7 Ways to Stay Active on your Belize Vacation

While some people prefer to use their beach vacations as a break from working out, others like to remain active even while traveling. Regardless of the category you fall in, Ambergris Caye, Belize, is the destination for you! Offering both complete relaxation and an abundance of fitness options, the little island of Ambergris Caye can meet all of your fitness goals. And while our boutique island resort does not have an on-site gym, we do offer several amenities at Las Terrazas Resort, such as bicycles, kayaks, and Hobie Cats that all allow for both an awesome beach workout while also exploring the island and nearby Caribbean Sea. If you are looking for something a bit more specific or extreme, then look no further than the island of Ambergris Caye itself. Below are several other activities that are sure to meet your fitness preferences during your Belizean vacation.

CrossFit class
Drop in on a CrossFit class
  1. CrossFit. The W.O.D. Zone is a local CrossFit gym on Ambergris Caye that is owned and operated by Sushil and Lucien Pollard, who make other people’s fitness goals their own personal priority. So well-known is their gym that they actually have the highest drop in rate of any CrossFit facility in all of Central America and the Caribbean! Catering to the many travelers who vacation in Belize, this facility offers a $30 BZE drop in rate for one class, or a weekly pass for $100 BZE (6 classes, including Saturday). Be sure to check out CrossFit San Pedro Town for their address and class schedule. And a tip, just for free: You might want to drop in for an active Saturday class as rumor has it, they sometimes have mimosas! 
  1. Fun in the Sun Aquafit. While Las Terrazas Resort’s 70’ Infinity pool is perfect for lounging, taking a casual swim, and delectable pool side dining, if you are looking for a more strenuous water workout, be sure to check out Fun In the Sun Aquafit. Trainer Eileen Jamison will not only whip you into shape on vacation but will keep you laughing while doing so. She is famous for helping you maintain what she calls a “beauteous gluteous” and for getting rid of that pesky muffin top. Classes are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00-11:00 and are only $15 BZE to attend. A steal of a deal for an hour of fitness, free equipment, and fun in the sun!
Dawson's Pit Fighters
Dawson’s Pit Fighters
  1. Mixed Martial Arts. For martial artists visiting Ambergris Caye, be sure to check out Dawson’s Pit Fighters. Run by local coach Martin Dawson, this MMA school champions both people and values and trains in self-defense techniques such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and Lima-Lama. Dawson’s Pit Fighters also seeks to empower the community; they recently partnered with Hope Haven, a nonprofit children’s home in Belize, where they offer the organization’s young girls free monthly self-defense tactics meant to empower and protect. You can check out Dawson’s website to see about current class times or contact him here to inquire about visiting a class. 
  1. Cardio Dance Fitness. Looking to get your Zumba on while on vacation? Located next to Barrel Bar just north of San Pedro High School, this cardio dance class will get you moving and grooving as you raise your heartbeat through fast paced, fun-filled active dance moves, punching, and kicking. Classes are $15 BZE for a week and are offered on weekdays at 6:00 am and 6:00 and 7:00 pm. Get your groove on as you sweat your heart out.
Yoga
Private yoga classes by appointment
  1. Yoga.  The discipline of yoga can be both physical and spiritual and with the view of the aquamarine Caribbean waters, the salty breeze drifting through the air, the sound of the waves lapping nearby, and the adoption of physical postures meant to strengthen your body and purify your mind, this is one practice that will truly appeal to each of your senses. Las Terrazas Resort offers yoga mats for your own personal use, or with the purchase of our popular Wellness Package we can arrange for your own private lesson on our signature dock that overlooks the Caribbean Sea! 
  1. Gym. If you are looking for a more traditional gym experience, the Train Station Fitness Club is the facility for you. Famous for their quality equipment, professional and well-trained staff, and delicious smoothies and shakes, this is Ambergris Caye’s most popular gym. The Train Station offers a wide variety of free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment, personal training, and group fitness classes and has a little bit of everything for everyone to stay active while on vacation. Check them out the next time you are visiting Belize. 
ATM Cave
Hike breathtaking ATM Cave
  1. Hiking. While Ambergris Caye itself is fairly flat, the beach does offer a 25 mile stretch for oceanside walking or beach runs. If more traditional hiking trails are what you are looking for, consider an excursion to mainland Belize for a dose of historical, architectural, natural, and active adventure. A day trip to Actun Tunichil Mucknal (or ATM Cave for short) includes hiking through flat shaded nature trails through the jungle as well as through three different knee deep steams, followed by a trek through caves that are often chest deep in waters. This day trip from Las Terrazas Resort is moderate in difficulty and is the perfect blend of physical activity and exploration through ancient Mayan civilization.

