Five spectacular overwater hut resorts

CNN.COM

(CNN) — The room service arrived in a canoe and exotic fish frolicked just beneath the floor when Gary Leff spent his honeymoon in Bora Bora.

Life is good when you’re in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and even better when you’re staying in an overwater bungalow — that iconic, stilted, thatch-roofed symbol of a tropical paradise.

“It’s unique because there’s a million beachfront resorts in the world … but it’s much less common to have your room actually be [over] the water,” Leff said.

“There’s something neat to the story about climbing off your deck into the water, snorkeling right off your deck.”

You’ll probably have to travel far and open your wallet wide to stay at one of these exotic villas.

There are more than 90 overwater bungalow resorts in the world, but about two-thirds of them are in the Maldives, according to OverwaterBungalows.net, a website that tracks the properties.

The Caribbean has a few such resorts, but it doesn’t really lend itself to overwater construction because of hurricanes, said Terry McCabe, national director of leisure for Altour.

Many overwater bungalows, like this one in Cayo Espanto, Belize, feature glass panes in the floor.

The peaceful, shallow lagoons of French Polynesia and the Maldives, on the other hand, offer more hospitable surroundings.

Most overwater bungalows come with “Tahitian television,” or glass panes built into the floor through which you can observe the sea life below, McCabe said.

“For everyone, they’ve come to typify romance, the allure of the South Pacific,” McCabe said.

Here are five overwater bungalow resorts to remember.

Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, Bora Bora

The resort, on Motu Toopua in the lagoon of Bora Bora, has dozens of overwater bungalows, including the only two-story overwater villas in French Polynesia, said Kleon Howe of The Art of Travel in San Diego, an agency that specializes in the region.

Leff, who honeymooned here in 2005, said he enjoyed the privacy the huts provided.

“It’s almost like you’re alone in the world,” he said. “Even when the resort had plenty of people there, you rarely saw people because they stayed in their bungalows.”

The resort is also one of the best values for redeeming Hilton HHonors points, said Leff, who shares strategies for making the most of traveler loyalty programs on his website, View From the Wing.

Need another reason to go? Bora Bora Nui was among the winners of TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travelers’ Choice awards — chosen by the site’s members as one of the top 10 hotels for romance in the South Pacific.

A king overwater deluxe villa goes for about $1,170 a night during the summer with an advance purchase .

For more information, click here.

Te Tiare Beach Resort, Huahine

About 30 minutes by plane from Tahiti, the two islands of Huahine — billed as “one of Polynesia’s best-kept secrets” by Tahiti Tourism — are home to archaeological sites, vanilla plantations and mango, banana and papaya groves.

You’ll also find the Te Tiare Beach Resort, where visitors can stay in various types of huts, including deep overwater bungalows.

“There are only 11 of these, and all have stunning views of the lagoon and reef,” Howe said. “The resort is only accessible by water, which lends a remote and very romantic feel.”

All of the bungalows face west, so expect to end your days with spectacular sunsets.

The deep overwater bungalows go for about $830 a night during high season (from June to October) and about $720 for the rest of the year.

For more information, click here.

Constance Moofushi Resort, Maldives

Choose from dozens of water villas on the spectacular South Ari Atoll, which is home to a number of world-class dive sites.

You’ll reach the resort by seaplane after arriving in Maldives International Airport and relax in bungalows with gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean.

There’s lots to do if you want to leave your hut, including scuba diving, snorkeling, night fishing and other activities.

For an extra fee, the resort also offers a “Robinson Crusoe” experience for couples, allowing them to spend a half-day or a full day on a deserted island.

Rates for the all-inclusive package, which includes meals, drinks and other amenities, start at $705 per night for single occupancy in the water villas. They jump to $1,700 per night during the holidays.

For more information, click here.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The resort’s 100 overwater bungalows sit on stilts over a turquoise lagoon and feature traditional teak wood furnishings and roofs thatched with pandanus leaves.

You can choose various views, but Howe recommended splurging for the Otemanu-view overwater bungalow with a private plunge pool.

“These are right out at the end of the pontoon and have great views of the main peak of [Mount] Otemanu on the main island of Bora Bora,” Howe said.

