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Even though Belize is firmly on the North American continent, it is something of an “island”: In a room full of Spanish-speaking countries, Belize is the sole English-speaker. Let’s hear it for British colonialism!
With the largest, most diverse and colorful reef system outside of Australia, Belize is the best eco-destination no one goes to; perhaps that is why one of its best hotels goes by the telling name of “El Secreto.” The fact that both hotel and country are off the beaten track to the point of being unknowns is a good thing; as a travel writer, let me tell you — once everybody knows about a place, it’s not worth the visit.
“Azure” does not even come close to describing the Caribbean waters lapping at El Secreto’s beach, suffice to say that there is “blue” and then there is “BLUE,” and that last one is the one I’m talking about. Set on the atmospherically stunning San Pedro Island and almost on top of the country’s reefs, the grounds are intimate, lush, and removed from the rat-race. The property’s 13 villas are open and airy; there seems to have been a conscious eschewing of walls altogether, and considering the views, it is not too hard to figure out why. Here, under thatched roofs reminiscent of Mayan huts, time passes by season…and considering it is warm year round, time may as well not even exist.
But was does exist is a near-psychotic drive to make sure your socks are knocked off. And stay off. Visitors are greeted with a cocktail and a chilled towel to wipe away your commute from…wherever. Private Jacuzzis, king-size beds, eco-friendly bathrobes, state of the art electronics controlling everything from the A/C to your iPod, the “secret” should be why this place isn’t more popular.
And those are just the rooms. As the Caribbean goes, Belize is still something of a Johny-come-lately compared to Cozumel in Mexico or Colónin Panama. The upturn of this is that the environment, above water and below, is exquisite. The sand is white, the water crystalline, and where the two meet is a hotbed for activities — scuba diving, adventure tours, a trip to the spectacular Mayan ruins of Lamanai — to enjoy both. Or you can just lounge by the pool with a tropical drink or tropical fruit. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you can’t beat the five-minute mini-massages given out by the pool boys. They are a good intro to the Ikal Spa, FYI.
Better hurry, though, because let’s be honest: When was the last time you kept a good secret all to yourself?
For more information, go to elsecretobelize.com. Contact Steele Luxury Travel for all of your Belize Travel planning www.SteeleTravel.com