Big adventure & epic romance in a small package
When to go
November-July
Trip length
8 days / 7 nights
Typical investmentPrice
from $10,500 pp
There's much more to the tiny nation of Belize than powdery sands and crystal clear waters; inland, you'll find lush rainforests, exotic wildlife and a rich cultural history. Discover both on this eight-day escape from jungle to sea. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Maya as you explore the Rio Frio ceremonial caves and meander through the ruins at Caracol, spending your afternoons relaxing beside your private plunge pool. Then, set off for an envy-inducing escape on a private isle just off the coast. Snorkel, dine and unwind in island bliss, with days spent sunning, swimming with stingrays and sipping tropical cocktails. Slip into your very own plunge pool as the sunset paints the skies in technicolor: fiery reds, blazing oranges and cotton candy pinks. Come play castaway in paradise.
Along the way
Snorkel remote cayes and vibrant reefs on a private island-hopping adventure
Helicopter over the Maya Mountains and the Great Blue Hole on a private scenic flight
Ride horseback to Big Rock Falls and enjoy a secluded jungle lunch beside cascading pools
Explore ancient Caracol & the Rio Frio Caves with a private archaeologist guide
Your route
Among waterfalls and whispering pines
Welcome to Belize! Meet your private driver and head west along limestone roads to the heart of the Maya jungle in inland Belize. Check into your deliciously luxurious mountain hideaway and spend the afternoon lounging beside your private plunge pool, with pine-scented air and river views. Tonight, dine by candlelight in the riverside pavilion, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Today, ride along jungle trails on horseback to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of Belize – the rushing Big Rock Falls. As you ride, admire the abundant orchids adorning granite rock outcroppings and watch for exotic animals hidden in the forest canopy. When you arrive to the falls, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch while you sip champagne in the sunshine, then dive into the creek for a refreshing chance to beat the jungle heat.
Discover the history of the Maya today with a visit to the largest Maya site in Belize: Caracol. Wander expansive plazas in the footsteps of ancient kings, and climb the massive Caana (Sky Palace) pyramid, which stretches 135 feet high, for breathtaking views over the forest-clad mountains. Continue to the Rio Frio ceremonial caves, then cool off in the cascading waters of Rio On Pools.
A private island of your own
Lift off from the jungle on a private heli flight toward the Caribbean, flying over pristine turquoise and cobalt waters to one of Belize's most unique wonders - the Great Blue Hole. Then, land on a private four-acre island – think white sand beaches studded with coconut palms, surrounded by calm Caribbean Sea – and settle in with a tropical drink and slip into your private plunge pool as you watch the sun dip low in the sky.
Today is yours to explore as you wish. Raid your island retreat’s stash of kayaks and paddle boards and set out into the ocean for an intrepid exploration of your own. Back at your villa, your butler is ready with cocktails and canapés awaiting your return.
Start your day bright and early aboard a boat to Hol Chan National Marine Park, a beautiful marine sanctuary whose surrounding waters contain some of the most varied and abundant marine life on the planet. Snorkel through crystalline turquoise waters and explore the undersea landscape, home to a diverse array of creatures, including turtles, morays, several species of stingrays, nurse sharks, and a wide variety of brightly-colored tropical fish. Stop on a sandbar for refreshments before returning to your villa for an afternoon at your own pace.
Hit the reset button today. Gear down into vacation mode and really disconnect. Spend the day enjoying the beautiful seas surrounding your island retreat. Relax in the privacy of your villa, lounge poolside and catch some rays, or swing in a hammock beneath gently rustling coconut palms as you revel in the ocean views - vibrant turquoise to sea glass green to deep cobalt and royal blues. Tonight, enjoy a private chef’s dinner in your chosen spot on the island.
Refreshed and revived, bid farewell to paradise, and take a quick flight to Belize City to catch your international flight home.
Let's discover your next adventure
Our top picks
Gaia Riverlodge sits above the Five Sisters waterfalls in Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge, where forest surrounds a small collection of hillside rooms and villas. Stone paths wind down to the river, inviting afternoons spent swimming beneath the falls or relaxing beside the water. Nearby caves, rivers, and Maya sites make it easy to explore beyond the lodge.
Hidden deep within the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, about an hour from San Ignacio, Blancaneaux Lodge is Francis Ford Coppola's 20-room retreat beside the Privassion River. Stone cottages and thatched villas are scattered between waterfalls, pools, and open pine forest, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in Belize.
Copal Tree Lodge sits on a 12,000-acre sustainable farm and cacao estate in southern Belize, where rainforest, river, and agriculture are closely connected. Sixteen suites look across farmland and forest, while much of the produce, chocolate, and rum served here is grown or made on the property. Days often include river excursions, wildlife, and a closer look at one of Belize's most ambitious regenerative farms.
Turneffe Island Resort occupies a private island within Turneffe Atoll, one of the Caribbean's largest and least developed coral atolls. Beachfront rooms, suites, and villas sit only steps from the sea, while world-class diving, snorkeling, fly fishing, and offshore adventures begin directly from the dock. Tides, weather, and the reef determine the pace of each day.
Reached by a short boat ride from San Pedro, Cayo Espanto is an island built entirely around privacy. With only seven villas, every stay is tailored around the individual guest rather than a fixed resort schedule. Each villa includes its own dock or plunge pool, along with a private butler and meals prepared to your preferences throughout the day.
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Let’s start planning
Tell us a little about your plans. We’ll be in touch to talk through this trip with you.
