BELIZE Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret LATIN AMERICA TRAVEL WORLD NEWS - SECTION THREE - APRIL 2007 Belize: Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret From snorkeling to helicopter tours, family vacations or romantic getaways, the upcoming summer season offers a wealth of vacation packages to choose from on your adventure to Belize. BY JENNIFER M. LANE nuggled between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, relaxed, English- Sspeaking Belize is an adven- turer's paradise. It is a land rich in natural beauty and steeped in the magic of its Maya past. Renowned for pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush unspoiled landscapes, and superb diving, Belize is Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret. Only a two-hour plane ride from the con- tinental United States, Belize features a di- versity of adventure opportunities un- matched by any other country, and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests, majestic mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond comparison. In a single day, one can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier Astrum Helicopters offers a spectacular view of Victoria Peak. reef in the Western Hemisphere. The upcoming summer season is filled with a diverse group of programs and packages in Belize, and garden rooms to private, beachfront, Casita’s, or suites ac- the following properties and tour operators offer opportuni- commodating two to eight people. Guests will have ties to participate in a wide range of sightseeing, cultural, and 12-14 spa treatments to choose from, including massage, outdoor activities with something for every need and budget. scrub and wrap options, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and a choice of facials, hair, nails, plus complimentary Yoga. For Almond Beach Resort daily adventure trips, snorkel the reef, explore the Jaguar Almond Beach is an outstanding luxury resort in Belize, lo- Reserve, climb a Mayan site, float through ancient caves, and cated beside the famous Jaguar Reef Lodge. It is ideal for explore local areas. honeymoons, anniversaries, family vacations, fishing and Price for seven nights accommodation, meals, beer and diving vacations. They are close to a number of Belize's wine, spa services, adventure trips, internal transfers, taxes National Parks, Mayan ruins, and world famous diving and and service charges is from $1,660 ppdo. fishing. Their sister resort, Jaguar Reef Lodge, offers a num- An exclusive spa adventure package is also being planned ber of tours to explore the eco-wonders of Belize's diverse that will provide the ultimate spa experience, limited to only wildlife and landscape. eight guests on four occasions in 2007. Their new spa, Butterflies, opening by May, 2007 at Almond Almond Beach Resort, 866-624-1516, Beach Belize will have it all: Scuba Spa, Snorkel Spa, Jungle www.almondbeachbelize.com,www.belizespa.com Spa, and Beach Spa. Guests will have a unique opportunity to combine the best of Belize, with the best of spa therapies – Astrum Helicopters massage, hydrotherapy, scrubs, wraps and body polishes, fa- Astrum Helicopters offer helicopter tours and helicopter cials, hair and nail care in this beautiful new spa on the quiet chartered flights. They specialize on transfers to San Pedro, south coast of Belize. Ambergris Caye, Placencia or any destination in Belize. Their Butterflies Spa is offering three exciting Spa Weeks featur- custom helicopter tours can take passengers to the Blue Hole, ing inclusive packages which include meals, accommoda- Glovers Reef, Turneffe Islands, Victoria Peak, 1000 ft Falls, tion, local transfers, taxes and services and a choice of Spa Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamania, or many other destinations in Treatments uniquely integrated into an exploration of the nat- Belize. ural rain forest jungle, reef, and culture of Belize Their Helicopter Adventure to the Blue Hole is a once in a There is a choice of accommodation from single or double lifetime adventure that takes passengers to see two of the 2 • APRIL 2007 • LATIN AMERICA www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News three atolls in Belize which has the All prices are for the helicopter, on the beachfront picnics, and rooftop candle- largest Barrier Reef in the Western Bell 206 B3 Jet Ranger five place heli- light dinners. Daily excursions can be Hemisphere. Once in flight, see Belize copter (up to four passengers, weight arranged for diving and fishing with the City from the air, and fly over Drowned restrictions apply). Tours depart from best dive masters and guides. Cayes and Gallows Pt. Further along Cisco Base, Belize City. Azul Resort, [email protected], will be the beautiful view of Turneffe Astrum Helicopters will offer a five www.azulbelize.com Islands. The adventure continues into percent discount on their Helicopter the open ocean heading towards the Adventures until