When JetBlue made its inaugural flight from JFK Airport in 2000, I was there to witness aviation history while reporting for the New York Daily News. So, last year when I was invited to witness aviation history again, I was more than excited to join JetBlue on its inaugural flight to Belize.
The New York Airline that proudly boasts of being Queens-based, my hometown, had been serving Latin American and Caribbean destinations for over 20 years, but only recently acquired routes between New York and Belize. JetBlue offers non-stop flights just under 5 hours to Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), making it easy to go from the concrete jungle to the Belizean rainforest jungle.
Belize has been growing in popularity as a place to vacation, invest and even relocate. It’s easy to see why! With its lush green vegetation, surrounded by aqua blue waters, the average temperature is 79°F. Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language and one US Dollar will get you two Belize Dollars.
San Pedro
The once sleepy fishing town, San Pedro, ‘La Isla Bonita’ that Madonna made famous, is now a Belize tourist mecca. In an early 2000’s New York Times interview, the songstress stated that the inspiration for the name of San Pedro in her song, ‘La Isla Bonita’ was likely her reading of an exit ramp on the way to the music studio. She wasn’t a traveler then and had no knowledge of San Pedro. The song ‘‘La Isla Bonita’ begins with the line, “Last night I dreamt of San Pedro”. The Minister of Belize Tourism said Madonna’s musical theme helped attract tourists to the land.
Visitors would be thrilled to experience nightlife in San Pedro with its numerous in-town and beachside restaurants and bars. Its sandy streets are lined with wooden houses. Many people travel by bike or golf cart, as the roads are narrow and easily congested at ‘rush hour’ or school dismissal. The area boasts a vibrant nightlife, great beaches and plenty of dive shops for those who enjoy the sun, sand and sea.
With a departure from Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), board Tropic Air for a 15 minute flight to San Pedro.
Now that you know that the Caribbean Sea-side nation is a quick & easy getaway, let’s talk about the stays.
Alaia Belize
The highly impressive Alaia Belize is the first true four-diamond resort on Ambergris Caye. This boutique resort opened in 2021 in San Pedro Town and spans over 20 acres with 155 luxurious guest rooms and suites, including two and three-bedroom villas. The resort invites guests to touch, stay and feel connected to Mother Nature, from the warm and harmonious ambiance, woven textures, natural fibers, and touches of greenery throughout. Uniquely, Alaia Belize is the only luxury resort in Belize with a dive shop that also allows guests to receive a PADI certification onsite.
A stay was had in an apartment-style suite, featuring a large bedroom, comfy living room, fully equipped modern kitchen and three balconies, with one an outdoor living space facing the resort pool & lounge area. The suite was airy, light and minimal, washed in light tropical colors.
With five dining concepts, Sea Salt restaurant is the properties crown jewel featuring fresh catches of the day, high-quality seafood, and meats with a Belizean twist. The resort boasts Belize’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge with 360-degree views of the surrounding ocean and greenery. Guests can take advantage of onsite amenities including three pools, plush poolside cabanas, the K’in Spa & Wellness Center which underwent a refresh completed in May; as well as an adventure concierge, branded golf carts, bicycles and more.
Alaia Belize is where luxury upscale amenities meet a laidback locally inspired Caribbean living. Guests have exclusive access to a wine club, spa, six restaurants, four bars, and three pools, including Belize’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge.
Located in historic San Pedro, Alaia offers guests easy access to town via golf cart, inviting them to immerse themselves in the local culture. The resort sits on 1,000 feet of Mar de Tumbo beach, just 600 yards from the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve with an on-site dive and excursions shop.
Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
Far from civilization, deep in the jungle is Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge a luxurious eco-resort situated on a vast private reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of Belize. This Lodge is more than a resort though; it is an experience of peace, privacy, nature and luxury.
Located about 2 hours from the International Airport, a well paved road leads your journey for most of the adventure, until a dirt road winds into the property for the last few miles. Once here, visitors will find sanctuary in the unspoiled Mountain Pine Ridge with the resort sitting on 7,200 acres of private forest reserve.
Originally a logging home, Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge was purchased by a Belizean family, The Roe Family, in 2001. Today, guests can enjoy a modern lodge with personalized touches including a swimming pool, private plunge pools, a hot tub, elevated Belizean cuisine, and sustainable practices makes this the perfect balance between nature and luxury.
For adventurers there are over 90 miles of hiking and biking trails, on-site canoeing, and private waterfalls. The property offers an array of activities, including bird watching and mountain biking.
Estate Cottage
A stay was had in one of the newly upgraded Estate Cottages at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. The cottage was cozy with locally made mahogany furniture and luxury linens. It featured a private screened patio with hammock, a wood burning fireplace, and sitting area. There is an outdoor waterfall shower, and an indoor clawfoot bathtub. All rooms are provided with spa amenities including locally made soaps.
