A former colony of Britain, Belize nestles up against Guatemala, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, and the Caribbean sea. Its coastline is protected by the 190 miles long Barrier Reef, the second largest living coral reef in the world.

-Northeast Belize-
The largest of Belize's Caribbean islands, Ambergris Caye is located in the clear shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea just off the tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Its only town, San Pedro, is a bustling fishing village filled with dive huts, cafés, boutiques, bicycles and sand streets.

Mata Chica Beach Resort
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Belize
T: +501 220 5010. 14 rooms. US$ 190-
www.matachica.com
Created by a French fashion photographer and his Italian makeup-artitst wife, Mata Chica contains thatched-roof villas and a white sand beach. Its Mambo Restaurant is considered one of Belize's best.


-Southeast Belize-
The Placencia peninsula & lagoon is noted for its fishing, diving and white sand beaches. Located 100 miles south of Belize City, the Peninsula runs parallel to the coast of Belize for about 18 miles. At its southern tip is Placencia Village, an English-speaking Creole fishing village colorfully populated with 60's era hippy cafes and funky shops.

Turtle Inn
Placencia Village, Belize
T: +501 824-4914. 5 rooms. US$ 300-
www.turtleinn.com
Francis Ford Coppola's stylish recreation of a Balinese resort.

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort
Belize
T: +501 520 8048. 25 rooms. US$ 630-
www.kanantik.com
Located 30 miles north of Placencia Village, the rustic-chic Mayan huts of Kanantik sit on 300 acres of jungle and beach.

-Western Belize-
The mountainous region bordering Guatemala has Mayan ruins and teeming jungle wildlife.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Adventure Centre, Rainforest Reserve and Spa
San Ignacio, Cayo District
Belize
T: +501 824 2037. 23 rooms. US$ 185-
www.chaacreek.com
Chaa Creek's palmed-thatched cottages sit riverside on 330 wilderness acres; the award winning property was Belize's first jungle lodge.

Blancaneaux
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Cayo District
Belize
T: +501 824-3878. 10 cabanas, 7 villas. US$ 240-
www.blancaneauxlodge.com
Arrive by 8 seater prop plane to the most luxurious of Francis Ford Coppola's Central American lodges.

Chan Chich Lodge
Belize
T: +501 223-4419. 12 rooms. US$ 125-
www.chanchich.com
12 thatched roofed huts located within a Mayan plaza in the heart of the jungle interior. Reached by single engine plane, then a 30 minute Land Rover drive over a single track country lane. Huts have wraparound porches outfitted with oversized Mayan hammocks. At night, the surrounding forest comes alive with animal sounds.