My 24 Hours in Belize

I start with some sunrise yoga on the villa deck at Itzana Belize. Then I grab my bike and cycle down the main street (which holds the record for smallest main street in the world). I grab a coffee and toast smothered in locally produced jam at Above Grounds Coffee which is located in a tree house. They have the best espresso! They use beans from the area and make homemade juices and jams with local fruits.

If I have the time I probably start reading a good book while laying in a hammock for a while, soaking in the Caribbean sun.

There are so many islands off the mainland, so I do a bit of island hopping and fill the afternoon with whatever I am in the mood for. Snorkelling, fishing, lounging, etc. I then go to Hatchet Caye for lunch, a little island with a bar, restaurant, and pool. Or the Tiger Beach Club where they serve the best Indian food. After Hachet Caye I stop at Moho Caye and enjoy the sandbar with a beer and a snorkel. After that I head back to the mainland and grab a Ferrero Rocher gelato from Tutti Frutti, a gelato shop owned by two Italian expats, very authentic. I like to go at least once a day!

Sunset is early in Belize, around 6pm, so I make my way to sundowners with a view at Tranquilo, a bar that hangs over the water on a nearby island. Nothing is better than coconut water and rum while your eyes are feasting on the sunset across the sea. This and tamales made by a local woman in town is seriously the best way to spend sunset.

For dinner I head to Limilita, a pop up restaurant – it sits on the beach, so while you enjoy your meal your feet are tucked into the sand and you can watch the ocean waves. The food is prepared with local ingredients and is healthy and unique. The refurbished wood bar, outdoor kitchen, and beautiful lighting makes the place so dreamy. It seats 25 people with a huge communal table where you can chat with locals and other travellers. I love the atmosphere of the place and it’s a great scene. The house cocktails are simply divine and to be honest, who can complain when you’ve got awesome food in your mouth and your feet in the sandy beach?!

Rumfish y vino has a similar beachfront setting and, as the name suggests, they focus on deliciously prepared seafood and wine.

A magnificent and idyllic place to stay is the Turtle Inn which belongs to the famous Francis Ford Coppola and his wife. It’s right next to the beach and offers individually-decorated, thatched-roof, super cozy cottages.