Hello. I was wondering if there is any other place very close to Maruba Resort to stay over night. The rooms are pricey there and we would like to visit for Spa treatments only. If anyone has information on this please let me know. Thanks. One more question, we are coming to Belize the first week of January. Should I expect a lot of rain? Or what will the weather be like? How about the ocean temperature?

There's not much near Maruba, which is in a fairly isolated area on the Old Northern Highway. There is a village, Maskall, nearby, which might have a room in a local house, but it would be very, very basic. There used to be a great place nearby, Pretty See Ranch, but it closed and is now for sale.

You could stay in Crooked Tree (Paradise Inn and Bird's Eye View Ldoge are nice, low-moderate priced places) or near Orange Walk Town, either of which would be maybe an hour away by car.

When I was at Altun Ha a few weeks ago, I did see one place on the spur road that I recall was offering rooms in a house, but I don't know the name or contact.

Should be little rain in January. Weather will be about like South Florida.

As I noted in a separate message, you might also think about the new spa at Chaa Creek. Not quite as "exotic," but run more like a professional spa. And lots more to do around Chaa Creek than around Maruba.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/

The day tour from Ambergris to Altun Ha stops at Maruba for your enjoyment, I do not know if the time allowed will give time for a treatment, but it worth checking out. The tour is about $70.00 per person. Your hotel in Ambergis should be able to give you the time that will be allowed at Maruba. Enjoy.

The last time I was there was a couple of years ago. We went to Altun Ha and came back through Maruba for lunch. Not enough time for a spa treatment, but certainly enough time for a shot of "viper rum!"