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Green
mountains, blue waters, interesting culture
and Mayan pyramids - quite a lot within the
space of a small Central American country. Belize
offers honeymooners an incredible mix of experiences
- it is the kind of place where you can wake
up and decide what to do - will it be the beach?
Exploring ruins? Shopping in local villages?
Hanging out in a hammock? Searching for jaguars
in the rainforest? Active people who also enjoy
their downtime will find Belize an irresistible
place for a honeymoon.
As
yet undiscovered by the masses, Belize is a
pristine, beautiful and diverse place for a
honeymoon. Known best for the hundreds of islands
off its Caribbean coast, the immediate temptation
is to think of Belize as a beach destination.
It certainly can be, if you wish to spend your
honeymoon this way, but it offers, as does this
honeymoon itinerary, a view of this beautiful
little country above and beyond its blue waters.
 Upon
your arrival in Belize City, you will be greeted
by your private driver, and without further
adieu, be whisked to Blancaneaux Lodge, in the
Cayo District. This unspoiled mountain country
has beautiful rivers, rainforest, waterfalls,
caves and flowers, and Blancaneaux Lodge sits
in the middle of it all in the Mountain Pine
Ridge Reserve. You'll stay in a riverfront cabana,
where you'll listen to the water tumble across
the boulders. Take full advantage of your beautiful
environment with a day-long horseback ride and
picnic lunch next to a waterfall, or simply
relax on your cabana's deck, with a glass of
fine wine.
 If
you are interested in ruins, Blancaneaux and
Cayo offer excellent access to Tikal, Guatemala,
where you can take a day trip and visit one
of the most phenomenal and well-preserved of
the ancient Mayan cities. It's a long day, but
highly worth the effort it takes to visit -
climbing to the top of the Pyramids you can
feel yourself going back in time to a very foreign,
yet sophisticated society.
On
to the coastal area of Hopkins - a short plane
ride from Belize City, and you'll find yourself
on the beach shortly thereafter. Hamanasi is
an intimate, yet full service resort full of
bright colors and relaxing rooms. The change
in venue turns your mind to beach activities
- relaxing on the sand, swaying in a hammock,
or reading a novel. But should you feel the
urge for a little more discovery, the underwater
world awaits. The numerous cayes and atolls
offer amazing snorkeling or scuba diving - in
between dips stop for a picnic lunch, or arrange
a ride out to one for a day of total serenity.
Also visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
- look for jaguars, float down a river in an
innertube, or hike the many trails. More ruins
too - there are a number of good sites within
an hour or two. No lack of unique things to
do and see, should you feel so motivated.
 You've
now relaxed, enjoyed, and had your fill of activity,
but there is one special place left to visit
- the best, as some would say, for last. Cayo
Espanto (Phantom Caye) is a small, private island
off the coast of Ambergris Caye, off the northern
coast of Belize. While Belize has little in
the way of truly luxurious accommodations, Cayo
Espanto is the wonderful exception. Five villas
(each with an amazing bed), your own dock on
the water, gourmet dining, and your every need
attended to. For a few days, you leave the rest
of the world behind and enjoy your indulgence.
As the owner of Cayo Espanto says, "See you
in paradise".
On
your last full day, you'll fly back to the mainland
for your international connection home, although
you'll wish you still had another night or two
on Cayo Espanto. Nevertheless, as you take off
over the clear blue water, your mental images
and state of relaxation convince you that you've
had a wonderful, memorable, honeymoon.
Who
will enjoy this trip
Those who wish to combine mountains, culture
and beautiful waters. Those who value a lesser-developed
country for its pristine nature. Wildlife lovers,
snorkelers, and divers.
Who
should avoid this trip
Those desiring spa or large resort accommodations
are better off elsewhere in the Caribbean. Those
who value and wish to emphasize nightlife as
part of their honeymoon experience. Those who
value fine sand beaches would probably prefer
elsewhere - many of Belize's are on the coarse
side.
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