Bestselling author Stephen R. Covey is a huge believer in the importance of self-renewal, and we’re right there with him. The art of self-renewal is not an easy one to master, but it’s a necessary part of our lives and our personal growth. Being able to press pause and hit reset sometimes doesn’t just help us to relax. It often affords us the clarity and the continued motivation needed to pursue our goals and our values.
February 2nd is Self-Renewal Day. It’s a day fully dedicated to reminding us, simply, to take care of ourselves, how ever that might look like to us.
First build upon a strong core of principles that are not open for continuous change; at the same time, be relentless in the quest for improvement and continuous self-renewal. This dialectic enables an individual to retain a rock-solid foundation and attain sustained growth for a lifetime.”
― The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
The recent and ongoing rise is wellness tourism is a testament to the fact that quite a number of people find travel to be among the top things that make them feel renewed. Vacations, while not a cure all, go a long way in helping us to alleviate burnout and stress. And, those trips that are intentionally rooted in self-care and wellness go a (huge) step further when it comes to self-renewal.
In need of a break, uninterrupted downtime, or a complete reset? Celebrate Self-Renewal Day by booking the vacation you’ve long dreamt of.
Self Care in the Caribbean
Earlier this year, the Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Hon. Kenneth Bryan, noted that the Caribbean continues to be one of the fastest growing regions for travel in the world. According to the Chairman, that’s because of the region’s easy accessibility from North America, its world-class hospitality, and a “perennial well earned status as a region for wellness.”
Wellness and self care – both important aspects of self-renewal – in the Caribbean aren’t just yoga retreats and luxurious spa days, though. A self-care vacation can involve whatever looks like self-care to you – whether that’s doing sun salutations on a pier at dawn, reconnecting with nature inside lush rainforests, finishing that long put off novel on the beach, or simply doing nothing.
Where to Celebrate Self-Renewal in Belize
Celebrate Self-Renewal Day by booking yourself a rejuvenative vacation in Belize. Not sure where to go? Here are a few suggestions for places that will allow you to hit reset, however you see fit.
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef (Hopkins Village)
Hopkins village is known for being the embodiment of the unhurried and unpretentious vibe often exuded by places in Southern Belize. This small and predominantly Garifuna coastal village is the perfect eco-cultural destination for travelers seeking some respite from a fast paced and often demanding life. At Jaguar Reef Lodge, enjoy a chic getaway complete with a quintessential Hopkins experience. This Belize Collection resort has a quaint, tranquil and laid-back beachfront atmosphere with sunny skies and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Coral Caye, a Coppola Family Hideaway
Nothing says luxurious escape quite like a private island. And the Coppola Family Hideaways’ Coral Caye, located nine miles off the coast of Placencia, is exactly that. It promises a rejuvenative getaway. Here, time seems to slow, and your only neighbors are the staff and the exotic birds flying up above.
The island features a small coral sand beach and fascinating mangrove ecology. Spend your time basking in the sun for some much needed Vitamin D. Then, retreat to your accommodations for the night: a comfortable, rustic cottage that suits the untouched nature of your surroundings.
Laru Beya Resort (Placencia Peninsula)
This all-inclusive Belize resort is located on the Placencia Peninsula. Here, you can enjoy a casual beachfront escape one day and then connect with nature via thrilling adventures the next. Laru Beya – whose name means “on the beach” in Garifuna – is the perfect place to both do nothing and experience everything. Whether you choose to snorkel at the barrier reef, visit Maya archeological sites, explore caves, or spot local wildlife, Laru Beya offers a memorable and bespoke self-renewal vacation.
Tobacco Caye
One of Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle’s picks for Top Ten Places to Visit in Belize in 2023, Tobacco Caye is an isolated island paradise. Perfect for the solo-traveler on a budget, this island off the coast of Dangriga Town is where you can simply unplug and unwind. Spend your days in a colorful cottage overlooking the Caribbean sea and get to live out your off-grid island fantasies. Bask in the unrivaled feeling of peace and isolation. And when you’re done, leave feeling like you’ve just gotten a new lease on life.
Caye Caulker
The island of Caye Caulker is best known for its go-slow, laidback attitude. Here, travellers revel in the island’s vibrant character and the warm hospitality of the friendly faces that call it home. Regardless of where you stay on Caye Caulker, you’re bound to find yourself falling in love with its rejuvenative atmosphere. Choose to lounge on the beach, or enjoy the views at a local cafe. Book yourself a massage. Or maybe spend your time indulging in all the best local food. Regardless off how you choose to refresh, enjoy your Belize vacation dedicated to self-renewal.
Featured Photo courtesy The Lodge at Jaguar Reef