Belize? Yes, Please!

Belize is open for tourism, and all that is required is a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to departure. And, so, in mid-November, I departed for Belize!

I flew on United, and, at check-in, I had to show them my test in order to get my boarding pass. The terminal was empty, and nothing was open in the late evening, except the United lounge.

On arrival in Belize, I had my temperature checked by one person, my COVID-19 test by another person, then on to passport control. All luggage was sprayed with a disinfectant before it was put on the luggage belt. Everyone in Belize was wearing a mask, since it’s mandatory. Those who break this rule can get a $5,000 fine.

I transferred to Tropic Air to fly to Ambergris Caye on a small 16-passenger aircraft. Before boarding, hands were sanitized and masks were mandatory. The flight took approximately 15 minutes to San Pedro Airport. On arrival at the resort, my temperature was checked again, hands sanitized, and shoes disinfected.

I stayed at Victoria House for two nights, a very nice four-star resort at the beach. The food and service were amazing, and the staff was incredible. I also visited Cayo Espanto, a small private island resort with only seven individual bungalows; it’s perfect for privacy and social distancing. This part of Belize is known for excellent diving and accessibility to the famous “Blue Hole,” a must for any diver.

I flew back to Belize, and a driver picked me up for my transfer to Blancaneaux Lodge. It was a three-hour drive, and the last hour was off-road through the pine forest. My suggestion would be to take a private plane since there is an airstrip next to the resort.

This resort is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, and it’s the first of his collection of five resorts worldwide. They are all individual bungalows that look like tree houses and overlook the Macal River.

A must for nature lovers and active people, I visited the Mayan ruins of Caracal in the jungle, hiked to Big Rock Waterfall, and had an amazing dinner in their organic garden. Afterwards, I went back to the beach in Placencia, which was another three-hour drive; you could also charter a private plane and fly directly.

On the way to Placencia, we stopped at the small quaint fishing village of Hopkins. Then, at the end of the Peninsula, we arrived in Placencia and the amazing Turtle Inn. This is the sister property to Blancaneaux with individual thatched roof bungalows on the beach; it has a very Balinese feel and look. They even have a private island with two bungalows that you can stay at for a few nights. They have a very large wine cellar stocked with wines from the Coppola wineries; the service and food were outstanding. A perfect ending to my trip.

Reach out when you’re ready to plan your beachside vacation in Central America!

Susanne Hamer