Unlike the annual contest for the Model of the Year that took place in Belize last year, Mystique’s current search, "Mystical Journeys," is being conducted over a two-year period. A total of 36 models are competing to see who will earn the title of "Miss Mystique". To begin the contest, six sets of six models were chosen as semi-finalists: half by Mystique editors and half from a readers’ choice poll on the Mystique web site. Six lovely contestants then travel to one of six pre-determined destinations where they participate in daily photo shoots, enjoy tours and local events, and plan some way to give back to each of the communities that "provide such beautiful scenery for Mystique photo shoots." Before they leave a location, two of the six models are chosen by the photographer and executive producer (based on their personal presentation during the week) to advance to the final round of competition, which will take place in August of 2005.

    Mystical Journeys has visited and performed charitable work in three destinations so far. In February, they visited Roatan, Honduras where they provided medicine, supplies, vitamins, clothing, and toys to Las Familias Foster Home. This organization cares for and provides shelter for babies born with HIV. In May, the models and crew from Mystique traveled to Prague in the Czech Republic where they provided financial support and children’s books, and read to the patients at a Children’s Hospital. The remaining locations in the Mystical Journeys contest include Italy in November, Hawaii next February, and Iceland next May.

    In Belize, Mystique was hosted by Sundiver Resort on "Temptation Island," where they built sets and shot most of their photography for the on-line magazine. The Mystical Journeys crew comprised of six US models: Nicole Conrad of Florida, Brittany Evans of Arizona, Luana Lani of Hawaii, Sunisa Kim and Meriah Nelson of California and Kathy Sander of Iowa; along with Executive Producer Kevin King, Cameraman Randy Peck, Sound Man Dan Bowen and Production Coordinator Kathryn Watts Martinez.

    Last Wednesday, the Mystique group visited Saga Humane Society Veterinary Clinic to present the island’s charitable organization with $700 in medicine, supplies, toys and treats for the animals, as well as US$400 in cash. During a filmed presentation, Executive Producer Kevin King stated, "Mystique is proud to be able to donate to such a worthwhile cause. It is clearly evident how much Saga Humane Society does for this community and we are happy to help out."

    In addition, the crew asked to be part of Saga’s weekly "round up" of stray animals. Directors Kathy Marin and Eileen Jamison gladly granted their request by taking them on a tour of the town, which produced two more puppies to add to the number of animals currently under the Humane Society’s care. The entire production was filmed from beginning to end, including the models helping to bath and worm the puppies that were then collared and taken to their new home at Saga’s temporary shelter, "Fort Dog."

    During their stay in the "Jewel of the Caribbean," Mystique also enjoyed a luxurious trip to Maruba Jungle Spa Resort and Altun Ha Maya Ruins, and received an Introduction to SCUBA, provided by local dive master Jim Zykan.

    The two winning models from the Belize segment who will go on to compete in the finals of the Miss Mystique contest are Nicole Conrad and Sunisa Kim. Reportedly, this segment of the Mystique contest will be broadcast in January 2005 on inDemand HD (high definition) television, a cable network in the United States. A copy of the Belize segment should arrive in San Pedro this November.

    Mystique Magazine, based out of Austin, Texas provides "a complete entertainment experience" for men (and women) who love to view beautiful women. Photos of these models appear on their website Mystique-Magazine.com.