Honeymoons and Romance
Your Complete Guide to The Perfect Belize Honeymoon
After all the stress and hectic planning for the wedding, why not relax in beautiful laid-back Belize? Just a short flight from the United States, Belize is a tropical paradise that is far less crowded than more typical honeymoon destinations like Cancun, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. Home to the second largest coral reef in the world that is habitat to hundreds of species of fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and colorful plants, Belize is a marine paradise that offers world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. Inland Belize on the other hand, is known for its pristine rainforests, ancient Mayan cities and a plethora of exotic flora and fauna. Bird-watching, hiking, canoeing in jungle rivers and cave tubing in sacred caves are top rated adventures for honeymooners.
Top Honeymoons Destinations in Belize
The village of Placencia
At the tip of the Placencia Peninsula is a quiet village where you can enjoy fine dining, boutique cafes, and dive shops with a full range of gear.
San Ignacio Town
San Ignacio Town in Belize’s Cayo District is the entertainment and culture capital of the west, and is close to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the country.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye, the most popular tourist destination is where you will find a potpourri of world class luxury resorts, amazing gourmet restaurants and endless activities like snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing.
The Best Belize Honeymoon Resorts
Picture yourself as a child, standing in front of a bakery display case after being told to choose just one treat. Perusing honeymoon resort destinations online can render you just as helpless, which is why we have narrowed down your choices to Belize’s top 15. See which strikes a romantic chord with you and your honey.
So, without further ado, here is our list of the top 15 honeymoon resorts in Belize.
Belize Boutique Resort & Spa
1. It could happen in the Mayan Jungles of Belize or on a personalized adventure tour. On a cobblestoned path leading to your Suite, during your Couple’s Mud Massage or while gazing in each other’s eyes over candelit dinner. That’s when it hits you – you can’t imagine being anywhere else, with anyone else.
Belize Boutique Resort & Spa offers you just that. We take care of the details so You can truly Immerse Yourself In the Experience of the Moment.
Chabil Mar
2. Chabil Mar is a beach honeymoon resort in Placencia Belize and it has been given so many honors, you might think it a huge place, but there are just 19 villas on premises plus one breathtaking honeymoon suite. Privacy is paramount at this luxury resort. Couples can roam 400 feet of oceanfront, swim in Chabil Mar’s infinity pools or stroll to town for some local color. See if this isn’t your honeymoon destination: http://www.chabilmarvillas.com/.
Black Orchid Resort
3. Escape from the norm of overrated beaches and find yourself a Belize jungle honeymoon destination. Many resorts in Belize offer the typical honeymoon services but you can treat yourselves to something absolutely extraordinary. You can give yourself and your better half an adventure honeymoon at Black Orchid Resort.
Yok Ha Island Resort
4. Yok Ha Island Resort. Book this resort if honeymooning on a three acre island surrounded by the sea is your idea of perfection. Since there are only five cabanas on the island, privacy isn’t a term—it’s a promise. Indulge in watersports—kayaking, fishing or snorkeling–or reserve a hammock for two and daydream. Meals are prepared onsite and the bar overlooking the Belize Barrier Reef make this the ideal place to toast the future.
Bocawina Rainforest Resort
5. Bocawina Rainforest Resort(http://www.mamanootsbocawina.com/). Does the idea of a heart-pounding honeymoon appeal to you? Book your honeymoon at a resort featuring authentic tropical housing within a rainforest. Zipline. Repel waterfalls. Hike. Go cave tubing. This lush forest resort pays tribute to ecological responsibility. Stay here and your friends’ honeymoon photos won’t hold a candle to yours!
Victoria House
6. Victoria House (http://www.victoria-house.com/) This 42-room accommodation is big enough to amaze but intimate enough for an idyllic honeymoon. Victoria’s “Reef Romance” package congratulates you in style: From all-inclusive romantic dinners, a couple’s massage and snorkel equipment, Victoria House makes a perfect choice if, like Goldilocks, you don’t like your resorts too small or too large, but just right!
San Ignacio Resort
7. San Ignacio Resort (http://www.sanignaciobelize.com/) resembles a palace, so it stands to reason you’ll be treated like royalty. Centrally located in San Ignacio Town, the former private estate has acquired the nickname “the only jungle in town” because it’s situated in a lush enclave, yet it’s close enough to town to enjoy nightlife. The honeymoon package could close the deal on your destination choice.
Almond Beach Resort
8. The Almond Beach Resort (http://www.almondbeachbelize.com/) is a serene retreat for honeymooners, so whether you choose a thatch-roof casita, ocean view room or beachfront penthouse suite, your views of the Caribbean Sea will be captivating. When you take a cuddle break, indulge in spa services, adventure outings and the resort’s signature “Jetlag Defrag Treatment” offered only to honeymooners.
