Set sail with this travel company that takes the all-inclusive experience to a private, elevated level
“Welcome to paradise,” says my driver as he sweeps his long dreads to the side while he turns the engine. I’ve just left the small Placencia Airport in Belize where moments before, a Cessna flew me through cottony clouds overlooking the most turquoise of waters. Even if all I got to see was this aerial view, it would’ve still felt like a wee slice of paradise. But, lucky for me, I get to explore this beautiful Central American country for the next week.
Set on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and lush jungle to the west. The country is home to the vast Belize Barrier Reef—studded with hundreds of low-lying islands known as cayes—that shelters an abundance of vibrant marine life. Inland, the jungles conceal ancient Mayan ruins including Caracol, famed for its towering pyramid, Lamanai, which sits beside a lagoon, and Altun Ha, located just outside Belize City.
Settle into luxury at this all-inclusive villa (Photo Credit: TradeWinds Luxury Vacations)
The Best of Everything, Included
“You’ll find some of the best beaches here, the best diving and the best food,” says my driver as he pulls up to my home away from home for the next several days after a short half-hour drive from the airport.
Already, it does feel like the best of everything. Staying in a private luxury villa complete with a pool overlooking the ocean, a local private chef, and a spacious room that includes a king-size bed, lovely outdoor rain shower, and a plush couch to relax on while looking out onto the ocean.
“Your first intro to ‘Selena’,” says the bellman — a spritely young chap — as he swings open the door to a sprawling villa dusted in neutrals and basking in an approaching golden hour glow.
Overlooking the picturesque Placencia Peninsula, Villa Selena is the latest addition to Tradewind’s luxury portfolio, having opened its doors in March, 2025.
Each of the six suites face the lagoon (Photo Credit: TradeWinds Luxury Vacations)
This six-suite villa offers spacious accommodations with lovely lagoon-facing views. Clients who book the all-inclusive offering, either a suite or the whole villa can enjoy the luxury surroundings of the high-end property, including an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a scenic rooftop deck. To elevate the experience even further, the stay includes a private chef who crafts exceptional meals using local ingredients. The holiday offering comes with a curated selection of land and sea excursions for clients to take part in, with a private boat ride for water-based adventures.
Tradewinds takes the all-inclusive concept to an intimate, customized, and elevated level.
Sophisticated Sustainability
TradeWinds, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, also prides itself on its environmentally friendly approach, utilizing the power from rooftop solar cells to run much of the property. Last year, the company launched AURORA, the world’s first pleasure smart electric propulsion yacht. TradeWinds has debuted four more yachts since then. The company plans to add new electric yachts annually, steadily progressing towards its goal of a fully sustainable fleet by 2036.
“Finding new, more sustainable ways to operate is our corporate responsibility, and we take that very seriously. Sustainability is non-negotiable for us,” said Ricardo Flores, vice president of sustainability and stakeholder relations at TradeWinds.
(Photo Credit: TradeWinds Luxury Vacations)
Belizean Adventures on Land and Sea
A well-run ship is also apparently a non-negotiable for TradeWinds. Both on and off land. We begin our mornings with a glorious spread of fresh tropical fruits, eggs, homemade muffins and other delightful morning fare. Satiated, we head off for our first adventure.
We hop into the boat docked outside of our villa for a half-day cruise along Monkey River to explore the mangroves. We glide across clear waters, spotting wildlife along the way, from bare-throated tiger herons to crocodiles. We arrive at Monkey River for a hike, learning about the local fauna and flora as we trek.
After a morning well spent, we head back to our villa where a mouthwatering meal of curry chicken, rice and beans and plantain awaits us. Already this concept has coloured me impressed. One of my gripes about all-inclusive resorts is that they rarely serve local, traditional fare, and to me, one of the best parts of travel is getting to explore the local dishes. Lounging at the pool is in order before a sundowner on the sun-soaked rooftop terrace and a dinner of grilled fish. We head to bed early as we have another day of adventure this time: river tubing.
We head to Mayan World Adventure Park to float down the soft rapids of Stann Creek. I am a little hesitant, but my tour guide assures me that I’m in good hands. We throw on some life vests, hop into our rubber tubes, and away we go, careening lightly over small boulders while floating down the serene South Stann Creek River.
We navigate our way along the picturesque hideaway for a few hours before a lunch under a canopy of trees, then head back to our home away from home for a little rest before another adventure.
Villa Selena's private boat (Photo Credit: GZPR)
After a refresh and regroup, a sunset boat ride for captain’s cocktails follows. As we cruise down the lagoon, our captain Luke Franz, an affable young man from Malawi, informs us of what’s to follow for the rest of the week. We’ll be taking a fast boat to Placencia to explore the village, where we’ll enjoy chocolate and local rum tasting with another sunset cruise. We’ll visit Moho Cay, an idyllic 12-acre, palm-fringed private island, located 12 miles east of Placencia. This haven is located on the fringe of the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, surrounded by crystal blue waters, and incredible natural coral reefs, says Franz. We’ll be snorkeling, diving and swimming in some of the most beautiful waters Belize has to offer, he adds.
As the sun begins to set, coating our boat in the warmest of golden shades, I think I might be a convert to this concept of all-inclusive living. TradeWinds has carefully crafted an itinerary that enables clients to explore various aspects of Belize, while cradled in a bubble of luxury and adventure, all wrapped up in a well-run, fluid week of rest, relaxation, nourishment and endless fun.
Paradise elevated, I’d say!
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