Selling Travel April 19

my journey 33
Mexico to the left
of me, Belize to the
right of me...
San Pedro’s dreamy waterfront
inspired Madonna
book sandy coastline that goes on for ever. It’s
surreal and intoxicating.
My vague knowledge of the country’s history
comes to a shuddering halt as I lean against a tree
in Placencia’s sidewalk beach (think Robinson
Crusoe) listening to the ethereal sounds of Garifuna
drumming and singing.
I adore these handsome people, singing their
hearts out with immaculate rhythm and timing.
But the main event is now under way as the
magnificently proud yet humble leader retells
the stories of bygone years when his people
were evicted from St Vincent by the British, then
suppressed, abused and almost wiped out before
finally – what was left of them – were allowed to
settle on the South Coast of the country.
What do they think of me as a descendant of their
oppressors? It’s a silly thought of course. They
engage with us with unreserved warmth that is
genuine, fulsome and joyfully noisy!
Jungle dreaming
There’s plenty of luxury, even in the jungle – which
is where we find ‘Chaa Creek’.
Not far from San Ignacio and close to the
Guatemala border, this jungle resort is in the heart
of the Maya civilisation and is one of the world’s
best eco-lodges. The Cottage Collection bungalows
at Chaa Creek (sleeps up to three) start from around
£305 per night on B&B basis, including activities
including bird watching, butterfly farm tour, natural
history museum tour and use of canoes.
Over an ice-cold beer Mick and Lucy Fleming tell
their story – how they pioneered their travel dream
way back in 1981. Since then they have been driven
simply by the goal of coexistence with nature while
providing a true jungle experience for visitors. Their
impressive eco-farming techniques supply the lodge
and guests with all the organic produce needed.
We take the short drive to the unmissable and
remarkable - ‘Xunantunich’ - one of the great Maya
ancient cities. Dating from between 600 and 950AD
it is a ‘must-see’ for visitors.
Remarkable and unmissable - words that for me
also sum up this small Central American nation. •
Garifuna
singing and
dancing
An ‘ex’ tarantula,
thank goodness!
WHERE TO BOOK IT
Abercrombie and Kent has a seven-night
Highlights of Belize package from £2,890pp
and includes return fl ights, accommodation
and transport. abercrombiekent.co.uk
Explore Worldwide’s 14-day Discover Belize
trip starts at £2,659pp and includes fl ights,
transfers, accommodation, some meals plus
an Explore leader. explore.co.uk
Getting away from it
all...Palmento Grove
is one of many
eco-lodges run by
locals
A quick bite!
Mashed maize,
okra and a
vicious-looking
local fi sh
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