We usually go to Mexico for Thanksgiving but it's getting to be a bit too much of the "same old thing". I'm considering going to Belize next year instead and spending part of the time inland in the rainforest and part of the time on the coast. Has anyone been there and have suggestions of nice places to stay?

Lauri, We were in Belize last January on the Navigator with Pam and mark. Can't give you any suggestions on where to stay but the town was fun to explore and good shopping!The beaches were typical, white sand, turquoise water and many watering holes ;)with mariachi bands. I liked it.

Suzie,

Where did you stop in Belize? Belize City or one of the smaller towns?

Was the shopping less touristy than, say, Cozumel?

Lauri, I can't offer any suggestion where to stay either but we were there on our SA cruise and enjoyed it. Did the "gondola ride through the jungles" which was lots of fun. Belize was less touristy IMO than Cozumel.

Lauri, we have not been to Belize but had a stop at Roatan (coastal island off Honduras) in 2000. At that time we found pristine snorkeling conditions and had a wonderful day. It was not until after we returned home and my husband went to the Red Cross for his regular blood donation we learned that since we had been in an area still marked as Malaria country that he was ineligible for donating for 2 years. I seem to remember we then searched the internet and learned that at that time Belize was also on the same list. This may have changed in the time since then but you might want to check it out. (We were there in the daylight, never saw a mosquito and were fine but understand how guidelines must be followed to protect the blood supply.)

Kathy....I had the same experience after visiting the area - Guatamala was on the list too as I recall - I think I'm able to give blood again this month - guess I'll make an appointment!

Lauti, our SS cruise stopped in Belize last month. We then boarded a cessna to dive in Ambercris cay in vic of San Pedro--magnificent diving. We saw some nice properties in San Pedro; Sun Breeze Hotel, Ramon's..pls google for more..

I enjoyed the diving so much am diving in Belize the 4-11 June around the full moon period in hopes of diving with Whale Sharks who feed on culberra snapper during this time.

Did research and love this property:

www.hamanasi.com

Check the website it hosts many wonderful hikes/excusions: Mayflower Jungle & Waterfall Hike | Cave & Jungle Adventure
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve | Tropical Birding
Jungle River Canoeing & Kayaking | Magical Mayan History Tour. Plus, the website's dive descriptions are the best I have seen on the web. If Ida was going their tree houses sound very romantic!

It gets rave reviews, has a superb website--can't give u first hand recommendation yet, but
I am going there.

PS..check the cruise review thread for Alice's photos while onboard the cessna.

r/wes

YRS, YES, YES. We spent much time in Belize on a land tour with the University of Arizona. Lamani has a lovely lodge and good but small ruins. If you have a chance to move around, Xananchinich (?) is a very exciting pyramid. There is a small ruin not far from Belize City. On the cays, there is great snorkeling and diving. Belize City has little to recommend it. We stayed at the Fort George Hotel. This is just touching the things I remember off the top of my head. Oh, yes, Lamani is up the New River with access either by boat or bad road.

Hamanasi looks great! I'd be very eager to hear your impression of it when you return.

Two other resorts I've found that look nice are the Lodge at Chaa Creek and the Inn at Robert's Grove. They have a package where you can split the time between the two properties and also visit Tikal in Guatemala. Does anyone have first hand experience with these properties?

The Lodge at Cha Creek is very nice but not typical of Belize. Chan Chich is wonderful with much to do in the area and beautiful wih typical Belizian food. We loved it. International Expeditions had an excellent one week or ten day tour, also.

BTW don't forget, it is not just Malaria, but DENGUE in our part of the world...that being said, I've never caught it when I've gone home, but its no fun and there is no vaccine or cure...you just have to let it run its course.

Don't let fear manage travel plans. You are more likely to slip in your shower or have an accident in your car.

Does this mean I would have to take malaria prophylaxis in Belize? That doesn't really thrill me. I hadn't read that anywhere while I was researching places to stay.

Hi Lauri

When Wes said he was going back, it inspired me to do some research. Just so happens that the Dec/Jan issue of Budget Travel magazine has an article on Ambergris Cay. Lodging recommendations are The Tides Beach Resort and Xanadu Island. I also checked the Conde Nast Gold List and found Turtle Inn in Placenia and Blancaneaux Lodge in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

We also love Belize but do expect it to be rustic, unless things have really changed. We were always on a boat, but spent some great nights on St. George's Cay - out of Belize City (wonderful diving), and drove from Amberguis Cay into the jungle to Chaa Creek and from there into Guatemala. The roads were terrible and it was very slow going but a real adventure. Stop at the Belize Zoo - that's an experience. We loved Chaa Creek and it's wonerful for a few days. Can do Guatemala from there. I'd avoid Belize City, go to St. George's if you want to dive,then a few days in Amberguis Cay and on to the jungle. My favorite hotel in Amberguis Cay is about a mile out of town called "Victoria House"-used to be owned by peole from Houston. It would be a real change from Cozumel. Jan

I stayed at Victoria House, too, and found the cottages delightful. But don't go to Belize for the food. Most dinners were a variation of beans, rice and road-killed chicken. On Ambergris Cay there were no mosquitos. On the mainland, YES.

Lauri - check the top of your screen to see the private message I sent you re: malaria prophlaxis.

Kim, Lauri;

After more research and realizing diving with Whale Sharks (out of Placencia) means putting up with 45 min boat rides--often choppy conditions (have to watch seasickness) am looking at other properties (Hamanasi via trip advisor did not get sterling dive shop reviews). Turtle Inn has a terrific website and yes, it is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, but it does not have A/C--not for me. Am looking at Roberts Grove in Placencia--gets generally good property and diving (whale shark dive) reviews--but u still have the long boat rides to deal with.

Lauri, if money is no object, look at cayo espanto, suite for two for a week $12,000

Have found El Pescador in Ambergris Caye--gets almost 100% glowing reviews (property & dive shop) with terrific food (almost all inclusive).
And diving from their dock is minutes away!

For me altho (& thanks for the tips kim) the tTides and Xanadu do not offer any meal plans--so after a day of diving you have to venture out in San Pedro to eat--not my cup of tea.

Will post back once I make final decision

r/Wes

Thanks for posting, Wes. We just returned from a weekend ski trip to Maine. Resort was only about 1/4 open, but we were happy to be on the slopes and happy that our favorite sushi restaurant was still in business in Bethel.

Alice is still talking about going back to Belize. We will look forward to hearing about your final decision. She would love to go for her birthday in August, but that would be during the "rainy season". I keep thinking... so many place still to dive that we haven't been to yet. But, Belize was delightful and it was so nice to have shared the day with you.

So, Lauri, are you still thinking of going?!

Kim

I'm strongly considering it. While my husband and I are certified divers, we will have our 9 year old daughter along so we may not do too much diving. I do plan on lots of snorkeling though. I like the idea of spending some time in the rainforest as well. I guess right now I'm still leaning towards a combo of Chaa Creek and Robert's Grove.

Lauri, I think you selected a good mix for inland and island activities...I reallylike Robert's Grove--but for the distance to the dive sites. Risa Frackman, one of the owners of Robert's Grove is courteous, friendly and answers your questions quickly..r/wes