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Been to Belize almost every year since 1999.
Has to be my most favorite spot for a totally laid back vacation.
We usually go for 2-3 weeks @ a time.
1st. time we stayed on Ambergris (99) it was great, no cars,asphalt or high end resorts. Just golf carts,sand roads small resorts. went back a few years later & it had been ruined (my opinion only) by overdevelopement. Now has MANY cars, trucks,paved roads very exclusive resorts. There is so much vehicle traffic now all the shops,restaurant's etc. in town that were once open air now have to close all windows/doors & have air conditioning.
Ambergris has lost that "unspoiled" attraction for us.
We have for many years now ( most times ) fly south (Tropic Air) from the main terminal to Placencia village stay there for about a week then fly to Caye Caulker for a 1 or 2 week stay.

Both locations are the ultimate laid back, relaxing, stress relieving places I have found. Very safe friendly reasonably priced & not a lot to do except eat great seafood, snorkel with the sharks & rays. Placencia has some great night life (barefoot Beach Bar) Greatest ice cream (Tutti Fruiti) & some great mainland expeditions available.
Best method of transportation in either location, rent bicycles.

Caye Caulker is much the same But on a more laid back scale (if that's possible) very small island with wonderfull friendly people. You can see the reef from the shore (2nd. longest barrier reef in the world).

If you go a must do is the Blue Hole for snorkeling (all day trip)

Yes some of the citizens are impoverished, but look around your own town & you will find the same thing, just different.

Craig

P.S.

Planning on going back again this winter.