My fiance and I are looking to go to Belize for our two-week honeymoon in February 2005. We are thinking of doing the Victoria house for a week and the somewhere in jungle for a week. Are there any jungle locations I should stay away from or areas that are favored. Also, I love the looks of The Lodge at Chaa Creek. If we went there, we would definitely want to stay in the Treehouse jacuzzi suite, but they are so expensive. We don't mind paying it if it is worth it, but don't want to feel ripped off. Do you think it's better to stay at a less expensive place so that we will have more money to spend on activities. Or, is chaa creek so top notch that it is worth the $280 a night? I saw the honeymoon package at the Crystal Paradise hotel and am wondering if anyone has anything to say about that package. It is $999 per person for 8 days 7 nights with all activities. It is a lot more reasonable, but I don't want to do it if it is a huge step down from Chaa Creek. Does anyone have any advice?

I know all three very well. VH and Chaa Creek are amongst the finest inns and lodges in Belize and the surrounding region. The new tree top jacuzzi suites at CC I would say, are much more interesting and beautifully done than any of the rooms at VH. So if I had to choose one room splurge, it would be the tree tops at CC. CC has the less expensive cottages, which are also great. Very few lodges do as much on property for guests and off property for the community as CC does. Wonderful place. Crystal Paradise is a mile downstream from CC and is owned/operated by a very nice Belizean family who are friendly and fun to get to know. Its a great place,not in the same league as either CC or VH, but offers the same trips as CC. You might want to take a look at duPlooys, which is also great and a bit less than CC. I like their bungalows. For other beahc options on the same island at VH, take a look at the more remote Matca Chica and Portofino, snaller, quieter and more removed from the town than VH, but also a few bucks less. Neither have pools and you'll need a 10.00pp water taxi to get to the village. Also take a look at the Placencia peninsula-two great inns there are Turtle Inn and Roberts Grove. TI is high end in services and cost, RG is high end in services and less $ for what you get. If you have two weeks, you could visit both beach areas and the jungle.

Thanks for your response! I have looked at Portofino and MC too, but I think we want to stay closer to town. Do you have any other suggestions for resorts on the beach that are a little less expensive than VH and still nice?

How are the cabana's at Crystal Paradise? Run down?

Not many options similiar to VH close to town. Ramons is a large and lively hotel, about 70 rooms, beachfront is 185.00 per night. Sun Breeze next door at 120.00 per night. Lots of condo-hotel options. Xanadu might work, sort of a condo-inn. Would not call CPR run down at all, but not in the same league as CC or duPlooys. If you stay at CPR, opt for the better thatched roof valley view rooms.

Thanks again! Have you had the food at CC and the Crystal Paradise? How is that?

How is the Ramon's Village Resort in Ambergris Caye?