PLACES TO DISCONNECT
I. Belize
“It’s a place that has not been known among most travelers. In the last few years, more people have discovered it, but it’s still a secluded destination, ideal for couples looking to get away” - Tania Popovic from Madre Travel.
Belize's endless possibilities in terms of boutique hotels, nature-oriented experiences and sustainable tourism have progressed in the last few years, immensely. Couples are reaching out to us and this is one of the TOP 5 places we recommend. Here's why:
Tropical Weather
Pristine beaches
Positive energy from the locals
our TOP 2 Hot Spots in Belize
Cayo Espanto
This hotel is a treat. A private island with only 5 Ocean View Villas with a plunge pool in the middle of a divers paradise. Could not get any better than this. From the moment you wake up to a serene sunrise, have breakfast in your Villa, overlooking the ocean, thinking about at what time you’ll feel like going out.
A boat and captain will be waiting for you at whatever time you are ready.
How to arrive? By small plane from Belize city.
Suggested available activities include:
Snorkeling
Diving
Nature walks
Beach picnics
Sailing
Matachica Resort & Spa
Organic food, a hipster-kind of decor, with lots of color, great food and relaxing spa treatments. This hotel is between the jungle side, but in front of the beach. With a butterfly farm nearby, you can zipline after canoeing through the ancient Barton Creek Cave. Ideal when you are looking to disconnect.
How to arrive? By ferry from Belize and from San Pedro.
Suggested available activities
Horseback riding
Snorkeling
Diving
Nature walks
Yoga in Mayan City Xunantunich
Beach picnics
Sailing
Best season to travel to Belize:
Dec/April is the dry season.
June/November is the rainy season, but lots of festivals are going on, like the lobster festival!
How to get to Belize? By plane via Panama, San Salvador or Miami
Requirements to enter Belize: Vaccinated travelers allowed without PCR. Insurance not required, but suggested.
II. Uyuni
The largest salt flat in the world is in South America, created by prehistoric lakes that dried out millions of years ago. Talk about remote, off-the-beaten destinations, and this is it. There are a few dome camps for an amazing glamping sustainable experience, and hotels actually made of salt.
You’ll spend the day driving in a 4x4 watching an endless horizon, and then all of a sudden Flamingos, Alpacas and Llamas will pass by. Remote enough for couples looking for an adventurous yet comfortable experience.
Best hotel: Palacio de Sal
This hotel built entirely by salt bricks was the first one ever to have the vision to design a hotel made out of salt in Uyuni. Featuring a restaurant that serves fresh, local cuisine, Suites with panoramic views with a 5-star service.
“We are the long story, we are the beautiful tale, we are the impossible construction, we are the daily challenge, we are nature itself, we are soluble and the opposite, we are the aridity and the warmth, the majesty and the nothingness. We are much more than the first salt hotel in the world: we are a clear metaphor for life and its beautiful paradoxes.”
Best season to travel to Uyuni: April/December is the dry season.
January/March is the rainy season, where you’ll be able to see the mirror-effect in the salt mines, much more.
How to get to Uyuni? By plane via Lima or Buenos Aires, and then land transfer
Requirements to travel to Uyuni: Vaccinated travelers allowed without PCR. Insurance not required, but suggested.
III. El Carmelo, Uruguay
Uruguay is a small country with a big heart. Another destination that perhaps you were not considering, but should. The whole approach of the place is arts and design, so it’s not a surprise to find such a hidden gem.
A home turned into a boutique luxury hotel, that is so chic, there is not a better name to use.
“A have a thing for details. A great coffee, my daily fruit shake or smoothie are a must to start the day with a smile. Little rays of sunshine start coming through the window while I think and enjoy these small, great things of life.” - Cynthia Kern, co-owner of the house with his husband Federico Bonomi.
Most chic hotel: Casa Chic
The house offers great gastronomy, natural peaceful surroundings and a soothing white-palette beachy decor with lots of wood and calming pastel colors. It’s a hotel made for couples. If you are into a slow-paced type of trip, El Carmelo and Casa Chic are perfect for that.
Suggested available activities
Relaxing Massages
Wine tasting in the vineyard
Golf/Tennis
Kayak
Biking experiences
The Garden Experience
Best season to travel to El Carmelo: Mid October/Mid April, during summer season
How to get to El Carmelo? By plane to Buenos Aires or Montevideo, and then ferry (buquebus) or land transfer to El Carmelo.
Requirements to travel to Uruguay: Vaccinated travelers allowed without PCR. Insurance not required, but suggested.
