There is plenty to do on Ambergris Caye, and a trip to Belize can be a non-stop adventure if you travel the way I normally do! You can head to the mainland for ruins, zip lining, cave exploration, rappelling and more - or even just stay on the island and enjoy incredible snorkeling, diving, fishing, jet skis, sailing, parasailing and more.
Xanadu, in particular, offers a whole menu of bookable excursions that will pick you up at the hotel’s dock, as well as complimentary kayaks and paddle boards that you can take out on your own whenever you would like.
While we had every intention of introducing our children to kayaking, it was a particularly windy week, and we decided to stick to shore. Instead, we enjoyed some wonderfully lazy days at the resort.
Xanadu Island Resort - Pool time! (Erin Correia)Xanadu Island Resort - Pool time! (Erin Correia)
The pool is fantastic and perfect for guests of every age. There are enough chairs and hammocks that there was never a shortage of space, and there is a great mix of sun and shade, so everyone can have a “prime spot,” no matter what their definition of that may be. Half of the pool is only 18 inches deep, so people can sunbath here, and it also made an awesome shallow pool which was PERFECT for my toddlers to enjoy! The pool is open 24 hours, and it's lit up blue at night (with all of the palm cabanas surrounding it lit up as well!)
Xanadu Island Resort - Enjoying the beach (Erin Correia)
The beach is a little odd, because there is a sea wall and you cannot swim from there, but, with such a fabulous salt water pool, there is really no need! While you cannot swim, the beach is perfect for relaxation or play! It is expansive, with beach chairs spread throughout, and little palm cabanas spread around as well. Again - no shortage of space! You can easily find a (not -so-little) spot to tuck away and nap or read.
Xanadu Island Resort - Cornhole on the beach! (Erin Correia)Xanadu Island Resort - Finding treasures on the beach (Erin Correia)
There is also cornhole set up on the beach, so while my daughter and son collected shells (of which there are MILLIONS), my husband and I could challenge each other to a game, and we were not bothering those who preferred some peace and quiet!
There is a BBQ station set up on the beach as well, and it is just open and available for use, so you can pick up some local meat to BBQ, or grill up your catch of the day!
Xanadu Island Resort - Pina coladas! (Erin Correia)
Finally, for those not toting around toddlers, there is a wonderful little bar next to the beach that makes a killer colada and a huge hot tub overlooking the beach and ocean. So, whether you plan to head out and explore each day, or simply relax and enjoy the resort, Xanadu is a perfect option for anyone who wants to get away!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
