The country of Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, below Mexico and next to Guatemala. It is a small, stable country covered with exotic rain forests and some of the longest white sand beaches in the world.
Just off Belize’s 280 kilometer Caribbean coastline is the second largest barrier reef in the world, along with a network of over 200 coral cays and atolls. Tropical Fish of every imaginable populate the placid aquamarine waters off the coast. Gentle Nurse Sharks average 4-6 feet in length and dive masters often feed them small fish. Rays, which have a “wing span” of 2-4 feet, swim directly towards the divers. Tourists will have great delight in the Manatee, Grouper, Snapper and all of the other marine life. Most of the creatures in this area have great tolerance for divers and seem to enjoy human interaction.
Visit the excavated remains of the ancient cities of Altun Ha and Lamanai, which attest to the wealth and sophistication of the Mayans’ glorious past. Near the Guatemalan border, the Cayo region encompasses nature sanctuaries, the majestic Hidden Valley Falls, the lively town of San Ignacio and many splendid Mayan ruins. Some Travelers have claimed to have experienced nirvana from the summit of the main pyramid of Xunantunich, which offers a sweeping vista of the Mopan Valley and Guatemala.
Like most of the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize was part of the Mayan Kingdom from 300 B.C. to 900 A.D. Close by in Belize’s Inland, ruins of the vast Mayan civilization protrude from the depths of the rain forests. Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the 16th Century but were lured away by the immense quantities of gold found in Mexico, making room for the British to move in. Though Belize gained its independence in 1981, English is still the official language and elements of the British culture are still intermingled with those of the Caribbean.
Getting to Belize is easier and faster than traveling to most any other major Caribbean destination. On the mainland, there is plenty to experience and explore in this eco tourism-friendly country – Mayan ruins, the Jaguar Preserve, countless birding expeditions, and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. But with little effort – a 20-minute plane ride to Ambergris Caye and a 3-mile boat ride – you can bask in beauty and end-of-the-world-style luxury at Cayo Espanto resort.
Discover acres of lush rainforest at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, the official base camp for National Geographic Expeditions in Belize. The resort’s extravagant setting welcomes a myriad of opportunities for adventure.
This Award-Winning Jungle Resort, features 26 exceptional rooms, designed for your comfort and relaxation: A perfect way to unwind after a day’s adventure. The “Organic Design” of the air conditioned rooms mixes the vibrant, earthy colors and textures of the jungle with contemporary sophistication. They are spacious and consist of hard wood furnishings, all handcrafted and designed in Belize. Casitas feature stylish showers with open-air bathtubs, espresso machine, rooftop electric opening skylights and balconies with hammocks. All rooms are unique and designed with NO TV, to give you an exclusive and refreshing experience of being at one with nature.
Hike to the Gazebo, kayak, bird watch, mountain bike or pamper yourselves with a couple’s massage in the late afternoon, or enjoy a romantic poolside dinner as you gaze into the canopy’s edge. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge is guaranteed to appease all ages. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers, looking to embark on an invigorating and rewarding retreat in a tranquil and undisturbed atmosphere. Dedicated to Sustainable Tourism
Our Mountain View Suites are lavish fully air-conditioned units built around a cliff with views of the surrounding Maya Mountain Canopy.
The master bedroom showcases a plush king-size bed adorned with premium linens and sliding glass doors that open to a private porch with an adjoining private crystalline heated plunge pool. This is a perfect spot for a romantic dip and to be immersed in the solitude of the deep greenery that surrounds the suites. These suites reflect the vibrant colours of Belize with its décor of local mahogany wood, touches of a local grown cane on the ceilings, marble, granite and regional arts and crafts. The elegant bathroom features a marble vanity and large deep bathtub for two people.
Whether indoors or outdoors you can relax and be bordered by exuberant green tropical foliage and views to the mountains which provide a sanctuary for many native birds and wildlife. A perfect honeymooners retreat with NO TV, for those wishing to unplug, reconnect and enjoy the refreshing sensation of a jungle breeze with the complete feeling of being submerged in nature.
These Mountain View units are built around a cliff with up to 78 steps leading to the suites.
From the Barrier Reef and idyllic islands to mysterious Mayan Ruins and jungle waterfalls, Belize holds an unending opportunity for the adventurous traveler to explore. Let us share our intimate knowledge of a beautiful country and unlock the secrets of Belize for you. Go to sleep at night listening to the breathing of the sea and the singing of wind in the palms in one of our 11 spacious accommodations situated only 75 feet from the Caribbean Sea. We are the “last resort” on our beach and you can enjoy the feeling of seclusion while still being within walking distance to other resorts and the Garifuna Fishing Village of Hopkins. Foodies are welcomed at the highly acclaimed Barracuda Bar & Grill, serving world class Mediterranean Cuisine on our open air dining deck, only 30 feet from the sea. The Freshest Caribbean ingredients; Lobster, Shrimp, Fish , Steaks, Smoked items and Organic vegetables; prepared daily with a Mediterranean flair, we’re Mediteribbean! Serving Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Barracuda Bar and Grill has become one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Belize.
