Destination Wedding Tips | Q&A with JOANN DELGIN



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Destination Wedding Tips | Q&A with JOANN DELGIN

Director of Romance, Sandals Resorts International

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Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your job at Sandals Resorts.

I have been in the wedding and honeymoon business for over 20 years, and now serve as the Director of Romance for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. I love my job at Sandals Resorts because I get to be involved in one of the most important days of anyone’s life. My job is about keeping everyone focused on our main objective and what our founder and chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart originally set out to accomplish – he wanted to provide the best possible vacation experience for two people in love – so weddings and honeymoons have always been the cornerstone of our business.

Q. Why do you think destination weddings are catching on as much as they are?

I think based on the economy, people are trying to get as much value as possible for their money on any major purchase and they also want to spend more time with the people that are most important to them. A destination wedding provides an excellent solution for both of these priorities.

Q. What sets Sandals Martha Stewart – inspired themes above the industry’s standards?

Martha Stewart has been a wedding icon for 15 years and is known for her attention to detail. To be able to have a wedding theme created planned by Martha Stewart herself and get married in the beautiful Caribbean is any bride’s dream.

Choose an exclusive Martha Stewart signature wedding package at Sandals Resorts

Q. What do you see as most brides’ biggest misconception about destination weddings?

Many brides think they have to pay for their guests to attend. However, most guests are happy to use this trip as their vacation time to celebrate this very special event with you.

Q. What should a destination bride bring along that local brides wouldn’t?

At Sandals Resorts, all you need is sunscreen and a bathing suit! What might she often forget? Traditional wedding items; things like something borrowed, something blue.

Q. Do you need to plan a destination wedding more in advance than a traditional wedding at home?

No! In fact, you need less time. An average destination wedding is planned six months to one year prior, but it can be planned in as little as 60 days to two months if needed.

Q. Destination wedding specialists or coordinators usually step in and help a couple plan their destination wedding. What are some common challenges associated with destination weddings and how does wedding coordinators at Sandals help?

Getting married in a foreign country can be challenging if you don’t know about the laws and local culture. We are a Caribbean-based company – so we know all the ins and outs of the countries in which we do business. Our wedding coordinators are trained to take care of any of those challenges for brides and ensure that all they have to focus on is celebrating their special day.

Q. What about guest lists for a destination wedding, should they be kept smaller?

The rule of thumb for any wedding should be to invite people that you have had contact with in the past year or that have played a major part in your life. Because of the cost incurred by these guest to travel for the big day, the guest list for destination weddings usually finds its own level.

Q. How can the couple book a wedding at Sandals?

All they have to do is call 1-877 Sandals or go to sandals.com and we will take care of the rest!

Q. Are there any interesting anecdotes about destination weddings that you might want to share with our readers?

A wedding in the Caribbean is meant to be stress-free so that brides can take time to enjoy their marriage. We take care of everything, so that the bride and groom can enjoy each other.

Free Weddings by Sandals Resorts

Joann Delgin is the Director of Romance for Sandals Resorts, a critical role she has held since 2004 in a company legendary for providing two people in love with the most romantic experience in the Caribbean.

Delgin is responsible for capturing the imagination of soon-to-be brides and grooms around the world with innovative destination wedding and honeymoon programs at the company’s resorts throughout the Caribbean.

A veteran travel marketer with nearly 35 years of experience, Delgin has been an integral player in the unprecedented growth of the destination weddings market.  It was a trend she monitored while at the Walt Disney Company and that resulted in her co-founding Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.

At Sandals Resorts, her success over the last three years has also been unquestionable.  “Joann has been an asset on every level,” says Sandals Resorts chairman and founder, Gordon  ‘Butch’ Stewart.  “She has brought a level of professionalism and world-class partnerships that have elevated our wedding and honeymoon offerings.  She is able to anticipate trends and develop programs that appeal to today’s sophisticated bride.”