This type of bungalow goes for about $2,700 a night.

The Four Seasons Bora Bora was among the winners of TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travelers’ Choice awards — chosen by the site’s members as one of the top 10 hotels for romance and luxury in the South Pacific.

For more information, click here.

Cayo Espanto, Belize

As mentioned, you won’t find a lot of overwater bungalows near the United States, but this five-star resort on a private island in the Western Caribbean is one option closer to home: It’s less than two hours by plane from Miami and Houston.

“That’s a lovely property,” McCabe said. “It’s a very private, very upscale resort.”

There are seven villas on the island, including one overwater bungalow. You’ll find the one-bedroom Casa Ventanas at the end of a dock that stretches more than 150 feet off the island “for the ultimate in privacy,” the resort says.

Like many of its counterparts in French Polynesia and the Maldives, the bungalow has a glass panel in the floor so guests can gaze down at the sea life during their stay.

Casa Ventanas is yours for $1,295 per night, which includes meals, drinks and personal butler service. (Prices rise for the holiday season.)

For more information, click here

Click here to view the article and photographs by cnn.com

Tammy and Alan spent the week at the five star resort Cayo Espanto, a private island in Belize.  Cayo Espanto is a tiny island in Belize with just seven luxury over water bungalow villas.

Exhilarating and romantic.  A sunset sail Catamaran wedding is truly an intimate and exciting way to say I” DO”  Tammye and Alan, married March 9, 2011 sailing the sea overlooking the world’s second largest barrier reef in Belize.  I was truly honored to be part of their special day, they are a very special couple.  I know I will always remember them and think of them often.

Thank you to Conch Creative for capturing Tammye and Alan’s big day in Belize.

Happy 3 Year Anniversary to  my sister and brother-in-law!

February 21, 2008.

My sister And brother-in-law married in Ambergris Caye, Belize. It will forever be one my most special memories. It was a true honor that my sister asked me to be both her wedding coordinator and maid of honor.   I want to thank them both of them for giving me this opportunity.  The day was perfect! February 21, three years ago today, Shari and John said “I Do” and celebrated their special day with both immediate families.

Three years later they are blessed with their beautiful family and I am thrilled to be now be aunt Keli.

Shari and John, I love you both. Wishing you many healthy and joyous years ahead. Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!

Keli

Kay Scott Photography

Valentine’s Day. The most romantic day of the year to say “I DO.”  Marriage is the union of two lives and two hearts forever in love.  What could be more romantic than getting married on Valentine’s Day on a tropical island?   Just ask Kim and Eloy.  They tied the knot in Ambergris Caye, Belize on Valentine’s day!  I call them true romantics.

A very special message from the groom right before the wedding

“I found happiness, laughter, strength, tears, faith in God, and true love! True love was something I could only dream of until I met you. I look forward to continuing our life together as one. Our connection all along was to be here today in beautiful Belize for our wedding day!” (words from Eloy’s vows)

Love was in the air.  Hearing Kim’s excitement in her voice early in the day gave me the chills.  I can’t express in words how happy and excited I was for Kim and Eloy.  I met Kim several years ago through my good friend Shannon who frequents Belize.  When Kim and Eloy contacted me to plan their big day with them I was flattered and thrilled that they chose Belize. When Kim was asked why she and Eloy decided to elope Kim told us“We decided to elope together because it seemed the least stressful.  We love to travel, and most of our very special and most meaningful moments together have been when we’ve traveled.  Plus we prefer to not have a whole lot of distractions, and it seemed ideal for romance for it to be just the two of us.”

“You are the yin to my yang. You are the calm to my storm. You’ve captured my heart and now my heart belongs to you.” Kim expresses her love in her personalized vows to Eloy

The ceremony and wedding location at the incredibly beautiful Captain Morgan’s Retreat was beautiful.  Kim is a beautiful woman and truly a stunning bride in her gorgeous gown.  Her handsome groom also looked first class. After the ceremony Kim, Eloy, Ari, Dorian (witness #1), photographer Jose Luis and assistant celebrated with Valentines wedding cupcakes as a gift from I DO Belize Weddings, champagne from their friend Shannon,  followed by pictures and a romantic dinner for two.