THE BARRACUDA
Our humble kitchen has been producing dinner here in Hopkins, Belize for over 18 years. That may not seem like that long, but when you realize that we only got electricity 22 years ago and that this kitchen was the only thing standing in the midst of dense jungle, it puts our heritage into perspective!
The original owner was a wiry old Nordic woman named Sharon, who would cook and serve right in front of you with a cigarette dangling from her mouth, its long ash hanging precariously over your food! The restaurant took a serious upturn when it was taken over in 2006 by Tony and Angela Marsico. They’d built up the Two Rivers Lodge in Fairbanks over 20 years into one of Alaska’s premier dining establishments, and brought that culinary experience to Belize.
In 2015, Tony turned over the kitchen to Shane Martinez, a young local man, whom he’d trained up from a dishwasher into the fine, young chef he is today. When the current owners took over, they worked with Shane and Dougie (his brother and sous-chef), to take what they’d learned from Tony, and produce a world-class menu that could rival the best restaurants from their home in New York City. We’ve also introduced a brunch menu that combines breakfast classics with a Belizean flair!
We’re not fully convinced we’ve reached that goal yet, but what we can promise is what the Barracuda has delivered since it was just an outpost in the jungle–quality food, using the freshest local ingredients, served in a simple beachfront setting by people who care. Since its inception, the owners have always lived above the restaurant, and that tradition continues today, with Jessica, Ryan, and their two children Fay and Rex. So when we say, we want you to feel at home, we mean it. Welcome home!
So if you’re planning a getaway and need a place to start, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at our expert top value picks in Belize and get inspired!
Chaa Creek, one of Belize’s first eco-lodges, has evolved from its humble beginnings as a working farm to become a premier luxury retreat. This sophisticated operation includes rustic-luxe, thatched-roof cottages, wonderful service, and modern amenities such as an infinity pool with jungle views and a full-service spa. The riverside setting on a private rainforest reserve is phenomenal, and myriad tours and outdoor activities are offered through the hotel. To top it off, room rates are fair for what you get — and there are even budget accommodations available at Macal River Camp, located on the property.
Xanadu Island Resort is a great pick for groups and families. It is a simple, relaxed property with 18 spacious multi-room units resting on a pretty stretch of beach minutes from central San Pedro. Condo-style rooms come with kitchens featuring full-size fridges, and dining areas, great for those who want to save money. All rooms have iPod docks, beach towels, and private decks. The hotel offers a small freshwater pool with ocean views, free kayak and bike rentals, and a number of excursions that can be arranged through the on-site tour desk. Golf cart rentals are available and there is free and reliable Wi-Fi throughout.
This laid-back, 52-room property offers a lot for the price, and has rooms on both Placencia Peninsula and two small private islands. The range of amenities is extensive, including a professional dive shop, marina (slips are available), spa, three restaurants, three outdoor ocean-view pools, and tours galore from an impressive fleet of boats. The pretty beach offers free water sports; guests can also jump off the end of the swimming pier or grab drinks at the palapa bar. The rooms have patios and basic Guatemalan- and Mexican-inspired decor (some also have kitchenettes). Free Wi-Fi and airport transfers are offered.
In recent years the world seemed to be expanding, and with that expansive feeling came a sense of possibility and hope. The year 2017, on the other hand, was challenging on many levels. Projects and programs designed to preserve and protect national treasures and create an inclusive global mindset have come under threat. The planet itself, tragically, seems to be in danger. Our vision of a global village, with myriad cultures and traditions sharing technology and resources, has become far more difficult to cultivate.
Still, the words of pilot and journalist William Langewiesche hold true. At a time when our nation is estranging longtime allies, and parts of our own country seem foreign to us, travel is one of the only ways we have to reinvent ourselves—to rise above the folly around us and show the world who we really are. “To travel,” as Aldous Huxley wrote, “is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” It is also a way to show people in other countries that they may be wrong about us.
It is impossible to ignore the fact that all of us on this small and singular planet are interdependent. This becomes poignantly clear when we travel. We become both courageous and vulnerable, leaving our comfort zones and depending on the kindness, generosity, and camaraderie of our fellow Earthlings. These unplanned encounters and invitations are the gifts of travel that Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. called “dancing lessons from God.”