Those programs include exciting new on-island options for photography and videography, and exclusive partnerships orchestrated by Delgin that have literally resulted in a Sandals Resorts wedding “Dream Team.”  She is most proud of the recently announced partnership with the internationally celebrated Martha Stewart Weddings, bringing six uniquely elegant wedding themes to all brides and grooms experiencing a destination wedding at any of the 18 Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts locations throughout the Caribbean.

“With the explosion of the destination wedding industry, Joann’s creativity, business savvy and ahead-of-the curve thinking make her the perfect fit as director of romance for Sandals Resorts,” says Millie Martini Bratten, editor in chief of BRIDES magazine. “Sandals Resorts has been at the forefront of the destination wedding trend, offering value, variety and service to engaged couples. As more couples embrace the allure and ease of this type of celebration, I cannot think of a better person to lead the charge in taking destination weddings to a new level, than Joann.”

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10 Caribbean Dive Sites



When the reefs call, divers can suit up and head to the Caribbean where hundreds of dive boats head out daily to sites just minutes away. All the major islands offer diving trips, lessons, and equipment, but here are some options for you to explore.

1. Saba – The offshore marine environment is significantly fascinating on this 5sq mile Caribbean island! With a seabed and mounts of healthy reefs and marine life and extraordinary formations with a depth of 200 feet, you’ll quickly see why the island is highly praised for its over 25 dive sites whose settings include underwater lava flows, hot spring, large strands of black coral, millions of tropical fish and underwater mountaintops submerged under 89ft of water.

2. Cozumel – Amazing reefs and marine life are in abundance here. Dive brochures list over 30 popular dive site locations, such as the Palancar Reef, known for canyons and abrupt wall formations. Don’t miss the vivid tunnels of the Devil’s Throat off Punta Sur where you’ll be sure to catch the schooling yellow jacks and turtles. Almost all reefs are protected by the Cozumel Reef National Marine Park, so you’ll be sure to find pristine, spectacular diving!

3. Bahamas – If getting there and budget is a factor, you can’t beat the convenience of the Bahamas. Divers can literally spend weeks exploring the Andros Barrier Reefs’s chasms known as Blue Holes, and the walls descending into the famous underwater canyon known as the Tongue of the Ocean. With over 25 unique dive destinations in the Bahamas, you’ll find some of the most exciting experiences, perhaps one will be when you swim and feed reef sharks, an experience offered nowhere else in the world.

4. Turks & Caicos – The Turks & Caicos Islands are surrounded by one of the most extensively appealing coral reef systems worldwide; which includes a collection of unusual underwater wrecks and drop off diving. You’ll see colonies of black coral, rare forms of anemone, purple sponges, endless formations of coral and thousands of tropical fish.

5. Belize – There are hundreds of world-class dives, virtually all with 100-foot visibility. Enjoy the longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations, over 100 species of coral, hundreds of species of fish and an abundant variety of marine life.

6. Dominican Republic – With crystal clear waters and vibrant colors of marine life, the thing about the Dominican Republic that impresses divers is its enormity: two oceans, a system of inland freshwater caves, offshore wall dives, a smattering of satellite islands, protective coral reefs, deep harbors, 437 cataloged shipwrecks, a coastline of over 800 miles and the largest annual migration of humpback whales on earth.

7. Dominica – See gorgeous colorful reefs, spectacular walls, and unique “Champagne Bubbles.” The coastal underworld of Dominica is replete with coral villages and steep drop offs and while some of these attractions are several meters deep others are only a few feet from the water’s surface. Whether you are visitor who likes to snorkel or dive, you can float through the island’s spectacular underwater scenery.

8. St. Eustatius – Incredible snorkeling and diving; healthy reefs, a bank of shipwrecks, 17th and 18th century city ruins and beautiful underwater flora and fauna creates a diverse ecotourism offering.

