by Missie Hills | Jan 19, 2025 | Central America, International Adventures, North America
Our spring break adventure in California ended up being a little pricier than expected. So, we decided to skip our typical big summer adventure. But once the hot Texan summer was finished, we knew we made a mistake. We needed a getaway. We searched for a destination that had a balanced combination of relaxation and exploration. The search didn’t take long for us to settle on Belize, a Central American country often overlooked as a travel destination.
Our adventure began with a flight into Belize City, followed by an unforgettable experience on a puddle jumper plane to the island of San Pedro. It was our first time flying in such a small aircraft—just 10 to 15 seats squeezed into a narrow tube. While the flight was nerve-wracking, the stunning views made every moment worth it. The turquoise waters below hinted at the paradise waiting for us.
For our stay, we used our credit card points to book the newly opened Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection resort. The resort was a tropical dream, boasting multiple pools, delicious restaurants, and unbeatable views of the Caribbean. The resort was full of beautiful travel influencers, the women wearing their sexiest bikinis and the men showing off what they have earned for all those hours in the gym. At first glance, we wondered if we booked the wrong place for our family. But those worries quickly vanished as we found our apartment on the family side of the resort equipped with a kid friendly pool, playground, and fun family activities. We even enjoyed a smores buffet on the beach one night.
Even though the resort had everything we needed, we couldn’t resist leaving and exploring the island of San Pedro. The main way to get around the island is by golf cart. The kids loved exploring this way… so much so, that if you ask them what their favorite part of the trip was, it’s highly likely they will respond with an enthusiastic “the golf cart!”. Jason and I were more interested in the hunt for the best food the island had to offer. One restaurant we chose showcased the day’s catch right on the street, and we couldn’t resist a seafood platter brimming with crab, lobster, octopus, lionfish, and more. E was ecstatic — octopus is his favorite, and he declared it the best meal of his life!
Our exploration of the island led us on a bumpy hour-long golf cart journey to the Secret Beach. This beach used to be a local hidden gem, but now it is one of the top tourist destinations in Belize. Secret or not, the beach was worth the trek with crystal-clear water, beachside restaurants serving lunch directly in the shallows, and a floating obstacle course that kept the boys entertained.
Belize is home to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. We chose to take a half day snorkeling tour to explore the barrier reef. Beneath the surface, we were greeted by a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. While my attempts to capture the beauty on my phone failed, the memories are forever etched in our minds. From there, we headed to Shark Alley, where Jason and I took the plunge into a frenzy of nurse sharks while the boys stayed on the boat, gleefully tossing chum to make the sharks swarm toward us. It was equal parts thrilling and hilarious—a bucket-list moment I’ll never forget.
When we originally booked our trip to Belize, we thought we should stick to one area, take our time and explore. However, we couldn’t resist the urge to trade the island vibes for a dose of history and culture. Another prop plane whisked us back to the mainland, where we landed on a tiny airstrip surrounded by nothing but sugar cane fields and a lonely van waiting to take us to our riverboat for an hour cruise up the New River. Along the way, we spotted wildlife like green iguanas, howler monkeys, and bats clinging to tree trunks. Our guide shared fascinating stories about Belize’s culture, including the Mennonite communities who settled there seeking religious freedom. While their farming practices have sparked controversy, it was eye-opening to learn about the complexities of life in Belize.
When we reached the Lamanai ruins, we were awestruck. These ancient Mayan structures, surrounded by dense jungle, were breathtaking. We climbed the Temple of the Jaguar, marveling at the intricate carvings and the sense of history in every stone. The views from the top stretched endlessly, offering a glimpse into what life might have been like centuries ago in this thriving Mayan city.
On our final day in this beautiful country, we took yet another prop plane for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial tour of the Great Blue Hole, one of Belize’s most famous natural wonders. From above, the Blue Hole was mesmerizing—a perfect circle of deep blue surrounded by vibrant coral. We even spotted a shipwreck along the shore, adding a touch of mystery to the experience.
Belize exceeded every expectation with its stunning beaches, incredible food, and rich history. It was a trip filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments, unforgettable sights, and cherished memories. Leaving this beautiful country was bittersweet, but we left with full hearts and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the world.
Until next time,
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