Turtle Inn
9. Turtle Inn. Stay at the Turtle Inn (http://www.coppolaresorts.com/turtleinn) and be the guest of Francis Ford Coppola who built this retreat after Hurricane Iris ravaged the area. You might run into famous family members during your stay! This 25-room resort is a study in delightful contradictions: outside, quaint thatch-roofs are an homage to native housing, but interiors are modern and gorgeous. Wine? It comes from the Coppola vineyard, of course.
Cahal Pech Village Resort
10. Cahal Pech Village Resort. If ancient Mayan ruins are on your mind, put Cahal Pech (www.cahalpech.com) atop honeymoon destination list. Located near the town of San Ignacio, this resort’s contemporary objective is to treat honeymooners like the Mayan royalty who lived here thousands of years ago. Snorkeling, fishing, jungle walks and more are conveniently located if you need a break from the ruins.
Thatch Caye
11. Thatch Caye’s (http://www.thatchcayebelize.com/) biggest draw is over-the-water bungalows with private decks that give guests a perpetual 180-degree view of Mother Nature’s glory. Private? Mais oui! There are only five bungalows and they’re beloved by repeat travelers, so honeymooners are wise to book early to reserve one. Check out all-inclusive packages if you are sick of making wedding-related decisions!
Portofino Beach Resort
12. Portofino Beach Resort (http://portofinobelize.com/). Whether this is your first honeymoon or your third, if you stay at Portofino you can design your package around your desires. If diving in the world-famous Blue Hole is on your bucket list, say the word. Ditto water sports and Mayan ruin tours. From spa massages to the extras that make a honeymoon memorable, Portofino doesn’t disappoint.
Las Terrazas Resort
13. Las Terrazas Resort. Make Ambergris Caye your honeymoon headquarters by booking at La Terrazas. Choose anything from a 3,000-square-foot penthouse to a quaint beachfront sea house at this luxury resort (http://www.lasterrazasresort.com/), and enjoy the amenities of an award-winning hotel. This resort even includes a sunset sail for two within its honeymoon package perks.
Laru Beya Resort
14. Laru Beya’s Garifuna translation is “on the beach,” which may be exactly how you two wish to spend your entire honeymoon since there’s a hammock on every balcony and love is in the air. Laru Beya (www.larubeya.com) is located on the Placencia Peninsula, so if you crave nightlife, it’s just a short walk away. Don’t forget to book the rooftop Jacuzzi on a starry night if you stay here!
Grand Caribe
15. The Grand Caribe (www.grandcaribebelize.com) is truly grand—the resort is huge, yet accommodations for newlyweds—like the “bedroom on the beach”—set an intimate mood. Indulge in a honeymoon basket of chocolate, fruit, crackers and cheese while sipping celebratory wine upon your arrival. By day, go catamaran sailing and snorkeling, but your favorite memory will likely be candlelight dining on your first full day as a married couple.
Belize Weather – What Honeymooners Need To Know
Weather Overview
Belize is typically hot and humid day and night year-round. Temperatures vary by only about 4°C between the coolest part of the year (December to March) and the hottest (May to September). The daily temperature range is around 10°C from the hottest part of the day to the coolest part of the night. In the uplands (Mountain Pine Ridge and the Maya Mountains) you can expect temperatures to fall by about 3°C for every 1000ft rise in altitude, making things noticeably more comfortable. Belize has distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from mid-May to November in the south and from mid-June to November in the north. November to February is a transitional period, with the year’s coolest temperatures and a limited amount of rain. The true dry season is February to April. There’s quite a large difference in rainfall between the north of the country (around 1500mm or 60in a year) and the south (about 4000mm or 160in). In the north and center of the country there’s a dip in rainfall in August, between peaks in July and September.
Belize Weather By Month
Belize Weather in January: Generally mild temperatures, with intermittent rainfall. The end of the month marks the beginning of the dry season, so January is a very popular month for visitors to come experience Belize. Daytime highs average around 80°F (27°C) with nights around 70°F (21°C).
Belize Weather in February: Very little rainfall and cool breezes make for very pleasant weather in February. Daytime highs average around 80°F (27°C) and nights rarely drop below 70°F (21°C), making this winter month still warm enough for T-shirts and sandals.
Belize Weather in March: Almost no rainfall, so the weather is extremely pleasant for visitors celebrating Easter in Belize. Temperatures during the day are around 83F (28°C), while nights stay breezy but warm at around 74F (23°C). One of the balmiest and most enjoyable times for visitors to experience Belize.
