Star trip: Kate and William, the princely couple in Belize

UPGRADE DAY

The jewel of Central America, Belize, located along the Caribbean Sea, is full of tourist attractions. Crystal clear beaches, unique dive sites, impressive coral reef, Mayan ruins against a backdrop of lush forests, no wonder Kate Middleton and Prince William chose this favorite spot for their first stop on their official tour in three sun destinations members of the Commonwealth.

After two years of hiatus without traveling, due to the pandemic, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge offered themselves an official week-long tour of the Caribbean last spring, starting with Belize, then heading to Jamaica and concluding their journey. in the Bahamas.

Former haunt of pirates, in the heart of the ancient Mayan territory, Belize, on the borders of Mexico and Guatemala, colonized by the English in the 19th century, became independent from the United United in 1981 and remains a member of the Commonwealth.

If the princely couple was received with all the honors, there were still some demonstrations on their arrival, voices raised against the monarchy. But nothing that could not be enough to tarnish the magnificent smile displayed by the Duchess of Cambridge throughout the trip, alongside her prince, who took many walks. 

The Princess and Prince of Wales' trip cost £226,000, or nearly CA$367,000. Wondering who paid for that trip aboard the Royal Air Force's RAF VIP Voyager jet, plus the luxury accommodation? Well, be aware that it was the British taxpayers who had to do it since none of the three host countries wanted to bear the expenses of the princely couple's trip.

The Big Blue Hole.

The magnificent Great Blue Hole

Like tourists, Kate and William took every opportunity to experience the wonders that Belize has to offer, starting with the extraordinary Great Blue Hole or the Grand Trou Bleu made famous by Jacques Cousteau. .

Located off the coast, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world seen from the sky. Similar to an underwater cave, it is part of the protected area of ​​Les Cayes. Considered one of the most important dive sites on earth, the hole has a diameter of over 300 meters and a depth of 120 meters.  

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Visit to Mayan ruins.

Other must-sees in Belize, Xunantunich, a Mayan archaeological site camped on top of a hill in the heart of a tropical forest. Greeted by archaeologist Allan Moore, the princely couple toured the ruins before climbing the magnificent 'Palace of Heaven', a Mayan temple built over 3,000 years ago.

Of course, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went to meet the inhabitants of Belize during their stay in order to discover the local customs and culture. They discovered caves in the rainforest, visited a cocoa and chocolate factory, cooked typical meals and immersed themselves in music and dance with local flavors. In the evening, galas were held in their honor, in the company of dignitaries.

The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons (Belize).

The Prince and Princess of Wales stayed at one of the private residences at Four Seasons, Belize. Located on Caye Chapel, the beach bordered by the Caribbean Sea, with its crystal clear waters, is more than 9 km long.

Diving

Of course, many tourists from all over the world travel to Belize to practice diving, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were no exception to this rule. It is that there is the second largest coral reef in the world, after Australia. Moreover, the princely couple took the opportunity to dive in this Great Blue Hole, a true paradise for underwater fauna and flora. 

Prince William, who has the environment at heart, was impressed by the famous dive site. “Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. While the effects of climate change are evident, the Government of Belize and communities across the country deserve huge recognition for their efforts to restore this incredible marine environment with a commitment to protect 30% of it by 2030. Sunday, we were lucky enough to dive at South Water Caye, just above the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef. It has been a privilege to see for ourselves the cutting edge ocean conservation work being done here,” the prince posted on his Instagram account.

Jamaica and Bahamas >

The princely couple also went to Jamaica (photo) then to the Bahamas.

After their stay in Belize, Kate and William flew to Jamaica and concluded their trip in the Bahamas. It was in a luxurious private villa at the Round Hill Hotel and villas that they stayed, in the Montego Bay region, Jamaica.

The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas.

In the Bahamas, the couple had respite in a luxurious private villa at The Cove at Atlantis, Paradise Island. 

Villa prices hover around 3000&nbsp ;$ US per night.

The Round Hill Hotel and villas, Jamaica.

To make the dream accessible

While some luxury villas are inaccessible to the middle-class tourist, be aware that Belize has a host of reasonably priced hotels.

As an example, you can stay this winter in a suite at the three-star Wyndham, Costa Blu Beach Resort, located by the sea for around 1 300&nbsp ;$ CA for one week.