"Belize is good for your blood pressure".
So reads the headline in the Lonely Planet Belize guidebook. The subsequent paragraph begins: "This tiny nation is so laid back it's almost comatose".
And indeed one can laze away the days under palm trees cooled by the breezes of the Caribbean, or swing in a hammock next to a babbling brook in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Yes, the change in latitude can change your attitude. You can become almost comatose if that is what you want.
But this small country - about the size of Massachusetts and with one of the lowest density ratios in the world - is HUGE in activities, experiences and diversity.
It has a colorful history beginning in 1500 BC with the original inhabitants, the Mopan Maya, continuing to the territorial scuffles between Spain and England, until England declared it officially the colony of British Honduras in 1854, to independence in 1981.
The colorful mix of Mestizo, Creole, indigenous Mayas, Garifuna, Mennonite Germans, Eastern Indians, Chinese and other Asian cultures with their many languages, religions, customs and cuisine bring a diversity that is almost equaled by the biodiversity of nature. Mostly forested or covered with scrubland, savanna and wetlands, some 37% of the country falls under some kind of protected status, providing wildlife reserves such as Cockscomb, the world's first Jaguar Reserve established in 1984.
The 235 miles of coastline with 450 islets and islands, lined by the second longest coral reef in the world, offers unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkeling, sailing, and other water sports.
The country is dotted with numerous archaeological sites. Caracol in the Maya mountains, while only partially excavated, is believed to rival Tikal (Guatemala) in sheer size. Xunantunich is said to have had the tallest building in all of Belize until just recently.
The new Ka'ana Boutique Resort & Spa, nestled in a valley of the Maya mountains near the town of San Ignacio, offers upscale luxury perfectly located to explore Belize. Just opened in early 2008, Ka'ana features only 5 rooms and 10 "casitas", all with balcony or terrace and well appointed with amenities, including WiFi and an iPod docking station.
There is a restaurant, bar and wine cellar, gift shop, pool and a petite spa. The resort prides itself on attention to tiny details, impeccable service and the attentiveness of it's staff.
Adventure seekers will find plenty nearby including canoeing, tubing, zip-lining, horseback riding, hiking and biking. Soft Adventurers can walk nature and jungle trails, go caving and explore Maya ruins.
Or you can simply relax at Ka'ana and go almost comatose.
