La Isla Bonita: Belize
I’m just going to come out and say it: Americans are high-strung, myself included. We’re always planning, always prepping, working, always on edge about something. In a world where burnout is very real and extremely bad for your health, getting away is a must. There are plenty of options to do so (and I plan to explore them all), but today, Belize is the answer to all of your stress and woes. Stress will literally melt away as you stroll the beaches - for tourists and locals, enjoy delicious food - lobster season opens in July, and drive around town to get to it all in a golf cart, never going over 15 mph. For this two-member girls trip, we stayed at Alaia Belize, located on Seagrape Drive in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The resort just opened in May and is absolutely stunning. The views, the accommodations, the food, and most importantly: the people. Upon arrival, we were immediately relieved of our bags and told “you’re on vacation, you can’t hold your own bags”. Even that, in itself, was a stress reliever. The first step in actually relaxing while on vacation - which as we know, can sometimes be difficult, especially for- you guessed it - anxious Americans. The next steps include feet in the sunscreen, sunglasses, and feet in the sand. Oh, and pro-tip for the ladies: don’t pack the pants, only take the bra you’ll wear on the flight, and keep it simple. You really won’t need the extra stuff - you’ll be in flops (or Birks), bathing suits, and cover-ups (think large scarves that can be worn as sarongs) for the entire trip. Plus, you’ll look like a local. Picture it: driving a golf cart, wearing Birks, a bathing suit, and a sarong, while drinking coconut water from a coconut, not a bottle - and/or eating fresh, local fruit. It can be a reality. Really - I did it and it was amazing.
Here are the highlights and tips for a trip to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye:
Download WhatsApp
It’s how you’ll communicate with locals for rentals and adventures
Rent a golf cart
It’s the best way to get around town and I highly recommend MK Golf Cart Rental - you’ll likely meet Mike, who is incredibly accommodating and kind
Stay at Alaia Belize
They’re the reason this trip was good vibes only and the resort is truly a dream - ask for Shaeda to concoct a smoky, fun drink at the Piano Bar, and stick around for the live music on weekends to hear her sing
The Baker for breakfast
It’s only a block from the hotel, and everything is amazing - the cinnamon rolls in particular are to die for - so much so that a traveler from Kentucky told me “when I die, I want my ashes spread here”
Sunset Palace Beach Club for lunch
This is a new place located near Secret Beach and it’s an absolute must for great food and a bucket of beer - all served to your picnic table that’s literally in the water - the views are unobstructed and the experience is just plain dreamy
El Fogon for dinner
Excellent service, amazing food, and a breezy patio - order a little bit of everything here - we did lobster dip, fried lobster with rice and maduros (a meal for one, split between the two of us), salbutes with shrimp, and an extra order of maduros because well, I’m Puerto Rican, so…
Discover Boca del Rio early-on
We asked employees at the resort where they go to the beach, and everyone mentioned this beach - and understandably so, because it’s glorious. This is where teens go to play basketball, there are restaurants and bars in the area, and the tourist traffic is very low.. I even hesitated adding it to this list because it’s just that special.
And that is the Belize highlight reel. There’s tons of beauty to see on this island, the people are simply amazing, and the pace is exactly what the doctor ordered. Look into making the trip stat, and if you’re an American Express Platinum cardholder, book your accommodations through AmExTravel.com!
