A beachfront haven where palm trees sway and adventures await on Belize’s tropical Caribbean coast

Overall Trip Highlights

• Scenic Group Flight Over the Belize Barrier Reef
  Begin your adventure with a breathtaking flight from Belize City to Placencia alongside your travel group. Soar over emerald jungles, winding rivers, and the sparkling Caribbean, catching aerial views of the second-largest barrier reef in the world—a stunning introduction to the beauty of Belize.

• Six Nights of Coastal Luxury at Itz’ana Resort & Residences
  Unpack once and stay in style at the elegant Itz’ana Resort, nestled between the sea and the lagoon. Enjoy spacious, design-forward accommodations, beachside service, curated cuisine, and a setting that blends barefoot ease with boutique-level comfort.

• Full-Day Private Island-Hopping to Moho Caye & Surrounding Cayes
  Board a private charter boat for a full day of exploration among Belize’s most beautiful and secluded islands. Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on Moho Caye and other uninhabited cayes, each offering crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and postcard-worthy views.

• Monkey River Wildlife & Rainforest Experience
  Cruise 15 miles up the Monkey River through lush mangroves, spotting crocodiles, tropical birds, and iguanas before stepping into the jungle with a local guide. Listen for the unmistakable roar of howler monkeys, then enjoy a tranquil return through the Placencia Lagoon, where manatees often surface nearby.

• Guided Exploration of the Mysterious Lubaantun Maya Ruins
  Journey into the hills to visit Lubaantun, an ancient Maya city shrouded in mystery. Marvel at its precise stone construction, absent of carvings, and explore the legendary site believed to be the discovery place of the infamous crystal skull.

• Garifuna Cooking Class with a Local Naru (Grandmother)
  Step into the heart of Garifuna culinary tradition with a hands-on cooking class led by a beloved local elder. Learn the stories, ingredients, and techniques behind authentic coastal dishes, then prepare and share a meal steeped in heritage and flavor.

• “Cook Your Catch” Fishing & Culinary Experience
  Set sail on the Caribbean with cast nets and a local captain to fish for your own fresh catch. Upon returning to the resort, the chefs at Limilia Restaurant will transform your catch into a personalized gourmet dish—a true sea-to-table celebration.

• Traditional Hair Braiding with a Local Garinagu Hairdresser
  Embrace the island lifestyle with authentic hair braiding, done by a skilled local stylist from the Garifuna community. A beautiful cultural experience and a beach-ready look that connects you to the spirit of the Caribbean.

• Garifuna Drumming Lesson with Local Musicians
  As the sun sets, gather for an interactive drumming session featuring live Garifuna rhythms. Learn the beats of Punta and Paranda music as local musicians guide you through chants, tempo, and cultural storytelling through sound.

Day One: Arrival & Scenic Flight to Paradise

Our Belizean adventure begins as we gather in Belize City, full of excitement and curiosity. Together, we’ll board a scenic flight to Placencia, soaring low over jade-green jungles and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. From above, the coastline is a breathtaking blend of sea and sand—a perfect welcome to the days ahead.

Upon landing, we’ll be transferred to the beautiful Itz’ana Resort & Residences, a peaceful beachfront haven where elegance meets ease. With its ocean views, tranquil pools, and charming coastal design, Itz’ana will be our home base for both adventure and relaxation.

After settling into our stylish rooms, there’s time to unwind—dip your toes in the sea, take a breath of warm salt air, or toast your arrival with a cold drink by the pool.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner overlooking the Caribbean, sharing our first meal together as a group. It’s the perfect moment to begin forming connections and enjoying the company of new friends in a truly unforgettable setting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Group arrival and scenic flight with stunning views of the reef and coastline

• Check-in at the serene and luxurious Itz’ana Resort & Residences

• Time to relax, walk the beach, or take a refreshing dip

• Oceanfront welcome dinner to settle in and start connecting

• First evening of coastal calm, conversation, and Caribbean beauty 

• Fun Fact:  The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, which spans over 600 miles and is home to over 500 species of fish and 65 species of coral—making it one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world!

Day Two: Beachside Sunrise & Private Island Escape

We’ll start the day with a peaceful sunrise beach walk, letting the rhythm of the waves set a gentle pace for what’s ahead. Afterward, enjoy a delicious Caribbean-inspired breakfast at Limilia Restaurant, where the flavors honor the Garifuna culture and the ingredients are harvested locally—even the fish are caught by the resort’s own fisherman.

