by Jim Byers
Last updated: 6:38 PM ET, Wed May 12, 2021
If you're into Jell-O shots at the swim-up bar and all-you-can eat buffets, Belize may not be the vacation destination for you. But if you love jungle waterfalls, amazing history, diverse cultures and white, sandy beaches fronting an ocean that's too-turquoise-to-believe, you're barking up the right tree.
Belize has made a name for itself as a luxury destination in Central America that also offers a huge variety of things to do. For a country that's only about four times the size of Prince Edward Island, it packs a lot of punches.
TravelPulse Canada on Wednesday had a chance to chat with Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler about his beautiful country, which sits just south of Mexico on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.
Mahler said Canadians love the nature and culture they find in Belize.
"We have the largest living barrier reef, and three of the four atolls in the region are in Belize," he said. "There's a lush rainforest in the interior, and very diverse cultures to be found. It's the place to go if you want a life-fulfilling experience."
Mahler said visitors can explore Mayan temples and even observe local Mayan peoples going about their business and earning a living off the land. They also can explore native Garifuna villages, including Hopkins, a favourite spot for Mahler when guests arrive.
The minister said Belize doesn't have any traditional all-inclusive properties, but that some hotels offer meal plans.
"We're really a boutique destination," he said. "Most of our hotels are quite small; less than 150 rooms."
A Four Seasons Hotel and golf course is being built on Caye Chapel and could open in the next year or two. It's being billed as the only private island Four Seasons in the Americas and comes complete with a six-mile-long beach and its own private airport and heliport. The resort also will boast overwater bungalows.
Other popular brand names can be found, including Marriott, Hilton and Best Western, and, in the works, a Margaritaville resort.
Belize has several famous islands or cayes, including Tobacco Caye, Laughing Bird Caye and Caye Caulker. Ambergris Caye is famous for its snorkelling and diving, where you can mingle with sting rays, sea turtles and other creatures.
Mahler said WestJet is scheduled to resume flights from Canada in the fall or winter, while Air Canada hasn't indicated when it might restart flights. In the meantime, Canadians can connect via a number of U.S. cities, including Dallas and Minneapolis. Alaska Airlines also may add flights from the U.S..
In related news, The Belize Tourism Board advises that the Government of Belize has taken a decision that travellers entering the country are no longer required to download and complete the Belize Travel Health App prior to arrival in Belize. 2021.
Belize still requires that travellers provide either proof of full COVID-19 immunization received at least 2 weeks prior to arrival, or a negative COVID-19 PCR TEST taken within 96 hours of travel, or a negative rapid test (Rapid Antigen, Sofia, SD Biosensor, and ABBOTT) taken within 48 hours of travel. In addition, international tourists must book at a Gold Standard hotel and present confirmation at immigration.
Mahler said there's no requirement to quarantine upon arrival in Belize.
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