Ah, Belize, you beautiful country, you! Picturesque water, sandy beaches, laid back atmosphere, friendly locals, and good food. What more could you ask for? Well, how about a great place to stay? I will have more about both towns I visited in Belize in 2 separate editions of Tuesday traveler, but for now I want to focus on where we stayed during our visit. For the first leg of our trip we were in Placencia staying at an AirBNB called Casa Plancencia, but is well known in the area as simply, Jacki's place. I actually decided to walk there from the little airport I landed in, as its only about a mile away. I misjudged how oppressive the humidity/heat would be after a long flight and while carrying my pack and other luggage. Luckily, about halfway or less there, a nice cab driver noticed me and practically made me get in her taxi. When I asked her how much, she declined the money as she just wanted me to get to Jacki's Place safely, she only asked that I think of her during my stay if I needed a ride anywhere. I, of course, paid her anyway and kept the card she gave me...although we didn't end up needing it, as everything is so close by once you get to the main part of the town.
I made it to the AirBNB first as Christina, my traveling buddy, wouldn't be showing up until the next day or two. When I arrived there was a slight mix-up on who I was and I was shown to this very tiny room. Once I mentioned that I didn't think two of us would fit in here and that it looked much bigger in the pics on the app, she returned and showed me to the actual, gigantic room. Wowza I'm glad I said something! I ate my slice of welcome cake, that was waiting on the counter for me when I walked in, while I unpacked and then jumped straight into the pool after to cool off! Because of the room we reserved, we were the only ones allowed access to the pool at all hours, instead of just the ones posted, which we took advantage of a few times.
This room was gorgeous, decked out in vibrant Caribbean colors and details, without being too overwhelming, and just dripping in charm. I mean, look at this place, how could you not want to stay here? The kitchen was huge (don't mind the towel on the counter in that picture-I was just heading to the pool!) and stocked with pots, pans, dishes, and utensils while the grocery store was just a short walk, or bike away. Speaking of bikes, Jacki offers free bikes with your stay so you can pedal around the peninsula to your heart's content. They even have little baskets for transporting groceries, a picnic lunch, towels, bags, whatever you need. There's something magical about biking down a sandy peninsula, warm salty air in your lungs and rustling through your hair while you ride past colorful buildings, street vendors, and palm trees with the water beckoning to you in the forefront. It legitimately felt like I was in a movie or a novel, it was so carefree.
Jacki's place was also filled with great little perks, starting with Jacki herself! What a wealth of information about the area, having lived there and really solidified her place there over many years, and just an absolute delight to interact with. She can give you ideas for how to spend your days, where to go or visit, where to eat, and recommendations for any side trips you want to do. But mostly she just wants you to slow down and enjoy your time. In case she's not around to bother, you can also refer to the guidebooks provided and the little folder of useful information laid out for you on the counter. Be careful, you might miss it since its right next to the delicious welcome cake and cake can be very distracting! The pool was also a nice perk, and one reason I picked the place. It was quiet back there, private and felt like I had my own little oasis to myself. The open water is not a place I want to swim alone (until Christina got there) or at night, but Belize is so warm all through the evening, that a quick dip feels very refreshing. For those people out there who just flat out will not swim in open water, even near beaches, having the pool is especially a nice touch.
Need a smaller room? As mentioned above, she definitely has those! If you're traveling solo, Jacki has you covered. You get a small, but comfortable room with, if I remember correctly, a coffee maker and microwave and your own private bathroom. Some even have little screened in porches to sit out on. She also has smaller rooms for a max of two people, but I didn't see inside those so I can't comment on them, though I'm sure they're comfortable and cute. It appears that there is also a room on the second floor that has a private veranda with sunset/sunrise views! I might have to check that one out next time I'm there, and there for sure will be a next time.
While I could go on and on, its better if you check out Casa Placencia yourself on your next trip to Placencia, Belize! Look it up on the AirBNB app or on the website at https://casaplacencia.com
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