Belize Collection has seven properties located in different landscapes
The Belize Collection says it serves as an umbrella for properties that can easily cater to tourists who want diverse settings while vacationing in Belize, a country that prides itself on its physical and cultural diversity.
The lodging group notes that it has seven locally owned resorts across Belize: The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, The Banks, Almond Beach Resort, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, Umaya Resort & Adventures, Blue Reef Beach & Marina and Blue Reef Island. May will see the Duma Resort become part of the collection as well, says Julie Kee, the Belize Collection’s director of sales & marketing.
And, she’s quick to add, the properties aren’t uniform.
“Each property is a little different, but they are all designed to be comfortable and welcoming while still feeling connected to their surroundings,” Kee reports. “Depending on the property, guests can stay in beachfront suites, jungle accommodations or private villas, some with plunge pools, outdoor showers and plenty of space for families or groups.”
One of the things that makes The Belize Collection special is that its properties allow guests to experience very different sides of Belize within one trip.
“We have properties by the rainforest and the Maya Mountains, including The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant and The Banks, as well as coastal properties in Hopkins and Placencia, including The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, Almond Beach Resort, Umaya Resort & Adventures and Blue Reef Beach & Marina,” she says. “Because Belize is relatively small, it is possible to wake up surrounded by the jungle, spend the day exploring caves or Maya sites, and then continue on to the coast for snorkeling, diving and time on the Caribbean Sea. We love being able to help guests experience that diversity rather than having to choose just one side of Belize.”
Another thing that sets The Belize Collection apart is that the company is locally owned and deeply connected to Belize.
“We aren’t simply offering guests a place to stay. We want them to experience the country through the people, landscapes, food and culture that make it so special,” Kee shares. “Because we have properties across different regions, we can also create a much more seamless Belize experience. A guest can combine the rainforest and coast while staying within The Belize Collection, with our team helping connect the entire journey. Throughout the collection, there is also a real emphasis on experiences that feel authentic to where you are, whether that’s horseback riding through the jungle, exploring ceremonial caves, kayaking the Sibun River, learning about Garifuna cooking and drumming, or getting out on the water to experience Belize’s incredible marine life.”
Belizean tourism officials note that much of the country is protected from development and the country is home to the first sanctuary anywhere designed specifically for jaguars.
Kee says Belize Collection clients are drawn by nature, culture and ocean alike, with Belize’s ability to offer varied vacation experiences one of its greatest strengths.
“You don’t have to choose between a nature trip, a cultural trip and an adventure trip because they naturally overlap,” she continues. “For nature, there is rainforest, rivers, mountains, wildlife and the Belize Barrier Reef. For adventure, there is everything from hiking, horseback riding and cave exploration to snorkeling, diving, fishing and kayaking. And culturally, Belize is incredibly rich. Maya, Garifuna, Creole and other communities have shaped the country’s food, music, traditions and everyday life. We find that even guests who initially come for one reason often leave talking about something completely different. Someone may book Belize because they want to dive the reef and end up remembering a meal, a local guide or a cultural experience just as much as the adventure itself.”
Kee believes that Belize is deserving of the same attention as eco-tourism pioneer Costa Rica when it comes to nature.
“Belize has so much to offer when it comes to nature,” she reports. “They can experience the rainforest, mountains, rivers and caves, and then head to the coast and explore the Belize Barrier Reef, all in the same trip. There is so much wildlife and natural beauty to see, and because Belize is a smaller country, it’s easy to experience a lot without having to travel very far.
Kee says those who choose Belize for a vacation will find choices abound when it comes to the style of holiday they wish.
“I think one of the biggest misconceptions about Belize is that you have to decide whether you want a beach vacation or an adventure vacation,” she adds. “You really don’t. Belize gives you the Caribbean, rainforest, wildlife, culture, history, food and adventure in one destination, and you can experience an incredible amount without spending your entire vacation in transit. For us at The Belize Collection, the goal is to make that experience feel personal and effortless while keeping guests genuinely connected to the destination. We want people to leave feeling that they didn’t just stay at a beautiful resort; they really got to know Belize.”
Meanwhile, tourism officials are welcoming growing air service to Belize City from North America, expecting it will enable the Central American country to make further inroads in the North American market.
