ARCO IMAGES GMBH / ALAMYBelize's coastline is protected by the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere?there are 300km of submerged coral reefs and a necklet of islands, or cayes, at 15-40km from the mainland shore. The kaleidoscopic marine life, with accessible diving and snorkelling possibilities, draws visitors from all over the world to the warm, clear waters. Add to this the sugar-white beaches, coconut groves and the laidback Caribbean pace of life and you have the makings of a quintessential tropical paradise.The largest and most popular island for visitors is Ambergris Caye, where San Pedro offers a range of facilities for tourists including an airstrip (Belize City is a 20 minute light aircraft flight away). There are excellent hotels and resorts, not least the first class Mata Chica, Caribbean cool with a touch of Italian chic where the tropical fruit-coloured cabins are decorated with hand painted murals and Central American artefacts.Day trips to dive sites can be arranged, althoughan hour's snorkelling affords a thrilling glimpseinto Belize's aquatic underworld.On the mainland, the coast becomes hillier south of Dangriga, centre for the Garifuna population (the descendants of a mélange of indigenous Caribbean and African people). Further south you reach the Garifuna village of Hopkins, where Hamanasi Lodge is an excellent mainland base from which to go diving and to visit Cockscombe Jaguar Reserve. Beyond is the sandy Placencia Peninsula, with a range of hotels and water sports. Notable among these is the remote, mid-range Inn at Robert's Grove, composed of low-rise buildings framed by tropical vegetation and backed by a lagoon. The hotel welcomes families, with plenty of activities to keep everyone busy: water sports, tennis, canoeing, biking.The beaches and cayes of Belize 30 Guatemala & BelizeThe Blue Hole was made famous by French diver Jacques-Yves Cousteau when he filmed there in 1972. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

VICTORIA HOUSEGUATEMALAMEXICOHONDURASAntigua..Guatemala City.Flores.Placencia.Belize City victoria house You can enjoy technicolor sunsets from beside the beachfront pool at this elegant white-painted former plantation house (above), a short drive-by golf cart - from San Pedro. Large balconies offer Caribbean views across the well-tended gardens, awash with bougainvillea and hibiscus. Kayaking, fishing, diving and snorkelling are easily arranged: you can dip into the astounding Blue Hole dive site, a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole over 100m deep. 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 31how about?» Visiting Rio Dulce, Quiriguá or Copán as a side trip from Antigua (p26). » A few days in the jungle; Chan Chich Lodge (p28). Victoria House was everything one would expect from a high-class 'beach' hotel. SF, DerbyshireTikal National ParkMountain Pine Ridge Forest ReserveCoppola Lodges 13 days, 11 nightsAntigua 3 nights, Tikal (La Lancha Lodge) 2n, Blancaneaux Lodge 3n, Placencia (Turtle Inn) 3n.This is a holiday with a difference - we feature the three stylish properties owned and conceived by film-director Francis Ford Coppola, the design and furnishings of which reflect the wide-ranging travels of his family. Day 1 Fly to Guatemala City and drive to the former capital Antigua. Stay in a converted 17th century monastery. Days 2&3 Relax and take in the graceful beauty of this historic city and the trendy contemporary cafés and boutiques. Days 4&5 Drive to Guatemala City and fly to Flores. Stay at Coppola's stylish La Lancha Lodge overlooking Lake Petén, perfectly placed for kayaking or swimming. Excursion to the Mayan ruins of Tikal (p26). Days 6-8 A 3-hour drive into neighbouring Belize to Blancaneaux Lodge, set in the forested surroundings of Mountain Pine Ridge and enjoying a temperate climate all year. Optional excursions available include river trips and horse riding, and the wildlife viewing is highly rewarding. Days 9-11 Drive to Belize City and fly to sea-side Placencia. Stay at Turtle Inn (below). Diving, snorkelling and trips along Monkey River can be arranged at this Coppola property. Day 12 Fly to Belize City and continue to the UK arriving day 13. Prices from £1,878pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily from the UK TURTLE INN