A yacht charters and sailing vacations news blog from your charter yacht specialists, Paradise Connections, who are currently cruising about the Caribbean.
To
get you in the festive spirit, here’s our Parisian Poinsettia cocktail
recipe – the perfect fusion of champagne, triple sec and cranberry
juice…
The Perfect Poinsettia
Best served in a martini glass, or a stemmed red wine glass, the
Parisian Poinsettia cocktail truly packs a punch when the rim is
sugar-coated. Getting the perfect proportions can be tricky when making
more than one Poinsettia cocktail. If that’s the case, use measuring
equipment to ensure ideal measures when decanting. Don’t forget to leave
enough ice if you prefer your Poinsettia cocktail on the rocks! Start
by filling your glass by a third, before adding your ice cubes, then
topping up. Prefer your Poinsettia cocktail on the rocks? Just be sure
everything (including your glass) is perfectly chilled before serving…
Ingredients
25ml triple sec
50ml cranberry juice
75ml champagne (or prosecco)
Method
Chill the triple sec, cranberry juice, champagne and a martini glass in the fridge until cold.
Pour the triple sec and cranberry juice into the chilled
sugar-rimmed glass, then slowly top up with the champagne and perhaps
garnish with a bay leaf.
Today we feature the catamaran Dreaming On. Geoff & Iza have kindly provided an update about chartering in Belize... Take it away, guys!
Iza & Geoff
Belize has taken very organized steps to control the spread of COVID. Case numbers are still low and land, sea and air border controls are regularly modified as required. The vaccination program is proceeding well. The Government has just passed a new rule that requires anyone requiring access to a Government Building, either to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result taken with the previous 72 hours.
Southern Belize has the distinct advantage that it is so much less crowded than the popular and very busy areas of Belize City, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, so, in our opinion, much “COVID safer.”
Traveling from Belize City International Airport to Placencia has always been easy on either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air, our local commuter airlines.
However, with the recent opening of a new road connecting the airport directly to the Western Highway avoiding the outskirts of Belize City, the road travel time to Placencia is now 2.5 to 3 hours. This gets people out of the airport quickly and into a safer, more controllable social distancing environment. The drive also takes guests through some wonderful, forested mountain scenery, with an optional stop along the way.
There are some wonderful jungle lodges along the way to break the journey as an option and we can offer some great Surf and Turf packages.
The other advantage of taking the road trip is the door-to-door service. The driver meets guests at the International Airport Arrivals and delivers them directly to hotel or yacht in Placencia. No waiting around in the main terminal for commuter flight connection or rechecking bags on and off a commuter flight, then a taxi.
Southern Belize offers spectacular turquoise waters, amazing snorkeling, superb scuba-diving opportunities, reef fishing, deep water fishing, (no Ciguatera in Belize) and magnificent fly fishing.
Placencia is a wonderful small village with many choices of eatery and bars when ashore. So much less busy than Ambergris Caye in the north.
The number of international flights operating to Belize has expanded with the addition of Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
American Airlines: Miami, Charlotte, Dallas and Los Angeles
United Airlines: Houston, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles
Delta Airlines: Atlanta
Southwest Airlines: Houston, Denver
Alaska Airlines: Los Angeles, Seattle
Frontier Airlines Orlando, Denver
WestJet Airlines: Toronto
And remember, Dreaming On Yacht Charters guarantees an island to ourselves every night, and a reef to ourselves whenever snorkeling. Leave the crowds behind.
Thanks, Geoff & Iza, for the first-hand information about Belize.That was very helpful and much appreciated.
About Dreaming On
Dreaming On is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with an owner-operator crew of two, Geoff & Iza, who have fallenl in love with Belize.
Dreaming On is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to six guests in 3 Queen cabins each with ensuite heads having shower, sink/vanity, and an electric-flush toilet. The salon is roomy with an all around view and a 'U'-shaped, fully appointed galley. With an abundance of deck space and the large trampolines up forward, guests have many areas to roam and relax.
Dreaming On has a 13-foot dinghy with 30HP motor, tube, 2 kayaks, 2 stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), 2 beanbag chairs, snorkel gear, fishing equipment, noodles, inflatable floating island lounge, double hammock, underwater camera, beach games, weights, yoga mat, onboard wifi where available for email use, etc.
Itineraries
There are no set itineraries on board Dreaming On. Itineraries are based on your preferences. When you are onboard, settled in and chilled out, various options will be discussed, taking into account your vacation wishes and the weather.
Dreaming On has two sample itineraries for Southern Belize to help you:
All inclusive {including Belize tax), 7-night rates except for 1 dinner ashore at guests expense:
2 guests: $12,100 | 3 guests: $12,650
4 guests: $13,200 | 5 guests: $14,135
6 guests: $15,400
Guests Comments
We can't thank Geoff and Iza enough for their incredible hospitality, these are going to be cherished memories to look back on for the rest of our lives. Island paradise galore, along with all the activities and food to die for.
- November 2021
We cannot say thank you enough for making this such a special trip, for a late 50th birthday celebration, to a last “full family at home” event. You are both so inspiring to all of us. Rob and I hope to be able to see you on the water again someday.
- August 2021
Thank you for a fabulous week. Your hospitality was warm and welcoming. Iza’s cooking made us feel as if we were at a five-star restaurant every meal. We thoroughly enjoyed all your stories and are hoping to share more adventures in the future. It was beautiful weather, and the snorkeling was fantastic. Looking forward to travelling with you again.
