visiting the Caracol and Tikal Maya ruins, modern Maya cultural tours, exploring amazing caves, canoeing down jungle rivers, exploring the rainforest on horseback, and much more.

Don’t forget to relax and unwind, though. Aside from downtime spent in your personal cabana, you can also book an appointment at the Gaïa Spa where you will receive a variety of natural treatments to be truly refreshed by the time you leave.

Matachica Resort & Spa

matachica-instagram-belize-nakiesa_

Relax on your private veranda. Image via Instagram @nakiesa_ of Matachica Resort

Located on the other side of the country, on Ambergris Caye, Matachica is a luxury seaside resort like none other. Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and is located right on the amazing Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest barrier reef on Earth. Matachica Resort itself is beautiful and bohemian, where you can choose to do a lot or nothing at all. Their restaurant, Mambo Restaurant, is known as one of the best places to dine in the area, so you can be sure you’ll get some amazing food during your stay.

Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef. Image via Matachica Resort

Cool things to do here include diving or snorkeling at the enchanting Hol Chan Marine Reserve, going sailing together, or having a romantic dinner on the beach. Kayaks and paddleboards are provided free to guests of the resort so you can go out and explore on your own terms.

Just relaxing on the beach is a great option too. You can do that in your own hammock on the patio of your private villa. This is a great time to get caught up on your reading and just spend some quality time together. Matachica is known for its spa and honeymooners should definitely spend some time getting one of the therapists’ amazing couples massages.

matachica resort spa

Couples who book their stay at Matachica with a romance package are treated to a 7-night stay in a Seaview Beach Casita, full breakfast daily, a 90-minute couples massage at the Jade Spa, and snorkeling trips to the Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley Marine Reserves. Upon arrival, you will also receive welcome cocktails and an arrival package that includes a floral arrangement, chocolate truffles made locally, and a bottle of Bollinger Champagne.

The Best Of Both World

Cheers to newlywed life! Image via Leonardo Melendez Photography

While you can spend an entire romantic vacation at either Gaïa Riverlodge or Matachica Resort, you also have the option of staying at both to experience the best of both coastal and inland Belize. You can do this by purchasing the Reef and Rainforest Package, which lets you spend half of your 7-day stay at each. Buying a package is ideal because everything is scheduled for you. This means you don’t have to stress about planning and can spend a relaxing honeymoon with your special someone. Of course, if you want to plan a more personalized vacation you can do that too. Stay at either or both of these resorts if you are looking for a romantic Caribbean getaway with the most important person in your life. It will be an amazing experience you won’t soon forget. 

Header image of a newlywed couple at Matachica Resort via Leonardo Melendez Photography 

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