Rain is unusual in February yet Kim and Eloy experienced a light mist of rain after their ceremony.  It was towards the end of taking pictures. Did you know that rain happens to be good luck on a wedding day?  Rain is said to be a symbol of children in the future just as rain promotes growth in the farmer’s fields.  According to an old wives’ tale, the knot in “tying the knot” becomes wet and is harder to break, thus making the marriage stronger.

Kim and Eloy’s special day was filled with romance and beauty.  I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as I do!  Thank you to Jose Luis Zapata Photography for capturing the newleywed’s beautiful memories.  You may read more about Kim & Eloy’s wedding in paradise featured in the Ambergris Today.  http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/stories/2011/february/16/saying-i-do-valentine%E2%80%99s-day

Congratulations and much love to Kim & Eloy Alderete!

Belize makes it on the list again for top 10!  This time on YAHOO news.

Top 10 Places to Beat the Winter Blues

Forget about the slush and snow at one of these rejuvenating winter destinations 

By ShermansTravel Editorial Staff

Búzios, Brazil

Photo: Brazil Ministry of Tourism

More from ShermansTravel

• Travel Deals of the Week

More from Yahoo! Travel

Brrrr. When Old Man Winter comes to town, it’s easy to get down. But a visit to any of our favorite places to beat the winter blues will have you forgetting about the slush, snow boots, and dreary days of the long, dark season in no time. This year, why not pack your bags and head to top winter destinations like the slopes of Banff, the aquatic playgrounds of Belize and the Red Sea, the sands of Búzios, the quirky town of Key West, or even your own private villa on St. Barts? If it takes more than surf or snow to stimulate your senses, head out on a sophisticated city trip to Los Angeles or Melbourne, where sunny climes and attractive lifestyles beckon, or go even farther afield, on a trip of a lifetime to Rajasthan or Antarctica. Indeed, the icy waters at the bottom of the globe become passable only when the temperatures drop in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing adventuresome travelers seeking a rare annual opportunity to spot the season’s coolest sights – penguins, icebergs, and glaciers.

1. Búzios, Brazil

For a ritzy, St. Tropez-like escape in the dead of winter, you can’t beat Búzios – located at the tip of a long, beach-fringed peninsula about 100 miles north of Rio de Janeiro. Much beloved since the days Brigitte Bardot strolled the shores of the area’s Ossos Beach, this former fishing village retains much of its old-world charm, but now boasts a slew of glitzy boutiques, restaurants, and beachfront mansions to complement its fantastic string of 20-plus beaches, rugged coastline, and darling town. December to March is the best time to visit this top winter destinations, since Brazil’s summer weather is just right for a dose of Brazilian pleasures. Beat the blahs this year by sunbathing to your heart’s content, sipping caipirinhas at beachside cafés, and, at night, hitting the happening Rua das Pedras – a popular street lined with galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Belize

Photo: Belize Tourism Board/Tony Rath of Tony Rath Photography

2. Belize

This Central American up-and-comer – about the size of Massachusetts – is packed with potential. The tiny English-speaking country fronts the Caribbean Sea and offers sunny, warm weather all winter long and loads of adventuresome travel opportunities. Case in point: The longest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere borders the coast of Belize, making the waters here outstanding for snorkeling and diving. Offshore atolls and sandy reef shelves are home to baby sharks, massive stingrays, skinny eels, and lots of colorful marine life. Inland, the Maya Mountains are swathed in thick rain forests with thousands of streams and rivers cascading down – ideal for jungle treks and nature tours. Also not far offshore are dozens of islands, called cayes, which make for great day trips or secluded stays; Ambergris Caye and Isla Bonita are among the most developed, boasting chic restaurants and resorts, while Caye Caulker remains more laid-back and remote. Nature buffs will also love the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary – just a few miles east of Belize City – which protects over 9,000 acres of sea and mangrove; local guides bring visitors by boat to survey the abundant wildlife at one of the world’s top winter destinations.

