Saks At Placencia

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Laid back, comfortably worn with warmth and character describe both Kitty's Place Beach Resort along Placencia's sandy shores and her American owner, Kitty Fox. A favorite for years with expat's and frequent Belize travelers, Kitty's is that eclectic mix of old and new, secluded and lively that so often defines special resorts in the tropics.

The shores of the Caribbean Sea are no more beautiful anywhere than along this stretch of sparkling white sand known as the Placencia peninsula. Kitty's was one of the first resorts to recognize this and has enjoyed years of repeat visitors, fabulous diving, and the fun of introducing guests to all the wonders of Belize, past and present.

A variety of accommodations are available at Kitty's, something for everyone. Three wooden roomy cabanas on stilts with a porch and hammock feature tiled floors, ceiling fans, bath, refrigerator, coffee maker, and either a king bed or two queens. These are on the beach between the palms, steps from the lapping waves at the shore. An attractive colonial-style house features a one-bedroom apartment on the upper level with a queen bed, ceiling fan, kitchen, bath, and inviting verandah complete with hammocks. Two rooms are available on the ground floor featuring double beds, ceiling fans, tiled floors, bath, refrigerator, coffee maker, and porch with hammocks. A courtyard of tropical flowers and greenery divides the garden rooms with each room having two queen beds, ceiling fan, refrigerator, coffee maker, bath, and sundeck. Also available is a two-story cabana with a studio apartment upstairs and two rooms that share a bath downstairs. These are similarly furnished and enjoy the same great beachfront view.

The main colonial-style building features a large dining room, cozy bar, gift shop, a covered verandah perfect for lounging with your favorite beverage and reading, or visiting with resort guests. New additions to Kitty's include the Sand Bar, now a favorite sports bar complete with satellite TV and computer Internet access to check your email while you're relaxing in paradise (if you have to).

Activities are endless in this Eco-traveler's dream destination of Belize. From this central coastal location you can visit Mayan ruins and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. It's just a 1-2 mile walk along the white sand beach to the small seaside town of Placencia. Fishing, camping and snorkeling trips are available to French Louis Caye, a charming mangrove caye where Kitty's guests can choose to camp out. It's not exactly roughing it, says manager, Fiona Macfarlane, the house has linens and food provided with a resident chef to cook for you in the traditional Belizean style. The caye is also an ideal base for exploring the nearby islands by sea kayak, or simply relax and enjoy a carefree retreat. Jungle trips, birdwatching, lagoon kayaking, and Scuba Diving are just some of the other activities awaiting the adventurous traveler to Belize. Kitty's upstairs restaurant features Caribbean and American cuisine with an array of local specialties. Partake of the special Mayan pibil feast on Sundays, featuring a traditional menu of chicken and pork baked underground on the beach, as well as grilled fish. Conch ceviche, coconut rice, steamed plantain, chirmol (salsa), steamed carrots, corn tortillas and flan round out the menu. A feast fit for a king or tourist as the case may be. Breakfast is included in your room rate and you will enjoy fresh tropical fruits, juices; local baked goods, cereal, eggs, coffee and more. The resort offers a choice of lunch fare and appetizers in addition to the complete and varied dinner menu.

Kitty's staff will assist with flight reservations and logistics during your stay. It is recommended that you fly to Placencia from wherever you are in Belize, as the roads in this part of the country are not paved. Rental vehicles are available, and a 4-wheel drive is the thing to do. The dirt roads are pot holed; dusty when it's dry and a quagmire when it's wet. Average speeds are 25 mph. and car rental and gas is expensive. The way to see the peninsula is by boat or walking along the beach. Impressive views are a bonus when you fly over the countryside and coastline getting to and from Placencia. Regularly scheduled 12-seat plane service is a comfortable and efficient way to get around in Belize until the roads are paved.