Escape to Paradise: Why Belize Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

The MSNBC channel’s Lifestyle section recently published an article extolling the wonders of Belize, recommending this tiny Caribbean country as the place readers should select as their next travel destination.

The article called Belize a “paradise,” referring to its rich mix of attractions that are sure to be “alluring” to travelers, including gorgeous offshore islands, a rich cultural heritage extending back for more than 3,000 years, and some of the most bio-diverse wildlife habitats found anywhere on the planet.

The article also gave top marks for Belize’s most popular draw: the Belize Barrier Reef, a 200-mile stretch of crystal clear waters and shimmering tropical islands that form the biggest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the reef is a popular choice for travelers wanting to enjoy activities such as scuba diving, sea kayaking, stand-up paddling, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling.

Bot to be outdone, Belize’s mainland has lots to offer visitors as well, including a rich panoply of ancient Maya sites like Caracol and Xunantunich. These colossal stone cities in the middle of the rainforest were built more than 1,000 years ago yet are still home to the tallest buildings in the country, including Caracol’s spectacular Sky Palace which stands 140 feet (42 meters) above an enormous plaza.

Other attractions in Belize highlighted in the featured article include visiting the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a huge national park that is home to over 200 jaguars, and the Community Baboon Sanctuary where six cooperating villages work to protect troops of black howler monkeys (known in Belize as “baboons”).

If you’re interested in exploring Belize, you can stay at Black Orchid Resort. Located right on the banks of the historic Old Belize River in the village of Burrell Boom just a 15-minute drive from the international airport, Black Orchid offers a peaceful oasis of comfort and luxury and upscale accommodations in the form of rooms, suites, and villas each lovingly decorated with native art and environmentally responsible sourced hardwood furnishings.

Whether you’re coming to Belize to celebrate your honeymoon, a family vacation, or anniversary trip, Black Orchid has everything you need, including a lovely freshwater swimming pool, fully-stocked bar, conference center, gift shop, high-speed wireless internet, air conditioning, and the famous Pan Di Riva Restaurant which serves up a mouthwatering array of international fare and authentic Creole cuisine.