travelisknowledge

I'm new to this forum, and have just read your posting and the replies... I know you are finalizing your plans, but as you did say you were interested in diving in Belize, I can't say enough about Blackbird Caye Resort on Turneffe Atoll- my husband and I stayed a week a few years ago and the diving was spectacular. Also, if you want to pamper yourself, check out Chan Chich Jungle Lodge- it was our 'splurge' for our anniversary. Also, if you like adventure definitely don't miss ATM cave trip- it was great. I can't compare Belize to Guatemala as we will be taking our first trip to Guatemala this summer. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding- and for choosing a spectacular part of the world for your honeymoon!

rsn

Thanks so much, Travel,

I was hoping to finalize some arrangements, but I am finding that a lot of the hotels we were interested in do not have availability on the days we were looking for. I know we should have booked earlier, but uncertain work/commitments made it impossible. Now, we are looking into postponing our honeymoon until February.

We are really interested in Chan Chich Lodge - thank you so much for the suggestion! When you went on the ATM cave trip was it the whole day?

Also - did you go to Tikal from there? How far would you say it was/how long is the travel time?

thanks again!

travelisknowledge

The ATM trip was pretty much an entire day...we booked it with one of the tour operators in San Ignacio- I don't remember which one, but they're all over the place. We started out at about 9:00 AM and didn't get back until about 5:00. It was well worth it though.

We didn't go to Tikal that trip. We had spent a week over on Turneffe scuba diving, so we only had one week to see as much of Belize as we could. From what I've been reading, if you have the time it sounds like it's easier to go to Tikal from Belize.

Hope this helps-

rsn

Hi!

Well, we have officially postponed our honeymoon until February 2009 (we are getting married in September). A lot of the places we wanted to go were very busy and we would rather wait until after Christmas, when things are a little quieter (and less expensive). Also, work has been extremely busy and i have had no time to plan...

I have changed our itinerary around a little bit and I think we are planning on staying in Ambergris Caye as opposed to Plancencia.

Will post updated draft itinerary asap. Thanks again, for all the help!

BigRuss

I don't see a reason to stay in Mata Chica in Belize. We've been to Ambergris Caye three times and stayed within a short distance of San Pedro Town each time -- never north of the cut (the small canal that divides the island). If you want semi-remote, go to Victoria House. If you want good quality and value, go to Banyan Bay.

The town has very good restaurants and nice atmosphere and the Belizeans are extremely friendly. By going to a hotel that far away, you miss out. Ambergris Caye is La Isla Bonita of the Madonna song of the same name and even as it has grown it, and San Pedro and its environs specifically, retained a lot of the charm that inspired her.

rsn

I was concerned that Mata Chica was too far from town as we would probably like to go out for dinner a few times while we are there. I liked Mata Chica, though, because it looked small, remote, relaxing and like it would be a great place for our honeymoon.

Any other suggestions for luxurious honeymoon hotels closer to St. Pedro?

luluk

February 09 honeymoon we booked 3 nights at chaa creek and 4 nights at victoria house. i just realized that we will have to fly to our second hotel which will add on to our costs... plus lose half of the day to traveling and moving around. now i'm thinking about switching the second half of our trip to turtle inn. which itinerary do you guys suggest out of victoria house vs turtle bay?
which is more relaxing/quiet?
which has better beaches? better snorkling?
thanks!

JeanH

I think it will take you as long to get to Turtle Inn as it would to get to Ambergris. And cost as much, or more, unless you take the bus.

If you return to Belize City, and fly from the municipal airport, rather than BZE, it's about half the cost.

I prefer Ambergris, others prefer Placencia, it's a matter of personal preferance.

Snorkeling is easier from Ambergris, less than a mile from the reef, versus 19 miles from Placencia.

I think you should stick with your plan to spend time at Chaa Creek, and then time at the beach, rather at Victoria House or Turtle Inn. The half day travel is really pretty easy, and not unpleasant.