Belize

A former British colony, Belize’s national language is English, spoken with a Caribbean lilt. Packed full of cays, coves and coral, the coastal areas are a divers' paradise just waiting to be explored. Inland, Mayan history is featured in numerous archaeological temples and palaces. To get a fully immersive experience, hike the Maya Mountains - covered with lush sub-tropical forests and home to a vast selection of wildlife, the many trails are also strewn with captivating ancient ruins. 

Diving and snorkelling are wildly popular in Belize. The massive barrier reef offers unlimited opportunities to explore the underwater world up close. To the north, Cayes Ambergris, Caulker and Half Moon are highly recommended destinations, along with Turneffe Reef Atoll. The quieter south is highly focused on marine conservation, notably in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Path, which is on the migratory path for whale sharks. For a digital detox, sea kayaking in the region is the perfect way to skip from cay to cove and indulge in some peaceful fishing. Centrally located in Belize, St Herman's Blue Hole National Park is famed for turquoise waters scattered with ancient Mayan artefacts. This is not to be confused with the world-renowned Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole off the country’s coast.