Key West

Photo: Florida Keys Tourism Council

3. Key West, Florida

For the perfect winter destination, set out to Key West and bask in its tropical-Victorian-fantasyland feel, Jimmy Buffett/Margaritaville vibe, and hedonistic laissez-faire attitude. Indeed, this southernmost bit of the continental United States has plenty to tempt visitors, whether you’re interested in snorkeling – North America’s only coral barrier reef is found here, and you can swim with dolphins or discover shipwrecks – or into history, culture, and art, which this quirky beach town has plenty of. You could easily while away an afternoon strolling through Bahama Village, a quaint neighborhood favored by Ernest Hemingway (when you’re done, you can also visit his house, Ernest Hemingway Home); other worthy local highlights include the Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. Come dusk, Mallory Square hosts nightly sunset celebrations, with musicians and street performers serving as backup for the magnificent sunset show that illuminates the Gulf of Mexico, while street cafés and open-air bars invite you to partake of the carefree atmosphere. However you spend your day, rest assured that local priorities are where they should be – fun comes first!

Malibu, Los Angeles County

Photo: Flickr/tensaibuta

4. Los Angeles

Where else can you drive with the top down all year round, rub elbows with celebrities at the supermarket, delight in glamorous escapades by night, and go for a morning surf in the Pacific? Only Los Angeles offers all of these sun-kissed splendors come winter. The incomparable weather mixed with the allure of Hollywood has been attracting visitors in search of a prime winter destination for decades, yet the second-largest U.S. city maintains its cool with a collection of inventive hotels, cutting-edge restaurants, and posh nightclubs. From celebrity spotting at sidewalk cafés to window-shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills,, you’ll quickly become part of the scene and get a taste of Angelenos’ laid-back lifestyle. Stroll the Walk of Fame, hit the bars on Sunset Strip, tour Hollywood, explore the city’s museums, or join the perpetual traffic along the Pacific Coast Highway, where a sweet ocean-side drive will take you to the surf-swept beaches of Malibu and Venice; you won’t mind the trek with the wind in your hair, the radio blasting, and the sun shining when you think about the frigid weather you’re missing back home.

Melbourne

Photo: Melbourne Tourism Australiar

5. Melbourne, Australia

Australia’s second-largest city is quite arguably second to none, with in-the-know locals and avid Aussie visitors declaring Melbourne the more sophisticated, savvier sister of Sydney. A cosmopolitan melting pot, with more than a third of its residents born abroad – Melbourne (pronounced Mel-bun) is the cultural capital of the continent, with a magnificent array of eateries, boutiques, and nightlife options reflective of its fashionable and worldly patrons. Its vibrant riverfront attractions, fine European architecture, central squares, renowned zoo, botanic gardens, and galleries add to the allure of a visit to one of our top winter destinations – all augmented by the fact that while we’re mulling about in the dead of winter here, summer is in full swing Down Under.

Rajasthan

Photo: Rajasthan Tourism

6. Rajasthan, India

The second-largest state in India derives its name from a term meaning “land of kings,” and today tourists can discover the very essence of a regal India, with its fairy-tale architecture, colorfully turbaned men and sari-covered women, rich folk traditions and religious festivals, and desert landscapes of sun-kissed plains and glimmering lake oases. An expansive and exotic region, loaded with forts, palaces, gardens, temples, and other monumental relics of the high-society aristocrats who have occupied Rajasthan over the centuries, demands no less than a week to sample its highlights, including the lovely lake city of Udaipur; the golden fort city of Jaisalmer; the “blue city” of Jodhpur, with its impressive fort and eye-catching blue houses of the Brahmin caste; or the Ranthambhore jungle, where opportunities to track wild tigers abound. Unusual hotels cater to the tourists that flock here during the temperate months of September through March, and guests can expect accommodations in converted havelis (private mansions), ancient forts, and picturesque palaces. Skilled artisans, meanwhile, dish out the ultimate retail therapy by peddling a magical array of jewelry, rugs, pottery, and more one-of-a-kind goods in one of our preferred winter destinations.

