Honduras and Belize Travel Information

Our Belize itinery booked with Liz at Roatan Charter

Thomas and Kathy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:05:54 GMT

The whole trip went without a glitch. Everything that was on the itinerary was well provided.

There were no problems at any of the three properties. I would not hesitate in recommending Ternefe Island, Ramones or Windy Hill for future travelers.

We were well cared for at all locations. All the staff personnel were exceptional.

At Windy Hill, the restaurant being closed at night worked out to our benefit. We were able to take advantage of eating at the local restaurants. John Paul, the owners son, made suggestions and made sure that we were transported to and from those places. Our guide, Jorge, was a real jewel. We could not have had a better or more knowledgeable person to take us to the two ruins.

Thanks for putting together our memorable trip!!!

Best wishes,

Thomas and Kathryn Stevens

Forum: Belize

Guanaj mangrove project

Tonic.com (TM) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:02:45 GMT

The Bay Islands of Honduras give visitors a taste of what the Caribbean was like before development surged: a laid-back paradise with clear turquoise water, lush tropical vegetation and an easy integration into island life with no high-rises, no traffic and no stress.

As more people discover the easygoing vibe these gems located off the north coast of Honduras have to offer, the Bay IslandsRoatn, Utila and Guanajaface the challenge of growing to accommodate increasing numbers of tourists and expats without losing their natural treasures. In 1998, powerful Hurricane Mitch stalled over Guanaja for three days, killing people, destroying homes and devastating some of the great mangrove forests that serve as buffers from the sea.

complete story..http://www.tonic.com/article/honduras-bay-islands-guanaja/

Forum: Guanaja

New Restaurant

Las Terrazas — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:05:15 GMT

Complete story here:
http://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/las-terrazas-resort-belize-announces-opening-of-o-restaurant-14125.php

Forum: Belize

El Salvadore for surfers

Roatan Charter — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:14 GMT

New York Times Travel article on surfing in El Salvadore.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/travel/13next.html?emc=eta1

Forum: El Salvadore

New meidcal service on Roatan

Terry — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:59:15 GMT

As some of you might have noticed there is a red helicopter with a white stripe flying in Roatan.This helicopter will be servicing the Bay Islands with Emergency Medical transfers 24 hours,365 days of the year,from the Bay Islands to La Ceiba or San Pedro.
For more information on how to access this service call:
Calvin Bodden at 9995-4114 (Service Representative )
Cyndie Peterkin at 3338-1416 ( Flight Nurse )
Ronald Shortis at 9966-01356 (Pilot )

Forum: Press Releases and Announcements

Taste of Belize Showcases Belizes Culinary Talents

Belize Tourism Board — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:14:05 GMT

Belize Tourism Board

64 Regent Street

Belize City, Belize

Tel: 227-2420, Fax: 227-2423, Email: btbb@btl.net

For Immediate Release

Taste of Belize Showcases Belizes Culinary Talents

--Belize City, September 1^st, 2009 -- The Belize Tourism Board held its 8^th Annual Taste of Belize Culinary Competition on Saturday, August 29^th, at the Old Belize Adventure which attracted the participation of 12 professional chefs, 5 young professional chefs and 9 bartenders, 5 cake decorators and an audience of over 700 attendees.

Taste of Belize is Belizes signature culinary competition geared at developing the Culinary Arts in Belize. Competitors in all categories were expected to create a unique dish using his/her choice of ingredients. This dish could have been an appetizer, main dish or dessert and should have reflected Belizean or regional cuisine. The days activities commenced at 10:00 a.m. with beach games where families had the opportunity to enjoy games such as relay race, mini cake decorating, tomato sauce balloon toss and sausage eating just to name a few. The culinary component of the Taste also began early on Saturday morning where the judges had the unwieldy task of short listing the number of competitors for each category.

Victor Nal of Sunset Grill Ltd. in San Pedro captured the title of Professional Chef of the Year 2009 with his Tower of Seared Coffee and Spice Rubbed Beef Medallions layered with a Jalapeo and Cheese Malanga Papooce, Red Wine and Onion Sauce and served with sauted Julian Vegetables. As a part of his winning package, he received a trophy, a cash prize of $1,200.00 and one week Culinary Scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America in New York. The second place winner, Franciso Cano of Hopkins Bay Resort received a trophy and $800.00 cash prize. Third place winner, Marcia Nunez of Hamanasi Resort in Hopkins Village, received a trophy and $500.00 cash prize.

Ernest Bradley, was awarded the title of Young Professional Chef of the Year and received a trophy and a $800.00 cash prize for his Coconut Cilantro Chicken, Garlicky Mashed Potatoes and Saut Vegetables. The second place winner, Mateo Villanueva of Mr. Greedys Pizzeria, received a trophy and a $500.00 cash prize. Third place winner, Rueben Cano, student, received a trophy and a $300.00 cash prize.