9. BVI – With just a snorkel and mask there is much to explore at one of the many incomparable dive sites around 60 islands and cays. At The Baths, an extraordinary natural landscape awaits, with partially submerged grottoes created by huge boulders that were scattered by ancient volcanic activity. Snorkelers can tour giant boulder fields or immerse themselves in coral-encrusted shallows. Brewer’s Bay on Tortola holds schools of trumpet fish, barracuda, octopus, stingrays and sergeant majors, and Smuggler’s Cove at the northwest end of the island, offers two reefs, just 100 feet offshore, which are the playground of grunts, squirrel fish and parrot fish. Off Anegada, the wreck of the Parmatta, which ran aground in 1853, on her maiden voyage, provides an opportunity to see butterfly fish, turtles and huge groupers.

10. Puerto Rico – There are countless diving sites around this tropical paradise. With a continental shelf surrounding it on three sides, Puerto Rico has an abundance of coral reefs, caves and sea walls for divers of all levels of experience to explore. Mona Island has been heralded as the Galapagos of the Caribbean, famous for its unique flora & fauna above the water. Heading to the South region of Puerto Rico, known as Porta Caribe, you’ll find a thrilling recreational dive spot at Caja de Muertos Island – off Ponce.  West of Caja de Muertos is a very lively and beautiful reef known as Derrumbadero – precipice.

Images courtesy of the Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, and Statia Tourist Offices as well as thanks to Brenda S and R Duncan Kirby.

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Filed under : Diving

Destination Wedding Favors



Flutter of Romance Courtesy of Sandals ResortsWedding planning for a destination wedding can be fairly simple as there is often a wedding coordinator at your destination busy organizing everything for you. Aside from purchasing your wedding attire, you may also want to consider taking out your wedding favors with you rather than trying to purchase them there.
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There are a few factors you will need to consider when taking wedding favors overseas. Firstly, there are some restrictions over food items and toiletries in light of terrorist attacks in recent years. Check out what you can and cannot take with you, either in your luggage or in your hand luggage.

Next think about the climate in your destination – chocolate wedding favors could prove to be the wrong choice! In fact many edible favors such as candies, cookies and preserves are unlikely to fair very well in a tropical or temperate climate, so are probably best avoided.

Think about the size of your favors, packaging and how easy they will be to pack and transport. Will they suffer from being squashed in a suitcase? Are they breakable? How much extra weight will they add to your luggage and will you be charged a surcharge because of it?

When you take these things into account favors such as mint tins seem the only solution! Nice square tins pack easily, mints won’t suffer in the heat and tins won’t break! But there are a few options open to you:

Folded fans make nice favors for your guests and will help to keep them cool whilst the ceremony is going on. Sachets of refreshing lemonade mix or lemon tea leaves are so easy to pack and transport, and won’t take up much room in your luggage.

Small photograph frames should pack easily, as long as they are not a peculiar shape! Or chrome luggage tags in the shape of planes or boats make a favor with a destination theme! Mini photograph albums are perfect for your guests to add their snaps to after you’re wedding, but could prove a bulky favor to transport.

As a compromise you could risk leaving your wedding favors until you get out there and then choosing something local to the area. You could take packaging, ribbons and tags with you, however, without knowing what your favors will be you could end up having packaging which isn’t suitable and have to purchase more!

Have a talk with your wedding coordinator about your wedding favors. If you are getting married in a hotel then perhaps they could arrange for the hotel kitchen to make you some cookies or arrange for some chocolates to be delivered for your wedding favors.

Free Weddings by Sandals Resorts

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Filed under : Dest. Weddings

Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?



Author: JasonDixon

Sandals Weddings by Martha StewartIf you are engaged and you enjoy traveling and romantic getaways, you might want to consider a destination wedding. Destination weddings are popular right now.The most popular wedding destinations are Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Aruba, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico,  and Antigua. Many brides and grooms fly their friends and family members in, but if you cannot afford that, your wedding attendants can pay for their own plane tickets and hotel stays.

Read this guide if you want to know more about destination weddings and find out if this type of wedding is right for you.