Antarctica

Photo: Photos.com

7. Antarctica

An Antarctic winter is far from a tropical paradise – imagine a continent surrounded by densely packed ice, near-perpetual darkness, unpredictable blizzards, and temperatures that dip to about -60 degrees. With the seasons flipped, winter here in the Northern Hemisphere means that it’s as close to summer as it will ever be on the White Continent, and also the only time of year when voyaging to this last great travel frontier is possible, as the warmer climate serves to break up the ice barriers that otherwise prohibit access to this remote wilderness full of exotic wildlife and savage landscapes. More than 36,000 tourists now head towards the South Pole each year to witness its monumental glaciers and icebergs, comical penguins and seabirds, and majestic whales and marine creatures. Cruising to this top winter destination is the most popular way to attempt an Antarctic expedition; cruise lines like Holland America (www.hollandamerica.com), Radisson Seven Seas (www.rssc.com), and Princess (www.princess.com) operate sailings from Argentina or New Zealand.

Red Sea

Photo: Photos.com

8. Red Sea

We’re all familiar with Egypt’s ancient wonders, pharaoh-filled history, vast pyramids, and boundless desert, but the world-class beach resorts lining the Red Sea are still somewhat unknown, even to savvy travelers. Yet, where the crystal-blue Red Sea laps the desert shore, you’ll find a truly beautiful and exotic winter destination with much to offer during the cold-weather months. Just offshore from Dahab, a small coastal town between the Israeli border and the tip of Sinai, is a fantastic dive site where sharks, mantas, turtles, and eels will take bread right from your hand; the sea and its deep reefs are a tapestry of brilliantly colorful fish, dazzling coral, and exotic creatures. Another popular resort town, busy Hurghada, itself also an international center for aquatic sports, boasts an array of fine resorts and restaurants – and a bustling nightlife scene much favored by Europeans. When you need a break from the underwater paradise, or to clear your head from a night out on the town, plan a day trip to the Red Sea Mountains via camel or jeep.

St. Barts

Photo: Photos.com

9. St. Barts

Ironic that a tiny, rocky Caribbean island ill-suited to agriculture and populated only by poor Norman and Breton fishermen should wind up luring Rockefellers and rock stars, real and reel royalty. But St. Barthélemy, affectionately known as St. Barts (or Barths – both are correct) with its exquisite coves, gingerbread-trimmed Creole cazes (small houses), and low stone walls tracing emerald hillsides became the bicontinental set’s playground, separating true chic from chicanery. On this special chunk of rock that ranks supreme among top winter destinations, located southeast of St. Martin in the northernmost arc of the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, the beautiful and wealthy play at anonymity, violate personal trainers’ and nutritionists’ advice, and indulge in the occasional vice away from the paparazzi’s popping bulbs. Despite the island’s stratospheric prices, gourmet eateries, and duty-free haute-couture boutiques, few visitors parade in Prada; sarongs and denim cut-offs (and often little else on the beaches and yachts) are more common, although the flip-flops are more likely to be branded Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik than Havaiana.

Banff National Park

Photo: Photos.com

10. Banff, Canada

With its backdrop of waterfalls, caves, cliffs, canyons, and glaciers, it’s no wonder Banff attracts visitors from around the globe. The famed mountain resort is centered on a spectacular stretch of land preserve, Banff National Park, which is not only Canada’s oldest national park, but one of the nation’s most persevering tourist draws and winter destinations. Its snow-powdered Canadian Rocky Mountain peaks are its crowning glory, providing some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding conditions – any die-hard skier or nature-lover will tell you that the Rockies’ pristine surroundings will take you to new heights – the only downfall might be the somewhat overwhelming crowds that hit the three main ski areas and nature trails. However, with the area’s two main towns – Banff and Lake Louise – providing a host of additional winter activities, museums, eateries, nightspots, and quaint accommodations, there’s a little haven for everybody to head back to after a long day spent gliding along glorious snow-covered terrain.

I Do Belize Weddings is Named to the 2011 Wedding Professional Hot List

13 Jan, 2011 - MomentVille.com, one of the worlds leading wedding websites, has just announced that I Do Belize Weddings has been selected for the 2011 Wedding Professional Hot List.

The annual Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes excellence within the wedding industry, as determined by reviews from tens of thousands of brides and grooms. I Do Belize Weddings was among the best reviewed vendors in the Caribbean area in the past year.

