Belize – A Diver and Snorkeler’s Mecca

December 4, 2020 | By Donna Evans

Belize is a diver and snorkeler’s mecca with the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. It is also a beautiful country with lovely people and great food. I was recently able to sample all of the above, including the remnants of Hurricane Eta, while visiting the gorgeous resort of Hamanasi just south of the city of Dangriga.

Hamanasi is a Five Star Resort secluded on a beautiful stretch of beach and sea. There are treetop rooms and suites as well as oceanfront rooms and suites to choose from. We booked the oceanfront room, and, like all rooms, we had a large furnished deck, a hammock, and a great view of the pool and water. Since the weather and Covid held some restrictions, there were not too many guests, but there was staff to serve everyone in the most personal way, knowing our names, what we liked to drink, and even some of our favorite repeated menu items.

There was social distancing, and all possible Covid protocols and restrictions were in place. Hand sanitizers were strategically placed, along with other masks. All surfaces and areas were sanitized before and after use.

The food was exceptional and offered unique, as well as traditional choices. Breakfast specials included a main course and a pair of freshly baked goods, which were outstanding. Lunch had a menu that was the same each day, with about 20 different options of choice. The dinner menu had a choice of soup, meat, fish, vegetarian main dishes, and several appetizers. And I can’t forget the daily bread they served; each day was something different and unique, but always too delicious to pass up. Desert was still something significant, and my personal favorite was the coconut pie, which had the delectable consistency of cake with flavor beyond belief. If only I had discovered this before the last night, I would have requested it daily – and, and YES, they would make sure you had it if you wanted it.

We are snorkelers and had purchased a reef and rainforest package along with the meal package, which offered us an 8 day/7 night stay with meals and five adventures from a list of both reef and rainforest options. We did snorkeling 4 of the days (that was clear and amazing with so many beautiful fish from barracuda to eagle rays to blue tang Dories) and a rainforest river canoe trip.

With sustainability (including a gorgeous garden of vegetables and herbs, as well as recycling) and the Covid situation firmly in hand (guest temperatures were checked daily and staff checked twice daily), the only thing missing was daily housekeeping (and we could have requested this). Room service, meals by the pool, dinner under the stars, and a couple of cats and a dog were also available.

I can’t wait to go back – and I’m sure they will remember our names!