If you want to get married when the weather is warm, you might enjoy having your wedding in the Caribbean Islands. You can have your wedding ceremony in a church in the Caribbean or on a beautiful, sandy beach. The wedding destination you choose will depend on the type of wedding you want to experience. There are thousands of destinations to choose from, so you will have to do your research and select the place that suits you.

You can save money by combining the wedding ceremony, reception, and honeymoon into one location. However, you can have your wedding reception once you are back home if you choose to. Keep in mind that most destination weddings are intimate, and some only include a few people, so they tend to cost less than traditional weddings.

Although having a destination wedding sounds glamorous, many hotels and resorts offer wedding packages for affordable prices, and they will take care of the details for you. Keep in mind that your destination wedding can be as affordable or expensive as you want it to be. Just make sure you start planning for your wedding at least six months in advance. If you do enough research, you might be able to book flight, hotel, and car reservations for a fantastic price.

Destination weddings are perfect for thrill-seekers. If you have a destination wedding, many outdoor activities will be available to you, your partner, friends and family. For instance, many destinations offer horse-back riding, scuba diving, whale-watching, kayaking, sailing, bird-watching, swimming, dancing, and hiking. If you enjoy relaxing, you can spend your honeymoon on the beach.

Dream Honeymoons; Destination Weddings at Sandals Resorts!

If you are thinking about having your wedding in another country or state, make sure you do plenty of research online. Find out which activities will be available to you and your partner. Decide what you are going to do there after you have your wedding ceremony. Find out where the beaches, fine restaurants, museums, casinos, shops, and nightclubs are before you travel to the destination.

If you want to save money, you should consider purchasing an all-inclusive wedding package. All-inclusive wedding packages usually include all kinds of special treats like free food, champagne, other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, activities, spa treatments, airport transfers, hotel taxes, and tips. In addition, many all-inclusive wedding packages include all the vendors that are required for weddings such as caterers, bakers, photographers, videographers, ministers, florists, set-up and clean-up crew, bartenders, servers, and a band or DJ. Some wedding packages also include wedding invitations. An all-inclusive wedding package can save you stress and over 150 hours of work, so it is worth the investment.

Choose an exclusive Martha Stewart signature wedding package at Sandals Resorts

Plus, many hotels and resorts come with many luxurious amenities such as whirlpools, outdoor pools, fitness facilities, private balconies, live music and entertainment, bars, restaurants, casinos, room service and much, much more! You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a destination wedding because mid-range and inexpensive hotels are available all over the world.

Also, before you purchase a wedding package for your destination wedding, make sure you find out if there are any hidden fees. Having to deal with unexpected fees at the last minute can be a nightmare, so get all the details before you spend your hard-earned money on a wedding package. You should also compare wedding packages by their features and prices before you make a decision.

If you are thinking about having a destination wedding, you will need a passport and local marriage license. Make sure you and your partner apply for passports in advance. You can get a marriage license by contacting the local city hall in the destination of your choice.

If you don’t want to plan your wedding, you can hire a wedding planner. However, many hotels include wedding planning services in their wedding packages for free. A professional wedding planner will plan your wedding, take care of every detail for you, and create the fantasy wedding that you have always dreamed of. A wedding planner will also make sure that your special day is memorable for you, your future spouse, and your guests.


Free Weddings by Sandals Resorts

About the Author: Jason Dixon is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as wedding dresses.

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Filed under : Dest. Weddings

Factors To Consider When Having A Destination Wedding



Author: Joe SillaCourtesy of Sandals Resorts

You will want to invite many people to your wedding ceremony, but you may be limited to those that you can pay to come. Now, not everyone you invite is someone that you are going to have to pay for, but some you may.

Be quite frank with those that you invite about what you are covering in costs and what they will have to. Realize that some may not be able to make it and that should be okay with you. Do not pressure those that have financial or employment strains to come to your destination wedding unless you plan to pay for them to do so.

