The Island Life - Belize

In a time when our world often seems continuously chaotic, unfair, mean and full of bad news - I'd like to offer you some hope and faith in humanity. 

Specifically, I’d like to introduce you to Carlos Reyes and his family. If they don't give you a glimmer of hope for humans - I don't know what will! :) Meet St. George's Caye Resort Team Leader, Carlos Reyes. A 20 year veteran of Caye living Carlos knows every square inch of St. George's and is an integral part of the Resort's success. Behind the scenes he is often unseen and unheard - but we cannot function without him! 

At four years old Carlos was brought to Belize by his parents from civil war torn El Salvador. They were immigrants fleeing a less than ideal situation in their home country. Actually it was a scary place full of violence, gun fights and fear. Sound like a familiar recent story you might have heard on the news? Well, it is not too far off. 

With not much other than their family and a few backpacks Carlos, his three brothers and sisters and parents were offered hope in a community named Valley of Peace; a village in Belize set up just for El Salvadorian immigrants. His family knew how to farm and live off the land and pretty much do any job they could to make a living. His parents went on to have seven more children - thriving in a peaceful, humble atmosphere.

Scholarships for Belize Higher Education

One of the ways we show our gratitude and reinvest in Belize is through educational scholarships for students who would not be able to attend school otherwise.

In 2013-14 we sponsored one young lady - paying her school tuition, books, transportation and food - allowing her to attend high school. Many students in Belize stop attending school in 6th form (or 8th grade) because high school fees and books are often too expensive for families to afford. All money to support her was given by the staff of St. George's and matched in donations by the management and owner.

Read first year scholarship recipients letter thanking staff.

Many people ask about flights to Belize. What's the best route to take? Who has the best prices? When do flights arrive and depart? 

So we've put together the 411 on getting to Belize by air this Fall 2015 and into 2016. 

Belize will have a whopping 66 flights per week coming from the United States.

The four major airlines offering daily service from the United States into Belize are American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and soon Southwest Airlines. Tropic Air, Copa, and Avianca/Taca will get you here from Mexico, Panama and other Central American Countries. 

By March 2016, Belize will have 528 international nonstop flights per month from 16 foreign airports and 7 airlines including the newest ones Copa Airlines and Southwest Airlines!  - Via Tropic Air Facebook Page

Honeymooners are flocking to Belize in record numbers. Belize is easy to get to - and hard to leave! You can have empty beaches all to yourself, you can dive the Barrier Reef or the Blue Hole, zip through the jungle or fish or snorkel or just do nothing at all! And it's right at your doorstep.

World's Best Honeymoon Destinations

A recent article published by The Telegraph - a UK based newsroom - name 50 best places in the world for honeymoon travel. And Belize certainly made the list! As one of the top places to honeymoon in the world - Belize's own St. George's Caye Resort offers an unforgettable private island experience. Perfect for Honeymooners.

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” 

                                                Andy Warhol 

 

Leonel is like a breath of fresh air. He embodies the Belizean spirit. His smile is contagious and you can't help but want to take him home with you. Because Leonel  sees the beauty. He sees the beauty in people. And he sees the beauty in art. St George's Caye isn't complete without Leo's beautiful outlook. 

When you arrive to St. George's Caye Resort Leo is one of the first team members you'll meet. You will mostly find him mixing your favorite cocktails and making sure your beer is ice cold. But Leo also loves to entertain. He's full of fun card tricks and bar games that will leave you scratching you're head. But don't ask him how he does it - because he won't tell. Sworn to secrecy by a fellow magician Leo takes his oath seriously and won't share the tricks of the trade.

Enjoy our famous St. George’s Caye pampering while taking advantage of our special summer education prices to meet a teacher’s budget.

June – July 2015 only :: Limited space, reserve by April 30  MAY 27th!

Know an Educator that could use a great Summer vacation? Are you a teacher in need of a Summer escape? As our thank you to Educators world-wide we are extending huge discounts to you! You work hard all year long teaching our children and educating our young adults. You DESERVE a great Summer getaway. Look no further...

Up to 50% OFF Private Cabana

Choose any cabana – over water, oceanfront, or garden – and get up to 50% off the nightly room rate!

20% OFF cultural and historical tours

Explore Mayan ruins, visit museums – get 20% off all cultural and historical tours (because they’re educational!)

10% OFF diving and adventure tours

Indulge in fun activities like diving, snorkeling, and jungle zip-line at 10% off list prices

We're sorry big terrycloth cotton towels - but we're breaking up with you. Your soft, I'll give you that. Your luxurious feel is not to be forgotten. But you're bulky, hard to carry around and you take too long to dry in this humid Caribbean climate. It's not you - it's us. We still love you and take you snorkeling with us - but in the intimacy of our bathrooms we're going to have to part ways. 