Participants competing in the bartending category were required to create a signature drink; giving the audience and judges a sample of what was expected to meet with their stamp of approval. Mariano Coc, bartender at Belizean Dreams in Hopkins Village won the prestigious title of Bartender of the Year and his winning drink Travellers Juice was dubbed as Belizes best new signature drink for 2009. Additionally, Coc was awarded a trophy and a $1,200.00 cash prize. The second place winner, Liberto Fermin Cho of Radisson Fort George, was awarded a trophy and $800.00 cash prize and third place winner, Oscar Guerra of Cahal Pech Village in the Cayo District was awarded a trophy and cash prize of $500.00.

The theme for this years Cake Decorating Competition was A Belizean Wedding. Teresita Choco of Casa Pan Dulce Bakery in San Pedro, captured the title of Cake Decorator of the Year 2009 for her Vanilla Yellow Cake. As a part of her winning package, she received a trophy and a $800.00 cash prize. The second place winner, self-employed Diane Galvez was awarded a trophy and a $500.00 cash prize for her Traditional Belizean Pound Cake with Pineapple Filling. The third place winner, Tamara Tingling of Social Investment Fund was awarded a trophy and a cash prize of $300.00 for her Tropical Paradise Cake.

The Gala night included cultural entertainment from Kenny Gladden and the New Creation Band and MCs were William Neal and Gwen Nunez Gonzalez. This years event also included displays from Grace Kennedy Belize Limited and Madisco.

The international judges for this years culinary competition included Chef Hinnerk von Bargen, Associate Professor at the Culinary Institute of America and Mr. Ovidio Diaz, of the Marketing Mixology Group. The local chefs include Ms. Amy Knox, Mr. Bernard Blades and Mr. Sean Beaton. Judges for the Cake Decorating Competition included Ms. Nicole Palacio, Ms. Beverly Coleman and Ms. Norma Bailey. Judges for the Bartending Competition were Mr. Mike Panton and Mr. Maito Perdomo.

This event encourages hoteliers, restaurateurs and the local population to showcase and expand their interest in the culinary arts, comments Director of Tourism, Tracy Panton. Furthermore, this event promotes opportunities for stakeholders in the tourism industry to promote themselves and the Belize tourism experience by engaging the senses.

Other participants in the professional and young professional chef categories included Jason Ocampo, Sheridan Polanco, Calbert Santiago, Elma Dominguez, Trinell Smith, Jennie Staines, Rudy Chulin, Aaron Mai, Carlos Garrido, Christopher Carriddi and Juan Pablo Gongora. Participants in the cake decorating category included Andrew Middleton and Raquel Centeno. The remaining competitors in the Bartending Category were Romeo Kotch, Joseph Bowden, Marcia Jones, Luis Velasquez, Enrique Alamilla and Erika Ruiz.

Beach Games Sponsors included Old Belize Adventure & Historical Centre, Ministry of Education, Victor L. Bryant, Celebrations, Wellworth, Publics and Running Brand Meats. Major sponsor for the Professional Chef Competition was Grace Kennedy Belize Ltd. and Travellers Liquor was the major sponsor for the Bartending Competition. Other sponsors included Karl H. Menzies who sponsored the Welcome Reception, First Caribbean International Bank, Atlantic Bank, Alliance Bank, Bowen & Bowen, Fresh Catch Belize Ltd., Belize Western Energy Ltd., and Southside Meats.

For more information, please contact the Product Development Department at the Belize Tourism Board at 227-2420, via e-mail: btbb@btl.net or visit our website http://www.tasteofbelize.com .

####

Kind Regards,

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this e-mail is for the intended recipient(s) alone. It may contain privileged and confidential information that is exempt from disclosure under English law and if you are not an intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately either by using the reply facility on your e-mail system or at: #64 Regent Street Belize City, Belize Central America. Telephone #501-2272420, Fax 50-12272423

Forum: Press Releases and Announcements

CoCo View and Playa Miguel

Leon Franken — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:22:00 GMT

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Cocoview. I wanted to let you know what a wonderful job Yanscy did at making us feel at home. I have been to several dive resorts, but never one like Cocoview. I rented beach house 7 with my friends, the Moyers. Everything we needed was there for us. The house was kept spotless. Yanscy has a rare gift. He was very eager to make sure we were very comfortable and at home. It was may first trip there, so I had many questions which he answered eagerly and accurately.

As a business owner, I know that people are often quick to complain, but seldom take the time to send words of praise. The treatment I received there was far above the "call of duty"! Consider yourself lucky to have an employee like Yanscy!

