It had been a long winter when we boarded a plane from Canada to Belize in mid-April, and we gladly welcomed the sunny warmth upon our arrival. After picking up our rental vehicle, we had a short drive, and spent an enjoyable first night near the Belize Zoo (the night tour of the zoo is recommended). The following day, we enjoyed the scenic (though locally smoky, due to seasonal brush fires) drive down the Western, Hummingbird and Southern highways to Placenicia peninsula. We arrived at the Beach Bungalows before mid afternoon. Though early, Bill and Adriane, our hosts, were most helpful in getting us settled in. We had taken up on their offer to have the fridge stocked with some items before our arrival, and having cold beverages waiting was most welcome. We also took up the offer to sample Bill's fine cooking the first night, and highly recommend his enchiladas.
We found the accomodations much to our liking - simple, but well appointed, with large louvered screened windows making the most of the trade winds. The two bungalows on the property are about 60 ft from the shore, and as always, I found the crashing surf quite relaxing. The beach itself is stereotypically tropical and beautiful, the sand the color and texture of light brown sugar, studded with coconut palms, palmettos and sea grape. We spent much of our first afternoon (and good portions of those following) enjoying the view from the shore, coconut rum cocktail in hand, lounging in the adirondacks underneath one of the two palapas(and over Scurvy). It was relaxing to watch the pelicans, cormorants, gulls, egrets and vultures as they made there daily passes.
We found the Barnacle Bill's to be an excellent base, with several fine restaurants within walking distance, including Mango's (excellent beach view and food), the Maya Beach Hotel, the Hungry Gecko, and the Singing Sands, and a grocery for most needs. Other restaurants are a 10 to 15 minute drive away in Seine Bight and Placencia. The excellent Cockscomb Jaguar preserve and ecological reserve was only a 25 minute drive away, with excellent hikes and helpful staff. Good Maya sites we visited such as Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun were a 45 min drive south. We also highly recommend Splash Dive Center, and two terrific snorkelling trips to the Silky Cayes and Ranguana near the reef.
Bill and Adriane were always helpful with suggestions when asked, but never intrusive. We felt fortunate to share their piece of paradise for 13 days.