According to astrocartography, I have several planetary lines that run through Belize. A Neptune line that is ideal for escapism and a lackadaisical vacation, a Moon line that elicits an inner child response of being unplugged from the world at large, and an abundance of Saturn and IC energy that prompts me to think about ways that I feel connected to myself as well as efforts to build my own foundation. What wonderful things to think about as a 30-year-old on the brink of 31? As one does in a post-Saturn Return reality, I traveled abroad to Alaia Belize to determine the effectiveness of my astrocartography.
Before this trip, my knowledge of Belize came from a years-long friendship with Andrea Castillo, a Belizean-American DJ and writer based in Brooklyn who founded Cas Rum Beverages, a Belizean-inspired rum cocktail company. Her signature trio of rum popo (spiked egg nog), rum punch, & rum sorrel were always welcomed in my home and carry-on. Her family, both immediate and extended, were my first introduction to Belizean culture, as I cooked alongside them for hours in preparation for the West Indian Day Parade in New York. If the Castillos were an indicator of my treatment in Belize, then I was ready to go through customs.
Upon arrival at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), I was greeted by the sight of a small, fourteen passenger, propeller plane operated by Tropic Air to transport me from Belize City to San Pedro, the home of Alaia Belize. Now, I’m not adversarial to flying, but the intimacy between myself and the pilots in the cockpit was abysmal. Yet, the views of Ambergris Caye, an intricate pattern of vast turquoise blue holes, scattered along the patches of untouched islands, and small vacation rentals, were a welcome distraction from the occasional turbulence, until landing at John Greif II Airport in San Pedro.
As expected, Alaia Belize coordinated transportation from John Greif II Airport (SPR) to the 155 guestroom property. Golf carts are the preferred vehicle of choice on the island, which makes them quite easy to obtain via reservations with a third party or through a resort, but I decided against it. Upon arrival at the resort, staff informed me about the options available for travelers on the property, such as a visit with at Fort George Hotel & Spa, their sister property in Belize City, all day visit to the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef, and wellness treatments at K’ln Spa & Wellness Center, their on-site spa.
Night One
I’ve often found that the easiest way to make friends with someone in another country is to take a shot with them, which is why I decided to kick off my adventures with a mixology course taught by one of the bartenders at the resort. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that coming home with a newfound skill, particularly a skill that is useful among friends and family, is a better gift than bringing home something from the gift shop. The mixology course at Alaia Belize straws away from the expected repertoire of tourism-friendly drinks, such as indulgent rum-based Piña Colada, in favor of artisan made cocktails made with homemade infused spirits, like an aromatic hibiscus vodka, gelatinous fruit pearls that consisted of strawberry and pineapple, and earthy rosemary gin. I was taught the fundamentals of flavor infusion for liquor and spirits, the do’s and do not’s of water dilution and more tips of the trade that made me even more appreciative of my local bartenders at home.
Day One
I quickly learned about Belize’s status as a world class snorkeling destination on my early morning boat charter to the Belize Barrier Reef. The boating experience included stops along Belize’s most well known aquatic spots, such as The Split, Shark Ray Alley, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. But, the thing that brought me the most peace was sipping on rum punch and playing Renaissance as the rest of the attendees snorkeled for hours on end. I felt as connected to the stingrays congregating along the boat’s sides with a cocktail in hand, than my counterparts in their diving gear, miles away from coastline.
On our lunchtime spot at Caye Caulker, I shared a pitcher of frozen neon green cocktails with syrup-laden cherries on top, alongside the usual repertoire of tourism-friendly appetizers, with the other guests. I laughed at the obvious tourist gimmicks of stickers and signatures on the bathroom stalls, pastel colored beach chairs and tree-topped tables and chairs in the shallow sections of the water, and an astronomical ladder, intended for tourists to climb and then jump off of into the water, to the attention and glee of the masses. But it felt good to laugh and take part in this particularly corny, touristy experience. The dives on my snorkeling destination were able to cross several of the world’s best snorkeling places off their bucket list, and I was able to play Beyoncé to schools of fish and sharks in the Caribbean.
Day Two
Small planes are the law of the land in San Pedro. I took another TropicAir flight to tour The Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is home to one of the biggest and oldest sinkholes in the world. I know it might not sound like a pleasant experience to some, but I always challenge myself to participate in experiences that are tied to one relevant place. Yet, it was fun to treat yourself to a full body massage at the spa, which I did. Or to dine at one of the six dining options they have on site, I highly recommend the fried fish tacos at the Blue Hole Poolside. But, the highlight of the trip was the ease at Belize that brought me.
There was never a day where I did not see Black travelers, whether it be a group of girlfriends on vacation, a husband and wife, or a family on a graduation trip, that was not at peace. Or a time where I felt tethered to the resort. Alaia Belize was the best entry point for a first time visitor to Belize.