Ambergris Caye is a perfect option for those who enjoy a fit and active beach vacation. Be sure to check out any or all of these fitness options when planning your next trip to Belize. Contact our Las Terrazas Resort reservations office to book your trip today! 

Book Now at Las Terrazas!

Enjoyed our Blog? Click here to receive more valuable tips, insight and exclusive travel offers!

My Family Vacation to Belize: A Travel Agent’s Perspective

Ambergris Caye is the perfect beach vacation destination for family members of all ages. From educational experiences rich in history and culture, adventures that take you far above treetop canopies and deep down beneath caves, to soaking up the wind and the waves by way of jet skis, kayaks, parasailing, and sunset cruises, one thing is certain: the island of Ambergris Caye is full of adventure and is made for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We interviewed Kris Nelson, who recently traveled to Ambergris Caye for spring break. As a travel agent formerly with Strong Travel Services, Kris had been to Ambergris Caye once before with a group of travel agents. Although she did have the opportunity to explore famous jungles of Belize, she was technically still at work, and she did not get to experience everything on her wish list. However, her time here in Belize was enough for her to know that she would one day come back. Kris was drawn to the amazing light blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, fell in love with the authentic community that is evidenced on the island, and delighted in the fact that golf carts are the main mode of transportation around town. These things made her return to Ambergris Caye a simple choice, and she could not wait to return to Belize for her family’s spring break trip.

ATVs

Not only did Kris bring her own family to Las Terrazas Resort on Ambergris Caye, they invited friends to travel with them, because travel is alway more fun with friends! Between both families, there were two teenage boys – a great age in that they were old enough to drive the golf carts (valid driver’s licenses are required to drive), were able to experience nearly all that the island had to offer, and could have explored San Pedro on their own if they had wanted. And though the island was perfectly suitable for these near-adults, don’t be discouraged if you have younger children in your family; the resort alone has much to offer for children of all ages. Ask our Beach Captain for lessons in climbing a coconut tree, sailing the Hobie Cat, or scouring the sea grass for starfish. And be sure that your camera is nearby – the smiles you capture are definitely Christmas card worthy.

As far as Kris’ family and friends, they opted for an excursion to mainland Belize where they rode through the jungle on ATVs, hiked to a cave, and then went cave tubing through ancient, underground rivers… all of which were a huge hit for every member of their trip, headlamps and all!

Guests

The Truck Stop, Belize’ first ever shipping container food park and beer garden, was also a favorite shared experience. The Truck Stop’s proximity to Las Terrazas Resort, the variety of food, and the laid-back ambiance made this a fantastic spot for these two families to hang out. Visitors will love the live music and activities like watching an outdoor poolside movie, singing karaoke, or playing ping pong and corn-hole. You might even find yourself on stage for the Not-So-Newlywed Game or Family Feud.

The Truck Stop

Staying at Las Terrazas Resort was a no-brainer for Kris and her family. As the most luxurious spa resort on the island, and the only Virtuoso property, Las Terrazas Resort was an easy pick based on seclusion and elegance. The family enjoyed fry jacks for breakfast each morning and raved about the fine dining offered at O Restaurant, the resort’s onsite eatery.

Despite Las Terrazas Resort’s luxury and glam, Kris did mention that it would be helpful for families to know that Ambergris Caye is not a place to expect opulence at every turn. While there are certainly pockets of luxury, the island is overall known for being a relaxed and casual destination where the locals are very proud. They welcome you to try their food, crafts and customs… and you should! Kris suggests knowing where the island’s hidden gems are, like the Secret (not so secret anymore!) Beach and Elvi’s Kitchen.

Elvi's Kitchen

With all of the traveling that Kris has experienced in her career as a travel agent, it is an honor to know that she chose Ambergris Caye and Las Terrazas Resort as her family’s spring break destination. And while it might seem easy to just book a trip yourself in today’s digital age, using a travel agent is still such a valuable resource.

Resort View Residence patio

Book Now at Las Terrazas!

Enjoyed our Blog? Click here to receive more valuable tips, insight and exclusive travel offers!