Absolute Belize

A Royal Reception

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:16:14 +0000

To mark the Queen of England’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Belize will be proudly hosting Prince Harry on his tour of the Central American and Caribbean Commonwealth countries, including Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Belize became a crown colony in 1862 and full internal self-government was granted in January 1964. The official name of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973, and full independence was granted on September 21, 1981.

The last Royal visit was made by the Queen in 1985 and given the Belizeans reputation of knowing how to throw a good party, we’re sure the flags will be flying high and the dancing will go on for days to mark the occasion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16174233

Conch Crazy

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:12:43 +0000

To mark the opening of conch season on 1st October, Absolute Belize was delighted to be asked by Caribbean Travel and Leisure to report on the festivities. So we set out in search of the best conch dish on the island of Ambergris Caye in the Northern Cayes and had a fun time trawling the more upscale spots and hanging out with the locals at some of the island institutions….. Read here for the full article and the RESULTS!

A happy hello or a fun farewell

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:37:49 +0000

One of the things that we love the most about Belize is the all-star collection of local characters. Whether you have just arrived into the country and are taking one of the ‘puddle jumper’ planes on to the islands or the south, or if you are heading back home after your vacation, you cannot miss one of our favourite guys Eden Holland, AKA ‘Jet’, at the ‘world famous’ Jet’s Bar in the departure lounge at Belize International airport.

Jet is fond of the ladies and encourages everyone to have their picture taken with him behind the bar, as a means to get a hug and a squeeze. Standing at only 4 ft 8″ tall, he gets away with the kind of squeezes that most men would receive a slap for, or an angry confrontation from the husband or boyfriend. But not only is Jet a charmer with the ladies, he’s also a keen sales man. He’ll ask you what flight you are taking and will let you know when general boarding is actually happening, so you can maximise your spending time in his establishment.

The walls of the tiny hole in the wall bar are adorned with travel memorabilia and of course, countless pictures of himself with the ladies. The offerings are short but to the point – icy cold Belikin beer, delicious but deadly rum punch and hot dogs with all the trimmings. This legendary man and his little bar are also making headlines – recently awarded the accolade of being named one of the top 10 airport bars in the world by AOL Travel News, making it one not to be missed.

Fiesta forever!

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:08:18 +0000

Belize is a nation that loves to party and the next party starts today…. for 11 whole days.

September 10th is St. Georges Caye Day, marking the defeat of the Spanish navy in 1798 by a heroic crew of British settlers, buccaneers and liberated slaves at the tiny island of St Georges Caye. Twenty minutes by boat from Belize City, the Caye is steeped in history as it was the first capital of the British settlement. The party runs almost right through to the country’s official Independence Day on 21st September, honouring the independence from Great Britain in 1981. Being the county’s 30th birthday, the flags will be proudly flying and the party will be one not to be missed.

The hermit crab phenomenon

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:40:12 +0000

Every July on Ambergris Caye we look forward to witnessing the passage of the migrating hermit crabs. For some reason they particularly like to visit our friends at Rojo Lounge and Azul Resort and nowhere on the island has the phenomenon been seen in such concentration. AB will be heading there tonight for hermit crab races and for some of Chef Jeff’s divine crab bisque (ssh!)

Photos courtesy of Rojo Lounge and Azul Resort

The Roads to Ruins

sophiemills@ymail.com — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:51:18 +0000

Absolute Belize tailor makes trips that go beyond the borders of Belize and into Guatemala and Mexico. Check out the continuing Mayan adventures of Kevin Rushby from the UK Guardian after his recent sailing trip with us in Belize in January: Road to Ruin: in search of the real Mayans.

10 of the best tropical islands for honeymooners

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Sat, 28 May 2011 22:52:49 +0000

Belize was nominated as having one of the best tropical islands for honeymooners in The Guardian newspaper (17th May 2011).

“A stretch of sand, just enough to hide a pirate treasure chest, then a few hundred coconut trees and some wooden cabins – there isn’t a great deal to Tobacco Caye. I’d take a few thick books and, of course, some snorkelling gear – after all most of what’s here is below the azure glittering surface of the Caribbean Sea. It’ll take a few minutes to stroll around the coast of this atoll, but the reef goes on and on – part of the second longest barrier reef in the world. If you do feel marooned, get over to neighbouring Goff’s Caye – that’s even smaller: six trees and a spit of sand” Kevin Rushby, Guardian travel writer.

To see a collection of the best Belizean tropical islands, Absolute Belize has put together a tailor made itinerary that involves island hopping to the most pristine islands in the country via your own luxurious live aboard sailboat, complete with captain and chef. Your time aboard is combined with spending a few days in the sand at Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn in Placencia, which is consistently ranked as one of the best resorts in all of Central and South America. For more information or to download the brochure follow this link

Crazy for Cacao?

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:46:37 +0000

It’s the Toledo Cacao Festival week here in Belize. If you couldn’t make it don’t worry, we have put together a ‘Cacao Crazy’ tailor made itinerary - a complete cultural and sensory immersion into the world of chocolate, for the ultimate chocolate addict.

Visit a local Cacao farm and meet the growers, learn about the production process, enjoy a chocolate making master class and make your very own bar of chocolate. There will of course be plenty of opportunities for tasting, the culinary highlight being a Cacao dinner where Cacao features in every course.

The Toledo region in Southern Belize boasts a rich cultural history, lush jungle terrain and pristine waters, so the itinerary can be tailored to include visits to Mayan ruins, snorkeling, diving or fishing day trips, horseback riding or trekking through the jungle or cave exploration, putting those extra cacao calories to great use!

Love Lobster?

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Sat, 07 May 2011 17:22:32 +0000

Donna Heiderstadt at Shermans Travel recommends our ‘Lobster Lovers’ Tailor Made Itinerary, for the ultimate romantic getaway for lovers of crustacean.

Eating, while a highlight, is not the only activity on the itinerary, which also includes sailing, snorkeling (with sharks, rays, and hundreds of other species), fishing, kayaking, cooking lessons, and more. Your stay culminates on the final day of Lobsterfest with an alfresco party of live music, dancing, and lobster eating in San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye.

Hot honeymoon?

rachael@absolutebelize.com — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:07:46 +0000

The BBC, in conjunction with The Lonely Planet, has voted English speaking Belize (along with the Seychelles) top of “The five best getaways for a royal honeymoon” for Prince William and Kate, and Reese Witherspoon has been recently spotted on the Caribbean shores celebrating her marriage.

With the second largest barrier reef located close to shore, pristine jungle, myriad Mayan temples and a wonderful Caribbean and Central American vibe, it is no wonder why Belize is developing a reputation as a beautiful, exciting and unique travel destination.

We have taken all the work out of the planning with our new ‘Hammock Honeymoon‘ Tailor Made itinerary, for the ultimate pampering getaway.