You should pay for the lodging of your wedding party though. The people that are sponsoring the wedding need to pay for the lodging and the needs of the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Insure that this is factored into the cost of the wedding itself.

If you will have more guests coming for your destination wedding, make sure that you do everything you can to help them to get the lowest rates. For example, you may be able to arrange group rates or book a block of rooms for them to stay in. While they may be paying for it, this can be more encouragement to those that have not visited the area to come down.

Choose an exclusive Martha Stewart signature wedding package at Sandals Resorts

Define the Dress Code

Another thing that is necessary for the host of the destination to do is to help the guests to know what to wear when they get there. There are two things to consider here. First, the attire for the wedding may be different at a destination wedding. If so, it may be necessary to determine what the right attire is and then insure that the wedding party and the guests know what that attire should be.

If they have not traveled to the location before, it is necessary for you to give them help with knowing what the right type of clothing to bring and wear is. This should include clothing for time spent not with the wedding party as well. You should allow your guests to know what the theme, informal or formal, of the wedding ceremony will be. Any other gatherings that happen should also be considered and communicated as well.

Interactive Dress Your Wedding tool only at DavidsBridal.com

What to Do

Another factor to consider about the destination wedding is what should be done during it.

If you will be inviting guests to your destination wedding, make sure you provide enough for them to do when they are there.

The wedding ceremony is only the start of what you should do. You should have a welcoming dinner or cocktail where you will inform the guests, once they arrive what the agenda is. Even if it is limited by just the ceremony and a small reception, this information should be presented to the guests even before they arrive.

Some will want to spend the entire time with you while others will be more responsive to heading out to explore the area on their own. Make sure that as the bride and groom and the parents of them sponsoring the wedding that you cater to their needs here.

It is customary for some meals to be spent with various guests that come to the wedding. Often, these can include dinner each night or it may just be a get together on the beach. Whatever it is, make sure guests are aware of what your plans are for the time that they spend with you.

Free Weddings by Sandals Resorts

Visit the Etiquette Lessons website to learn about wedding gift etiquette and bridal shower etiquette.

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Filed under : Dest. Weddings

Dominican Republic Vacations: The Jewel of the Caribbean



As described by Christopher Columbus, Dominican Republic is an abundant land as a beautiful island paradise with sky scraping forested mountains and large river valleys. This testimony from Columbus in 1492 is still as true as today. Besides the comforts of sun, sea and land, your Dominican Republic vacation will give you an exciting and exceptional cultural experience.

Dominican Republic vacations offer destinations of a corporeal feast of astounding landscapes, exotic cuisine and an amazing variety of arts and entertainment options. There so much that awaits you, from the pulse pounding merengue, interesting relics from centuries past to outstanding baseball games. This place will truly be satisfied even the most experienced traveler.

In Puerto Plata, a popular Dominican Republic travel spot is the third largest city in the country and is located on the Atlantic Coastal Plain on the north coast, Merengue music reigns supreme with its mix of Afro Caribbean beats and Latin rhythm.

Music, folklore, and dance are forms of expression across the nation as music is an essential part of the daily life of Dominicans.

Puerto Plata hosts the energetic Merengue Festival every year along Malecon. This festival celebrates Merengue artists who perform on a huge stage while vendors set up booths offering homemade dishes, artifacts and clothing. This festival is usually held during the beginning of October but dates may vary every year, so if you’re planning to experience the excitement of this festival you have to confirm the schedule first.

Puerto Plata offers the Dominican Republic travel goer the pleasure of the beach and water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. If more adventure is required, you can also try the Jungle tour that goes to the waterfalls, it’s really fun but you can’t fail to visit Ocean World and take the opportunity to swim with the dolphins.

The Carnival in Dominican is colorful and lively and is part of the culture of the Island of Hispano. It is celebrated the entire month of February filling each weekend with parades, competitions and events. The climax of this celebration takes place near the 27th of February, Independence Day of the Dominicans. It’s a much anticipated celebration because it brings so much of their traditions together, from the vivid colors of the costumes, high spirited music and lively dancing. This carnival is a true Dominican experience.