Every journey, if we wish it so, is a series of surprises. A life-changing encounter could be waiting in any museum, café, or train car. And it’s during times like these—when those in power seem most intent on accentuating our differences—that we instinctively express our solidarity. To travel with open minds and hearts is to be reminded that the humanity we share is stronger than the forces that would isolate us. Whether we are traveling to Colombia or Benin, to Mongolia or Vanuatu, we have the opportunity to unravel the knot that Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters defined in three words: Us and Them.
Travel is thrilling, inspiring, even life-changing. It’s also one of the world’s most powerful economic engines and can drive the way whole countries treat their citizens, indigenous people, oceans, wildlife, rivers, and forests. Travel is in fact the world’s largest industry—about ten per cent of the world’s people depend on travel-related jobs for their livelihoods.
This means that travelers have enormous power. Where we put our footprints, and our dollars, has reverberations that reach far beyond our personal experience. By “voting with our wings”—choosing our destinations well and cultivating our roles as citizen diplomats—we can change the world for the better.
Every year, Ethical Traveler reviews the policies and practices of hundreds of nations in the developing world. We then select the ten that are doing the most impressive job of promoting human rights, preserving the environment, and supporting social welfare—all while creating a lively, community-based tourism industry. By visiting these countries, we can use our economic leverage to reward good works and support best practices.
We urge you to explore these destinations and to enjoy the wonderful sights, scenic and cultural, that they have to offer.
Though we are diligent in creating this list, we must continually remind ourselves of something Einstein knew well: Everything is relative. In other words, no country is perfect. All have genuine and often serious shortcomings. Each of our winners, however, is making a genuine effort to “do the right thing” in the areas we take into consideration. If they appear on the list more than one year in a row, it means they are actively improving their already excellent record. We sincerely hope that inclusion on this list will motivate the people and leaders of these nations to keep up their admirable work.
Ethical Traveler is an all-volunteer non-profit organization and a project of the Earth Island Institute. No money or donations of any kind are solicited or accepted from any nations, governments, travel bureaus, or individuals in the creation of our annual list.
The Winners
Ethical Traveler congratulates the countries on our 2018 list of The World’s Ten Best Ethical Destinations. The winners, in alphabetical order (not in order of merit), are:
Belize*
Benin
Chile*
Colombia
Costa Rica*
Mongolia*
Palau
St. Kitts & Nevis
Uruguay*
Vanuatu*
Welcome to the Acquafino Island Resort and Spa official website. As a guest at our resort you will learn the very meaning of indulgence. Each guest experience is enhanced beyond the imagination by our customized delivery of our exceptional service and our passion to tailor each stay according to the tastes of our discerning client.
Acquafino is located on a private island but located only 5 minutes from the bustling town of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. With private “on demand” complimentary water transportation and our optional butler assistance, we have created a seamless opportunity to stay on a private island in luxury.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Villas at Acquafino are simply stunning. Each villa is equipped with a full gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, wireless internet , 55″ flat screen television and 24hr concierge service . The Villas have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers.Perfectly located right on the waters edge, the Villas offer a huge covered deck with a private infinity pool and loungers to enjoy that well deserved private retreat.
ACQUA SPA
At Acquafino Resort we are pleased to offer some of the most unique and tailored treatments available in the Caribbean. Our SPA services are designed to stimulate the inner soul with customized enhancements according to your desires while using branded hand made Belizean spa products. Our highly trained staff will exceed your expectations as they master the art of personalized service for each individual in a way that is unmatched and will keep you coming back for more…
Full disclosure: booking a private island isn’t for the faint of funds. But for those whose credit limit is insanely high, chartering a private island is just about the swankiest travel experience there is. These ten tropical resorts — sprinkled throughout Oceania, the Caribbean, and beyond — offer island buyout rates or offshore private islands that you can have all to yourself.
Owned by the Coppola family, Turtle Inn is a laid-back (but still celeb-attracting) luxury resort in Placencia, Belize. Of the property’s 25 ultra-luxe room options (including cottages, villas, and private homes), the most exclusive is Coral Caye, a two-acre private island eight miles offshore. Up to 12 people can stay on the remote isle, sleeping in its two eco-chic cottages, exploring its coral beach and mangroves, and kicking back in its living room/bar/kitchen area (an indoor/outdoor space, complete with sandy floors) or hammock suspended over the water. The island is off of the Belize Barrier Reef — the second-largest barrier reef in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site — so snorkelers have their investigative work cut out for them. And don’t worry about cooking — island butlers and chefs visit Coral Caye to prepare all meals, like Creole seafood barbecues.
