The Official Accommodation Guide of Belize has been published Contents by the Belize Hotel Association for over a decade. Used as the main 06 marketing tool to showcase the Welcome to Belize Belizean product at international 07 Who We Are travel tradeshows, it has become 08 a staple publication. As the Festivals + Events pandemic struck the industry, it 10 Preparing for Your Adventure was clear that change needed to be 12 met with change. The 2021 Official Living Heritage Belize Accommodation Guide is 14 Birding Nation now solely available digitally. It 15 features full-page listings of hotel BELIZE CITY & NORTHERN BELIZE members, showcases Destination 24 Destination Conservation Management Companies and 26 San Pedro 2.0 allied partners, and includes engaging articles. This guide also 27 CAYES & ATOLLS contains a broader directory of 48 Manatee Love Belize hotels. Meant to be easily 50 Photo courtesy accessible and interactive, it Find Your Workspace in Belize Island Bway Photography represents the future of Belize 52 WESTERN BELIZE travel. We hope you have an 60 enjoyable read. Belize Awaits you. Kulcha Kitchen Hotel Amenities 62 How to See Belize 63 SOUTHERN BELIZE 78 Travel with Intention Air Bar Beach Bicycle Birding Business Canoeing/ 82 Our Members Conditioning Center Kayaking 106 Directory Handicap Conference Fitness Gift Hair Car Rental Fishing Accessible Room Center Shop Dryer Photo courtesy PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Drea Reneau COVER: Kevin W. Quischan (Belizemytravels), Belizing.com, Drea Horseback Internet/ Jacuzzi/ Laundry Helipad Iron Kitchenette Reneau, Francis Canto Jr., Island Bway Riding WiFi Hot Tub Service Photography, The Belize Toursim Board, The Institute of Social and Cultural Research (NICH), Visuals by Glenn Patrick. EDITORIAL CREDITS Pet Room Safety Dining Scuba Snorkeling Wild. Beautiful. Visual Designer: Christina H. Kee Friendly Service Box Content Editor: Drea Reneau Adventure. Editorial Team: Leisa Carr-Caceres, Roanne Badillo, and Stephanie Elena Photo courtesy Spa Water Visuals by Glenn Patrick Services Swimming TV Tours Sports m o .c g n zi li e B y s te r u o c "Indulge in the scent s o t o h Welcome to Belize of fresh, salt air and P As the world faces an unprecedented global health crisis, the tourism sector is laid-back island Photos cou rtesy undergoing a period of prolonged hardship. COVID-19 has fundamentally altered the culture." Beliz ing. com global travel landscape. In the Caribbean region, where nations are heavily It gives us great pleasure that you reliant on tourism revenues, the crisis has had a much deeper impact. join us as we reopen our doors Belize is one such nation. The stakes are particularly high in Belize, to the world. Your safety and that as the tourism sector contributes 46% of our GDP. Nonetheless, of our people is the number one we have proven ourselves to be naturally resilient. So then, what priority. One thing that the COVID-19 is it that sets Belize apart from other destinations and why pandemic has proven is that, in all should you continue to visit? It isn’t just our low population aspects of our lives, we should strive density and top-notch health and safety standards. In an to build long-lasting connections with alternate universe that parallels the fast-paced, outside nature, with people, and with self. The world’s hustle and bustle, Belize is a curious place where perfect place for building these connections time dances to a much more leisurely rhythm. It is a is Belize, where physical distancing is a natural place where happy hour is whenever, and summer never occurrence. In northern Belize, tasty cuisine will ends. The richness of Caribbean cultures mixed with fiery satiate your hunger and inspire you to be unrestrained Mestizo zings to create an exotic fusion that can only be to new experiences. In the south, the sound of Garifuna experienced here. This is a place where business and drums will awaken your dancing soul, and the unique cultures pleasure do mix. A destination where socially distancing is will enthrall your mind. To the west, goosebumps will abound as you jump a given, as you are surrounded by varying wild landscapes. into the shallows and plunge pools of charming waterfalls. In the east, learn about The warmth of our friendly people, the language, the laid-back our history at the old capital, Belize City, or dive into the turquoise waters of the ambiance, majestic ancient sites and activities to enjoy, short Caribbean Sea. Explore the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World distances and the ease of travel, our stellar telecommunication Heritage Site, dotted with national parks and marine reserves. The nearby islands networks, and 21st-century amenities-- all combine to make your of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are