Belize: The ultimate guide to a dream escape – An honest review of the Caribbean’s newest gem

You've been hearing about Belize over the past few months, and you're wondering if this little slice of Central America is really worth the hype? Let me set the scene: turquoise waters, dense jungle, and now a concept of overwater villas that could give the Maldives a run for their money. I've just spent a week there, and I've put together a full, no-holds-barred Belize review so you know exactly what to expect.

Why is everyone talking about Belize right now?

Because Six Senses has just unveiled its latest masterpiece: a fully overwater resort perched on the lagoon of Emerald Caye. This isn't your run-of-the-mill hotel – we're talking private residences with direct access to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia's. I got a sneak peek at the first units before the official opening, and trust me, the Belize guide you'll see in glossy magazines doesn't do it justice. Each villa has a living roof, an infinity pool, and a glass floor so you can watch stingrays glide by from your bed. The kind of place where you forget your phone – except for the Instagram stories, obviously.

How to ‘use’ Belize like a pro (the real how to use Belize)

Many French travellers land in Belize City and haven't a clue where to start. Here's my tried-and-tested method for how to use Belize without wasting a single minute.

• Step 1 – Land and head straight to the cayes: Don't hang around the capital; hop on a small plane (12 minutes) or a water taxi to San Pedro. That's where it all begins.
• Step 2 – Base yourself on a private caye: Emerald Caye is now the must-visit spot, thanks to the new Six Senses resort. Even if you're not staying there, day trips are available for diving.
• Step 3 – Mix diving with jungle: Three days on the water for snorkelling, then hire a 4x4 and head inland to the jaguar sanctuary or Big Rock Falls. The contrast is stunning.

A friendly tip: book your overwater nights at least six months in advance. I met an American couple who'd waited a year for an anniversary date. With the opening of the new Six Senses residences, demand is exploding – but prices are still reasonable compared to Bora Bora.

Belize review: what blew me away (and the small drawbacks)

I'll start with the best bit: the welcome. Belizeans speak English (this is former British Honduras) but with a lilting Creole that makes every interaction warm and friendly. The food is a revelation: roasted gibnut (yes, a local rodent) with habanero chilli, or lionfish ceviche. As for the water, the barrier reef is so well preserved that I swam with turtles and manatees on my very first outing. The Six Senses complex also has a PADI dive centre and a marine lab open to the curious.

The small drawbacks? The road infrastructure inland is still a bit rough. If you rent a car for the jungle, go for a sturdy model. And forget late nights out if you're after clubs – Belize is all about eco-tourism and switching off. Personally, that's exactly what I'm after. If you want noise, head to Cancún.

The ultimate guide to planning your trip

Here's the Belize guide I give to all my friends, step by step:

• When to go: December to April (dry season). Avoid September–October – that's hurricane season.
• How long for: At least 10 days for a beach/jungle mix. 5 days if you're staying only on the cayes.
• Budget: Expect £170–£250 per day for a good hotel, £500–£670 for an overwater villa (breakfast included). Meals on the ground are very reasonable (£8–£13 for a fresh fish dish).
• Must-sees: The Great Blue Hole (from the air, it's a perfect circle), the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, and ‘The Split’ bar on Caye Caulker for its laid-back vibe.

Oh, and don't forget to bring a waterproof pouch for your phone. Between tropical downpours and boat trips, I've seen far too many tourists with waterlogged devices.

So, the final verdict?

Belize is no longer that well-kept secret of hardcore divers. With the arrival of Six Senses and the development of Emerald Caye, the destination is getting a five-star facelift while keeping its wild soul. If you're looking for an alternative to the overcrowded Caribbean, go for it. My Belize review after a week on the ground: 9/10 – only knocked down because of the bumpy roads. For everything else, it's the perfect adventure between lounging about and total escapism. So, are you already packing your suitcase?