Vacations are an immersive experience that appeals to all the senses. The excitement begins from when you choose your location, and only increases as you make your reservations, pick your flight, and begin packing for those days away. Most travelers like to have an idea of what to do while on vacation, with a few back-up activities, in case plans change. Once you’ve booked your suite at Best Western Grand Baymen Gardens, it’s time to decide which of the many fun experiences you would like to dive into while on Ambergris Caye, Belize! Your stay can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you wish. Remember, this is your holiday – and any of the experiences you undertake are simply meant to enhance your stay in Belize.
Taste and smell, these senses go hand-in-hand with each other. Imagine the scent of a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce, drizzled over freshly grilled lobster; the briny scent of freshly, cleaned conch and tang of lime and cilantro as it becomes a classic ceviche. Then, there is the rich smoke of a fire hearth, its flames cooking down a mixture of rice, beans, coconut milk and spices to create the epitome of Belizean cuisine: the rice and beans. The sweet scent of roasted cacao seeds calls to you, intermingled with sugar and spices to create some of the tastiest Belizean chocolate.
The best part of all those delicious scents is when you get to dig in! Ambergris Caye has an incredible array of places where you can truly take your taste buds on a tasting journey. From Japanese sushi with JYOTO Japanese Resturant & Sushi Bar, to its sister eatery Ramen 501, followed by an expansive Indian menu at Oh Bombai Indian Restaurant, and authentic fire hearth cooked Belizean cuisine at El Fogon, Stop at Neri’s Tacos for some of tasty chicken tacos that run 3 for $1, indulge in a few tasty meat pies from the gentleman with a loaded tricycle near Tropic Air (Rosy’s Meat Pies), and wash it all down with a bottle of fresh squeezed fruit juice from any of the vendors stationed all across the island. You can elevate your taste buds with fine dining or streetside snacking; there is no right or wrong way to do island cuisine!
The views from your suite’s balcony will likely tease a glimpse of the various shades of blue Caribbean Sea. Over recent years, a burst of colorful murals and artful pieces have cropped up throughout the island town. When you’re on the hunt for food or simply taking a drive around the island, chances are, you’ll find an artsy gem tucked away in all sorts of neighborhoods.
Under the sea, there is a natural mural that protects the caye, known as the Belize Barrier Reef. Book a snorkel tour and you’ll soon be under the clearest waters with high visibility, coming up close with various types of fish, corals, sea fans, eels, rays and dolphins, perhaps even a baby shark or two.
When the day ends, fiery oranges and reds paint the sky with spectacular sunsets. You can enjoy these from your suite balcony, or while perched at a bar balcony designed to capture these vistas.
Simply eyeing the waters surrounding the island isn’t enough. Jump in and feel the embrace of the refreshing Caribbean Sea. On the way to and from your snorkel and dive spot, enjoy the refreshing Caribbean breeze cooling the rays of sunshine on your skin and in your hair. There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the warm climate of a Caribbean island.
Even if it were to rain during your visit, the water droplets land warmly. The showers are often brief, and in no time the sun is back out to dry you off.
Whether you fly in or arrive by boat to Ambergris Caye, the sound of roaring engines might drown out the constant symphony of waves. Rest assured once your eardrums clear, and you take a deep breath of sea breeze, it will be accompanied by the distinctive sound of waves lapping on shore. To the distance, a gentle roar signals the waves breaking over the reef. This will be your daily soundtrack, some days almost negligible, others a reminder of the tug and pull of tides.
Man-made sounds will most certainly fill the air. The varying accents of Belizeans going about their daily routine. That hearty “Mawnin!” in Kriol, the Spanish “Buenos Dias”, or the “How are you?” delivered with a smile.
At night, the sound of live music by local musicians can be enjoyed at various watering holes. From local music such as soca and punta, to covers of popular hits, talented vocalists and musicians deliver great sounds for everyone. For a guaranteed cultural experience, step inside the Black and White Garifuna Restaurant. Dedicated to preserving the culture and heritage of the Garifuna people (one of the many ethnic groups in Belize), Black and White is practically a living museum. Enjoy traditional foods and sweets, watch footage of history, listen to the language and learn a word or two, then get up and dance as the Garifuna drums beat and rich singing fills the air. Talk about the complete sensory experience!
Book your stay at Best Western Grand Baymen Gardens for your next adventure in San Pedro, Belize.
