Caribbean Vacation Stories

Told through the lens of a local mom, a Wedding/Lifestyle photographer

Belize is a small country considered the jewel of the Caribbean. It is increasingly popular for its pristine natural beaches and jungle adventure and is rich in culture and Mayan Ruin sites. Here are some recommendations from a local mom and photographer.

Best beaches for family vacations:

North Ambergris Caye. Away from the boisterous downtown of Ambergris Caye, it’s the perfect place for the family to relax. Coco Beach Resort is one of many family-friendly resorts that I have personally enjoyed.

Hopkins. This quiet village is rich in Garifuna culture and is a very family oriented community. Some of the more popular resorts are The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, Almond Beach Resort and Belizean Dreams. Villa Verano or Villa Margarita are the perfect choices for very large groups or family events. They come with kitchens which is great for mom to make snacks for little ones. VIVA Belize has top-notch service and I strongly recommend it.

Caye Caulker. It’s for people looking to experience true island vibes! Ride your bicycle on sandy streets and enjoy the friendly culture. This is not a place of luxury; their motto is ‘go slow’ and ‘no shoes, no problem’. Walk to ‘The Split’ to see the most amazing sunset views! Family-friendly resorts include VeLento and Weezie’s. Less expensive options where I have stayed are ocean front condos at The Club. All of these have kitchenettes which I find very useful when traveling with kids. Even though you may not want to cook while on vacation, it is convenient to have.

Private Islands. Inexpensive and very secluded, they have no amenities but have beautiful beaches and many family-friendly activities. Thatch Caye and South Water Caye are great choices for family fun.

Best jungle/Mayan Ruins for family vacations:

San Ignacio. On the banks of the Macal River, San Ignacio is the perfect place to explore and experience many of the ecotourism activities that Belize has to offer. These include Mayan ruin sites like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, caves like Barton Creek and Actun Tunichil Muknal, and the 1000 foot waterfalls in Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.
Some of the family-friendly resorts include Suzie’s Hilltop Villas, Rumors Resort, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, and Cahal Pech Village Resort.

Finding a local photographer when vacationing is a great way to tell your stories and capture those special memories to see for years to come. Reflect on what drew you to this destination and ensure to include local elements of culture and colors in each picture. Plan it ahead to make it seamless. You will be happy you did!

By Lupita Banman

Photos by Frozen Instants Photography
@frozeninstantsphoto