 Introducing stylish, colorful Turkish cotton pestemal towels

Imagine you and your friends sitting out by the beach fire. Guitars and harps in hand. The warm breeze is blowing to the rhythm of your beat. The stars have come out to watch and listen. The moon even rising to the occasion. You stop only momentarily to refuel with warm BBQ off the grill. And the jam continues until the last breath of fire. The next morning with the sunrise you'll tell stories of creative genius and drunken stupidity over coffee and fresh squeezed juice. You'll trade tales of heartbreak and inspired lyrics during breakfast. You'll bathe in the Caribbean Sea for even more inspired lyrics. Imagine no more…

Led by Doug MacLeod and Phil Wiggins - we would like to invite you to the first Blues in Belize Experience -hosted by St. George's Caye Resort. Five sun filled, soul filled, days of music, stories, lessons and lots of Blues love. This intimate gathering has only 30 available spots. Your accommodations will be thatch roofed cabanas on a tiny residence island in Belize. Picturesque privacy in paradise! Each morning coffee and juice delivered to your porch. Family style meals with oceanfront dining makes meals conducive to group conversation. 

A once in a lifetime opportunity - don't miss out!

Full details are available on our website. 

When you stay with us, you’re staying at a socially responsible resort. We are stewards for the reef, ocean, and natural resources that surround our island. We provide Belizeans with stable jobs and a living wage. We treat each other and our guests with respect. And everyone at St. George’s Caye Resort shares a commitment to giving back to our community.

Our Belizean staff sponsors educational scholarships in their home villages; resort manager Barry is an active participant in the local Rotary; and Cap’n Ron joined the board for Full Basket Belize, a nonprofit that awards scholarships and community grants and our gift shop supports local artisans. We also regularly donate resort stays to charity auctions across the US. Read on to learn more about how we’re giving back – and how you can help.

ST. GEORGE’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

We take good care of our employees and, in turn, they share their prosperity with their home villages. In 2014 we launched a formal scholarship program to support high school students from the villages our employees call home (in Belize, free education ends after 8th grade). Thanks to the participation of every single member of our staff, we’ve expanded this program from offering one scholarship a year to three. Read about the first year for our first scholarship recipient in the Island Blog.

Successful First Year for St. George’s Scholarship Winner 

FULL BASKET BELIZE

Cap’n Ron, owner of St. George’s Caye Resort, has been visiting and doing business in Belize for more than fifteen years – and in that time has supported students and young entrepreneurs. To broaden his impact, Cap’n Ron joined the board of directors for Full Basket Belize(FBB), a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides scholarships and community grants countrywide. At times we run specials where we donate a percentage of our proceeds to FBB—you can join our email list to hear about these opportunities. Or at any time visit www.fullbasketbelize.org to learn more and make a contribution.  

Hot off the press! A children's book not to be missed. Spin the Globe children's book series has released its latest edition featuring Belize. In Spin the Globe: The Incredible Adventures of Frederick von Wigglebottom - Turtles of the Reef (italic), the main character Frederick travels to the sandy island paradise of St. George's Caye Belize. 

A Fun Introduction to Belize 

In Belize, Fredrick meets two native children who introduce him to the unique culture and history of Belize. "Tonight the globe stops on Belize, the Pearl of the Caribbean." says author Edward Moldenhauer. "Frederick grabs his trusty journal and prepares to explore St George's Caye. Together with K'ayab and Hayá, Frederick releases two sea turtles back on the coral reef at the Great Blue Hole. He learns about the diverse Belizean, Mayan and Garinagu cultures and the animals of the reef and jungle." 

Turtles of the Reef  features our very own Captain Ron and another little surprise so be sure to check out the book! The series aims to entertain and enrich our knowledge of people and places around the World. Like many good children's stories Spin the Globe Series began as bedtime tales the author told to his children. Makes a unique gift!

SCUBA diving in Belize will spoil your eyes forever. The pristine reef, the crisp clear waters and the abundant marine life will astound even the most seasoned diver. Dolphins often come to play. Curious turtles swim past. And up close the reef is teeming with miniature marvels.

On Good Morning America, Frommer’s Travel Guide lists Belize as one of 15 Most Tantalizing Travel Destinations for 2015!

Pauline Frommer, editorial director of the Frommer's Guides, says, "We are suggesting Belize this year" she begins "This is a  life affirming destination" also adding Belize has "Glorious pristine rain-forests, gorgeous nature, incredible water sports but it also has Mayan Ruins. You're going to be climbing to the top of the Pyramids, you're going to be swimming into caves where ancient artifacts are calcified to the floor. They should be in museum's but they can't be moved."

Now that Belize has caught your attention - let St. George's Caye Resort be your guide! From diving the famous Blue Hole to climbing the Mayan Temples in Cayo to relaxing and enjoying the local Rum - our staff is ready to serve you! A private island experience close enough to Belize City for easy transfers to Belize International Airport. Join us in paradise and experience the Magic of St. George's Caye!