Then we set off on a full-day private boat charter, island-hopping between several of Belize’s most beautiful cayes, including the breathtaking Moho Caye. Whether you’re snorkeling over coral reefs, sinking your toes into soft white sand, or simply relaxing in the sun, today is about discovering the untouched beauty of Belize’s coast.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sunrise beach walk to start the day with intention and peace

• Breakfast at Limilia, featuring fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients

• Private boat charter with captain and crew

• Explore Moho Caye and multiple surrounding cayes throughout the day

• Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in clear turquoise waters

• Return to the resort for a relaxing evening of comfort and connection and fabulous food

• Fun Fact: Belize has over 400 cayes (pronounced “keys”), and many are still uninhabited. Moho Caye is just 12 acres, but its coral reef and white sand make it one of the most photographed private islands in Southern Belize.

Day Three: Village Vibes & Wild Encounters

We begin our day with another refreshing beach walk at sunrise, letting the calm sea and cool sand set the tone. After breakfast—perhaps enjoyed poolside with coffee and conversation—you’ll have time to explore the colorful charm of Placencia Village. From handmade jewelry and local art to beachy boutiques and breezy cafés, the village offers a delightful mix of culture and discovery.

In the afternoon, it’s time to head out on our Monkey River & Manatee Tour. We’ll cruise along a 15-mile stretch of river surrounded by mangroves, keeping our eyes peeled for exotic birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and—if we’re lucky—the unmistakable sound of howler monkeys echoing through the jungle. A guided walk into the rainforest gives us the chance to experience Belize’s wild side up close.

As the sun dips low, we’ll return via the Placencia Lagoon, where gentle manatees graze beneath the surface and occasionally rise up for air. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring end to a day of adventure.

We’ll close the evening with a lively group dinner in town, soaking in the local flavor, music, and energy of the village after dark.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sunrise beach walk and breakfast poolside or at Limilia

• Exploration of Placencia Village, known for its vibrant local shops, artisan markets, beachside cafés, and colorful culture—an authentic way to experience the heart of Belize.

• Afternoon Monkey River & Manatee Tour Venture far beyond the mangroves on a 15-mile boat trip to the mouth of Monkey River, home to birds, crocodiles, iguanas, and, of course, elusive howler monkeys. After a relaxing ride down the river spotting wildlife, your local guide will lead you through the rainforest, where you’ll hear the signature howl of the river’s namesake. This tour is followed by a cruise through the Placencia Lagoon. Enjoy spotting manatees as they graze on the grasses below the surface. Get up close with these gentle giants when they surface for air.

• Evening group dinner in town, celebrating the day with laughter and local flavor
• Fun Fact:Howler monkeys are among the loudest animals on Earth. Their deep, echoing calls can travel up to three miles through dense jungle, earning them the nickname “the voice of the rainforest.”

Day Four: From Bean to Bar & Sea to Table

We’ll begin the morning with an early riser coffee walk, perfect for soaking in the fresh sea air and welcoming the day with movement and connection. Afterward, enjoy breakfast with a view, where ocean breezes and a colorful plate set the tone for a day full of rich, hands-on experiences.

Our first adventure takes us inland to a working Maya cacao farm, where we’ll walk the very land that produces some of the world’s most prized chocolate. Learn how the ancient Maya cultivated and honored cacao, from growing and harvesting to roasting and grinding. The experience ends on a sweet note—you’ll handcraft your very own Belizean chocolate, from bean to bar.

In the afternoon, we return to the sea for our Cook Your Catch excursion. Departing from Itz’ana’s marina, we’ll cruise the Caribbean with rods and cast nets in hand, fishing alongside a local captain. After reeling in your catch of the day, we return to Limilia Restaurant, where the chefs will transform your fresh catch into a memorable, chef-curated dish made just for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Morning coffee walk along the beach to start the day grounded and refreshed

• Breakfast with ocean views at Itz’ana

• Guided visit to a Maya cacao farm with hands-on chocolate-making experience

• Learn the full process from cacao harvesting to handcrafted chocolate

• Private fishing adventure through the Caribbean’s clear waters

• Practice using a cast net and traditional techniques with a local guide

• Return to Limilia for a chef-prepared dinner featuring your own catch

• Belize is one of the few countries in the world where cacao is still grown, harvested, and processed by hand—just as the ancient Maya did over 2,000 years ago. Belizean chocolate is internationally recognized for its rich flavor and ethical, small-scale production. Many of the country’s cacao farms are family-owned and rooted in Maya tradition.