Sap & Slate
You’d appreciate the Nature Based Conscious Cuisine/No Bar Code approach at Hidden Valley’s Sap & Slate where the culinary team led by Belizean Chef Sean Kuylen uses ingredients that are minimally processed, mindfully and ethically sourced, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
This Conscious Cuisine promotes the use of indigenous, wild and traditional foods that have been harvested and prepared for generations, preserving ecological and cultural knowledge.
All vegetables, chicken, eggs, milk, farmed tilapia, peanuts, copal sap, honey, grass fed beef, pork and lamb and even our slate plates are sourced from a radius not further than 15 miles away.
Millennium experienced a special dinner presentation at their outdoor restaurant that kicked off with a traditional Mayan blessing to honor the land and us as their guests. An interactive ceremony that concluded with a four-course presentation by Chef Sean Kuylen was had. All four courses paid homage to the Maya, starting with a peanut soup and ending with a corn-based crème brulee topped with popcorn.
Naia Resort and Spa
The final stay in Belize was at Naia Resort and Spa. Naia encompass 19 acres of secluded beachfront and lush landscapes within the private 200-acre Naia Residences on Belize’s Placencia Peninsula. The property extends along nearly a mile of palm-studded beach, where 38 beautifully-appointed Beach Houses envelop guests in casual, residential-style luxury.
A stay was had in Studio Beach House with large glass doors that open out onto a private veranda that offers direct access to the sandy shores, or simply acts as the perfect place to relax and listen to the waves just. Fall asleep or wake up with swaying palm trees, blown by soft winds and waves crashing on the beach just steps away.
Casual yet luxurious, the tranquil seaside retreat thoughtfully designed bathroom featured a spacious indoor tub with shower, as well as a stunning outdoor shower surrounded by specially designed landscaping,
Naia is an intimate, natural playground that sets the stage for uncommon adventures and personal growth. This breathtaking retreat is spread over a collection of small islands dotting an enchanting freshwater lagoon where theirr skilled and experienced therapists work their restorative magic. The spa also features a fully-equipped fitness center, plus a yoga and movement studio that overlooks our tranquil lagoon.
Their two inviting restaurants invite guests to savor an authentic taste of Belize with seasonally-influenced menus and specialty drinks.
Lot or homeowners at Naia Residences receive access to all of the resort’s amenities including restaurants, pool, fitness center, yoga studio and our award-winning spa.
The last night at Naia concluded with a beautiful fireside dinner on the beach, followed by a Garifuna Drumming and dance experience under a star-lit sky. Guests learned all about their history and how they ended up in Belize. Guests then got to participate in several of their traditional dances, including the Hugo Hugo, Paranda and Punta. It .
Great Blue Hole
Among the most popular sites to visit in Belize is The Great Blue Hole. This giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll, 43 miles from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep.
Tropic Air offers several fly overs with its Great Blue Hole Tour that departs from San Pedro. The tour is 1 hour in a 14-seat passenger plane. All passengers get a window seat.
Go Sea Tours will take you on a sailing adventure to a minimum of 3 islands. While moving from island to island, tour guides can lead guests snorkeling to witness tropical fish and sea turtles in their natural habitat. A tour was had to Silk Island, Ray Caye and Moho Caye islands.
Butterfly Falls Tour
Although the colorful winged insects were not present on our visit, standing in the presence of Butterfly Falls was just a majestical, watching the water cascade into the water below.
Butterfly Falls is also a popular location for wedding ceremonies. Popular activities include taking a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the falls, and meditation for those connecting with nature.
Be prepared for a strenuous 30 minutes hike through dense rainforest terrain to get to the falls. Once at the falls, it’s likely you’ll enter a deeply relaxed state listening to the gentle rumble of the water while marveling at the ethereal dance of white and blue butterflies as they fly through the air.
Tour of the Caracol Natural Monument & Big Rock Falls
Perhaps the most striking sight seen in Belize are the Caracol Natural Monument & Big Rock Falls. Take a visit back in time to wonder what life was like here at the ancient Maya site of Caracol. The Maya once ruled over the areas surrounding Tikal in Guatemala, and the ruins date back to the 7th century AD.
Our visit also took us to Big Rock Falls. Tucked into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve this waterfall literally prompts your jaw to drop once you lay eyes upon it. After numerous wooden stairways plunging into the forest, you will arrive at the bottom where the 150-foot waterfall stands.
The Monument and Falls are located deep in the Chiquibul Rainforest. The drive in is a few hours, first on paved road and then the rest of the journey on a winding, bumpy dirt road.
Our guided visit was booked through MayaWalk Tours.
In Conclusion
To learn more about these Belize destinations and activities, or to discover even more exciting adventures, connect with Belize Tourism Board.