From the moment guests step foot on Nukubati, the resort’s authentic Fijian atmosphere is palpable. Staff members graciously welcome new arrivals by shaking their hands, learning their names, and gifting them with handmade leis. Though incredible hospitality is a Fijian trademark, Nukubati’s staff members are the best in the business, and the resort’s intimate nature is hard to replicate. Nukubati is an adults-only resort, unless the entire property is chartered by a large group or extended family — then children of all ages are allowed. With only seven rooms, Nukubati offers plenty of privacy and a supremely quiet atmosphere, making it popular with honeymooners and vacationing couples. Nukubati is also a popular wedding destination, and hosts several throughout the year.
This South Pacific Four Seasons outpost, located in French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands, is one of the best resorts in Bora Bora. The hotel experience begins at the airport, where resort reps greet guests with flower leis and cold towels before whisking them away on a boat to the hotel’s private motu (tiny island). The resort’s stunning natural beauty is its best feature, but it is also packed with fantastic amenities, like a beautiful infinity-edge pool with massive private cabanas and four on-site restaurants. For a mighty cost, high rollers can claim the entire island for themselves (and 249 of their nearest and dearest).
For a millennial Maldivian experience, the five-pearl W Maldives is the place to be. In addition to its picture-worthy lagoon and beach, casual gourmet restaurants, and chic bars, the W is home to the Maldives’ only underground club (with a resident DJ, no less). Many of its 75 large and trendy rooms rooms sit over the ocean, but for even more sea views and privacy, the W can shuttle guests off to its own private island, Gaathafushi, for the day or an overnight stay. The resort also has an 80-foot yacht available for private cruises and overnight journeys on the sea.
Swathed inside the Quirimbas Archipelago marine sanctuary, this uninhabited 86-acre island is a faraway paradise for snorkeling and diving lovers. Its nine waterfront villas can accommodate up to 18 guests, with each unit containing an indoor/outdoor shower, a stocked minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private front porch with unobstructed views of the sea. Serenity is the name of the game here, as the island lies fully within protected waters and not even a far-off motor boat will disturb the unreal beauty and utmost peace.
Koh Munnork Private Island Resort by Epikurean Lifestyle, Thailand
Crystalline waters lap on all sides of Koh Munnork, an island resort in the Gulf of Siam — purportedly the only private-island resort in Thailand. Each of its 24 rustic-chic cottages comes with queen-sized beds, free bottled water, rainfall showers, and private balconies or terraces, and the seven Beachfront Cottages have direct access to the sand. A handful of resort essentials are at hand: an open restaurant on the beach, a beach bar, a pool with all-day food and drink service, and plenty snorkeling and kayaking gear.
Crowds and commotion are impossible at Le Sauvage, a private island that’s a one-hour boat ride south of its main resort, Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa in French Polynesia. Here, there are just five Polynesian-style bungalows, made from bamboo and pandanus, and a dining area where an island host prepares meals, often using seafood caught that day. The bungalows feature canopy beds and bathrooms with hot-water showers and eco-friendly toiletries, but there’s no electricity or Wi-Fi on the island. Le Sauvage guests (10 max) spend their days ranging over the seemingly endless South Pacific lagoon by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, and, at night, hanging out under the light of lanterns and the stars.
Just 22 units (one-bedroom cottages and two-bedroom beach villas) are scattered about the 115 acres that form this private island in the Caribbean’s St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The eco-friendly resort accommodates parties of up to 56 people, who have use of the two restaurants and bars, wine cellar, spa, fitness center, andseven beaches. Island buyout rates include all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and butler service (Petit St. Vincent’s staff-to-guest ratio is more than two to one).
Set in Fiji‘s dramatically beautiful Beqa Lagoon, Royal Davui Island Resort is a distant micro-world of powder-soft beaches, vivid blue waters, and lush greenery. The island’s 16 villas deliberately lack Wi-Fi, phones, and TVs so the focus is on the surrounding natural beauty and handful of amenities and activities, like two restaurants, a lagoon-facing spa, reef tours, beach barbecues, kava ceremonies, and diving (oh, the diving).
A Maldivian getaway is about as exclusive as it gets. Really, the only thing more exclusive is a Maldivian island takeover. Many resorts in the Maldives offer island buyout packages, but we’re spotlighting Velaa Private Island for its exceptional luxury (think Clarins spa, major wine cellar, and an eight-staff-members-per-guest ratio), exhaustive available activities, and stunning waterscape. The resort’s 47 units consist of luxe houses and hovering-over-the-lagoon villas — one of which, the Romantic Pool Residence, is only accessible by boat.
