Belize is known as Mother Nature's best kept secret!
Abundant natural beauty, a colorful and diverse culture, rich Mayan history, and endless opportunity for relaxation and adventure make Belize the perfect destination for your retreat journey. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is one of the few remaining unspoiled places on earth.
There is so much to enjoy including...
- The longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations.
- Hundreds of ancient Maya sites both excavated and jungle-covered.
- Lush tropical rainforest with many species of birds, and exotic tropical flora and fauna.
Nowhere on earth will you find a friendlier people than the people of Belize. From the moment you arrive, you will feel as comfortable in this small Caribbean country as you do in your own hometown. And while everyone seems to know everyone else, it is one of the most cosmopolitan places on earth — a mixture of black Creoles, Spanish-speaking Mestizos, Maya, East Indians, Garifuna, Syrians, Mennonites, Chinese and North Americans, all getting along in a far more amicable fashion than most of its Central American neighbors. Belize is not so much a melting pot of cultures as a salad where each element lends a certain flavor to the mix. Known as British Honduras up until 1981, English is the official language spoken in Belize. (Although it won't take you long to hear a rich blend of languages spoken amongst the locals, often including a mix of Creole and Spanish.)
Belize is known as a bird watcher's paradise, and you will wake to hear them at your beachside getaway at Ak'Bol. Although only a short distance from San Pedro Towne, and with other larger resorts not too far away, you will find the tranquil and relaxed pace at Ak'Bol to feel more like the land must have years ago when it was a coconut plantation. Ambergris Caye is 35 miles from Belize City, and the journey to get there via sea plane or ferry is a delightful introduction to the experience that lies ahead. Like any other self-respecting tropical island, Ambergirs looks to the sea. The island is set in the Barrier Reef, and it is off-shore that one heads for swimming, fishing, diving and snorkeling. There are no waves along the protected Ambergris shoreline making it a great beach for lounging, not surfing. The draw for water sports enthusiasts is the close proximity to the reef, including Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan, as well as over 100 other dive sites, are within a 5-10 minute boat ride from San Pedro.
Is Belize a destination that will call you back again and again... you better Belize it! Just ask your retreat leaders! Kirsten originally visited Belize 15 years ago. After spending the following years living in Chicago, much time and effort went into getting back to Belize as often as she could and, eventually, the creation of a Ak'Bol. An avid diver who learned to dive on the Great Barrier Reef while living in Australia, Sheryl always had Belize on her radar, although she didn't finally make it there until early 2008. And once she visited there was an amazing draw that has kept her working out ways to get back over as often as possible. Although she calls Portland, Oregon, home with her two children, she definitely has one foot in Belize as a second place to call home. Both women look forward to sharing with you their enthusiasm for what makes this place so special, and ultimately the perfect setting for a women's retreat to help you Unwind, Nourish and Grow.
Check out the following websites to learn more about Belize and plan additional time in Belize before or after the retreat: Belize Tourism Board Website Ambergris Caye Visitors Center