Day Fice: Salt Air, Still Waters & Rhythms of the Caribbean

Begin the morning with an early riser coffee walk, taking in the quiet magic of the beach as the sun rises over the Caribbean. The soft sand, gentle waves, and golden light offer the perfect start to a day filled with movement, beauty, and meaningful cultural moments.

Spend the day enjoying the full experience of Itz’ana’s private beach and waterfront offerings. Lounge beneath an umbrella, sip freshly prepared tropical drinks, or take to the water by paddleboard, kayak, or snorkel to explore the vibrant sea life just offshore. Dolphins are often spotted near the coast, adding a touch of wonder to the day.

Enhance your island experience with traditional hair braiding by a local Garinagu hairdresser, offering a cultural connection rooted in the Caribbean’s deep traditions—both beautiful and meaningful.

After dinner, the day closes with the energizing rhythm of Garifuna drumming. Through chants, handmade drums, and instruction from local musicians, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant sound of Punta and Paranda—the living pulse of Belize’s Afro-Caribbean heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Early riser coffee walk along the peaceful beachfront

• Beachfront breakfast with ocean views

• Full access to paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling, and swimming

• Poolside and beach food & drink service throughout the day

• Traditional hair braiding by a local Garinagu stylist

• Evening Garifuna drumming workshop led by local musicians

• A day of Caribbean culture, coastal beauty, and hands-on experience

• FUN FACT: The Garifuna people of Belize are descendants of West African, Carib, and Arawak ancestry. Their music, drumming, and cultural expressions are so unique and vital to the region that they’ve been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Day Six: Ancient Stones & Ancestral Flavors

Our final full day in Belize begins with a journey deep into the mystery of the Maya. We’ll travel to the archaeological site of Lubaantun, known as the “place of the fallen stones.” Unlike most Mayan cities, Lubaantun has no carved stone monuments—only tightly fitted black slate structures that have puzzled archaeologists for generations. As your guide shares the legends and truths of this ancient city, you’ll be drawn into the silent, storied past of a once-powerful civilization.

Returning from the ruins, our afternoon is reserved for something equally enriching: a Garifuna cooking class, guided by a local elder known as “Naru”—a Garifuna term for grandmother. Through this hands-on culinary experience, you’ll learn the heart and soul of Garifuna cuisine—its flavors, stories, and significance. Prepare, cook, and share a traditional dish together as a group, taking home not just the recipe, but a memory to savor long after the journey ends.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a final dinner together, celebrating new friendships, shared adventures, and the beauty of Belize.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Guided visit to the ancient Maya site of Lubaantun, filled with mystery and significance

• Learn about Mayan engineering and urban design at a unique ruin without stone carvings

• Hands-on Garifuna cooking class led by a local elder

• Discover the ingredients, techniques, and stories behind traditional Garifuna cuisine

• Shared group meal created with your own hands

• Evening farewell dinner filled with connection, reflection, and celebration

• Fun Fact: Lubaantun is believed to be the site where the famous crystal skull was discovered in the 1920s—a mysterious artifact that has fueled decades of legend, research, and even Indiana Jones films.

Day Seven: Farewell to Paradise

As the sun rises on our final morning in Belize, we’ll savor one last early riser walk along the beach, taking in the stillness of the sea and the memories made throughout the week. There’s time for a light breakfast, a few final photos, and warm goodbyes to the beach, the breeze, and the incredible friends who made this journey so special.

Transfers will be arranged for our return to Belize City, with our scenic flight once again offering sweeping views of the coastline and reef below—a beautiful reminder of the days we’ve shared and the beauty we’ve experienced together.

While our time in Belize comes to a close, the connections, laughter, and unforgettable moments we’ve created will travel home with us.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Final early morning beach walk and quiet reflection

• Breakfast at the resort with ocean or garden views

• Group transfer and scenic return flight to Belize City

• Time to share memories, exchange contacts, and carry the spirit of Belize home

• Fun Fact: The Placencia Peninsula is just 16 miles long, but it’s home to over 100 resorts, restaurants, and tour operators—and is often called “the island you can drive to,” thanks to its laid-back charm and island-style atmosphere.