Gay Travel, Gay Tours & Gay Vacations - A Gay Couples Retreat in Belize 2011

A gay couples romantic retreat... the time has come! Join us for eight days of unabashed celebration and romance. This very special retreat, intended for gay men, will be filled with activities to help us grow even closer together as couples. Whether your time together has been two months or twenty years, this is a chance to connect deeper with the man you love, as well as a chance for relaxation and play. There are only enough rooms on the island for ten couples, so register early.

Link to additional photos of Thatch Caye

Our days are designed at a very leisurely pace and will offer abundant free time to just to be together on this secluded island. After breakfast, we come together as a group to explore such things as:

• Keeping the "fire" alive in your relationship  
• Does a relationship really require "work"?  
• Trust  
• What it means to be a couple  
• Acceptance  
• Unconditional Love  
• Fears

The afternoons are free to do whatever you like: go snorkeling or scuba diving; take a "discover scuba" excursion, take a kayak out to explore the surrounding cayes; lay on the beach; go fishing or swimming; take a nap in the hammock on your cabana's deck; go to the mainland or just find your own way of "igniting your fire".   

After dinner, we come together again to continue exploring ourselves as individuals and ourselves as a couple. There will be opportunities to learn new ways to deepen our levels of mental, spiritual and sexual intimacy. During sessions involving physical intimacy, we will work only with our partners. This retreat is not an exploration of group sex.

Our time together as a group will be exploratory, experiential and inspirational. Through discerning exercises and questions, you will be challenged to look deeply at yourself and to uncover your "stories". It is our belief in these "stories" that keep us from living a free and joyous life; that prevent us from loving, and being loved, to the fullest. The freer we are as individual men, the stronger we are as couples.  

YOUR GUIDE

Your guide is Howie Holben (pictured right). Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices.  This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spawned in him a need to assist others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing others to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". He is a Reiki and Karuna Ki Master and also a Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practioner. His goal is to help others uncover their potential by setting their hearts and minds free. He currently lives in northern New Jersey with his husband, Chris Caramelli.

WHY BELIZE?
Here's what Lonely Planet has to say:

"With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Offshore, kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another, while snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, dolphins and turtles. Inland, explorers investigate ruins of ancient civilizations, and birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species. Between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves, more than 40% of the country’s area is protected in one form or another, creating a haven for countless creatures of land, sea and sky."
 

Here's what we have to say: The hospitality and warmth of the Belizean people may be even more important than natural beauty that Belize has to offer. As a country, Belize has always welcomed the disenfranchised of the world. The Amish, the Mennonites, refugees from all over the world, whether they were refugees due to war or natural disaster, all have been welcomed and even given land to live on. The Belizean people are very easy going and are very accepting of others. It's very easy to quickly "feel at home" in Belize. 

WHY MARCH?
It is no accident that we have scheduled this retreat during the March full moon phase. During the full moon phases of March, April and May, millions of fish spawn off the coast of Belize. This abundance of spawn attracts the largest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark. Even though they reach lengths of 40 feet or more, whale sharks are filter feeders and only eat plankton, spawn and small fish.

We will take special snorkeling trips during our stay on Thatch Caye to try to see these gentle giants. We can swim with them, but for conservation reasons we are not allowed to chase or swim after them. However, that doesn't prevent them from swimming near us! What an opportunity...

PLAY DAY
We also will be taking one full day as a "Play Day". Right after breakfast, our entire group, at least those that want to come along, will go to the mainland for a cave tubing and zip-line adventure. For the cave tubing, we take a bus to the edge of the rainforest and then an easy 30 minute walk to where we enter the river. Here we each get our own tube and begin our float underground, through stalactite filled caverns, with only our headlamps lighting the way most of the time. Occasionally we pass under an opening to the outside and sunlight filters down or out into verdant tropical ravines, where sunlit butterflies fill the air.

At the end of our tubing trip we have a picnic lunch and then take a short bus ride to the zip line location. Once at the zip line location, our guides will help you with your gear, your harness, helmet and hand gear in preparation for your aerial adventure.  A short 5 minute walk in this amazing natural rainforest will bring you to the start of the excursion where you will once again be instructed on the zip line method.

Your zip line adventure begins from the first platform where you will zip to the next platform found 150ft away.  Flying through the air surrounded by nature is a most exhilarating feeling! The birds and Howler Monkeys found onsite will be at eye level making you one with the prolific nature Belize if famous for.  The zip line consists of 8 zip line platforms each strategically located within the Rainforest canopy.  Double cables (each capable of withstanding 2,000 pounds of weight) are used for the ultimate safety.  All landing Platforms are equipped with safety gear, handrails and guides to meet your next landing as well as to ensure your personal safety throughout your adventure.  The platforms are as high as 85ft into the Canopy and as far apart as 250ft.  So get ready for a fantastic ride! We return to Thatch Caye in time for dinner and the rest of the night is free time.