Wild Orchid Belize’s Marina is a unique opportunity for discerning buyers who are looking for a tropical destination and luxury property in the Caribbean. We offer all the modern conveniences and facilities of a world-class development, while being ideally located on one of planet earth’s last unspoiled places. Wild Orchid Belize is perfectly situated on a 30 acre property extending from beach to lagoon, right in the heart of the Placencia Peninsula.
However, what truly sets Wild Orchid Belize apart from the rest is our vision and philosophy. Family-owned and managed, Wild Orchid Belize promotes sustainable tourism, responsible development, and building positive relationships with our staff. We work hard to provide security and peace of mind to all our homeowners and landowners. Wild Orchid Belize is a low-density, luxury, eco-chic development, and will continue to take an active role in implementing environmentally-friendly practices in all aspects of our development.
Beautiful Contemporary Luxury Villas Available
Wild Orchid Belize’s beautiful contemporary villas feature modern design and elegant architecture, which interprets our Caribbean lifestyle perfectly. With inspirational elements from the east and warm Belizean touches, you will be sure to feel at home in Wild Orchid Belize’s amazing villa. Our design team has thoughtfully anticipated our owners’ requirements for residing in Belize and what it offers as a life choice. Wild Orchid Belize’s homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and breath-taking views of our lagoon and our mayan mountains.
Wild Orchid Belize’s villas are designed to allow you to move seamlessly from indoor to outdoor space. Each residence at Wild Orchid Belize features an infinity pool, surrounded by spacious terraces and beautifully-furnished seating areas.
The Central American country of Belize is great to visit year-round, with warm weather one expects from the tropics and average temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. There are two major seasons in Belize: a dry season, which starts in December and goes through March, and a wet season, which picks up in April and continues to linger until the end of November. And while many people prefer to head to Belize when the rains have subsided, a heavy calendar of cultural events and activities draws in tourists throughout the year. Here’s when to visit Belize, depending on your interests.
March – May
Photo courtesy of Belize Tourism Board
Straddling the transition from the sunny dry season to the cloudier wet season, the months of March through May are great for visiting Belize. With the exception of the week around Easter, this time of year gets fewer crowds than the big Christmas to New Years season. However, the real reason to head to Belize this time of year is for the fantastic diving opportunities. April, May, and June traditionally have the best visibility, though April and May are particularly hot with divers due to the presence of enormous whale sharks, especially around the Gladden Spit. If you want to increase your chances of interacting with the gigantic underwater creatures, visit around the full moon, when they are most active.
June – August
Photo courtesy of Belize Tourism Board
Although some of Belize’s best attractions for foodies take place in May — including the annual Chocolate Festival (which opens with a “wine and chocolate night”), June is really where it’s at, as it marks the beginning of lobster season. There are three major lobster festivals during the month, notably the San Pedro Lobsterfest, the Placencia Lobsterfest, and the Caye Caulker Lobster Festival, complete with its “Miss Lobster” pageant. And if you’ve got time, stick around until July when the Belize Tourism Board runs its annual Taste of Belize culinary competition.
July is also a good month for those who want to feel the pulse of contemporary Belizean culture at Belize Fashion Week. Benque Viejo del Carmen in the Cayo District also hosts the annual Benque Festival, which celebrates Mayan and Mestizo cultures. San Pedro on Ambergris Caye has a similar celebration in August, in which visitors from around the Mayan world descend on the town to showcase dance, music, and food from their respective regions.
September – December
Photo courtesy of Belize Tourism Board
If you’re into partying it up, February is a great time to visit Belize. Like many countries in the Caribbean region, Belize has a vibrant Carnival culture, and while there is a San Pedro Carnival held every year in the days leading up to Mardi Gras, the biggest celebrations are held in September in Belize City, when costumed performers and musicians crowd into the streets for much revelry. September is also Belize’s “Celebration Month,” with festivities honoring two major holidays: the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day (September 10), named for the battle that ultimately gave Britain — not Spain — colonial control over Belize. Later in the month, Independence Day (September 21) creates even more fanfare, with lots of partying to boot.
October’s a bit of a quieter month, while things pick up again in November with the Belize International Film Festival, featuring films from throughout the region. November 19 marks Garifuna Settlement Day, during which Caribbean Garifuna communities re-enact their community’s first arrival into the country in 1832. There are plenty of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in December, including a boat lighting parade featuring gloriously illuminated boats that sail from Boca del Rio to the Coconuts Caribbean Hotel in San Pedro.
Destination Belize Magazine 