“The Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes best of class wedding professionals.” said Geoff Evason, MomentVille’s CEO. “Highlighting the success of the top wedding professionals is an exciting way to spread the word and help newly engaged couples find the right professionals for their own weddings.”  Congratulations to I Do Belize Weddings!

About I Do Belize Weddings

Searching for an event planner to make your Belize dream wedding come true?      I DO Belize Weddings, Belize’s most distinctive, innovative full-service wedding coordination company, offers years of experience combined with true passion for what they do.  It is important that couples choose to work with a professional who specializes in the wedding industry that can interpret and incorporate their individual style into the wedding ambiance, and make expectations into life long memories.   I DO Belize Weddings is the essential choice of distinction for events in Belize.

About MomentVille
MomentVille.com offers engaged couples and wedding enthusiasts a one stop place for planning and sharing a wedding. Offering personal wedding websites, wedding planning tools, a gorgeous gallery of wedding pictures, a searchable list of reviewed wedding vendors, and lots of helpful and inspiring wedding content, MomentVille helps newlyweds with all aspects of their wedding. For more information contact media@momentville.com

Close your eyes and just imagine… A long bar of sand formed in Caribbean Sea that peaks above the water just a few inches.  A private sandbar surrounded by water so clear it magnifies the ocean floor and beautiful skies.

The bride, groom, and their kids head to this magical location thirty minutes before their guests where they have their last moments together before they say I DO.   The twenty guests board a boat and are asked to remove their shoes (bride and grooms request!)  They take an exciting and mysterious boat ride.  They have not been told where they are headed.  “THERE THEY ARE!!” shouts the first guest who spots them.  “Oh my goodness!  It IS them. COOOOOOL. Look, look, over there on that sandbar!  They’re waving!” The next person hollers with excitement.  Everyone was very excited.

The moment is perfect.  The bride, groom, family and friends all together in a private location in the middle of the ocean.  Just them.  The bride is barefoot…  In fact, everyone is barefoot!   All of the guests are dressed in white!  This was our first wedding ever where everyone was asked to wear white and let me tell you how beautiful they looked!  The white attire in the middle of the ocean looked sharp and clean.  The beautiful bride was in a bathing suit with black surong and her daughter also in a black bikini.  It was truly awesome!  Thanks Shelly and Jeff for allowing me to be part of your special day and week in Belize.

Beach Blessings,

Keli

All photographs by Jose Luis Zapata Photography.  “Capturing Life, One Shot at a Time.”  Specializing in wedding photography Jose Luis Zapata is also available for engagement, anniversaries, birthday parties, other special events, and personal photo shoots.  We are grateful he joined us for Shelly and Jeff’s big day at the sandbar and was able to capture these beautiful moments and stunning photographs.  Thank you Jose Luis Zapata!

Photograph of a sandbar in Belize

Tim and Richelle, from chilly Calgary, eloped in Belize on beautiful and sunny Ambergris Caye this November.  The couple came down for a week and surprised their friends and family with this greeting from Belize!  Here are some fun shots from after the ceremony.

All photographs by Conch Creative Photography

The Father of the Groom met Ted Danson Tuesday evening in San Pedro, Belize!  Ted Danson, founder and board member of Oceana, ate dinner next to our wedding party at Blue Water Grill Tuesday evening.  The father of the groom introduced himself and had conversation with him prior to dinner.  Why was Ted Danson in Belize?  Tiny Belize is one of the first countries in the world to permanently ban trawling in all of its waters!!  Go Belize!  For more details read the article provided by Huffinton Post below.

Belize Banishes destructive Trawling

One of the world’s smallest nations has made a monumental decision for the oceans. As of today, Belize is one of the first countries in the world to institute a complete and permanent ban on trawling in all of its waters.

Bottom trawling is one of the most destructive fishing methods in existence. Bottom trawlers are equipped with massive, weighted nets that effectively clear-cut the ocean floor, destroying sensitive coral communities and anything else in their path.

Meanwhile, shrimp trawls — which were operating in Belize until now — operate in midwater, so they pose a different threat. They catch more untargeted species, or bycatch, than almost any other kind of fishing gear. Thousands of sea turtles, marine mammals and untargeted fish are caught in shrimp trawlers around the world every year.