Belize Weather in April: Warmer temperatures mark the onset of the “Iguana Rains”, short, refreshing rain showers that keep temperatures pleasantly warm and excess humidity at bay. Days can get up to around 85°F (29°C) while nights stay comfortably warm at around 76°F (24°C).
Belize Weather in May: One of the warmer months, daytime temps are generally around 87°F (31°C), while it’s easy to enjoy the nightlife with temps falling to only around 79°F (26°C). Some light showers occur in the morning, while some nights see the occasional thunderstorm.
Belize Weather in June: Warming temperatures are moderated by plenty of fresh Caribbean breezes, with an average daytime high of 84°F (29°C), with warm nights as well at around 80°F (27°C). Expect to see a short rain shower on most afternoons that will quickly transition to sunny skies once again. One of the most enjoyable times for visitors to experience Belize.
Belize Weather in July: The heart of the summer, July daytime highs average around 86°F (30°C), while nights stay pleasantly warm with an average of 79°F (26°C). Expect to see plentiful rain showers in the early morning, and fairly frequent thunderstorms during the night. Fishing, diving and snorkeling opportunities are fantastic during this month.
Belize Weather in August: As the rainy season takes a break, August is known locally as the “Little Dry” month. The weather in Belize in August stays nice and warm, with daytime highs of about 86°F (30°C), while nights stay balmy at 78°F (26°C), making it perfect beach and swimming weather.
Belize Weather in September: Expect to see a brief resumption of regular rains during this month, especially early in the morning and during the night, but most days stay sunny and clear. Daytime temps average about 81°F (27°C), while nights stay pleasant with a low of 77°F (25°C).
Belize Weather in October: The rainy season begins in earnest, with more regular bouts of heavier rainfall. Occasionally, stronger rain storms known as “Northers” will bring plenty of precipitation, especially in the region of the Maya Mountains, which can see heavy rain for days at a stretch. Daytime highs are slightly cooler, with a high of about 79°F (26°C), and lows reaching around 75°F (24°C).
Belize Weather in November: The coolest month in this tropical nation, daytime highs average about 76°F (24°C), with nights dipping down to around 73°F (23°C). Although these temperatures seem warm to visitors from America and Canada, this marks the beginning of winter for locals.
Belize Weather in December: This month usually starts with plenty of rain, but the end of the year heralds the start of the dry season. The last month of the year sees daytime highs at a pleasant average of 80°F (27°C), while nights average around 75°F (24°C), making Belize the perfect place to enjoy a balmy Christmas on the beach.
Best Time to Honeymoon in Belize
In Belize, the high season for travelers corresponds roughly with the dry season: December to May. The shoulder months – especially December – receive a fair amount of rain, but not enough to scare away the multitudes of travelers who want to spend their holidays in the tropics. Most hotels and resorts are more expensive during this period (high-season rates are quoted throughout this book). The biggest influx of tourists comes between December 15 and January 15, and during the weeks around Easter. Some hotels and resorts, especially top-end accommodations, charge extra-high prices during these peak periods. If you’re using top-end or some midrange accommodations, you’ll certainly save money by avoiding these seasons. The rainy season runs from June to November. The early months, especially May and June, are actually a wonderful time to travel to Belize: you can avoid the tourist bustle and lodging is slightly cheaper. The only downside is that it’s outside the lobster season, so you’ll have to forego at least one local specialty. Rivers start to swell and dirt roads get muddy. Some more remote roads may not be accessible to public transportation. With too much rain, some of the caves such as Actun Tunichil Muknal are dangerous and therefore closed to the public. Southern Belize is especially precarious during the rainy season; this relatively remote region receives two to three times as much rain as the rest of the country.Best Things To See & Do in Belize For Honeymooners
The wisest move you can make when planning your honeymoon is to fill your itinerary with variety. Sure, you want beach time, hammock time and your fill of fabulous restaurants, and if you read more than one guide book, you’ll spot commonalities despite different editor picks. But why bother to read guides when our list of top 10 things to do in Belize includes all of the hot spots? After all, we want you to spend that extra time shopping for flip-flops and bathing suits!1. Go beachcombing. No Belize beach is identical, and since the country’s coastline runs an impressive 175 mile stretch along the Caribbean Sea, prioritize the most highly-recommended: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, the Placencia Peninsula and the southernmost beaches in Hopkins. Kill two birds with one stone near the Belize Barrier Reef, because you can swim to your heart’s content without worrying about undercurrents. If you long for privacy, 200 little cayes along the coast–a majority of which are deserted–should do it for you.