Belize.. Take Me Away...

I’m currently helping a friend plan her destination wedding, and I can’t help but to remember almost 6 years ago, my honeymoon. A majority of brides and groom choose Hawaii or Mexico for their honeymoon, which are fabulous locations. My husband and I wanted a location where it was still about us and not the so much the a popular destination where there is so much to do that you are overwhelmed with what to do next.

Your Honeymoon location is crucial because you have spent the last few months (and especially the weeks leading to) planning a dream wedding. Your brain and body has been in overdrive and depending on you and your partner, you may just want to relax and enjoy each other in a beautiful peaceful environment.

We went with Belize.

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is one of the few remaining unspoiled places on earth. You won’t see big corporate businesses here, so if you need a McDonald’s or a Marriott, then this is not the place for you. It is rich in culture and kindness. The Belizean people are welcoming and friendly. Also English and Spanish are their primary languages and they take American currency.

We stayed at the Belize Yacht Club in the city of San Pedro on the Ambergris Caye (and caye is an island), pronounced "key". It was a great one bedroom apartment with a small kitchen and living area. The only reservations we made before coming on this honeymoon was the condo and airfare, everything else we played by ear and it was great. Deciding what we were in the mood to do that day, and when we wanted to do it was great. Belize is not overcrowded, so there were no fears of activities being completely booked. It also helped that we had a personal concierge that helped us plan, book and get the lay of the land while we were there.

So what did we do? We scuba dived the second greatest barrier reef (next to Australia) – oh, Belize is a Scuba Divers dream and you can take classes the first day and out the second if you’ve never done it. We took a day trip back to the mainland and visited the Altun Ha Mayan Site. We also took a private boat for Deep sea fishing, which was amazing! The two men who took us out did all the hard, disgusting work, while I caught my first 3 foot barracuda. I would have never thought I would have enjoyed that experience, but wow, so much fun and exhilarating. We also snorkeled at the Blue Hole the result of a cave which collapsed centuries ago. That was it. The rest of the days were exploring the land on jacked up golf carts (because there only a very small numbers of cars permitted on the island), lounging by the pool, eating the delicious food and going to local bars and clubs.

When it comes down to choosing your honeymoon location, make it about what the two of you will enjoy the most, taking into considering your personalities and energy. My personal choice is a place that is relaxed and away from what I’m used to seeing, no corporate hotels and restaurants, and a culture rich with beauty a personality. Also, it doesn’t help talking to a few married couples and asking their opinions on their honeymoons. There are so many wonderful places to choose from, do your research and choose wisely.

Bon Voyage!