The Carnival in Dominican is a country wide celebration with each town adding a touch of their own flair and merriment with various masks, costumes, characters, music, showing off their own style. Both young and old can join the festivities. No matter where you want to experience the Carnival in the Dominican Republic at, it is a genuine fusion of culture and religion. This Carnival always offers an impressive blend of colors, wild activities, music and exhilarating dances while the Diablos Cojuelos come out into the streets wavering their weapons and cracking their whips. This is an audience participation parade in grand scale where people really have fun.

If you can plan your Dominican Republic vacation around this, it’s something you should not miss. Also check the website for updates on the Carnival before making your travel arrangements.

There are many Dominican Republic resorts accommodation available starting at just $298 for the week (7 nights and 8 days) through a highly sought after luxury travel club membership. Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts are also available and on some occasions can start at just $99 for the week with the all inclusive add-on of just $62 a day.

These Dominican Republic resorts are located in Puerto Plata, San Pedro de Macoris, Las Terrenas, Boca Chica, Cabarete, Sousa and Santo Domingo, get the best deals by visiting our Hot Deals page!

Author: Debbie Turner
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Top 10 Sites to See in Belize



Turquoise waters, the climate and the Belize Barrier Reef, as well as over one hundred surrounding islands, draw visitors from around the world. Fishing, rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, the jungle and wildlife reserves and bird watching draw others. However, of all the things to see and do in Belize, Central America, the fantastic and amazing sites are the toppings on this adventurous, eco-friendly cake.

BelizeWhere Ancient History Never Disappears:

Known as the center of the ancient Maya world, Belize once held almost 2 million Mayans. Temples, pyramids and palaces, surrounded by agricultural villages, reined supreme for well over 600 years. Such a length of time could not help but permanently mark the landscape, as these top ten sites will show:

1. Santa Rita – A Mayan ruin in northern Belize that dates from c. 2000 B.C., Santa Rita is believed to be what remains of Chetumal, an ancient Mayan city. It is believed that Santa Rita controlled trade routes within the boundaries of today’s Mexico and Guatamala.

Excavations have uncovered fishing net sinkers and other objects, which point to Santa Rita’s coastal importance. Remains of rulers with jade and mica ornamentation, as well as others with gold ear decorations, show that the Mayan city also played a commanding and influential role for the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding areas.

2. Cerro Maya - From 400 B.C. to 100 A.D., Cerros, or Cerro Maya, was an important coastal trading point. Due to the lack of structural additions, archeologists believe Cerros must not have survived long because of a shift in trade routes. At the height of its day, the city distributed salt from mining communities and traded chert tools from nearby villages.

Today, Cerros is partially underwater, but what remains is stunning – including five temples (one that is 72 feet high) and related plazas, a large canal system and a beautiful panorama viewed from the top of the temples.

3. Lamanai - Given the chance, most people visit Lamanai by road through San Felipe rather than by boat. A “jungle cruise”, the road trip is an excellent chance to see birds, exotic plants and even crocodiles. The site itself, however, is even more impressive; situated on a major trade route, Lamanai is one of the longest occupied Mayan cities and was inhabited for two millennia.

Lamanai holds at least 718 mapped structures, including two 16th century Christian churches as well as an intact 19th century sugar mill. Due to the extraordinary length of time that Lamanai was occupied, one can explore several periods of Maya building, from the Classic Period to the Post Classic and beyond.

4. Nohmul - The “Great Mound”, or Nohmul, was a major Mayan ceremonial center. Two ceremonial groups, connected by a raised causeway, hold approximately ten plazas with more than 81 separate buildings. The main ceremonial structure is massive – a 164 by 170 feet rectangle, 8 feet high – dominating the surrounding structures and landscape. Human bones, jade jewelry, vessels, chultuns and other artifacts have all been recovered from this mostly excavated site, but there is much more to discover.

