Not Your Average First Week: Belizean Immersion

Your first week at a new job is supposed to be filled with necessary but mundane tasks: meeting with human resources, learning how to use the coffee maker, setting up passwords, etc. At TURNER, things are a little bit different.

My first week here was an immersion trip to Belize in order to get a better understanding of a new client. I was shocked, but mostly so excited, as I had never been to Belize before and it was on my bucket list!

Three of Belize’s most highly regarded resorts, Victoria House, Naia Resort and Spa and The Lodge at Chaa Creek, are launching a new signature collection called Unique Hotels of Belize. The exclusive collaboration reflects the distinctive nature and location of each property, while assuring visitors of exceptionally high levels of quality and service.

Each member resort celebrates the Central American country’s culture through sumptuous cuisine, on and off property expeditions and friendly local staff, offering visitors authentic Belizean hospitality. Want to get the full run down of the trip? Here are five of the most amazing things I did during my first week at TURNER.

1. Stayed in a Luxurious Beachfront Hotel

Victoria House in San Pedro is a boutique hotel nestled on the edge of the Caribbean Sea in Belize. Every room in the resort has a stunning view of the turquoise water and your just steps away from incredible sunrises. All of the resort’s luxurious and well-appointed Casitas, Plantation Rooms, Suites and Private Villas are located in a lush, tropical setting, complete with tall, swaying palms, a white-sandy beach and colorful gardens found throughout the property.

Tip: I recommend staying in the resort’s latest addition, the Infinity Suites, featuring a private terrace with views of the infinity pool and beach. Enjoy an oversized master bedroom, king size canopy bed, double vanities, walk in showers and more!  

2. Snorkeled with Sharks

 There are plenty of speedboat tours that will take you out to Shark Ray Alley and the Belize Barrier Reef when in Belize. After a quick safety briefing, we proceeded to the edge of the amazing Barrier Reef, where our professional guide led the way as we swam through the pristine waters, and abundant marine and reef life and coral formations. After snorkeling, we then proceeded to Shark & Ray Alley where we had the most amazing experience of swimming in the water with a few gentle sea creatures — Nurse Sharks!

Tip: Victoria House has its own private dock for all their boat tours, which includes a snorkeling excursion in the Barrier Reef and Shark Ray Alley – so there is no need to leave the property!  

3. Discovered A Hidden Sanctuary

Tucked away within the Caribbean paradise that is Naia Resort and Spa, you will discover a hidden sanctuary; Naia Spa is dedicated to providing you the space you deserve to embark on a journey of self-care, healing and renewal. Spread over six acres of serene forest and lagoon, the spa incorporates five over-the-water individual treatment suites plus a couple’s private island suite, a fully equipped Fitness Center and a beautifully designed Yoga and Movement Studio.  Leaving this part of the resort was tough — I’ve never felt so relaxed and welcomed. From the pool to the people, it is an unparalleled experience where you can completely unwind and let go. A little slice of paradise!

Tip: Don’t miss Reflections , a waterside Spa Café, offering healthy light bites and freshly made juices and smoothies.  

4. Explored Mayan Ruins

 The Xunantunich Maya Ruins are some of the most important archaeological treasures in Belize. Situated within the tropical rainforest, the Temples of Xunantunich are West of Belize City, close to the Guatemalan border. Our journey began in our guide’s vehicle that was driven onto a hand cranked ferry on the Mopan River. Once on the other side, the hike began as we went to the top of one of the tallest Mayan structures found in Belize, El Castillo.

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for Howler Monkeys while visiting the ruins!

5. Stayed in an Eco-Friendly Jungle Lodge

 As one of the oldest eco lodges in Central America, The Lodge at Chaa Creek has won several awards and is known as a pioneer in Belizean ecotourism. The lodge is situated on a private nature reserve a few miles away from San Ignacio and caters to families and couples. I mean, how many hotels can say they come with their own 30-acre Maya Organic Farm (for the freshest of farm-to-table dining!), Natural History Center, Blue Morpho Butterfly Exhibit, and luxury accommodations all in this 400-acre nature preserve.

Tip: For a more rugged experience, you can stay at the lodge’s Camp Casitas and get a dose of glamping (AKA luxury camping).