The ban is only logical when you consider the phenomenal marine resources that Belize has to offer. Namely, the Belize Barrier Reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. With three of the Western Hemisphere’s four offshore atolls, including the famous Blue Hole, Belize is a destination for divers and snorkelers around the world.

The ban, which goes into effect December 31st, was made by Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s administration after UNESCO threatened to strip the Belize Barrier Reef System of its World Heritage Site status.

The recently released 2010 Report Card of the Mesoamerican Reef revealed that around 70% of the reef is in poor or critical condition, with only 8 percent in good condition. The amount of reef that’s now in critical condition leapt from 6 percent in 2008 to 30 percent as a result of overfishing, coastal development and climate change. Belize’s reef is under great pressure, and it’s a relief to see that the government is taking steps to protect its vital marine resources.

Oceana was a critical part of this decision, collaborating with the government in negotiating a buy-out of the shrimp trawlers. We have been working for years to put a stop to trawling around the world, and we have protected hundreds of thousands of square miles from trawling using our precautionary approach.

Kudos to Belize, and here’s hoping that more countries follow its lead to reduce their destructive fishing footprint.

Ted Danson is a member of Oceana’s board of directors.

Posted: December 8, 2010 02:54 PM Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ted-danson/belize-banishes-destructi_b_793963.html

Watch the latest video in less than two minutes

Tucked into a humid corner of Central America, Belize rises from Caribbean coral, cayes, and atolls in the east, to coastal wetlands and savannas, and finally to upland pine forests and river valleys in the west. In these settings, travelers dive, sail, fish, paddle, hike, bike, ride, and explore. Most opt for some kind of “surf and turf” vacation, spending half their days on the coast splashing around and the rest of their time in the highlands, visiting caves, ruins, and waterfalls. In fact, many resorts cater to this formula, teaming up with sister properties to provide creative tour packages.

Planning a trip to Belize is easy: avoid the hurricane months of September and October and know that April and May can be particularly dry, hot, and dusty. You’ll want to make reservations during high season (late December), but the rest of the year you can usually book places pretty late, or even just show up.

5…Climb a castle

The Xunantunich archeological site, built atop a limestone ridge above the Mopan River in western Belize, is not as easy to reach as Altun Ha, which is much closer to Belize City and the coastal resorts. You have to drive two hours west to the village of San Jose de Succotz, near the Guatemalan border, then put your car on a hand-cranked ferry. But the view from the main structure, El Castillo, is worth the trip. On the way up, note the unusual stucco frieze (a reproduction), then enjoy the sea of green forests in all directions once you are at the top, 135 feet above the plaza below. Xunantunich is believed to have been built sometime around 400 B.C. and deserted around A.D. 1000; at its peak, some 7,000–10,000 Maya lived in this city. That means the forests you see from the top of El Castillo probably did not exist back then because of the population pressures.

The ferry operates 8 AM to 3 PM daily, and is free, but feel free to tip the operator. Don’t miss the 4 PM return ferry with the park rangers, or you’ll be swimming. Entrance to the Xunantunich is US$2.50 per person; guides are available for US$20 per group.

4…Escape to your island

Belize has over 200 cayes (pronounced “keys”), or islands, in its quiet, beautiful corner of the Caribbean. Many cayes are uninhabited clumps of sand and mangroves, but a handful are livable. The most popular of these are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, where an enormous range of accommodations and restaurants service the thousands of tourists who come to visit.

Or, you can also choose a much more exclusive island experience, like that had on South Water Caye, a privately owned island 14 miles offshore from Dangriga and 35 miles southeast of Belize City, at the center of Belize’s largest marine protected area. The island is less than a mile in length from north to south and only a quarter of a mile at its widest point. The main barrier reef crests just a stone’s throw from shore, atop a 1,000-foot coral wall. That means South Water has one of the few beaches in Belize where you can snorkel amazing coral formations right from the beach in front of your cabin.

There are three places to stay on South Water, all of which have sister resorts on the mainland. The nicest hotel is Pelican Beach Resort (tel. 011/501/522-2044, US$258–292, price includes three meals). Power is from the sun, and composting toilets help protect the fragile island ecology.

