Maruba!

Most of my time at Maruba was spent lying by the pool and reading novels and drinking rum punches. I had a massage and went on a couple of trips to ruins and horseback riding through the jungle.

Quick Tips:

Maruba's clients are mainly honeymooners -- while I was there, I saw maybe 2 older couples, but only 1 other single person. I really would only suggest that you stay at Maruba if you are there with your significant other and want to spend lots of time just being together.

Best Way To Get Around:

When you leave Maruba Resort to go anywhere, it should only be with a guide or by arranged tour. There really is nothing surrounding the resort you can walk to.

Maruba is a truly luxurious hotel in a jungle atmosphere. The rooms are decorated beautifully with mosaic walls and floors. The beds have futon mattresses, but the comforters are fluffy down.

Stereos in each room play CDs that have been selected by the management, but you can ask to change them if you don''t like your selection.

All meals I ate at Maruba were outstanding! At breakfast you are served as much freshly squeezed juice you can drink, the lunch menu has a variety of items to choose from like kebobs and salads, and dinner is a 5 course meal.

Dinners are the best meals at Maruba. Waiters are dressed in tuxedos and all the options from the appetizers to the desserts are delicious. The food is gourmet and presented beautifully.

Maruba has its own stables and horses on the resort. Your guide may or may not speak English well and you aren't really given any lessons about horseback riding. The saddles are wooden and not very comfortable, but you get used to it after awhile.

You will be taken riding for about an hour through the surrounding jungle areas where you may spot some wildlife. Some of the trails are narrow and overgrown, so you might get scratched by plants. I recommend that you wear jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt for protection. Also, don't forget your bugspray.

I was not that impressed with the scenery, but it was an overcast day that I went and you may have better luck.

Lamanai is Mayan for "Submerged Crocodile." This Mayan Ruin site is reached by boat. The boatride itself is an experience to remember as you motor through the lush green surroundings of the river. If you're lucky you'll see a crocodile enjoying the sunshine, or toucans perched in the trees.

When we arrived at Lamanai we walked to the temples to check out the stelae(rocks carved with glyphs) and ruins of the temples. Our guide was very knowledgeable and he translated some of the stories recorded on the stelae. The jungle surrounding Lamanai is filled with tropical wildlife. It was exciting to see brightly colored birds flying around -- I'd only seen them in pet stores before. Also, you'll probably encounter the famed Howler Monkeys who live in the trees. Their howls are unmistakable and can help you locate them amongst the dense foliage.

After exploring the ruins we were given lunch at a picnic area before heading back to Maruba.

Maruba Resort offers several Spa Services like: Mud Baths, Massages, Pedicures, Facials, etc. There are day trips available to Maruba from the cayes or Belize City. Many people have lunch at and a massage at Maruba before heading onward to Lamanai or Altun Ha. I had a "full body massage" during my stay -- you can request either a female or male masseuse when you make your reservation. When it is time for your appointment you are led through paths to a secluded area. Sensual music plays in the background while you are massaged by candlelight -- it's quite seductive, which is probably why couples who go for massages head straight back to their rooms afterwards!