Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/26753
SITE REVIEW# 1 BELIZE – A CULTURAL JEWEL IN THE CARIBBEAN By ReBecca BeRnaRd aguiaR B elize is known as the Jewel of the Caribbean. This small but diverse country is located between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea and has a lot to offer by way of natural beauty as well as cultural intrigue. The lush landscape ofBelizemakes it a perfect playground for nature and adventure activities. Architectural remnants of the MayanGoldenAge can be found scattered throughout the coun- try,giving visitors a snapshot ofwhat the regionwas like centuries ago.The rivers that snake theirway through the inland areas have become host to one of Belize’s most popular adventure tours cave tubing. These caves were regarded as a sacred underworld by the ancient Maya, and the home of many of their gods.Off the coast of Belize you will also find the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere,making the island destina- tions a top choice for divers and other marine enthusiasts. Formerly known asBritishHonduras, Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its national lan- guage. The diverse group of inhabitants that call themselves Belizeans include the Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese, as well as a number of European,American and other expatri- ates. African or Black Carib culture is very much alive in the southern region of the country in the communities of the Garifuna. This group is made up of decedents from two ethnic groups; Africans that survived a shipwreck during the Spanish slave trade of the 1600s and the native Indian population fromthe surrounding Caribbean island of St.Vincent. From the San Pedro Lobster Festival inAmbergris Caye to the Garifuna Settlement Day Festival held in the south, Belizeans capitalize on any way to celebrate their rich her- itage. Music, dancing and storytelling go hand in hand with good food and fine artisan crafts at the various events held on a monthly basis all over the country. One of the benefits of Belize’s small size is the ability to enjoy the best of what the country has to offer in just a short time. It only takes hours to travel from the inner most jungles to the beaches of the Cayes. The growing hospitality industry also makes accommodating 14 groups very easy at one of the various resorts and conference facilities. The San Ignacio Resort offers luxury right in the heart of the Cayo District. The resort is centrally located in San Ignacio town. The resort’s newly appointed and fully air-conditioned meeting room is the largest in the area and can accommodate 200 peo- ple theater style, and 80 banquet style. Their staff can handle all pertinent details, from meals to audio-visu- al set ups. The on site Green Iguana Conservation Project is also worth a visit. Chaa Creek is a rainforest eco lodge nestled in the heart of the Macal River Valley. This mini village offers Spa services, a Natural History Center, Butterfly Farm, Rainforest Medicine Trail and various other structured off-site activities. Their Conference Centre is centrally located on the property and can accommodate up to 100 people auditorium style, and 50 classroom style. It is fully air-conditioned with audio/visual equipment available upon request. For smaller groups, Duplooy’s Jungle Lodge offers a nice alternative to the typical meeting set up. Their conference facility is located in the midst of the Belize Botanical Gardens and can easily accom- modate 40 people. Duplooy’s can also arrange for barbeques and other outdoor events to be held in the gardens. Balance out your stay at one of these inland prop- erties with a visit to the beach to have truly experi- enced the best of both worlds. Luxury properties like Las Terrazas Resort and the lovely Victoria House, both located on Ambergris Caye, beckon visitors to come beach-side. The warm welcome of the islanders and easy-going Caribbean experience is compelling enough to make you want to stay a while. For more information on travel to Belize visit the Belize Tourism Board website at www.travelbelize.org. Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com