Belize Travel Guide: Jungle, Beach & Pure Relaxation

NO FRILLS, ENJOY THE VIEW, BREATHE THE AIR, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, JUST LET GO.

We only had 4 nights for this trip, and out of the options I gave my husband, he picked Belize. Where is Belize? I cannot tell you how many times I got this question when I told people I was traveling there. Belize is a tiny English-speaking country in Central America located between Guatemala and Mexico. It is the second smallest in Central America, to be exact (after El Salvador), and it’s larger than Israel.

We decided to spend two days by the beach, and two days in the jungle- like the real jungle. It really provided us with the best of both worlds- the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. 

THE BEACH VIBES

Jaguar Reef is located in Hopkins, Belize. This hotel has the relaxation and chill vibes of the Florida Keys. The accommodations are huge and comfortable. While you’re here, you are almost forced to just let go and enjoy. You cannot avoid the swings, hammocks, and day beds! 

One of the most enjoyable and fun things here were the net “beds” stretched over the ocean - this simple architectural idea was a major highlight of the trip. Lying on them is so relaxing and beautiful, and having the waves crash directly under you is a unique experience. 

There’s something about being here that just makes you let go, and surrender to the relaxation.

THE RHYTHM REEF CAYE

This beautiful island, owned by the Belize Collection, was a standout point of this trip as well. Belize consists of the mainland and about 450 self-standing islands. Island hopping is one of the main attractions in Belize. We visited the Rhythm Reef and had it all to ourselves. We were greeted by a pelican and a stingray, which felt like they were welcoming us to explore the vast, crystal clear waters. We snorkeled, kayaked, swam, and were able to see a lot of different coral, fish, and other sea creatures—it was just incredible.

CATCH A SUNRISE

My girls were so motivated to wake up early to watch the sunrise, and I am so glad we did. They woke up early and walked out onto the dock at the hotel.  Lying on day beds overlooking the ocean as the sun came out. This made for a simple, beautiful memory, and something we won't ever forget. The night sky, filled with a shocking number of stars, didn't disappoint either! 

ZIPLINING

Thrilling adventures like ziplining is always a fun activity for kids, and when breathtaking views and flying over rivers are part of the tour, it makes it even better. We also walked over a suspension bridge here. This is one activity that never gets old, and appeals to the wide age range of my daughters.

CACAO FARM TOUR

Chocolate is a big part of Belize culture, as the Mayan people were among the first to cultivate it.  In this tour, we got to see where chocolate starts, straight from the cacao tree,  and even tasted cacao beans from a pod we opened. We learned about the full process: six days of fermentations, seven days  of drying, and then we made chocolate in its purest form. There was such a raw, unprocessed taste to this chocolate and helping to make it from start to finish was the unique part! 

THE JUNGLE VIBES

The Banks at Sleeping Giant, located in Belmopan, Belize opened December 2024. We were super excited to check out this new resort and settle in to our 3 bedroom villa with its own private pool! Everything here is upscale, comfortable and peaceful. 

At a certain point during the drive between the two properties, the landscape transforms — mountains and stunning scenery come into view, and you can just feel that something special is ahead.

On the way, we stopped at The Country Barn for delicious ice cream (pro tip: get a coffee with ice cream in it), offering up some of the best dairy products we have ever had. What makes these dairy products so delicious? The close connection to the source. There is no manufacturing here, just dairy in its purest form, like the incredible chocolate we had earlier in the trip. 

As you approach the resort, out on the mountain top, is a range nicknamed “The Sleeping Giant,” since that is exactly what the view in front of you looks like! Part of the Maya Mountains in this area looks so much like a giant sleeping on its back, that the nickname has inspired art, legends and tourists come just to see it.  

There are so many hikes within this property, most notably ones with suspension bridges nestled within the rainforest canopy, crossing over the river.

The Nest at Sleeping Giant  is an elevated two-level treehouse that boasts views of the mountains and rainforest. The lower deck has a comfortable seating area, while the upper level gave us a chance to enjoy another netted floor experience--this time, high above the forest floor, perfect for relaxation and birdwatching.

The Sunrise Gazebo Hike gave us another chance to see the world waking up. This path leads to a scenic gazebo offering panoramic views of the 600-acre property, surrounding orchards, and the Sleeping Giant mountain formation. It wasn’t easy but there are cement steps to help you along. 

IT WAS WORTH IT

We were fortunate to lie back, relax, and let Belize show us its magic. We ate delicious, authentic foods, met locals, swam in the warm waters and will remember the sunrise and sunsets here forever. We didn't have time for the Blue Hole, lots of island hopping, river tubing, or the Mayan ruins, but we came back feeling exactly what you should feel after a vacation—rested, restored, refreshed, renewed, reconnected, and with memories to last a lifetime. 

Is this still a bit too overwhelming? Piecing small cute places together is “Camp Lisa's” specialty. Customizing the stops along the way or creating an itinerary just for you is what Camp Lisa’s all about.

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