16
February
23
We all know what an A-lister is. But what is an A-lister in the Tourism & Travel Industry, and what does it take to become one of Travel + Leisure’s A-List Travel Advisors? We asked Absolute Belize’s Director, Patricia, about her most recent achievement.
Being a pioneer in the Belize Travel Trade Industry is a true privilege that I do not take lightly. In 2019, Rachael and I made it on Wendy Perrin’s WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts for Belize – oh, how we have evolved and flourished since then! I achieved Top Travel Specialist status on Conde Nast Traveler’s coveted list of travel connoisseurs worldwide in 2021. This year, Travel + Leisure published its 21st edition of A-List Specialists, and, for the first time, Belize has a dedicated specialist: Yours truly.
While becoming a T+L Specialist was far from easy – I was turned down the first time – I refused to quit trying. And even though many innovative, knowledgeable, and skilled specialists are on the list, I firmly believe no other specialist knows my country and people like I do. It is truly an honor to be among the world’s most outstanding travel planners!
As a result, Belize now has a born Belizean representing it in the luxury travel market! But what exactly does this mean for Belize? More visibility in the global arena, more diversity, and more authentic experiences – curated experiences that allow our clients to fully immerse themselves in our country, cultures, and heritage. Because Belize has so much more to offer than just the Great Blue Hole.
I truly appreciate our team and the fantastic partners I have had the pleasure of working with. You all make it possible for us to showcase the best of Belize. These accomplishments are not just for me; they are for all of us. Thank YOU!
Congratulations on such a monumental achievement, Pat! T+L’s A-List is live on their website and will appear in their March 2023 print issue on newsstands tomorrow, February 17, 2023.
8
September
22
Last month, Absolute Belize and our sister company, Belize Sailing Vacations, sailed beyond the world’s largest living barrier reef to Guatemala’s Rio Dulce.
The journey began with an early morning drive from the country’s adventure hub, San Ignacio, to the Cucumber Beach Marina in the old capital, Belize City.
We were underway by 10 a.m., soaking up the sun as Endless Options – a 48 ft. Leopard catamaran and our home for the next four nights – danced over azure waters.
From bar-hopping to fishing to snorkeling, stops along the southern coast included: Tobacco Caye, which sits at the reef’s edge; King Lewey’s, a 1-acre pirate-themed island; Ray Caye, a private island on the outskirts of the Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve; and Placencia, a highly sought-after peninsula, before venturing into Livingston, a remote village perched at the mouth of the Rio Dulce (Sweet River).
Vivid blue waters gave way to deep green as we meandered upstream for miles. Towering limestone cliffs loomed ahead and opened into a vast river surrounded by dense jungle as far as the eye could see.
Finally, we arrived at our destination: Nanajuana Marina, where freshwater meets the rainforest. More than a marina, Nanajuana is an experience and a Caribbean paradise sheltered from the elements, which offers our vessels safe mooring during the off-season every year.
Annual migration complete, time to explore and relax.
*If you would like to book a similar sailing experience, please contact our Travel Specialists.
Absolute Belize and our Director, Patricia, featured in The Wall Street Journal. Yes, THE Wall. Street. Journal: Only the most influential business-oriented newspaper published in the U.S. of A and one of the world’s leading financial publications!
The article focuses on the most difficult decision when planning a multigenerational family vacation: Where to go. Three travel advisors, including our very own Pat, were challenged to recommend a winter-break holiday for ten persons with an all-in budget of $40K.
You can read more about the destinations she suggested here.
23
June
22
Calling all Lobster Lovers!
As the highly anticipated lobster season approaches, we wanted to whet your appetites by sharing one of our top itineraries centered around the world’s favorite edible crustacean with you!
Lobster Lovers Package:
- Domestic Flight from the Belize International Airport (BZE) to the San Pedro Airport (SPR)
- Private Transfer from SPR to your accommodation of choice
- 6 Nights accommodation
- 24-Hour 4-Seater Golf Cart Rental
- Private Tours
- Catch & Cook Beach BBQ Day
- Caye Caulker Day Sail, including snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
- Eat Like A Local Food Hop at dinnertime on an evening of your choice
- Master Seafood Cooking Class on an evening of your choice
- Private Transfer to SPR
- Domestic Flight from SPR to BZE
Starting at:
- US$2,575.00 per person, based on quad occupancy, including all hotel service charges and taxes.
Belize’s waters are home to the spiny lobster, which many of our guests find sweeter than those in the US.
