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Wow ~ say hello to Max (Jungle Dome Dog) for us. He slept outside our door and made it feel like home. We can’t believe how great the Dome is. Our first trip to Belize couldn’t have been better. The people here, the trips, the food, everything was so much better than we expected. The only downside was that it feels too short. It all went by so fast but in a very good way.

It was a great mix of activities and down time to collect yourself. Of course I can’t forget that without 9 -11 hours of sleep, it just wasn’t a Belize night. Early to bed and early to rise.

I can ramble on and on ~ make sure you get to Green Acres and ride the horses ~ amazing view. Everywhere we went the people were friendly. Thanks to the Jungle Dome and all the staff for making our honeymoon the best ~ spoiling us for any other trip.

Jeff & Naomi Gunter, USA - December 2007

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Labels: belize vacations, trip advisor, trip review

Poolside at the Jungle Dome

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Thank you to everyone at the Jungle Dome for making our stay so special. The adventures will be lifelong memories. Your attentiveness in making our stay comfortable and our trips so well-organized is greatly appreciated. Luis was a terrific guide and Henry was great on the Kayaking trip.

We hope you have many happy New Year’s in your future.

Phil, Mila, Sasha & Michael

Richland, Washington, USA

Labels: belize jungle dome, belize vacations, guest comments, images, kayaking, photos, pictures

Chris Sattler and Jennie Record from Toronto, Ontario, Canada visited the Belize Jungle Dome in November 2007

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Belize, with its tropical climate, may seem something of a left-field choice, but it has always been a popular destination for American retirees.

It has average temperatures ranging from 24C to 27C.

English is the official language and the cost of living is low. However, the pronounced rainy season is likely to put off some people.

Ben Mason, partner of Some-place Else, a property company in the country, said: “Currently, the majority of retirees to Belize are from the US, but with its slower pace of life, lower cost of living, and retired person’s incentive programme, it is a Commonwealth country that is rapidly attracting interest from British expats looking to make it their home.

“We have sold properties to clients who have brought property in Belize with the aim of retiring there when the time comes – it’s a big change of lifestyle which is proving very popular.”

Tax

The income tax for normal citizens is set at 1.75%, but income such as pensions is totally untaxed. There is also no capital gains tax or inheritance tax for people retiring to Belize.

For those dreaming of an early part-retirement, the rules are also advantageous.

Investors in the island can direct foreign business activities from the country, as long as they have an income of $2,000 a month and are at least 45 years old.

They can also import a car, light aircraft, boat and any personal belongings duty free. The maximum tax per item is $15,000.

Property costs

Property prices in Belize are low relative to other Caribbean islands.

A three-bedroom beachfront property costs from around $375,000, while luxury villas with private beaches go from about $500,000.

Buying and selling costs include stamp duty of 5%, legal fees of about 2% and a 1.5% transfer tax when you sell a property.

Ease of gaining residency

Anyone aged 45 or over can apply for residency through a retirement programme set up by the Belize government.

Pensioners who qualify are then known as “qualified retired persons” and are eligible for benefits including tax exemptions and incentives.

Healthcare

There is a national, tax-funded healthcare service in Belize. Remember, though, that it is a third-world country, albeit a progressive one.

Fortunately, private healthcare is also relatively inexpensive. The cost of a visit to a private doctor or health practitioner is about $15.

More Places to Retire : Times Newspaper

Labels: belize real estate, property, retirement

Former Belize resident, Joshua Berman knows the best ways to experience Belize from hiking the waterfall at Lubaantun and riding horseback to El Pilar to diving reefs at dawn. Joshua includes unique trip ideas like Surf and Turf and Diving in Belize. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, "Moon Belize" has lots of options for a range of travel budgets.



Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many area, regional, and city-centred maps. Complete with details on visiting Monkey River, bird watching in the wetlands, and reserving a barstool at the Lazy Lizard at sunset, "Moon Belize" gives travellers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Labels: amazon, belize travel books, book reviews, moon

Wow! The trip of a lifetime!!

Labels: actun tunichil muknal, black hole drop, caving, guest comments, horse riding, images, islands, kayaking, rappelling, snorkeling, tikal mayan temples, xunantunich mayan temples, zip line

All of our activities were fun and memorable and the guides tremendous. In regards to our visit at the Jungle Dome, everyone there went above and beyond the call of service and we felt right at home immediately. I must say that we cannot thank your amazing staff enough. Karen was so friendly and accommodating...

Everyone was so thoughtful and attentive and David was great to talk with. What a fabulous young man. You have a great bunch of people and a top notch establishment! We really enjoyed ourselves and hope to come back soon.

Meretta, Clint, Katelin, Juliana and Elizabeth from Yellowknife, Canada who visited Belize In December 2007.

They booked the 8 Night Jungle Safari.

Labels: belize jungle dome, belize vacations, guest comments, images, jungle safari, photos, pictures, slideshow

Amazon Editorial Review -

"The Rough Guide to Belize" is the most comprehensive guide available. From snorkeling the inky depths of the coral-encrusted Great Blue Hole to hiking in the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve, the inspiring full-colour section introduces all of the regions highlights. You'll find detailed accounts on all of Belize's major Mayan sites, plus Tikal in Guatemala, along with contextual boxes on the culture of the Mayans. This fully updated 4th edition includes in-depth coverage of all the top attractions from Belize City to the national parks and reserves, including Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Read opinionated reviews of all the best places to eat, drink, stay, and party at all price levels as well as practical accounts of Belize diverse outdoor activities from surfing and rafting to trekking and eco-tourism. The guide also takes a detailed look at the region's history, cuisine, environment and diverse culture and comes complete with maps and plans for the entire country. "The Rough Guide to Belize" is like having a local friend plan your trip.

Labels: amazon, belize travel books, book reviews, rough guide

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Banana Bank Heights - Real Estate Property starting at $8,000 USD per acre.

A 136 acre development featuring 1 mile of beautiful Belize River frontage, majestic trees, abundant wildlife and private access. Consisting of 14 lots from 6 to 14 acres all with river frontage, priced from just $20,000. Less than 1 mile to the Capital City of Belize, Belmopan, close to Private School. One Hour from the International Airport and coast.

Developers website : http://www.belize-realestate.net/

Labels: banana bank, banana bank heights, belize jungle dome, belize real estate, map, property