Thirty years ago, Placencia was a
quiet fishing village with a narrow meandering sidewalk that served as its
main—and only—street. Today this burgeoning destination retains its traditional
charm (and sidewalk) while offering first class amenities and activities.
Few docks just out from the shore,
leaving uninterrupted views of the Caribbean and unimpeded routes for walking.
Scores of islands off the Placencia coast make for exotic day trips or romantic
overnights. Below the surface, whether by snorkel or SCUBA, divers will
discover forests of coral and schools of colorful fish, including the biggest
of them all, the majestic whale shark.
Fly fishers stalk the picky permit in
search of a Grand Slam while hardy kayakers paddle from one post card to the
next. For more leisurely island hopping, climb aboard a luxury catamaran,
complete with captain and catering staff.
Those seeking inland adventure take the new Placencia Road to the country’s most towering rainforests and their seldom visited rivers, pools and waterfalls. The peninsula itself runs for twelve miles and is home to the villages of Placencia and Seine Bight as well as smaller concentrations of new residential and touristic development. Accommodations on this narrow ribbon of land range from eco-luxury resorts to basic beach cabanas and everything in between.
Those seeking inland adventure take the new Placencia Road to the country’s most towering rainforests and their seldom visited rivers, pools and waterfalls. The peninsula itself runs for twelve miles and is home to the villages of Placencia and Seine Bight as well as smaller concentrations of new residential and touristic development. Accommodations on this narrow ribbon of land range from eco-luxury resorts to basic beach cabanas and everything in between.
The peninsula’s people remain its
greatest asset. A microcosm of the nation at large, in Placencia you will
encounter Belizeans of every ethnicity including Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo,
Maya, Mennonite, East Indian and Chinese. For the visitor this means an
experience that is unabashedly authentic. In Placencia, no one remains a stranger
very long. From your first barefoot step in the sand you are a welcome member
of the community.
WHAT TO DO
Laughing
Bird Caye National Park: The diving and snorkeling off this long
narrow island is no laughing matter. As a protected area within the World
Heritage Site, the waters around the caye are full of colorful and amazing
marine life. Its close proximity to Placencia Village, only eleven miles, has
made it a popular tourist destination.
Dive
with the Whale Shark: During the months of April and July, prime
specimens of the biggest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark, are commonly spotted
near Gladden Spit. Swimming beside these gentle creatures is a serene
experience. Look for special dive packages during these months.
Sail Away: Several Placencia-based companies offer all the conveniences of a resort while sailing on catamarans and monohulls. Guests enjoy stunning sunrises and breathtaking sunsets while guides navigate through mangrove and white sand cayes. Choose a personal crew or a bareboat charter.
Sail Away: Several Placencia-based companies offer all the conveniences of a resort while sailing on catamarans and monohulls. Guests enjoy stunning sunrises and breathtaking sunsets while guides navigate through mangrove and white sand cayes. Choose a personal crew or a bareboat charter.
Fishing: Spend
the day drop fishing for snappers or trolling for kingfish and wahoo in some of
the best fishing grounds in Belize. As an added treat, beach barbecues are
included in most tours. After you’ve tasted seafood cooked minutes after it’s
been pulled from the water, you will be hooked for life.
Monkey
River Tour: This tour starts off with a boat ride to the mouth of a jungle
river. The mass of mangrove limbs are home to iguanas and numerous birds while
their roots shelter turtles and fish. When the boat stops on the bank, you’ll
take a nature trail to search the rainforest canopy for Howler Monkeys…which is
how the nearby Monkey River Village got its name.
WHAT TO EAT
Shrimp:
Placencia chefs let their imaginations be their guides when preparing shrimp.
From coconut-curried shrimp to cheesy shrimp quesadillas to grilled shrimp
pizza to spicy jerk shrimp, your menu options will just keep going and going
and going.
Guava: Guava is
said to boost your immune system but when you bite into a guava jelly covered
fryjack, all you’ll be thinking about is how good it tastes. Homemade as well
as factory-produced guava jams and jellies are available from local vendors and
stores.
Lobster:
Placencia fishers are experts at catching the spiny lobsters hiding in the
coral offshore. In mid-June (the start of the lobster season) Placencia hosts
“Lobsterfest,” a weekend-long fair where lobster, prepared in every way
possible, is the main meal.
Seaweed
Shake: You might know it as Irish Moss. In Belize, this nutrient rich
salt water plant is harvested, dried and then blended into delicious milk based
drinks and shakes. While nutmeg and cinnamon are always used, some vendors
include peanut or brandy for extra flavor.
Ice
Cream: If you’re a fan of ice cream or gelato, your visit is bound to
include multiple stops at Tutti-Frutti. The Italian proprietors make classics
like French Vanilla and Stracciatella (chocolate chip) and are keen to use in
season fruits, like the soursop, as well as locally made rums in their soft
serve offerings.
WHERE TO STAY
Chabil Mar: 19 rooms. Mayan for “beautiful sea,”
this upscale beachside resort does not disappoint for awesome scenery and
convenient access to “downtown” Placencia. www.chabilmar.com
Hatchet
Caye Resort: 9 rooms. Located 17 miles east of Placencia, this tiny island
offers exclusivity, incredible views above and below the waterline and
pampering, island style. www.hatchetcaye.com
Laru
Beya: 30 rooms. Located near the Garifuna village of Seine Bight, this
beachside resort has family friendly multi-room suites with full kitchens as
well as romantic getaways with roof top Jacuzzis. www.larubeya.com
Maya
Beach Hotel & Bistro: 5 rooms. These rooms are designed to be
beach-basic but comfortable. Best of all, you’re a short walk away from the
amazing food served up daily at the bistro! www.mayabeachhotel.com
The
Inn at Robert’s Grove: 51 rooms. Amenities include three swimming
pools, a beach bar, sea spa, dive shop and lagoon marina. On Saturdays, be sure
to sample the weekly beach barbecue. www.robertsgrove.com
Singing
Sands: 8 rooms. Stay in thatched roof cabañas on the beach or
apartments with garden views. Guests enjoy the local artwork on the walls,
tasteful landscape and peaceful atmosphere. www.singingsands.com
The
Placencia Hotel and Residences: 90 rooms. Set on a quiet stretch of
beach, this upscale gated resort has a bar and restaurant over the water;
seaside villas and a large child-friendly pool. www.theplacencia.com
Turtle
Inn: 25 rooms. This Francis Ford Coppola resort sets the standard in
eco-luxury. Thatched seaside dwellings feature Balinese décor and private
walled gardens with outdoor showers. www.coppolaresorts.com/turtleinn
Source: www.DestinationBelize.com
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