Published on
November 3, 2025
The thrill of discovery begins underwater. As we snorkel through the crystal-clear waters surrounding Moho Caye, a tiny island off southern Belize, a flash of movement beneath a coral ledge reveals a lobster hiding among the rocks. Here, the concept of “sea to spoon” is brought vividly to life—an experience where travellers not only witness the beauty of the Caribbean but also take part in sourcing their own meal before watching it sizzle over a beachside barbecue.
Reaching Moho Caye requires a short boat trip from the Placencia Peninsula, a colourful and relaxed coastal stretch lined with palm trees and wooden houses that exude a slow island charm. Placencia itself is easily accessible by a short flight from Belize City or a scenic drive that winds through rainforests and citrus groves, opening up to the turquoise expanse of the Caribbean Sea.
Moho Caye is the kind of island that looks like a mirage—small, uninhabited, and ringed by powder-white sand that glows in the morning light. Even from the surface, the clarity of the water is so sharp that the coral gardens below appear within arm’s reach. Schools of angelfish and parrotfish dart through coral formations, while stingrays glide silently across the sandy floor. Yet, this paradise is not merely a place for sightseeing—it’s a living pantry. Here, travellers can learn about sustainable fishing practices while gathering crabs, lobsters, and reef fish that will soon become the centrepiece of a freshly grilled feast.
What makes this experience remarkable is its balance between adventure and preservation. When a lobster is too small, it’s gently returned to its coral refuge, ensuring the ecosystem remains in balance. Respect for the sea is as essential as the joy of discovery, a principle that defines life in this part of Belize.
By the time the group returns to the beach, the scent of charred seafood drifts through the air. A simple wooden table under a canopy of palms becomes the setting for a Caribbean banquet—lobster and crab paired with guacamole, fresh salads, roasted pineapple, and chilled local beer. Lunch stretches into a lazy afternoon as travellers sway in hammocks, wade through the shallows, or nap beneath the whisper of coconut fronds.
After days spent exploring the southern cayes, the journey continues inland, where Belize’s tranquil coast gives way to thick jungles and the ancient remnants of the Maya civilization. Deep in the Orange Walk District, the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve offers a glimpse into one of Central America’s most enduring Maya cities. Translating to “submerged crocodile,” Lamanai spans more than two square miles and once held hundreds of structures, many still hidden beneath dense jungle. Archaeologists have unearthed only a fraction of the site, revealing towering temples and stone masks that hint at its former grandeur.
The Maya engineered their temples with astonishing precision, guided by astronomy, acoustics, and agriculture. Each stone was placed to amplify sound, allowing voices to carry across vast plazas. From the summit of the High Temple, the forest canopy unfolds in every direction, a reminder of how these ancient builders aligned their world with the stars.
The adventure then leads west, near the Guatemalan border, to a secluded haven known as Chan Chich Lodge. Nestled within a private rainforest reserve on the Gallon Jug Estate, the lodge sits atop the ruins of an ancient Maya plaza, blending historical intrigue with eco-luxury. Thatched cabanas with open-air hammocks and screened walls invite guests to immerse themselves in nature—where the sounds of howler monkeys replace alarm clocks and jungle birds announce the dawn.
The estate spans thousands of acres and has been rewilded from its former life as a logging site into a thriving sanctuary for wildlife. Everything here runs on sustainable principles. The on-site farm produces fresh fruit, coffee, meat, and dairy, while organic waste is reused as fertiliser, creating a self-sufficient cycle that supports both guests and the local community.
Days unfold at a gentle rhythm—guided hikes through ancient trails, horseback rides beneath the forest canopy, and nighttime safaris where the lucky might glimpse a jaguar or ocelot moving through the shadows. For those seeking slower adventures, horseback riding across the open savannah offers panoramic views of the untouched landscape, accompanied by the calls of toucans and spider monkeys.
Whether galloping through green clearings or simply swaying in a hammock by the lagoon, every moment at Chan Chich captures the serene balance between wilderness and comfort. As the sun dips behind the trees, turning the sky into a blaze of gold and rose, travellers gather by the water for quiet reflection—a reminder that in Belize, the greatest luxury is connection: to the land, the sea, and the stories that live between them.
