Journey's End Can Mean a New Beginning
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley, Editors of Lovetripper.com

> more romantic getaways in Belize

It may be called Journey's End, but, for us, this Belizean resort was a beginning. The first stop in our week-long visit to Central America, Journey's End was an introduction to a country we would come to love.

After the usual hustle bustle which always seems to precede a trip, we were in high gear as we stepped off the plane in Belize City, the point of arrival for many vacationers. Soon we were transferring to a tiny Maya Island Air flight for a 15-minute hop to Ambergris Caye.

Couples who know Belize will likely be familiar with Ambergris Caye, the capital of the country's tourism industry. At some points just yards from the barrier reef (the world's second largest), the island is a favorite with scuba divers and snorkelers.

But for us, this laid-back island was also a chance to slow down. A quick pass through San Pedro's open-air airport and we were standing on the sand streets of this town.

San Pedro serves as the central point of Ambergris Caye, those sand streets lined with restaurants and bars as well as souvenir shops and guest accommodations. Although we were tempted to rent a golf cart and tour this city in local style, that would have to wait for another day. For now, our sights were set north to Journey's End Resort.

A short boat ride through waters as blue as aquamarine took us right up to the dock of this casual resort. At one time, Journey's End had a reputation as an ultra-exclusive property, even appearing twice on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Today, however, the resort emphasizes "barefoot adventure" and invites its guests to kick back and relax. (But don't be surprised if you still spot a star or two. Recently Tiger Woods, during a vacation to nearby Cayo Espanto, came over to Journey's End to scuba dive. The resort also hosted the crew of Temptation Island during a shoot.)

Lovers can opt for bungalow cottages (our top choice) or traditional guest rooms. Cottages are a casual home away from home getaway. Tall pencil post beds cradle lovers and, just steps away, a porch invites relaxation. Cottages are devoid of TVs or phones with little to concentrate on but each other.

Beachfront cottages are just steps away from the water's edge. Although water clarity isn't its best at this beach, it's just a short kayak ride to the reef itself. Here the two of you can moor your kayak in waist deep water and snorkel hand in hand. Book an excursion with the dive master whom the crew of Temptation Island nicknamed "Scuba Steve" and visit sites filled with nurse sharks, grouper, and even dolphins. "Most of our dive sites are just five minutes away," says Steve Bowen, "so it's great if one spouse dives and the other snorkels. The diver can be back in an hour."

Or, for scuba loving couples, arrange for Scuba Steve to take you to Love Tunnel, an underwater cavern. The perfectly named dive site has even served as a wedding location for some couples who exchanged vows written on dive tablets.

From Journey's End, adventurous couples can also book plenty of other activities. Grab a couple of bicycles and pedal your way down the beach or rent a golf cart to scoot down for an afternoon of fun in San Pedro. Night owls also enjoy the little town, home to several popular discos such as Big Daddy's and Jaguar Nightclub.

However you spend your days, schedule your evening meal at Journey's End. This resort boasts the talents of executive chef Dieter Biebelriether, whose meals were formerly served on numerous movie sets for stars such as Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe, James Woods, and N'Sync. Today Chef Dieter's creations are enjoyed by lamplight in the open-air Tamarind Restaurant. [Click here for an article on Chef Dieter as well as one of his recipes.]

As another Belizean day draws to a close, couples head back to their cottages, two by two.

For more information, see www.journeysendresort.com.