What makes Belize a great destination for a luxury holiday?
If you are searching for an upmarket break with a difference, Belize should be one of the destinations you consider. Not only does it have a stunning landscape and lots of historic attractions to explore, it also boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Americas.
In addition to some spectacular spots on the mainland, there are hundreds of idyllic cayes to visit. You'll need a boat to get to them, which is why a yacht charter holiday in the Caribbean is the best way to see Belize.
Nothing says upmarket getaway like spending time on a yacht, and when it is also the most practical choice for the destination, there is no real reason to consider anything else. If you are an experienced skipper, you will find the sailing conditions off Belize's Caribbean coast easy to cope with, as the protection provided by the Mesoamerican Reef ensures the waters are calm.
However, you do not have to take on the job of navigating the vessel if you would rather spend time on deck relaxing in the sun. Arrange a luxury crewed yacht charter and you will have a captain at your disposal to guide you around the area, together with a gourmet chef to prepare your meals.
The weather in Belize is warm all year round, with temperatures in the range of 23°C to 32°C. The rainy season runs from June to November, but you should see plenty of sun if you book your break at any other time.
One of the reasons why sailing off the coast of Belize is so much fun is the number of idyllic cayes you can visit. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System - a section of the Mesoamerican Reef that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its natural diversity - contains 450 cayes and you can see the best during your yachting break.
Some are uninhabited and you can look forward to relaxing on deserted beaches, spotting exotic birds and snorkelling in clear blue waters after mooring up. Others, such as South Water and Cocoa Plum, have upmarket resorts on them and you can relax in their bars and restaurants in the evenings.
Belize is a popular destination with divers, as it has some great underwater scenery. Around 500 species of tropical fish live among the colourful coral reefs, while you are also likely to spot whale sharks and manatees in the water.
There are lots of sinkholes off the coast, including the Great Blue Hole. Described by Jacques Cousteau as one of the ten best dive sites in the world, the vast cenote is located in the heart of Lighthouse Reef. It is 984 ft across and 394 ft deep, and looks spectacular from the surface. Dive down into it and you will see some unique sights, as unusual marine life swims around giant stalactites.
While the highlights of your holiday are likely to come onboard your boat, there is also plenty to enjoy on the mainland. From the yacht charter centre at Placencia, you can organise an excursion to the ruins of the pre-Columbian city of Nim Li Punit and the Mayan pyramids at Lubaantun. You could also arrange to take a wildlife spotting boat trip up the Monkey River, where you will see crocodiles and howler monkeys.
