It’s a simple, uncomplicated recipe. First, add the Caribbean sea, then add some sunshine, spectacular sea depths, sea life and a spectacular palette of blues. Mix it all up in a shaker and add a spot of bling. There you have Belize.
DAY 1.
We reached San Pedro via boat from Chetumal, Mexico. It was 2 hours of a rollercoaster feeling in both ways, so I don’t recommend you to go by water. The boats operating this route are too small and good for shorter distances, but this felt like a terrible eternity to me. Anyway, if you don’t care this is a cheaper way to go from Mexico to San Pedro, Belize. It costs 50USD one-way and 100USD round-trip.
Once we arrived in San Pedro we were picked by the driver of The Phoenix Resort. They offer this pick-up and drop off free service by check-in and check-out.
We received a very warm welcome from the staff of the resort. They brought us refreshing towels, cocktails and Belizean rum. The lady from the front desk accompanied us to our suite and explained us everything about the hotel and the possible activities, food options etc.
We had plenty of restaurant discounts offered from The Phoenix, 20 minutes complimentary worldwide phone calls, some drinks and weekly plan for amazing activities in the resort itself.
There is Happy Hour every day from 5 – 6 PM when you can drink wine, beer and rum for free. Also, they have chocolate cooking classes, painting classes, bird-watching in the morning, yoga and so on.
We were in a dream master suite with two king-size bedrooms and amazing bathrooms, a giant living room and kitchen, great terrace with views of the Caribbean sea, amazing pool outside – what more could we wish at that moment?
Rose petals were spread everywhere in our room and the bathroom, so instead of leaving the room, we decided to stay, order a room-service and enjoy a warm relaxing bath followed by comfortable sleep. The tiredness was stronger than us and we accepted that this is the time we have to give up and just do nothing.
DAY 2.
My boyfriend and I had breakfast in the hotel restaurant – Red Ginger. The waiters were so kind and remembered our food preferences, so they knew already on the next day what we want without even saying it.
After breakfast, we enjoyed some pool time and went to discover San Pedro – wherever you turn you will see golf carts passing and people taking it slow. We loved this chilled vibe and friendly people and also took it easy. This vacation was much needed after the craziness in Mexico. This night we also preferred to have a room-service dinner. It was way too good to stay in our Belizean home.
DAY 3.
Dreams come true.
After having our yummy breakfast on our terrace, we prepared to go for a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole. We chose Tropic Air, because we’ve heard only good things about their service and that they are the best choice for the tour and guess what – they really are the best.
We had a great take-off and the beautiful views started straight away – we saw San Pedro, Caye Caulker and The Split from above, passing over the Belize Barrier Reef and arriving at the highlight of the flight – The Great Blue Hole. I was speechless the entire flight and can say that this is one of the top 5 best experiences and views in my life.
Tropic Air took care that each one of us will have enough time to see the Great Blue Hole so we were flying around it for quite some time. I had my nose stuck on the window and after I took my pictures, I just switched off everything surrounding me and admired this beauty. A true moment in heaven.
Now for those of you who might not know how the Great Blue Hole was formed:
The giant marine sinkhole originally formed as a limestone cave during the last glacial period forms a perfect circle in the midst of a coral reef and is 318m across and 124m deep. It began at a time when the sea levels were much lower. As the ocean began to rise, the cave system flooded and eventually collapsed, creating a ‘’vertical cave’’ in the ocean. The watercolour of the hole is deep blue in contrast with the aquamarine colour of the water around.
After this incredible experience, we decided to rent a golf cart from The Phoenix Resort and head to the Secret Beach. Driving the golf cart was so much fun. We enjoyed some food and drinks at the beach and also almost welcomed the sunrise there, but I suggest you to head a bit earlier back to your hotel as the roads leading to the beach are gravel and not cemented, and there is no lightening. Going back in the darkness could be an adventure.
We were on time back to the resort for some Happy Hour drinks. For the end of the day, we had dinner at Elvi’s restaurant which is not far from The Phoenix.
DAY 4.
Caye Caulker – one-way boat trip – 18USD, round-trip – 28USD. The sailing duration is around 30min.
This place moves at a turtle’s pace and I loved it. We were about to get used to that. After seeing it from the air, we had to go to the island and explore it from the ground. As we usually do, we walked around until we reached The Split which splits Caye Caulker into two parts. You can swim or take a boat to reach the other part of the island. It has clean, deep waters with the most magical colours. It’s perfect for swimming, free of seaweed and offers a bit louder ambience, thanks to the bar neighbouring it. We ate and had some drinks at this bar called Lazy Lizard and also played a fun game where you throw bags full of sand and try to put them in a whole. If you know how is this game called, please tell me?
In the afternoon there was quite an intense storm and we decided to take the boat back to San Pedro earlier. Running completely wet and barefoot on the streets made me feel happy and free the way I was feeling free as a kid.
Dinner in San Pedro at the Blue Water Grill.
DAY 5.
At this day, a snorkelling and shark ray alley boat tour were awaiting us. It was incredible. We left at 8:30 AM and had half a day tour, but you can go for a full day if you have more time and desire. Diving is also a great option.
Unforgettable experiences follow one after the other, such as feeding and swimming with sharks and sea turtles and snorkelling to observe all the other beautiful marine creatures.
After this, we went to have some food at Wild Mangos in San Pedro and buy gifts to our families and friends.
The day finished with a massage on the seashore and a cute dinner. What a day.
DAY 6.
Goodbye Belize! We will be back if we survive the crazy boat ride to Chetumal. Apparently, me writing this blog post shows that we survived it, so you better wait for us. Till next time and next travel adventures.
XX
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