2016 was a big change for me. I dropped my title of “townie” or resident of the south-side and moved north. WAY north. 7 miles to be exact.
If you are like I was less than one year ago, that would mean nothing. Here are my estimations of where the mile markers are.
North Ambergris Caye
Mile 3: Belizean Shores Resort (end of paved road), Mile 4: Turn to Secret Beach, Mile 5: Rojo/Mata Chica, Mile 6: Canary Cove, Mile 7: Xtan Ha Resort, Mile 8: La Beliza Resort (old Blue Reef), Mile 11: El Secreto, Mile 14: Tranquility Bay
So…we drove north. The hard packed road from Miles 3 to 7 has been getting worse with rain, wear and tear and the HEAVY truck traffic but once you pass Mile 7, the resorts and the traffic thin out. And the road becomes smoother and you are surrounded, mostly, with nature. It’s really quite beautiful.
Yup…that’s corn.
We were following the signs that we have been seeing for weeks for a spot called Chat & Chill.
We made it. After Sapphire Beach but before El Norte Bar.
We arrived at about 12:30 and were the only ones there. MAN this place is so pretty and well groomed. Have you ever seen such carefully manicured plants?
And the colors and the beach…it’s really stunning.
The restaurant and bar.
We sat down to order some lunch. Crazy great service, really really good nachos and burritos (only $5bzd each) and it came FAST. All surprising for this spot that is well off the beaten path and only open on weekends.
AND…I haven’t had these soft peppermints in ages. I LOVE THESE THINGS.
They came with our check. Chat & Chill is set on a huge property. With this beautiful large house to the north of the bar.
I believe part of the home is a rental – and part of residence. There is a very cute casita to the north again.
And then a small casa out on the dock. This is the most intriguing off all the structures. 1st. It’s so so pretty.
And, I believe, at some point, it will be available as a rustic rental. How cool!
Especially with this fish light. The website has some pretty cool photos.
Except for the cook and the chef, we didn’t see another soul. Wait…actually that is not true. A couple came in for coffee…and there was none.
We headed back home. And passed an interesting entrance in the dense mangroves that we didn’t see before. A ramshackle/charming pathway…
In August, you couldn’t PAY me to try to walk this. Mosquitos would probably carry you away. But this was December and there were only a few bugs.
It led to a cleared lot…but we turned around. You never know where there might be a dog who isn’t quite in the holiday mood.
We headed back. Imagine the EFFORT to clear a lot in the midst of this.
And that’s all for now. It’s time to GET MOVING!
I leave tomorrow for my trip to Guatemala. Solo I am flying to Flores and the HUGE Mayan city of Tikal and then a LONG bus ride from Tikal to the colonial city of Antigua. At about 4500 feet above sea level, it promised to be in the high 40s at night.
This is the only part that makes me nervous about this trip. To me, 40 degrees F feels something like 0.
And then after enough time in Antigua, I am off to circle the volcanic Lake Atitlan…
No real schedule or deadlines…
I can’t wait. Happy 2017 Everyone! May it be your best year yet.
Chat-n-Chill looks so cute! I hope they can make it; that’s a long way up north. Your trip sounds wonderful. Enjoy! Enjoy! And Happy New Year to you, Rebecca!
It’s way up north but up north doesn’t seem so up north these days. Know what I mean? A road and everything! Now Secret Beach seems to be on the beaten parth.
I’m headed to Ambergris Caye in early February. Can someone tell me if it is possible to drive a golf cart there from Belizean Shores?
Also, can you rent chairs and snorkel equipment there?
You definitely can drive here from Belizean shore…it would be a fun adventure since the paved road end at that resort. It’s a bit more bumpy from Mile 3 to chat and chill but a fun ride.
Thanks, will they rent chairs and snorkel equipment to you at Tranquility Bay resort?
Have a great trip Rebecca. Of course, let us know all about it. :>)
That I can promise 🙂
Hi and thank you for sharing all your adventures. We can’t get enough! You mention $5 bzd each. On the menu it looks like $20. Just trying to get an idea of the real pricing, as we were a little taken back when we recently had dinner at the Rojo Bar. Don’t get me wrong, we love the place and will definitely be back. But, maybe we will go for lunch or apps for dinner. 🙂 LOL Have a blast on your trip.
Laura, assume all prices in Belize are in bz and not usd. If the price is in USD it will state such on the menu or ad. I’ve always found the Rojo to be a little expensive but … It is like anywhere else, after a while you get it figured out where you can eat at a reasonable price. Also even though it has a $ sign that does not mean it is in USD. Hope that helps.
Hi Jim, thanks for responding. We are pretty clear most prices are in BZD dollars. It’s just that Rebecca mentioned that the burrito and the nachos were $5 BZD each and on the picture of the menu I only see $20 BZD so I was just checking.
Sorry Laura I thought you where referencing USD vs BZ. Yes, I see the difference. Maybe she got the “bloggers discount.” :>) Take care
We were getting a huge plate of nachos and they didn’t have the burrito large…but we were offered a small one for $5bzd. I rarely get a bloggers discount! Actually…maybe never.