Leon Franken
Something More Furniture and Wood Repair

Forum: CoCo View Resort

Archaeology Magazine new feature

Copan Association — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:23:12 GMT

Copan Ruinas, Honduras The feature article of the recently discovered Royal Maya Tomb in Copan Ruinas is the feature article in the September/October 2009 issue of "Archaeology Magazine" The cover photo features Copan Association's Project Director Molly Fierer-Donaldson and her assistant Nereyda Alonso. Thank you to the following who helped with and hosted the Archaeology Magazine team during their stay in Copan; The Honduran Institute of Tourism, the Camara de Comercio of Copan Ruinas, the Hotel Marina, the Yat Balam Boutique Hotel, Don Udo's Hotel and Restaurant and the Casa de Todo and their staff and all others for their help during the interview process for this article.

To read "The Man under the Jaguar Mountain" in Archaeology Magazine's online version click here.

Forum: Press Releases and Announcements

Leon, Nicaragua Land of churches and volcanoes

TErry — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:33:23 GMT

Leon, Nicaragua Land of churches and volcanoes

Cathedral of the Assumption in Leon the largest cathedral in Central America

Whether Nicaragua is a destination in and of itself or a part of a larger Central American tour, Leon is one of those must-see places that needs to be included in your itinerary. With sights and activities for travelers of all ages, the whole family will enjoy your days spent in this historic town.

Leon was the capital of Nicaragua until 1857. Originally, the city lay at the foot of Volcn Momotombo, but was moved to its current location in 1610 after an earthquake and volcano eruption destroyed the old city. Len has long been the intellectual center of the nation, with its university founded in 1813. Len is also an important industrial, agricultural (sugar cane, cattle, peanut, plantain, sorghum) and commercial center for Nicaragua.

Your first stop in Leon should be the government-run tourist office located just off the main square next to Cathedral of the Assumption. The friendly assistants in the tourist office can point you in the right direction for whichever activities you might be interested, and can also help arrange a tour guide for a myriad of different tours in the area.

Below youll find a partial list of whats available in Leon, but there is no doubt you will find much more once youve arrived!

Cathedral of the Assumption built in the 1700s, this cathedral is the largest in Central America. Other churches - eighteen churches displaying a wide spectrum of architectural styles and photographic opportunities lay scattered around the city.
Momotombo Volcano a still active volcano with plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Volcano boarding - One of the best ways to see Volcn Cerro Negro is by going down the volcano's side on a board. Inquire locally for a guide.
Beaches a short bus ride from the city center will find you on gorgeous litter-free beaches.

Repost from examiner.com

Forum: Nicaragua

Laguna Beach Resort online review

Undercurrent — Thur, 06 Aug 2009 15:49:53 GMT

http://www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/articles/LagunaHonduras200908.shtml

Forum: Utila Island

July 4 Trip Winner

CoCo View Resort — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:13:35 GMT

Raymond Smith was the trip winner for July 4, 2009.

Forum: CoCo View Resort

Belize Cave Tubing Zip Line $110.00

Donald Ramirez — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:09:33 GMT

The zip line and cave tubing that we offer is designed to last 5 hours to 5 hours and a half. It include a 50 minuted drive to the site. As we drive to the site we will be doing presentations on Belizean History.

When we arrive at the site we will have a short restroom break. After the restroom break we will get geared up for the zip line tour. The zip line tour last approximately an hour. After the zip line we will have another break so you may get into your swimming gears. After the break you will be issued with an inner tube, headlamp, and a life vest. We will then start our hike through the rain forest. As we hike we will be doing presentations on Medicinal Plants, Indian History, and Belize Cave Systems. The tubing part of the tour last approximately an hour to an hour and a half.

After the tubing we will head back to Belize City. We will be passing the Belize Zoo. You can add the Belize Zoo to the day's activities with no extra cost. All you need to do is pay your entrance fees ( $8.00 ) and we will do the tour of the zoo with you.

For further information on our services visit us: http://www.actionboysbelize.com

Forum: Belize

Letters from Honduras

TErry Evans — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:17:03 GMT

My wife and I will be traveling to Roatan this Thursday, July 23, for a frieinds' wedding. I have no concerns whatsoever about traveling to Honduras, and am totally confident that our friends in Honduras are presenting the true picture in their letters below.

Forum: Honduras in the News

Free Travel Classified Ads | post your travel ads for free

Donald Ramirez — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:58:24 GMT

Ambergris Caye Travel Market place offers free travel advertising to small businesses and tourism professsionals. Kindly find the right forum to place your travel advert. CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR FREE TRAVEL ADVERT

Tags: free advertising forums, free ad forums, travel classifieds, classified ads

Forum: Cruise ship Guests

North shore vrs South shore diving

Terry — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:05:56 GMT

Doc Radawski, Roatan resident and diver since 1970 gives a chalk talk on the reef structure and differences between north and south shore scuba diving on YouTube.

Forum: Roatan Scuba Diving