For couples who are looking for destinations that are not overdone and still offer a sense of discovery, adventure and romance – all while being a short plane ride away and in an English-speaking country, Belize offers an amazing option. Set in the quaint village of Placencia, we discovered a resort that offers the ideal location to explore, relax and repeat, paired with one of the best selections of event spaces in the country.

Spanning the Caribbean Sea on the Maya Beach and the Placencia Lagoon against the backdrop of the mountains, Umaya serves as the ideal location for an off-the-beaten-path romantic getaway or destination wedding. The all-suite beachfront property offers couples a variety of venue options, from a barefoot beachside ceremony to a classic celebration in their 3,200- square foot ballroom which is the largest in the region.

Umaya embodies true Belizean culture and invites lovebirds to disconnect and relish in the riches of the Belizean landscape. All suites are a few steps away from the water, and while it’s recommended couples take advantage of the high-ceiling penthouse suites with half-moon shaped balconies, no comfort is spared for wedding guests. All suites feature fully equipped kitchens, private balconies and marble baths. During the time leading up to or after the big day, adventure excursion options are abundant – from snorkeling along the Barrier Reef to exploring deserted cays or spotting birds and wildlife at Cockscomb Nature Sanctuary. Then again, you could just stretch out with your favorite drink on the sands of the Caribbean shore.

Umaya’s location is hard to beat and offers some of the best dining in the area. Couples could share a happy-hour cocktail and bites cooked over an open flame in the beachside restaurant FYAH, presenting food cooked over an open-flame grill, with barefoot-in-the-sand seating options and a swim-up bar. The Clubhouse features farm-to-table cuisine blending traditional dishes with a unique Belizean touch.  For intimate celebrations, private candlelit dinners are available in the lagoon or beachside docks with a team catering to your every need.

When looking to unwind, The Bella Maya Spa offers a wide array of restorative treatments. Most services are offered in an overwater spa overlooking the Placencia lagoon and Maya Mountains. Couples could also arrange to have their treatments in their suite.

Whether it’s an intimate wedding, quick trip or an extravagant celebration, Umaya Resort & Adventures offers an unforgettable experience.

Images courtesy of (in order of appearance): UMAYA Resort & Adventures (1st, 3rd, 4th, 8th & 10th) & Monica Gallard Photography (2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th & 9th)

*Sponsored Content*