Belize or Cozumel?
 

Hi there, I haven't been here in a while, ............because of this message board my husband and I went to Caneel Bay in 05 and it was one of the best vacations we ever had..... we have been all over the Caribbean islands and now we are wanting to try either Belize or Cozumel....we have never been to either, and have not read much on the board about them.
Is anyone out there who can offer some help deciding on which one to choose? Our criteria is:
High end hotel,
steps to the beach,
quiet,
snorkeling,
good dining.
Would also like a direct flight from NY but can't seem to find one.......any suggestions to not have to fly for 8 hours?

thanks!

There are no hotels in Belize that meet your requirements. Most of the beach hotels in Belize are very simple affairs, primarily on the off-shore cays. I'm sure there are a handful of more luxurious places, but I'm not terribly familiar with Belize, so hopefully someone else will be able to give you some better advice.

Of these two places, I think you want Cozumel. It's not exactly quiet, but certainly quieter than Cancun, except when a cruise ship is in port. In the past there has been a nonstop flight to Cozumel from JFK (on AA I believe). I'm not sure if it still operates.

I consider Victoria House on Ambergris Caye in Belize as high end. Also Mata Chica and Azul.

For walk in snorkeling you would have to go to one of the out lying islands, and there isn't high end there.

There's also Turtle Inn and Robert's Grove in Placencia, but lots of further from the reef.

A couple properties in Hopkins, Hamanasi and Kanantik (sp), I've never been to Hopkins, don't know much about them.

More choices of restaurants on Ambergris.

I think that Continental has a nonstop to Belize City from Newark on Saturday's, at least they used to. No other nonstops to Belize from the northeast that I know of. To get to Ambergris, you'll still need to fly on a puddle jumper or take the water taxi.

From my limited time on Cozumel (day trip from Playa del Carmen) and numerous trips to Belize, they are quite different. Coz is much more developed, higher end shopping, chain restaurants and bars.

Belize is still very much a developing nation, way less tourists and much smaller properties. My heart belongs to Belize, we just returned on Monday.

I think Jean did a pretty good job of comparing the two. You'll have much more activity, restaurant choices and traditional hotels/resorts in Coz but some of the atolls in Belize will give you more of that quiet/exotic Caneel-like experience (albeit you're really confined to the resort). Turtle Inn (a Francis Ford Coppola resort) is a great suggestion. I'll also throw out Turneffe Island Lodge - which I absolutely loved and is a rare gem to find in the Caribbean these days. Ambergris Caye is a bit more touristy than the others.

While I liked both - Belize would be first on my list to return to.

You should be aware that in both places, the best reefs can be somewhat deep. They'll both have good snorkling but I believe they're really diver-oriented destinations.

Have you thought about Turks and Caicos? I took my mother there this past April. Lots of New Yorkers there (is that a good thing?), so there must be a direct flight.

Many high end resorts on this island, and all on the beach. Decent snorkeling.
Lovely island. Not my favorite, but lovely.

thanks for the replys.......I am still undecided, but this helps alot.....and yes, we have been to Turks and Caicos and we love Grace Bay on Provo...but we are looking for something different.....Belize really sounds like it fits our bill.....we can live without the snorkeling if we must....everything else sounds wonderful.
Thanks again.

I've not been to Turk & Caicos, but I've read and heard numerous reports of the stunningly beautiful beaches.

Don't go to Belize expecting the find the same types of beaches. You'll be disappointed. The beaches are narrower, sand is darker in most places, and there's sea grass which makes walk in swimming 'interesting'. I don't say this to try and talk you out of coming to Belize, just don't want you to come with expectations that won't be met.

The snorkeling in Belize is far superior to Cozemal or T&C that was mentioned but it is true beaches are smaller and not as much white powder.

A few comments on Belize....

Beaches are average at best on Ambergris Caye. The sea grass is everywhere, and the swimming areas are not clean looking at all. If you want those pristine caribbean beaches, this is NOT the place. The snorkeling is all off shore. The reefs off shore is awesome, but it can be a pain to always need a boat to get to it.

The charm of Ambergris in my opinion is the people. Some of the warmest folks we've encountered anywhere. The town is small, and easy to find your way around, and as casual as it gets. There is really nothing "luxury" or "High End" on this island. Victoria House is definitely very nice, as is Banyan Bay.

Restaurants are good....not great. Prices are cheap compared to most islands.

Belize/Ambergrus is definitely a "different" experience....especially if you guys are fans of Caneel.

Hope this helps...

I have never been to Cozumel but I love Belize, mostly because I can wander the villages and mingle with the locals all I want. It is a terrific adventure and cultural experience. For luxury high end in Placencia, I noticed that Chabil Mar Villas was not mentioned by anyone. It is highly recommended in Fodors Belize 2007, right on the beach and a short walk or bike ride to the beach. All Villas are full suites there too! Can you tell that I have been there and really like it. Sorry, but I think Placencia is the greatest!