Destination: Belize

"With the relief that an early acceptance to Harvard brought, Julia was able to redouble her efforts on her thesis. When she and Gabriel were apart, she worked tirelessly, spending hours upon hours in the library or at her apartment writing.

As a reward, Gabriel decided to whisk her away to Belize for Valentine's weekend. It was a celebration of love, Julia's acceptance to Harvard, and other things that Gabriel was not yet ready to share."

Gabriel's Rapture, Chapter 17


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If you're like me, you'd never turn down an opportunity to travel.

Although Belize has been on my list of places to see for many years, I have to admit it's ticked up quite a few spots since reading about a certain romantic weekend. I even had dreams of spending my upcoming birthday enjoying the scenery there, but sometimes real life has a way of interfering with our best laid plans.

In the meantime, we'll have to be content with a virtual vacation and some romantic inspiration from The Professor. This month, I've planned a few posts centered around the tropcial setting from "Gabriel's Rapture" and hope you'll sit down with a refreshing drink (or two) and join me.

Today, we'll explore the romantic retreat where our favorite lovebirds spent all of their time.

"When Gabriel and Julia finally arrived at the Turtle Inn resort in Belize, it was late in the evening and the stars were already out."

According to the resort's website:

Turtle Inn is sandwiched between the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and the Creole fishing village of Placencia at the tip of a narrow 26-mile long sandy peninsula. To the east, the Caribbean Sea is studded by a patchwork of coral cayes and the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage site.

Directly behind Turtle Inn to the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. South of the Placencia Peninsula is the Monkey River formed from the Swasey and Bladen rivers that flow from the jungle clad peaks of the Maya Mountains across the coastal savanna out into the extensive mangrove flats and barrier islands that hug the coastline.

If you can tear yourself away from your villa, it sounds like there are many wonderful places to visit in Belize. But first you'd have to be willing to leave your own private bit of Paradise. Personally speaking, it would be difficult to be lured away from this wonderful reading space. I could see The Professor and I enjoying many a blissful moment right here...

So I guess we'll save the local attractions for another day.

"Julia explored their accomodations - a private hut on a secluded beach - while Gabriel ordered room service.

The walls of their hut were white, with the exception of a row of tall, teak panels that accordioned to open out onto the covered porch. The ceilings were a mixture of bamboo and thatch, and a large bed was centered in the room, shrouded in mosquito netting."

"Julia was particularly taken with the open air shower and bathtub that were located on a side verranda.

While Gabriel wrestled with the kitchen staff over the telephone, Julia quickly slipped out of her clothes and took a shower. The space was not competely closed, affording the bather a view of the ocean. But since it was dark out and they were on a private beach, there was no possibility of being surprised by anyone, apart from one's lover."

What could be better than a luxurious shower for one? How about a bathtub built for two?

"A tropical rainstorm moved through the area the following morning. While the raindrops tapped against the roof of the hut, the couple made love slowly in a bed covered with mosquito netting. They found their rhythm in the steady dance of the rain.

When they were both blissful, he suggested that they rinse the sweat and humidity from their skin in the large bathtub on the veranda."

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Even so, it's always important for a couple to savor every moment of their time together.

"Gabriel and Julia spent their last full day of vaction in and out of the ocean. They sunned themselves, then relaxed in the shade with a beer and an umbrella drink. Julia nodded off in her lounge chair, her large floppy hat discarded on the sand.

Gabriel loved to watch her sleep - the way her chest rose and fell with her gentle breathing. The way her lips curled back with the occasional sigh. She looked so peaceful."

We'll leave the relaxed pair there for now, but I'll be back next week to discuss the cuisine of Belize.

Until then, take care,
Jenn