5. Altun Ha – 30 miles north of Belize City is the most widely excavated ruins in the country. Altun Ha, a major ceremonial and vital trade center during the Classic Period, has two main plazas. The most significant find of Altun Ha is the “Jade Head”, which represents the Mayan Sun God, Kinich Ahua; it is the largest object carved of jade in the entire Maya area.

6. Xunantunich - Situated near a desnse concentration of Mayan archeological sites, Xanantunich may have been an important provincial center or even a regional capital. On the main palace building is an astronomical carved frieze that is well worth the visit. The highest ruin is 133 feet tall, the second tallest ruin in all of Belize. Well-preserved sun god masks decorate one side of the structure.

Six major plazas, more than 25 temples/palaces and a beautiful new museum are just some of the reasons why Xunantunich is becoming one of the most visited sites in Belize. As well, the Belize Tourism Development Project has invested over half a million dollars to fully excavate the site and make it more visitor-friendly. Close by the ruins is the Mopan River, where visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rubber rafting.

7. Caracol – Although one of the most difficult Belize ruins to reach, the trip to Caracol is also one of the most scenic drives. It is the largest known Maya center within the country and holds “Canaa” (Sky Place), the largest pyramid or manmade structure in Belize at 140 feet tall. A large part of Caracol is still largely being discovered, but numerous carved monuments populate the area, and the main reservoir is an engineering masterpiece.

8. Pacbitun - First occupied in c. 1000 B.C., Pacbitun flourished between 400 B.C. and 900 A.D. A major ceremonial center, these ruins have brought many artifacts to light, including moulded pottery, musical instruments and many elite goods. Pacbitun has at least twenty-four major temple pyramids, as well as several other structures.

9. Cahal Pech - The area around Cahal Pech (“Place of Ticks”) was used for pasture, but investigations in 1988 found ten mounds. Excavations indicated that Cahal Pech was inhabited from 1000 B.C. to around 800 A.D. The central part of the ruins provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. Thirty-four structures, including temple pyramids, two ball courts, an alter and five plain stelae fill the compacted 2 acre area.

10. Nim Li Punit - These ruins look over the Toledo coastal plain, milpas and jungle. With only one main plaza, one pyramid, one ball court and a few moderately sized buildings, Nim Li Punit fall short of the architectural masterpieces found in other areas of Belize. However, it has an unusually large number of stelae; twenty-five large, often huge, stone slabs and pillars, eight of them carved, populate this small area. In fact, one of the stela is the tallest carved example in Belize. Due to this oddity, Nim Li Punit is believed to have served as its dynasty’s worshipping place.

Belize offers subtropical climate, blue skies, beautiful scenery and the last of Central America’s unspoiled marine and rainforest environments, all in one package. It is truly one of Mother Nature’s best-kept secrets. From Santa Rita to Nim Li Punit, the Mayan ruins of Belize make the country a secret that should be explored – by eco-tourists, archeological enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike.BookIt.com is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Have you thought about belize hotels for a vacation? Visit online today for more information on planning the vacation you’ll remember forever.

Find great adventure travel packages from GAP Adventures!

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Filed under : Belize, General

Exclusive for Sandals Grande Ocho Rios



Affiliate Offer for Sandals Grande Ocho RiosFor the very first time, Caribbean Travel & Leisure readers have been given an exclusive consumer offer for Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Golf Resort. Guests who book 3 nights or more will receive a Free Island Routes Catamaran Cruise!

Guests must enter the Affiliate Discount Code to receive this consumer offer- SGOAFF. Please see details of this offer below.

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios is located in Jamaica. Sandals Grande Ocho Rios is home to three distinctive villages, each offering it’s own unique ambiance and amenities. So optimize your website for this exclusive offer!

Booking Window: July 21 – August 4, 2010
Travel Window: September 1 – December 28, 2011
Blackout Dates: December 27 – 31, 2010
Discount Code: SGOAFF

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Filed under : Jamaica, Sandals Resorts

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