Travel blogger Laura Salomon admits to being confused every time she heard or read the words “barefoot” and “luxury” used together. She became so curious, she decided to sleuth out what she referred to as an oxymoron. Laura headed for paradise: Her favorite beach. She spent the entirety of her “research stay” being pampered by the sun, breezes, and spa services that left her in what she calls a coma of bliss. Upon returning to civilization, she realized that she had become enlightened. Barefoot luxury, she realized, pairs warm memories of childhood — where digging toes in the sand was the ultimate pleasure — with class, wealth, and elegance. If this is exactly the escape you seek, you’ll want to know more about Belize’s Naia Resort and Spa where impeccable personal service has been elevated to an art form on the Placencia Peninsula.
A Placencia sunrise on the beach. Image by Kevin Quischan Photography
You don’t have to troll lists of Belize’s top luxury properties to discover that Naia Resort and Spa stands alone as the ultimate destination designed expressly for harried travelers in need of having their minds and bodies rejuvenated. Located on the trendiest finger of land in Belize—the 16-mile-long Placencia peninsula—this epicenter of transformational wellness has frazzled guests melt into for pure relaxation.
The water’s edge at Naia Resort & Spa. Image by Will Moreno Photography
Situated at the water’s edge, Naia Resort and Spa is a cozy enclave of tropical splendor that sprawls along nearly a mile of Caribbean coastline, yet there are only 35 beautifully appointed digs on the property, assuring guests of the utmost privacy. At the center of this sprawling compound, guests frequent the resort’s elegant spa that sits like a precious jewel amid lush lodgings. Finding words to describe what guests experience from the moment they arrive closely matches Laura’s revelation about the true nature of barefoot luxury.
Find bliss, peace, and tranquility on the beach
It’s no secret that COVID has re-defined our lives, tested our patience, and caused us to rethink priorities, so if you have promised yourself a sojourn now that travel has returned to normal, grab the first flight to Belize after booking a stay at Naia Resort and Spa. Major airlines service Belize and the flight only takes a few hours. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself in barefoot luxury on the beach, too.
This welcome drinks spells out a tropical vacation. Image by Naia Resort & Spa
After checking in, explore the amenities lavished upon all guests: waterside dining, a saltwater swimming pool, a water sports hub, and a dock where kayaks and paddleboards are available to guests who love staying active. If you must touch bases with the outside world, Wi-fi service in common areas and lodgings—plus a meeting and events venue—are onsite. But you’re in nirvana to take advantage of the resort’s expansive spa. It’s at the heart of this remarkable property.
Accomplish your own quest for enlightenment
Image via Naia Resort & Spa
Yoga at sunrise illuminates the pier at Naia. Images by Scott Lowden Photography
The luxury Naia Spa is no ordinary structure. It’s a world unto itself composed of a 646-square-foot fitness center, Yoga and Movement Studio tucked into a breathtaking palm-studded landscape. Lofty 13-foot interior ceilings crafted of lumber culled from local hardwood trees and vast expanses of glass windows practically kiss the shoreline, so you can meditate to the sound of rolling waves on the wrap-around veranda.
There’s an indoor tub with a shower situated within the spa’s loo plus an outdoor shower surrounded by tropical greenery that’s ideal for a post-ocean rinse-off before settling into lounge chairs to contemplate the extent of your contentment. Bring the book you’ve been trying to finish. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep a few pages into it. You’ll be that relaxed.
Returning to your oceanfront quarters, make full use of extras that are hard to find at ordinary spa-focused resorts: Air conditioning and ceiling fans, luxe Turkish linens and plush robes, wet bars, coffee makers, smart TVs with state-of-the-art sound systems, and baskets of complimentary signature bath products. Yes, there are practicalities to be had — like an iron and ironing board — but why toil over a hot iron during your sojourn when your objective is barefoot luxury?
Naia Resort and Spa is Eden Re-invented
No fig leaves are required when you are tucked into your intimate accommodations, but you will be required to show up at your choice of onsite eateries wearing something because, despite the verdant lily-pad covered lagoons that grace this reserve, sweet smells, and symphonies of rolling tides, you will interact with the folks who insist on waiting on you, hand and foot, throughout your stay.
Meet other fascinating people on their own missions to seek a respite from the world or grab your fill of alone time amid all this splendor. You won’t want your barefoot luxury getaway to end but committing yourself to return sooner rather than later is an ideal way to conclude your visit to paradise. Will you share details of your time at this remarkable destination or keep Naia Resort and Spa your secret? If you prefer to keep this slice of heaven all to yourself, nobody will blame you. There’s a cozy robe awaiting your arrival now that you understand the true meaning of barefoot luxury. So when can they expect to welcome you?
