When the days get shorter and the weather turns nippy in the North, some people like to hit the ski slopes or cuddle up in front of a fireplace, but I prefer to get cozy in the Caribbean with a tropical island vacation. You can keep your knit hats and hot cocoa – give me bikinis and daiquiris, please. I’ll trust the good sense of migratory birds and fly south for a warm winter getaway, and these two Belize islands are the perfect reprieve from the winter doldrums.
Thatch Caye
Thatch Caye in Southern Belize. Photo by Muy’Ono Resorts
An all-inclusive, private island resort, Thatch Caye is the perfect romantic getaway for couples looking to escape it all. It’s the castaway experience without the need to “rough it.” The island resort caters to only 30 guests at any one time and is committed to conservation and sustainability, but doesn’t compromise on comfort and luxury. Breezy and dreamy overwater bungalows are Thatch Caye’s crowning jewel; decorated with reclaimed island materials, the resort’s accommodations provide an atmosphere of peace in which to unplug and unwind. Beautifully blending in with nature, Thatch Caye combines rustic and casual with island-chic and old-world glamor.
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- Digital detox zone on Thatch Caye.
Meals are shared under the stars and socializing with fellow travelers is encouraged by the communal dining tables so island guests always leave with a few new friends. Join in the daily adventures of snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, or diving. If lounging by the water with a cocktail in hand is more your speed, no worries- you can do that too! The resort operates as an all-inclusive so that guests can relax and indulge with ultimate convenience.
Similar: Want to Stay on a Private Island in Belize? Start Here
Dining at Thatch Caye is a delight; think farm-fresh eggs and tropical fruit brought by boat from the mainland each day alongside fish and lobster pulled straight from the surrounding sea. The menu is mix of Belizean and International cuisine and the chefs are happy to cook to your tastes or accommodate any dietary preferences.
Photo courtesy of Muy’Ono Resorts
If you’re looking to warm up this winter and perhaps rekindle the romance in your relationship, a couple’s vacation to the charming Thatch Caye and a few nights in one of their fanciful overwater bungalows would certainly fit the ticket.
Ranguana Caye
Ranguana Caye in Southern Belize
If you’re seeking fun in the sun with friends, Ranguana Caye might be your perfect playground. Whether you stay overnight on the private island, or just drop in for the day to play, Ranguana is ready to receive you with a warm welcome and a cold cocktail. The 2-acre island sits on the edge of the Belize Barrier Reef and boasts white sand, green palm trees, and turquoise water. This postcard-perfect paradise has just three cabanas for overnight guests and would be the ultimate vacation to share with a few close friends.
Enjoy the island experience if even just for a day trip. Travelers from Placencia can visit Ranguana for BBQ lunch at Bully’s Beach Bar, snorkeling from the shore, volleyball, giant Jenga, fishing, and paddle boarding. Fun is always on the menu and the bartenders at Bully’s are happy to keep your crew well-lubricated throughout the day; the bar’s shotski sees frequent use and is an island tradition.
Shotski anyone? Photo by Ranguana Caye
Ranguana Caye is a terrific tropical vacation destination for friends looking for fun and sun this winter. Escape, recharge, reconnect, and reenergize with a warm weather retreat in Belize.
Featured: Ranguana Caye.
