Hello, long weekend! The new year is here—which means 12 new months to plan for. Not sure where to start? How about the first North American long weekend for 2022? For travelers who wish to experience true Belizean culture along with pretty beaches and adrenaline-lined jungle corners around the corner, then Placencia is a magical destination. A quick escape—solo, with your partner, girlfriends, or even family—awaits at Itz’ana Resort & Residencies in Belize this President’s Day weekend. From a walk through the village’s interior sidewalks to an evening of fine beach dining and mixology, here are some ideas on how to spend a perfect long weekend at Itz’ana Resort.
Arrive in Placencia via puddle jumper, thanks to connectivity from the international airport to Itz’ana Resort by Maya Island Air, and head into either your Deluxe Room, Beachfront Suite, or Villa to get acquainted with your new accommodations. That is, after getting your welcome drink (rum-spiked or on the healthier side, with local sea moss) to be an aperitif before your on-property Mixology Class.
Settle into dinner at Limilia Restaurant, where biophilic design plays upon fresh fares like hand-caught snappers and locally sourced steaks. Yes, you must order dessert: the Ix Cacao chocolate gianduja features local chocolate ganache with jungle honey combe and chocolate ice cream. Though despite being on vacation, I wouldn’t encourage you to sleep in; with an Eastern coastline, sunrises are spectacular and Itz’ana beachside hammocks are prime viewing spots.
Sunrise on the peninsula at Itz’ana Resort & Residencies. Image courtesy Carolee Chanona
With a full day in Placencia, either schedule a day offshore to island-hop between the pint-size gems of Moho Caye, Silk Caye, or Pompion Caye. Or—if you’re up for a bit more adventure—head inland to Mayflower Bocawina National Park to hike Antelope Falls, zipline two miles of the jungle canopy, or rappel off the rockface of a waterfall.
Vistas from the top of Antelope Falls, Bocawina. Image by Carolee Chanona
Day three’s itinerary is easy: worship the sun from the likes of the beach, your veranda, or poolside until it’s time to pack up and promise to be back again soon.
Itz’ana President’s Day Promo
“Americans have more discretionary funds since they did not spend much in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic,” explains Paula Twidale, senior vice president of travel for AAA. But who says we don’t all love a deal, still? For President’s Day Weekend, get 15% off at Itz’ana Resort & Residencies, with a full breakfast and a traditional Itz’ana mixology class included, valid for stays from February 17th to February 22nd. Rate is subject to 10% service charge and 9% hotel tax, and cannot be combined with any other offer; blackout dates do apply.
Book here. Images not captioned, courtesy Itz’ana Resort.