Rainforest, Mayan ruins and the second largest coral reef in the world, a fascinating diving and snorkeling paradise right on the doorstep: the Caribbean state of Belize, located to the east of Mexico and Guatemala, is a vacation destination full of magic and numerous wonders.
“Last night I dreamt of San Pedro“, sang Pop-Ikone Madonna in den 80er-Jahren sehnsuchtsvoll ins Mikrofon – der Hauptort der größten vor der Küste von Belize gelegenen Insel Ambergris Caye und Protagonist des Hits „La Isla Bonita“ war bis dahin durchaus schon bekannt; schließlich liegt die Insel gleich neben dem spektakulären Belize Barrier Reef. Das Fischerdorf San Pedro bestand damals aus sandigen Straßen, von der Sonne ausgeblichenen Holzhäusern und einer Bar am Meer, die abends zur Disco wurde. Wer den Tag nicht im Wasser verbrachte, saß am Strand und sah zu, wie sich die Wellen am Riff brachen – doch seit Madonnas Hit hat sich eine Menge getan.
Today, Ambergris Caye is the most important tourist center of the small Caribbean country, which has 200 beautiful islands and three atolls, including the legendary Blue Hole. In 2025, Six Senses, an expert in sustainable luxury, will open a hotel on the island - given the 45 resort villas and 33 residences over the water, which are spread over the Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye and a nearby private island, Madonna might be tempted to return to Isla Bonita. Elsewhere in Belize, various high-end hotels are also waiting in the wings: at the end of the year, the Four Seasons luxury hotel group will open exclusive residences near the Bacalar Chico National Park and a marine reserve on the private island of Caye Chapel; 24 overwater bungalows will offer nature lovers a home of their own and exquisite luxury. The Family Coppola Hideaways is already represented with three hideaways in Belize: the "Blancaneaux Lodge" in the rainforest, the "Turtle Inn" located on a peninsula - and the private island of Coral Caye, which can only be rented exclusively in its entirety.
With its tropical rainforest, nature reserves, biodiversity (even the jaguar is still native here!) and numerous Mayan sites, the country has a lot to offer; however, the Belize Great Barrier Reef is a guarantee for unforgettable snorkeling tours, dives and romantic boat trips at sunset. Its history also makes the natural jewel Belize a special place: the country, which was shaped by the Mayan culture, first came into the possession of Spain before it became a British crown colony as British Honduras. It has been called Belize since 1973 and became independent in 1981. Its history makes the country, which is characterized by many cultures and languages, a destination with a rich heritage and seductive Caribbean flair.
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