With vacation season on the horizon, travelers hunting for a bargain will find wallet-friendly options in Belize as hotels are slashing prices and boosting inclusive packages for the summer months.
Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Maya temples, exotic wildlife and more, Belize provides an unforgettable vacation. And with a fixed exchange rate of BZ$2 to US$1, travelers will naturally save even more on their summer trips.
Below is a list of specific offers that begin in the summer and run through Belize’s low season (October 31) and are tailored to fit a range of travelers - from couples seeking romantic escapes to families in search of safe summer destinations. Travelers can also find a full roster of hot summer deals on Belize’s official travel website, TravelBelize.org.
SUMMER ROMANCE FOR A BARGAIN
Featuring remote islands, mesmerizing waterfalls and affordable luxuries, Belize is the ideal getaway for couples in search of rousing romantic destinations. From seaside star-gazing on the white beaches of Placencia to breathtaking sunsets on the Maya temples of Caracol in the Cayo District, Belize’s awe-inspiring attractions are sure to sizzle any couple’s summer. While the country’s romance website, Belize In Love, features romantic packages offered year-round, below are two summer deals perfect for stirring up a little romance.
The Palms Oceanfront Resort – Oceanfront Romance Package
Description: A 6 day/5 night romantic escape in an oceanfront suite for US$525 per person (double occupancy). Package Includes: beautiful oceanfront suite; half day snorkeling along the famous Hol Chan Marine; free snorkeling equipment; swimming with the sharks and stingrays; complimentary land transfer to and from the Palms Resort; free bottle of local Belizean rum; and more.
Booking Dates: May 1 – November 14, 2011
Telephone: 011-501-226-3322
Website: www.belizepalms.com
Location: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Belizean Dreams Resort – Romantic Getaway Beach Honeymoon Package
Description: An 8 day/7 night honeymoon getaway for US$2,220 per person (double occupancy). Package includes: suite with panoramic ocean-views; private candlelight dinner anywhere in the resort; three Belizean meals at the Woven Palm Restaurant; lunches (on tours); US$350 bar tab voucher per couple; free use of kayaks, bicycles and snorkeling gear; air transfer to and from airport to resort; five tours or activities of your choice; and more.
Booking Dates: May 30 – December 19, 2011
Telephone: 011-501-523-7271
Website: www.belizeandreams.com
Location: Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District
REASONABLE RELAXATION
For those seeking a relaxing vacation to unwind from daily stress, Belize’s tranquil waters, breezy seaside resorts and pristine rainforests are just a taste of what’s to come with a tropical summer escape. Whether enjoying stunning views of the Caribbean Sea from your swinging hammock or one of Belize’s many pampering spa treatments, you will receive a refreshing reboot by the end of your trip. Visit TravelBelize.org for a full listing of rejuvenating activities and see below for two packages designed to alleviate stress and immerse travelers in a state of bliss and relaxation.
The Phoenix Resort – Summer Relaxation Package
Description: A 6 day/5 night stay for 10% off low season rates. Package Includes: 10% discount for the resort’s onsite restaurants Red Ginger, Blue Water Grill and Caliente and Wine de Vine; airport transportation to and from resort; gift pack of world-famous Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce and all natural jams and jellies; and more.
Booking Dates: July 6 – August 31, 2011
Telephone: 1-877-822-5512
Website: www.thephoenixbelize.com
Location: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Blackbird Caye Eco Resort – Low Season Relaxation Package
Description: An 8 day/7 night stay for US$1,199 per person. Package Includes: private beachfront cabana; meals; free nitrox diving and access to marine-biologist; and more.
Booking Dates: April 30 – October 29, 2011
Telephone: 866-909-7333 or 415-567-7333
Website: www.blackbirdresort.com
Location: Turneffe Atoll
ADVENTURE FOR LESS
Travelers in search of daring and bold excursions will find Belize’s vast attractions to provide heart-pumping, electrifying experiences they’ll never forget. With historic Maya temples, the Great Barrier Reef and the region’s largest cave system, Belize is the ideal destination for adventure seekers. In fact, below are five summer packages that feature exhilarating activities such as jungle hikes, zip-lining, thrilling water sports and more.
The Palms Oceanfront Resort – Adventure Dive Package
Description: An 8 day/7 night stay in an oceanfront suite for US$1,099 per person (double occupancy). Package Includes: 5 days of local diving; two diving tanks; free land transfer to and from the Palms Resort; and more.
Booking Dates: May 1 – November 14, 2011
Telephone: 011-501-226-3322
Website: www.belizepalms.com
Location: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Table Rock Jungle Lodge – Kaxanbil Vacation Package
Description: A 6 day/5 night stay including a tour of the ancient Maya sites in western Belize for US$1090 per person. Package Includes: guided jungle and farm tours; self-guided canoeing, tubing, hiking, mountail biking, bird-watching and river swimming trips; adventure tours to ATM Caves, the Caracol ruins or the Xunantunich ruins; all meals and after-dinner dessert; round trip transfers to and from Belize City; and more.
Booking Dates: May 1 – October 31, 2011
Telephone: 011-501-834-4040
Website: www.tablerockbelize.com
Location: Near San Ignacio, Cayo District
Chabil Mar – Maya Culture and Education Package
Description: An 8 day/7 night stay in a luxury villa with partial sea views for US$2,504 per person (double occupancy). Package Includes: visits to the Maya Center Museum, Maya history seminar as well as music and dance demonstrations; visit to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve at the Maya Center and the Lim Ni Punit archeological tour; visits to Maya families in Blue Creek and Indian Creek; roundtrip airfare between Belize City International and the Placencia Airport; transportation to and from airport; six breakfasts, four lunches (on tours) and five dinners at Chabil Mar; and more.
Booking Dates: Now through December 16, 2011 (Not Available: April 16 – April 30, 2011 and September 25 – October 29, 2011)
Telephone: 011-501-523-3606
Website: www.chabilmar.com
Location: Placencia, Stann Creek District
Tranquility Lodge – Chocolate Lover’s Special
Description: A 4 day/3 night stay for US$879 per person (double occupancy). Package Includes: chocolate themed meals; cacao trail tour; one Maya ruins tour; Tropic Air transfer with complimentary land transportation to and from airport; and more.
Booking Dates: April 15 – December 15, 2011
Telephone: 1-800-819-9088 or 011-501-677-9921
Website: www.tranquility-lodge.com
Location: Punta Gorda, Toledo District
Exotic Caye Beach Resort – Summer Package
Description:An 8 day/7 night stay in an oceanview, one bedroom condo for US$899 per couple. Package Includes: daily breakfast for two; full bath and fully equipped kitchenette; and more. Children under the age of 12 stay for free (maximun of 2 per room).
Divers - Add US$239 per person for 3 days of diving including all dive equipment.
Adventurers - Add US$248 per person for 3 exciting tours: Mayan Ruins, Cave Tubing & the Belize Zoo. Flight to the mainland and back included for tours only.
Booking Dates: May 1 – August 1, 2011
Telephone: 001-501-226-2870
Website: www.belizeisfun.com
Location: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
About Belize
As one of the last unspoiled places on earth, Belize offers travelers the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a Caribbean getaway. With direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, this tropical paradise is nestled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. For generations, the English-speaking people of Belize have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the country’s unique charms. Belize offers a land rich in natural beauty and steep in the history and culture of its Maya past. Renowned for having the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize’s pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush unspoiled landscapes and superb diving truly make it Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret. For more information on how you can be one with Belize, visit www.travelbelize.org.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".