Planning our honeymoon on a budget, while saving for our upcoming big wedding, all while my partner was deployed was incredibly stressful. After hours of research, found the best package for us: a week in Belize split between the rainforest and beach. Years later, we are still reminiscing about our honeymoon in Belize and cannot wait to return with our daughter for an anniversary trip. (See our honeymoon itinerary)
Belize is a beautiful country, located on the Atlantic Ocean and on the eastern edge of the Selva Maya rainforest. Known for its beautiful beaches, cayes, diving, and Mayan ruins. Multiple languages are spoken throughout Belize, although English is the official language.
The Cayo district of Belize has many gorgeous properties and resorts located in the rainforest, giving access to a multitude of outdoor activities. Hiking, canoeing, birding, and touring Mayan ruins are highlights in the region. Resort properties range from high end with private plunge pools to small and local-family run. We chose The Crystal Paradise Resort, and absolutely loved it.
Rainforest and Beach Package
Crystal Paradise met our budget needs and provided great value with its mostly all-inclusive beach and rainforest package. It is run by a local Belizean family; they host fantastic family-style meals on a sweeping open veranda with views of the rainforest. The resort provides transportation from Belize City and to/from the beachside resort. The package also included sightseeing tours. The tours were private, personalized and allowing us to visit Mayan ruins, butterfly farms, horseback riding, and swimming in a waterfall.
Moments of joy during our honeymoon included seeing a toucan, reading a book while sprawled in our hammock, listening to the noises of the rainforest on the porch, swapping stories while drinking wine at a funky expat wine bar, and watching all these beautiful blue butterfly’s swarm. Snorkeling near a shark does not count as a moment of joy for me versus my husband. My husband still loves to tease me about how I moved him in front of me in the water. I am low-key terrified of sharks thanks to a poorly timed introduction of Jaws at a young age.
Like most of our travels, what sparked joy was not only the discovery and bliss of enjoyable incredible views and delicious food, but through the conversations we had with our hosts and the people we met along the way. Most importantly, we connected more deeply with each other on this trip. Our Belizean honeymoon was such a needed pause after the chaotic energy from a military homecoming, winter holidays and finalizing details and hosting our wedding celebrations. From the moment of our arrival in Belize City, the capital of Belize, to our departure via Placencia, we had a wonderful honeymoon. Cannot to go back to Belize and explore even more parts of this beautiful country.
Honeymoon Itinerary
- Direct Southwest flight via FLL to BZE
- Jungle and Sea Package through The Crystal Paradise Resort which included: 4 nights at Crystal Paradise and 3 nights at Placencia Hotel just north of Placencia
- All meals, 3 tours and transportation between resorts/airport included at Crystal Paradise. Honor bar located on veranda for drinks. Added on a horseback riding tour to local swimming hole. Also did a short trip to town and learned about traditional Mayan Cacao processing.
- The package includes a different hotel in Placencia. We paid extra for the Placencia hotel. After staying at Crystal Paradise, it was a jarring change and looking back would have preferred a less commercialized hotel for the second half of the trip. Other great options outside of the package’s partnered hotel to consider are Turtle Inn (eco resort) or Maya beach hotel (fantastic onsite restaurant).
- Crystal Paradise coordinated our snorkeling tour during stay at Placencia hotel as part of the package. Spent most of the stay relaxing at the pool and beach and exploring the town of Placencia.
- Had local airport transfer to BZE and then direct flight BZE to FLL.
- Tip: Don’t forget to bring a suitcase with requested items for the village’s local school.
- Also, plan ahead for possible motion sickness as the roads are a bit bumpy on the drive from the airport and to Placencia.