November 15, 2007. Best Western Belize Lighthouse Reef Atoll, beyond the bar- Astrum Helicopters, Biltmore Plaza Hotel rier en route to the Blue Hole, the 888-ASTRUM4, Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza largest ocean sinkhole in the world. The www.astrumhelicopters.com Hotel is a full service Caribbean style flight will also take you over one of hotel situated in the quiet and serene Belize’s largest protected areas, Half Azul Resort residential area of Bella Vista on the Moon Caye Natural Monument. Price Azul Resort is a new, all-inclusive lux- northern outskirts of Belize City. is $1,700. ury property that combines the space, The hotel is perfectly accessible on Helicopter Adventure to 1,000 ft Falls privacy and comforts of a private villa the Mundo Maya route, between & Victoria Peak is a journey that follows with the amenities and services of a Mexico and Guatemala on the the Burdon Canal, heads to Northern world-class resort. Azul consists of two Northern Highway. It is three miles Lagoon, flies over the Sibun River, then private, luxurious 3,000-square foot vil- from downtown Belize City and seven over the beautiful forest of Belize. Fly las situated on 400 feet of beachfront miles from the Phillip Goldson over the small but famous bathing spots and 10 quiet acres. The villas of Azul are International Airport. The Biltmore is such as Freetown Sibun, Butcher Burns, designed to marry the best of natural el- ideally located for day trips to the Cedar Bank and Gracy Rock Bank. ements and materials with modern nearby Maya ruins and sanctuaries Then, fly over Caves Branch where you comforts and sophisticated conve- where endangered creatures roam will be able to see the beauty of the river niences. freely in the wild. Belize World Heritage as it flows through the cave system. Rates for Summer and Fall (June 1- sites, such as the Blue Hole and the Ahead of Caves Branch lays the forest of December 15) are $1,995 (double), CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 the Mountain Pine Ridge. Visit the $2,395 (quadruple occupancy) and largest waterfall in Belize and in $4,790 for a full resort rental (maximum Central America called 1000 ft Falls. occupancy of eight). Rates are inclusive After, head up across the Mountain Pine of daily full breakfast, lunch, dinner, Ridge area to have a bird’s eye view of and snacks in their famous Rojo Victoria Peak. The tour then heads Lounge; all drinks from the well stocked north across the Stann Creek District bar; exceptional wines; premium room and Hummingbird Highway. Price is amenities that include bicycles, Ipod $2,000. docks, Nespresso machines and per- Helicopter Adventure to the Maya sonal concierge; roundtrip transfers Ruins of Altun Ha & Lamanai takes you from the San Pedro Airstrip; a staff to over the International Airport where guest ratio of 3:1; and all taxes and ser- you will fly over Salt Creek Estate. vices charges. Moving along, you will fly over the Old A stay at Azul can be customized to ac- Northern Highway. The flight heads commodate both special occasions and over to the Altun Ha Maya Ruins lo- special interests. From catering the re- cated north of Belize City. Continuing hearsal dinner to planning the morning on the journey, you will fly over a rain- after brunch, they specialize in hosting forest canopy across Northern Belize and planning weddings. With one of the and then the famous Crooked Tree most picturesque settings for a beach- Wildlife Sanctuary. You will land at a front wedding, a spacious pool and private airstrip where you will be trans- patio area for a reception, and a beach- ported to the Mayan Ruins of Lamanai front deck and palapa area for dining for a private tour of the site. Next, head and dancing, Azul is the perfect setting AAmmbbeerrggrriiss CCaayyee,, BBeelliizzee back to Belize City where you will get a for a tropical wedding. Honeymoon PPaacckkaaggeess AAvvaaiillaabbllee bird’s eye view of the city. Price is packages offer private massages and 11--880000--668888--00119911 $1,905 spa treatments in your villa, romantic wwwwww..ssuunnbbrreeeezzee..nneett Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com LATIN AMERICA • APRIL 2007 • 3 BELIZE FROM PAGE 3 Barrier Reef, are easily accessible. property, is still evolving and is not yet scheduled flight from Placencia to Business travelers are afforded a intended to offer the same luxurious Belize International Airport. peaceful setting to do their business comforts and amenities as its sister Package Price from April 10 – transactions, utilizing the business cen- properties in Belize. However, the close May 31 and December 1 - 19, 2007 is ter at their convenience and still having proximity to the important Mayan site $4,962 per couple. Package price from easy access to the commercial and fi- of Tikal, the beautiful lake shore setting, June 1 – November 30, 2007 is $4,607 nancial districts of the country. and the stylish ambiance make it a great per couple.