enchanting and will captivate you as you stay easy, enjoyable and memorable whether you’re looking for action- stroll down one of their secluded beaches and indulge in the scent of fresh, salt air packed and fun-filled adventures, business leisure, sight-seeing, or pure HON. ANTHONY MAHLER and laid-back island culture. Do not forget about our magnificent Maya sites, stunning MINISTER OF TOURISM & relaxation. My name is Ted Tejada, President of the Belize Hotel Association. It is my DIASPORA RELATIONS caves, and exotic wildlife that are tucked deep in the rainforests throughout this pleasure to welcome you to this wonder-filled place I call home. Belize should always amazing nation. As Minister of Tourism, Hon. Anthony Mahler, I invite you to take out be on your travel list. Your dream vacation awaits. your brushes of curiosity and start painting your adventure in Belize. We look forward to being a part of your visit to Belize, as you give us this opportunity to remind you why you love to travel and where you want to be. "A destination where social distancing is TED TEJADA PRESIDENT a given, as you are surrounded by varying BELIZE HOTEL ASSOCIATION wild landscapes." A Natural Occurence 4 5 The Belize Hotel Association Who We Are Scholarship Fund The Belize Hotel Association (BHA) is a BHA Board of Directors non-profit, non-government organization and Belize’s oldest private sector tourism organization. Its membership is comprised primarily of accommodation providers, namely hotels, resorts, lodges, condominiums, educational facilities, and allied members, which includes tour operators and ancillary businesses that service the hospitality BHA Office Team industry. The BHA works diligently to support the sustainable growth of member hotels and This fund was established in 2011 with the purpose to provide educational funding for children of employees the tourism industry in Belize through global working with BHA member hotels and businesses, marketing initiatives, private and public sector who are unable to meet financial obligations for their partnerships, and training opportunities aimed child’s secondary or tertiary level education. This year at increased standards and professional the Belize Hotel Association has financed education for five students across the country of Belize. Thanks to the service. Above all, the Belize Hotel Association's immeasurable generosity of our members and to the local mission is to promote and unify its members, business community who have donated gift certificates, placing the Belizean product at the forefront of cash, and gift packages for our raffles and auctions, the Belize Hotel Association proudly continues to support the hospitality industry worldwide. "We're better together." students every year. For more information or to make a donation to the fund, email us at [email protected] or call +501-223-0669. The Belize Hotel Association The Belize Hotel Association believes 115 Barrack Road / Belize City / PO Box 2480 in the education of young minds - our T. +501-223-0669 / WhatsApp. +501-632-0398 E. [email protected] country's future. Festivals May ◌ 1st - Labor Day & Events ◌ BTB LOVE Belize Sea Challenge ◌ Caye Caulker Coconut Festival ◌ Crooked Tree Cashew Festival ◌ Mother’s Day Cycling Classic January ◌ 24th - Sovereign’s Day (Commonwealth Day) 1st - New Year’s Day ◌ ◌ Frenchie's Offshore Open October Krem New Year’s Cycling Classic Pan American Day ◌ ◌ San Ignacio Festival August ◌ ◌ Horse Racing in Burrell Boom ◌ Annual Belikin Beer Blue Water Classic ◌ Chocolate Festival of Belize ◌ International Costa Maya Festival ◌ Belize Birding Festival ◌ San Joaquin Festival ◌ Tide Fish Festival ◌ Willows Bank Fyah Haat Festival February June ◌ Maya Deer Dance Festival Valentine Cycling Classic ◌ ◌ San Pedro Lobsterfest ◌ Tres Pescados Slam Tournament Orange Walk Rum Festival ◌ ◌ Caye Caulker Lobsterfest ◌ Hike & Bike for the Rainforest November Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival ◌ ◌ Placencia Lobsterfest ◌ Stann Creek Agriculture Fair Carnaval de San Pedro ◌ ◌ Día de San Pedro Celebration ◌ Battle of the Drums ◌ Hopkins Mango Festival September ◌ 19th - Garifuna Settlement Day ◌ Annual Belize Archaeology Symposium ◌ 27th - San Pedro Township Day ◌ Queen of the Bay Pageant March ◌ Orange Walk Tacos Festival ◌ Sir Barry Bowen Belikin Bash ◌ 9th - National Heroes & Benefactors Day ◌ Miss Universe Belize ◌ La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge July ◌ 10th - St. George’s Caye Day ◌ SanCas Belmopan Cycling Classic ◌ Grand Caribe Deep-Sea Classic ◌ Flag Raising Ceremonies & Parade December Fishing Tournament ◌ Fire Engine Parade ◌ The Love FM Christmas Parade ◌ Benque Viejo Fiesta ◌ Carnival King & Queen ◌ San Pedro Boat Lighting Parade April ◌ Orange Walk Fiestarama ◌ Belize