|2. Talk to the animals at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary—if they come out! As the only jaguar reserve on the planet, this property is vast and filled with jungle hiking trails, so whether you come for a day or stay at a rental cabin onsite (book in advance), explore this area to your heart’s content and learn about U.S. research scientist Alan Rabinowitz, whose persistence and energy morphed this reserve from great idea to popular destination. Bring hiking boots. There are over 128,000 acres of lush jungle edged by the Cockscomb Mountain Range, and you wouldn’t want sore feet to keep you from seeing it all.3. If the only cat you care to see is the one you left home, tour Belize’s Cultural Capitals, Dangriga and Hopkins Village, both homes of Punta Rock, the lively pairing of traditional and contemporary music that’s the signature sound of Belize. Love a good party? Stick around Dangriga Town, the capital of the Stann Creek District, where festivals and celebrations are frequent and ongoing. Some are traditional affairs showcasing the Garifuna people who settled in Belize a century ago. Take drumming lessons or spot an impromptu dance party. In this area of Belize, nobody needs an excuse to express their joy.4. You’ll have plenty of Mayan ruins to choose from in Belize, but if you don’t get your fill, it’s just a short drive to Tikal in Guatemala. Will you need to cross that border when so many ballparks, palaces, stele and temples built by former residents exist? No way. Maya centers like Xunantunich, Caracol, Altun Ha and Lubaantun showcase both buildings and objects d’art, carvings, paintings, jade, pottery, vessels, ritual objects and enough folklore to keep you happy as you (and your imagination) wander places that time seems to have forgotten.5. If you can only see one Maya site during your visit, make it Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), a cave that requires stamina to reach it. After being driven to the ATM Cave, you must hike through the jungle and slog through water to access chamber after chamber of limestone caverns (lit only by beacons affixed to hard hats). Your walk ends at the biggest surprise of all, The Cathedral. This ceremonial chamber is filled with remnants of rituals performed here: a crystal-encrusted skeleton, human bones, altars, pottery and artifacts. You must be accompanied by a licensed guide since this fragile cave is protected by laws, rules and regulations. Even cameras are prohibited.6. There’s no sign that reads “Welcome to Hiker Heaven” at Belize’s international airport, but there should be. Giving in to your inner trekker not only gets you up close and personal with the plants, creatures, jungles, flowers and forests of Belize, but you’ll get a lesson in ecological responsibility as well. Whether your taste runs to guided walks, mountain trails or you’re up for wandering on your own with map in hand, trails and paths are marked, so rest assured, you won’t get too lost. Don’t want to hike? Get yourself some wheels. If your lodging doesn’t loan bikes to guests, there’s likely a rental resource nearby, so you’ve no excuse to skip exercising when you visit.7. Go up a creek with a paddle, down a river or do both courtesy of Belize’s network of rivers that connect so efficiently, Belize commerce once relied completely on these waterways. The largest among them are the Mopan and Macal Rivers that flow into the Belize River; you can canoe, sail or kayak these waters so ask your resort host to fix you up. Alternately, take a fishing cruise on the New River, Sarstoon or Temash. Adventure-seekers will find whitewater challenges in some places while those seeking a slow and easy cruise won’t miss a photo opportunity along these jungle-edged waters.8. The Museum of Belize is headquartered in Belize City at the junction of Gabourel and Hutson Streets. It’s a nostalgic remnant of Colonial British architecture with a fascinating history. Built originally to house prisoners in the 1800s, the museum was fully-functional as late as 1993, at which point, it was restored and turned into a museum. You’ll still see cells, graffiti, chains and balls, but they’re used as decoration to enhance permanent exhibits that include romantic aspects of Belize’s history: Maya artifacts, treasures left behind by buccaneers and pirates and a history of Belize’s labour movement.9. Commune with the animals housed at the Belize Zoo; they’re all treated like honoured guests rather than caged specimens clinging to iron bars. Designed to emulate natural habitats, the zoo is is home to a jungle of native plants, trees and flowers so more than 150 animals indigenous to Belize feel right at home here. This special population is composed of rehabilitated and orphaned animals in addition to those born here at the zoo. Located west of Belize City, the Zoo is across the road from the Tropical Education Center. It’s worth the drive to visit both.10. Go big or go home! Far be it from us to remind you that life awaits back home, but you can’t leave Belize until you see the stars in the nation’s constellation: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and the Placencia Peninsula, known as the Big Three. Each area has a flavour and vibe that distinguishes it from the others. You will want for nothing when you divide your time between them, because merchants and residents alike adore tourists. Expect gourmet dining, ethnic eateries, attractions and a collection of lodgings that is so extensive, if you can’t find the accommodation you crave at each location, it might not exist.