Believe it or not, almost all the lobster caught is done by hand using age-old spearing techniques. The season is strictly enforced to maintain healthy stocks and ensure an abundance for locals and tourists alike. Some visitors even plan their trip around the season’s opening on July 1st and coincide their vacation with one of the “Lobsterfest” celebrations in Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
So why wait any longer? Jet set to Belize this summer and feast to your heart’s and palate’s content!
27
April
22
Family vacations are an exciting mix of dreaming and planning for many parents. However, planning autism-friendly vacations away from home can be daunting for families traveling with someone on the autism spectrum, especially when those vacation plans will dramatically alter everyone’s daily routines.
As we near the end of April, we would like to take a moment to speak not only on Autism Awareness but the shift to Autism Acceptance. As the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to choose destinations and experiences that are carefree, fun, and, dare I say, with the least glaring stares possible.
Having traveled extensively throughout Belize with my family, including my little ASD warrior, I am here to help parents traveling with adults or children with autism navigate the best options for the entire family.
Last year, I enjoyed working with Jeremy and Marci Silverman to plan a tailored experience for their 18-year-old son, who is on the spectrum, and their 14-year-old daughter over the holidays. Their Belize experience, as told by Jeremy, follows.
“We had one of our best ever family vacations in Belize in December 2021, traveling with our 18-year-old son (who is on the autism spectrum) and our 14-year-old daughter. We didn’t pick Belize as our vacation destination specifically because it was Autism-friendly. Still, we felt more comfortable during the planning stages, given Patricia’s guidance and shared experience, who also has a child on the autism spectrum.
We absolutely loved our time in Belize, and it exceeded our expectations on every level. The activities were amazing both inland at and around Chaa Creek and on Ambergris Caye, including the ATM Cave, Barton Creek, Xunantunich, and the amazing wildlife at Chaa Creek, as well as fishing, snorkeling, and just lounging at the beach on Ambergris ‐ especially Blue Bayou at Secret Beach!
Beyond the activities, what stood out most for us was the warmth and genuineness of the Belizean people, including the way everyone we met not only accepted our son but truly appreciated him and his quirkiness as positives. Every server at Chaa Creek and Las Terrazas knew him by name almost instantly and warmly greeted him every time they saw him. Our tour guides at Chaa Creek and outside the resorts embraced his differences. He had the time of his life ‐ he still talks about our guides at Amigos Del Mar on Ambergris, especially Burger and Soup, who nicknamed him El Matador! Our day with them made memories that will last a lifetime.
Having private tours for almost all of our activities made for a more comfortable experience, especially given the exceptional guides for everything we did.
Patricia did an amazing job curating our trip and experiences and laying a “foundation of understanding” at our destinations. She somehow struck the right balance between informing our hosts of our special needs without causing anyone to pre-judge our son and what he could do.
We still daydream about Belize and can’t wait for our next visit!”
I would like to highlight the properties that have provided stellar Belizean hospitality, not only to us but to our valued clients. Below are my Top 7 Autism-Friendly Accommodations, in no particular order.
- Belize Sailing Vacations – The options are endless aboard one of BSV’s luxury yachts: fishing, island-hopping, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling – the Caribbean Sea is your playground, and every detail is tailored to your preference.
- Chabil Mar Villas – Family-oriented and guest-exclusive, the resort balances pampering and privacy superbly and is perfect for a scenic stroll along the beach to the center of Placencia.
- Las Terrazas Resort – The team at Las Terrazas goes above and beyond to provide extra care and personal attention.
- Naia Resort & Spa – Perfect for families who enjoy their privacy and exploring independently but like the flexibility of interacting with others whenever they choose.
- Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas – A personable staff that is always smiling and willing to help, and there is no shortage of activities and beach games.
- The Lodge at Chaa Creek – Ideal for active families and wildlife enthusiasts, a stay at this 400-acre private reserve promises to be a thrilling experience.
- Turtle Inn – Francis Ford Coppola’s beach hideaway boasts some of the most attentive, detail-oriented, and friendly staff on the peninsula.
9
March
22
You’ve probably heard that traveling to Belize is as easy as 1, 2, 3. But, if you’re still not convinced, listen up because it gets easier with these relaxed entry requirements.
Firstly, all fully vaccinated travelers can now enter the country without testing!
What does this mean?
- If you are not vaccinated, you still need a negative test (testing is available on arrival).
- Belize Travel insurance is still mandatory, and you can purchase it here before arrival. The cost of this policy is US$18.00 per visitor.
- You still need to test before returning to Canada or the US as that is a requirement to re-enter your home country.
Other relaxed measures:
- Facemasks are no longer required outdoors! While this is great news, don’t leave your masks at home; they are still necessary indoors and in public spaces (e.g., grocery stores).
- The curfew has been removed.
We look forward to welcoming you to Belize and the great outdoors!
