I am planing a trip to Belize in Jan. I am interested in diving in some of the more remote areas. Not interested in Ambergris Caye, sounds too commercialized. Also, would like to spend time on the mainland at a jungle setting. I have been considering the Blue Marlin Lodge and Maruba Resort as possibilities. Any comments on these or other places would be appreciated. Thanks.

You might like the Blue Marlin. Or if you want to dive the atolls you may want to look at one the atoll dive lodges such as Manta, Turneffe Flats, or Lighthouse Reef Resort.

As to Maruba, if you are looking to escape "commercialized," (and really by Caribbean standards Ambergris isn't that commercialized) I don't think Maruba would be the best choice. It's a very California-ized spa/resort, really not a jungle lodge at all. It does have good food, air conditioning, a nice pool and some exotic touches, though at a price.

If you want a remote and beautiful lodge, I'd suggest Ek 'Tun in Cayo. Or possibly Chan Chich or Lamanai Outpost in Orange Walk district. Or Pook's Hill near Belmopan.

--Lan Sluder

Thanks Lan. I think I might not have made myself clear on the jungle lodge. I was looking for the diving to be at a place for just the diving. Not interested in "night life". AS far as the jungle lodge, I was looking for a place to be pampered before heading home. That is why Maruba sounded like something I might like. ie: the spa treatment etc. I really could not find much info on some of the other places you mentioned. AS far as air conditioning, that is a definate plus.

Maruba might suit you then. For a really first class spa, you might also look at Chaa Creek in Cayo.

--Lan Sluder

Thanks, it looks like Cha Creek might be along the lines I am looking for also. I hate to sound nieve, but what does "california-ized" mean? I guess being from California, I should know, but I haven't heard that before.