Las Terrazas on Ambergris Caye is
Unbelizable
Until 1981, Belize was a British colony of
scattered fishing villages dubbed “The Mosquito Coast” by long-gone pirates. Things changed after independence, and locals quickly realized the potential of this Caribbean jewel. There’s even a local story that Madonna wrote her hit song “La Isla Bonita” on Ambergris Caye. Noticing its recent increased popularity, I needed to see it to “belize it.” The five-star Las Terrazas Resort (LTR) came to life nine years ago on the island of Ambergris Caye (pronounced “key” in Belizean Creole). With up to half of their customers coming from Texas, and owned by Houstonians, this Central American resort needs to be on every Texan’s travel list. General Manager Julian Burton says they are “in the business of delivering dreams.” In high season (mid-November to mid-June), the guest to employee ratio is 2:1 and in low season 1:1. Most staff are Belizeans, ready to greet you with a smile and tips on local culture. Arriving at the LTR dock, you’re greeted with a cold cloth and rum punch as they whisk your baggage away. Something I’ve not seen before, the outdoor check-in includes a neck and shoulder massage. I immediately loved the laid-back style of the resort (the dressiest you should pack is shorts and flip-flops). »» There are 35 units on the boutique property, ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms. The “sea houses” range from oceanview 3 bedroom/3 bath for up to $800/night to junior suites for as little as $199/night. The units are fabulously spacious, causing some guests to just enjoy their time in their own villa. Bedrooms are en-suite and each unit has a washer/dryer, which can come in handy with the Caribbean humidity.
66 Texas Lifestyle Magazine | Fall/Holiday 2017
»» The centerpiece of the resort is a 70-foot infinity pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas. Most meals are served at tables poolside. O Restaurant sits at the head of the pool; reserve a rooftop table for dinner one night for a real treat. The breakfast menu ranges from stuffed breakfast burritos and tropical fruit plates to chocolate chip pancakes. Lunch offerings include fresh shrimp ceviche and red pepper hummus for starters to chicken quesadillas and chicken pesto flatbread for heartier meals. At dinner, there are theme nights like a Belizean buffet on Thursdays, sushi on Fridays and other chef-inspired celebrations. »» If you’re in the mood to do more than relaxing with a good book, there’s a long list of resort activities. Kayaks, standup paddleboards, a Hobie cat sailboat and aqua bike are all beachside and complimentary. The staff will also host activities like coconut tree climbing, creole cooking lessons and towel folding (in the shape of animals). The hammocks and swings over the water offer a uniquely Caribbean appeal, too. New see-through canoes are also on their way. »» That neck and shoulder massage at checkin is a brilliant reminder to visit the resort’s Serenity Spa for a Swedish massage in cool quarters, a perfect cherry-on-top addition to the relaxing vibe of LTR. »» The average length of stay is five nights and the resort offers a grocery service (which I highly recommend because of the full kitchen in each unit) and there’s a small market a short golf cart ride away. A stay at LTR on Ambergris Caye offers the ideal combination of upscale relaxation,
By Marika Flatt
Caribbean emerald green water beauty and authentic Central American culture. My little taste of Belize left me with heart-warming memories to last a lifetime.
Know Before You Go: »» Dallas and Houston have direct flights into Belize City. From there, you fly on Tropic Air to San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye. The 15-minute flight in a prop plane over the emerald water is better than an amusement park ride. An LTR van shuttles guests to the marina; then it’s an eight-minute water taxi ride to LTR. »» The resorts encourage their visitors to explore San Pedro for dining, shopping and nightlife. You can rent a golf cart (the primary mode of travel on the island) for as little as two hours or as long as a week. It’s a 15-minute ride into town where you can dine at places like Aji for tapas, Paco’s Beach Bar or Rain. A host of lively bars dot the town square. »» U.S. credit cards are accepted at resorts and throughout the town of San Pedro. »» Belize is known for its scuba diving and fishing, but the snorkeling around Hol Chan Marine Reserve (with beautiful coral gardens) and Shark Ray Alley (where you’ll swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays, neither of which are harmful) is magnificent. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world, protecting marine life in a big way. Outside of Belize City, zip lining, the Mayan ruins and cave tubing are popular excursions. LASTERRAZASRESORT.COM