3…Go caving with a crystal maiden

Belize has one of the most extensive and fantastic cave systems in the world, especially the Cayo region which is riddled with underground passages and archaeological sites. Nearly every hotel in the country offers caving trips, usually floating on inner tubes through underground passages of the Caves Branch River, often with massive groups of tourists. These are fun trips, but more independent types reserve a day for the Cave of the Crystal Maiden, or Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM). Mayans began using this site in early classic period (A.D. 300-600), and, according to Belize’s chief archaeologist Jaime Awe, they ventured deeper and deeper as the drought above ground grew worse, making more desperate human sacrifices as they went.

Amazingly, tourists are allowed into the cave where they will see 1,000-year-old skeletons and pottery shards left behind by the Maya. It is not a journey for the faint of heart though, involving a 2-mile hike and multiple river fordings just to get to the entrance. Then begins the swimming (yes, swimming), crawling, and climbing to get to the cave’s deepest secrets and grand caverns. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, plus something to change into after you emerge from the cave.

The typical day trip to the cave costs $80 per person and lasts from about 8 am to 5 pm. Several tour companies offer such trips to ATM, including Pacz Tours, based in the town of San Ignacio (Burns Ave, tel. 011/501/824-2477), which also has a two-day overnight trip to the cave and Roaring River valley for $250 per person.

2…Travel the Chocolate Trail

This trip begins in Punta Gorda, also known as “PG,” a small seaside town in Belize’s extreme southeast corner. It’s a quick flight from Belize City (or a 4-hour drive) to get there. The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao, or “food of the Gods”) has gained renewed importance in the culture and economy of Mayans in southern Belize and travelers are invited to check it out. The tree’s fruit yields a slimy-sweet pulp covering seeds that are later dried, fermented, and ground into chocolate.

Your first stop is in PG proper: go to Cotton Tree Chocolate (#2 Front Street, near Texaco, 011/501-621-8776) for a free tour of the small factory and a sample of unique products including rum-filled chocolates, hot chocolate mixes, chocolate soap, and other treats. (You may also want to grab a slice of “Punta Pizza” upstairs.)

Adventurous travelers can arrange a getaway to one of the Maya villages across the region, where you can stay in a simple guesthouse and learn about cacao growing, chocolate making, and life in a modern Maya village. Contact the offices of the Toledo Eco-tourism Association (Tel: 011/501-722-2096) or go straight to the village of San Felipe, to the house and chocolate workshop of Cyrila Cho (San Felipe, tel. 501/663-9632). Her five-hour chocolate tours begin with a visit to an organic cacao farm and continue with lunch in Cyrila’s home, where she and her daughter then lead a chocolate-making session.

1…Waterfall picnic in the Mountain Pine Ridge

The steep landscape of Belize’s highlands means lots of falling water. In fact, Thousand Foot Falls (actually 1,600 feet high) is the tallest waterfall in Central America, but you can only see it from afar. Luckily, the area is riddled with more accessible and exclusive cataracts, especially on the property of Hidden Valley Inn (tel. 011/501/822-3320, US$205 for a double, plus meals and taxes). Hidden Valley Inn is an upscale nature lodge on 7,200 acres of private property. Hike, bike, or ride a horse on their 90 miles of trails to one of the many private natural nooks on the property; seek out Secret Pools and Falls, an unforgettable spot draped in orchids and palmetto palms. Honeymoon packages include a gourmet picnic and chilled bottle of wine at the rustic table near the water’s edge.

Other waterfalls in this area are phenomenal, especially Five Sisters Falls and the pools at Río On. If you’re looking for an overnight splurge or simply a place to stop during your exploration of the Mountain Pine Ridge, visit Francis Ford

Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge (tel. 011/501/824-4912, from $250), whose cabanas and villas overlook the rocks and falls of Privassion Creek. You’re welcome to stop here to admire the scenery and wood-fired pizza restaurant, serving organic vegetables from the on-site garden and imported wine from Coppola’s California vineyards.

“Belize In 5″ on FoxNews.com

By Joshua Berman  Published November 22, 2010