Beautiful Belize: a Fabulous Stay at Ka’ana

Every time I turn around, it seems, someone is saying that Belize is on their bucket list. After seeing the country firsthand, I tell them, go now. Time is fleeting, and Belize is all you could hope it would be. And with new flights from the U.S., Belize is more accessible than ever.  

Fronting the Caribbean Sea, just south of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Belize is small, about the size of New Hampshire in square miles. But tucked into this beguiling nation—part of Central America and a warmly welcomed member of the Caribbean Community—is a treasure of destinations: the flourishing Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world); the breathtaking Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; stunning islands and cays easily explored by boat and perfect for snorkeling; and, inland, a patchwork of rivers, mountains, jungles, farms, and villages. Mayan sites reveal once-thriving communities that date to the years 600–800 AD.

Because Belize is small, it is possible to experience it fully without feeling cramped in a tight schedule. In a handful of days, we snorkeled off Laughing Bird Caye, cruised through the waters of the lovely town of Placencia, explored breathtaking Mayan ruins (including a small temple explored on horseback through the jungle), and more.

We started our getaway at Ka’ana, a resort and spa in San Ignacio, set in the jungles of western Belize. Ka’ana, which means “heavenly,” delivered spectacular pampering, including luxurious meals and relaxation by the pool. The resort has gotten accolades from both the Michelin and Forbes resort guides.

Our first culinary adventure featured an unforgettable wine dinner at Wine Smith Belize in San Ignacio. Every day in Belize we were wrapped in exquisite outdoor dinners amid tropical flowers, Caribbean breezes, and friendly, welcoming staff.

Ka’ana is a short drive to Morningside Ranch, a horse farm that deserves to be seen even if you’re not riding. It’s nestled among grassland and trees lush with oranges, papayas, and coconuts and surrounded by mountain vistas. The expert guides took us on a nature tour, via a path through the jungle, ending at a Mayan site. After the horseback ride, we enjoyed lunch at the delightful Hode’s Grill.

Nighttime was ushered in with a beautiful dinner in Ka’ana’s gardens, where edible greens and vegetables used for the resort’s sumptuous meals are grown. (Foodie tip: The kitchen’s delicious green juice is concocted from ginger, pineapple, chaya, and Cayo honey from Ka’ana’s own bees.)

The next morning, after sunrise yoga and a solo ramble through Ka’ana’s natural setting, we headed for an incredible thrill, the Great Blue Hole Flyover by Tropic Air, arranged by the Belize Tourism Board. The closeup tour over the Great Blue Hole, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, will rock your world.

Next was a stay at the thoroughly delightful Naїa Resort & Spa in Placencia, where a luxurious massage started our adventure. Naїa is a luxury traveler’s must-do. A lovely cottage awaited each of us, facing the beach and filled with all that oceanfront living can offer. That evening, we set out on a sunset cruise by Splash Dive Center. Cruising the Placencia canals and lagoon, we let our worries go with wine, snacks, and music, delivered by our friendly crew.

The next day brought another highlight, island-hopping and snorkeling at nearby Laughing Bird Caye. After snorkeling, where we saw abundant living coral and beautiful fish in the blue water, we were treated to a delicious chicken dinner grilled by our boat crew and island staff members on Laughing Bird, part of Belize’s National Park System. 

Our last night brought us a great cultural gem: a presentation of drummers playing traditional Garifuna music, while we enjoyed dinner in Naїa’s exquisite garden. We were clapping and dancing under the moon before we knew it. It was a capstone of pure joy, just like the rest of our Belize stay.

Ka’ana Resort: Kaanabelize.com

Naїa Resort & Spa: naiaresortandspa.com

Tropic Air: tropicair.com

Splash Dive Center: splashbelize.com

Go Sea Tours: goseabelize.com

Wine Smith Belize: winesmithbelize.com

Belize Tourism Board: travelbelize.org