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Just back from Belize, where I fed nurse sharks, swam with a loggerhead turtle, rappeled 200-feet into a limestone cave system and scored a glimpse of Leonardo Dicaprio’s private island. Yeah, lucky me. But here are kickers that benefit you. In Belize, English is a first language, the world’s largest living barrier reef is a boat ride away and the greatest concentration of Mayan ruins surrounds you. Oh, and it's a 2 for 1 exchange rate on the USD and all this is just a ½ day trip from mainland hubs. With that in mind, here are a few trip highlights, all easily replicable and highly encouraged by yours truly. Safe travels – Eddy Patricelli
Caves Branch
Admittedly, this is a mainland entry straight from the heart of the Belizean jungle. But the non-island exception is needed. Veteran Belize travelers insist this country is more than just its islands. So wear pants, sign the waiver, lather up on bug spray and prepare to sweat. That was my greeting at Cave’s Branch Adventure Co. and Jungle Lodge, which offers especially innovative Treehouse  Suites. But what I signed on for was a jungle hike to the rim of the Black Hole – a giant collapsed cave. To get to its base involves a 200-foot rappel. To be sure, the guides help from start to finish, and no rappelling experience is needed among guests. As thrilling as the drop was, the numerous limestone caves and underground rivers lining the base of the Black Hole stole the show. Photo by Ron Stern.
Caves Branch
www.cavesbranch.com/index.html
Shark Ray Alley
 Just a short boat ride from Ambergris Caye, a parade of sharks appears off our stern. But fear not, that’s just the point. This is Shark Ray Alley, where swimming with sharks is encouraged. Our guide assures me the nurse sharks are docile, that that they lack big teeth and are non-aggressive. He’s 100% right. Also joining us are giant stingrays and a loggerhead turtle. All this came about with help from Ramon’s Village, a full-service beach resort (snorkel and dive tours included) located in the heart of San Pedro, the main city on Amegris Caye. Book your room during the annual Costa Maya Festival (early August), and you’ll spot Miss Belize, Miss Guatemala, Miss Panama, Miss Mexico and others – all of whom reside at the resort during the competition, and politely offer a parade waive when prompted. Photo courtesy Travel Belize.
Ramon’s Village
www.ramons.com/
Costa Maya Celebration
ambergriscaye.com/festival/
The Victoria House
It had me at bacon wrapped shrimp stuffed with mozzarella and sweet peppers. Forget that The Victoria House was one of the most romantic villas on Amergris Caye, and that its beachside pool was only surpassed in luxury by its suites. What absolutely overwhelmed my senses here was the food offered by the Palmilla Restaurant, which is part of the Victoria House, and open to both guests and non-guests alike. Featuring locally grown ingredients and fresh seafood, the flavors here outshined all island rivals. Sorry for the gushing, but this is a must-do for romantics, or those in search of the best of Ambergris Caye cuisine. Photo courtesy Victoria House.
Victoria House
www.victoria-house.com/index.cfm
Brahma Blue
Just getting to the new Brahma Blue resort is a refrehsing experience on Ambergris Caye. It starts with a complimentary 5-minute boat ride to a remote spit. There you’ll find something rare – a western-facing resort ideal for sunsets, and perched over Belize’s numerous Island Cayes which include Leonardo Dicaprio’s private island. All the 5-star amenities apply, but what shined was  the resort’s suite located four stories up, featuring a porch with an open-air roof, Jacuzzi and bar. Owners Ruby and Sunny haven’t officially opened the Brahma Blue just yet, but will do so this November, complete with holistic programs that target self-growth, health, conscious awakening, intelligence and awareness. Ruby is a healer, and has worked with the likes of Eckhart Tolle, an author now on Oprah’s must-read list. If Ruby’s gaze feels piercing, my advice is to open your mind and heed her advice. Photos courtesy Brahma Blue.
Brahma Blue
www.brahmablue.com/
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