A hand-picked collection of places to stay: Authentic, Small-scale, One of a kind!
When you travel through a country where they have the second largest reef in the world, you want to be there in the front row! And although there are many beautiful islands off the coast, this is quite a challenge because you need a boat in almost all places to snorkel or dive properly. It was a bit of a search 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.
Just outside San Ignacio I found a fantastic Local Hideaway, surrounded by lush greenery but also not very far from the centre (taxi). You stay in well appointed cabins and the beautiful infinity pool is a lovely place to unwind from travelling. Breakfast is a treat and in the evening you eat good (predominantly) Italian food in the restaurant. The wine list is unique to Belize and there is also a cosy bar where you can grab a drink. This Local Hideaway is a perfect base to visit various highlights in Belize, highly recommended!
How mindful it is to wake up at sunrise in the morning over a cup of coffee, with your binoculars in hand to spot the most unusual and colourful birds and watch the rainforest wake up. In the distance, you can hear how the howler monkeys move in search of food, an unmistakable sound! This jungle lodge is a true Local Hideaway with 20 Cabins tucked away in Belize’s rainforest. Great nature guides, good food and a fantastic atmosphere…. this place should not be missed on your tour of this amazing country!
A famous French shoe designer opening a hotel in Portugal… it sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it?! But Christian Louboutin has loved coming to the west coast in the Alentejo below Lisbon for years and also has his own home there. So it was a logical step to unleash his creative brain on a new small-scale luxury hotel in authentic Melides.
He created a beautifully eclectic place where his love of art and travel come together in perfect balance. Of course, with every comfort and quality.