Island Hideaway Belize

On the ‘wishlist’ for so long was Belize… this small Central American country sandwiched between Mexico (Yucatan) and Guatemala is a ‘hidden gem’! I was still a bit apprehensive that there would be too many American tourists and especially pensionados staying there but nothing could be further from the truth, especially if you plan it a bit well in terms of travel time and where you stay… of course I can advise on that!
Belize is a treasure trove of hidden Mayan temples, overwhelming jungle and an enchanting underwater world. It houses the second largest reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The people are super friendly and speak very good English as well as Spanish (it was an old British colony). Travelling there is easy and it is safe… are you convinced yet?

I’ve already tipped a fantastic jungle lodge and the boutique Hideaway near San Ignacio and added them to the collection, but I’ve saved a piece of paradise until the end! Because when you’re travelling through a country where they have the second largest reef in the world, you prefer to have a front row seat there too! And even though there are many islands off the coast, that is still quite a challenge because almost all places require a boat to snorkel or dive properly. And I find it so wonderful to dive straight into the sea with your snorkel mask right from the beach… super zen. It took some searching but I found it! This fantastic Hideaway is exactly what I was looking for! Authentic (a family business for many years and the owners are Belizean), hidden (you have to take some effort to reach it) and truly paradisiacal with direct access to the spectacular reef. To be fair, it is not cheap accommodation. But should your budget allow, I definitely wouldn’t skip it!

From the mainland, you are taken by private transfer to the eastern part of the island and here there are just about seven cabins (ranging from double to family cabins), a restaurant (where you will be spoilt with delicious food 3 times a day), coffee, tea, water and juices, cake and/or cookies available all day for guests, and last but certainly not least there is a super cosy bar. For the kids (and the adults :-)), there is a (beach) games area and there are nice seating areas everywhere overlooking the sea and the reef. Here you can literally see the rays, sharks and other fish swimming by as the water is crystal clear. There are kayaks and stand up paddle boards that you are free to use. And as mentioned, you walk straight into the water for snorkelling… my favourite activity and the perfect start of the day! For those not yet experienced snorkelers, there is a guide who will explain how best to handle your equipment and he will take you to point out the most beautiful spots and make you feel comfortable in the water. (Definitely great with children, too). Various excursions can be booked for novice and experienced snorkelers and divers.

Unique Hideaway!

This is a truly unique Hideaway and an absolute highlight of the tour Belize. I so enjoyed the unspoilt underwater world but also definitely the fantastic staff… you really leave here with new friends. Everyone is super helpful, friendly and sociable… always a nice chat or joke. The rooms are kept very clean (a real challenge with ‘barefoot’ beach life) and a surprise awaits you every time you go to bed.

I think I could go on and on but I think you’ve caught on to my enthusiasm by now ;-). What an extraordinary destination Belize is, from jungle to the underwater world… with these Local Hideaways cherries on top!