“It was my greatest adventure in my life!” review of Turneffe Flats green hotel in Belize

The most active my past vacations have been are touring churches, towns, restaurants and wineries throughout Italy. When my husband told me he had enough and it was time for “his” type of vacation, well, I was pretty disappointed. He came home one night and said we are going to Turneffe Flats on the Turneffe Atoll in Belize. No discussion. I pouted for two months after this announcement, until I started to do research on the country and the resort. My mood changed to eager anticipation, but I wasn’t a diver nor a fishing addict, so I thought I’d be laying on the beach every day reading, while he fly fished. Not my idea of a great vacation. I couldn’t have been more wrong! I signed up for the Atoll Adventure and it was the best adventure of my life! I spent 6 days with Abelino Coe- the creator and guide for the package, and everyday was a blast. Abel taught me how to snorkel – please note, I have fear of being over my head in water!! He started me out in the shallow flats looking at amazing coral beds with over the top tropical fish. Every day Abel took me to another location with different offerings, getting a little deeper each time. One day 4, we traveled with the divers to the Blue Hole – and Abel and I snorkeled our way to the edge with the coral reefs. That was an amazing time – and definitely one for the bucket list! Visiting Half Moon Caye that same day to view the Red Footed Boobies and to snorkel the island was another great adventure. During that week, Abel and I traveled to different parts of the Atoll and sought out manatees, sand/shore creatures, crocs, birds, butterflies, flora and fauna. Visiting Half Moon Caye for the Red Footed Boobies and to snorkel the island was another great adventure.

I really enjoyed meeting others from around the world. Sharing breakfast and dinners was great fun – and the food was excellent every single day. The chefs in the kitchen, and the wait staff, received standing applauses on our last evening. I even bought the TF cook book and the special Belizean spice mix so that I could keep reliving my great Belizean adventure at home.

I wasn’t prepared to snorkel so I came with nothing and used the resorts’ equipment. I came home with a long sleeved “skin” that I bought in the TF gift shop- which was the best buy of my vacation. Saved my back from getting burnt while snorkeling in the water. I ended up wearing white ankle socks with my fins, as I couldn’t stop snorkeling!

The resort only accommodates a small number of guests so getting to mingle with everyone was a real bonus. And each staff member was most accommodating, most respectful and genuinely pleased that we selected Turneffe Flats for our vacation. Sharing meals with the staff was a bonus, as I learned more about the Belizean culture.

Our room was very comfortable – the bathroom plush actually – and who can beat an ocean / sunrise view?

Snorkeling (and fishing) is great right off the pier, as the coral reef runs right out in front of the resort. So you can continue the adventure on your own in the late afternoon. Also drinking Pantie Rippers and Beliken Beers under the thatched deck in the late afternoon is pretty good too.

And I just learned that Turneffe Flat is putting in an Infinity Pool at the water’s edge. This will be of great use after you come home from your adventure in the late afternoon, and evening as well, especially under clear starry and moonlight nights. How romantic!

Additional information:
The country/culture is so diverse, so plan to add several days before or after Turneffe Atoll. Guides can take you to the Mayan ruins and into the jungle areas – so worth it. Tubing down Stann Creek while visiting Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve was great fun. In my next trip I’ll visit San Igancio and Ambergis Caye. And I plan to come home with more Belize Rum and Guatemalan coffee!

To visit Turneffe Flats website: Turneffe
Flats