THATCH CAYE
 

Thatch Caye (pronounced key) is an eco-island complex that forms a 12 acre marine park just 9 miles off shore from Dangriga in south-central Belize and only two miles from the second largest reef in the western world. It is inside the northern boundary of the protected South Water Marine Reserve, in the Coco Plum Range of islands.

If you love nature paths, soft white sand, gentle ocean breezes, and sparkling azure waters, then this island will indulge all of your senses. Visitors to Thatch Caye will enjoy interacting with rabbits, coatimundi, Belizean raccoons, gibnuts, exotic birds, and sea iguanas. The island is also an easy kayak ride to a nearby world renowned bird sanctuary where hundreds of frigates, boobies and pelicans make their home.

Rest assured Thatch Caye will not only provide you a relaxing slice of paradise, but also a top notch agenda of activities sure to tantalize even the most adventuresome taste buds:

Snorkeling
Kayaking
Scuba Diving
Deep Sea Fishing
Fly Fishing
Hand Fishing
Mainland adventures, from caving to visiting Mayan ruins.

 THATCH CAYE ACCOMODATIONS

Thatch Casitas - Five Casitas (little homes, photos above) are elevated single story units with rooftop decks complete with hammocks so that you can catch the island breezes and savor the spectacular views. Ventilation fans are all that is needed to experience the great natural comforts of the Caribbean on Thatch Caye. Air conditioning is available (daily surcharge applies). The Casitas are designed for privacy and comfort and have hot water showers, king size beds, a mini fridge, and full size window seats overlooking the sea.

Thatch Cabanas - Five over water Cabanas (photos above) with native thatch roofing and cool tile floors are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the sea breezes and views of nearby islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Relax with private sun decks, spacious baths with hot showers, and queen size beds. Ceiling fans cool these cabanas by increasing the wind chill factor from the constant tradewinds.

Where is Thatch Caye and how do I get there?
Thatch Caye is just 9 miles off shore from Dangriga in south-central Belize. Getting there is really quite easy. First you fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. Then you take a short (20 minutes) commuter flight to Dangriga.

International flights to the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) are provided by American Airlines, Continental Airlines, U.S. Airways, Delta, TACA and United.  To get to Dangriga you will use either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. The roundtrip airfare between Belize City and Dangriga is about $120.

You will be met at the Dangriga Airport and taken Thatch Caye's mainland dock. From there, it's about a 30 minute boat ride to Thatch Caye.

Some photos from around Thatch Caye:  
(Click on the "View Journey Scrapbook" button at the top or bottom of this page for additional photos)

Have questions? 
Contact us at 800-754-1875 or info@spiritjourneys.com

A deposit of $500.00 is required to reserve space for this Retreat.  To register, use the "Register for this Retreat" button at the top or bottom of this page.  Payment in full is requested by January 19, 2011. Registrations are gladly accepted after January 19, 2011 based on availability.

Prefer not to register on-line?
Click here to download and print a registration form.
Simply fill out the form and then mail it to us.

Cancellations made prior to January 19, 2011 (60 days) are subject to $100 cancellation fee. Reservations cancelled between January 19, 2011 and February 19, 2011 (31-59 days) are subject to a cancellation fee in the amount of 50% of the journey cost. Reservations cancelled on or after February 19, 2011 (30 days) are non-refundable. You may want to consider purchasing a commercial travel insurance policy that would include trip cancellation protection. Please contact Spirit Journeys for additional information about trip insurance or go to our Travel Insurance page.

Guaranteed Departures:
Departures are guaranteed, subject to a minimum number of participants to operate (excepting only in cases of major world events that adversely affects international travel patterns and other circumstances beyond our control). Should the minimum number of participants not be met we will offer two options:
1. Continuation of the Journey at an increased cost.
2. A full refund of all monies paid.

Where is Dangriga?
Dangriga, is the largest town in the Stann Creek District of Belize. It is 55 miles from Belize’s Capital, Belmopan and 105 miles from Belize City.

Where is Thatch Caye?
In Belize, a "caye" (pronounced key) is an island. There are different spellings, most commonly Cay or Caye. Thatch Caye a natural island complex that forms a 12 acre marine park in the Cocoplum chain just 9 miles from Dangriga in south-central Belize and only two miles from the second largest reef in the western world. Thatch Caye Resort is inside the northern boundary of the protected South Water Marine Reserve (Most maps show Cocoplum Caye)

How do I get to Thatch Caye Resort from Belize City? 
International flights are provided by American Airlines, Continental Airlines, U.S. Airways, Delta, TACA or United to get to the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City.

Once arriving in Belize City, take a short commuter flight to Dangriga on Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. The cost of this local flight is about $120 per person roundtrip.

Which airlines fly to Belize City (BZE)?
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
U.S. Airways
Delta Airlines
TACA
United Airways 

Is there internet service at Thatch Caye Resort?
Wireless Internet access is available in the reception area and some of the guest units.

Is there electricity at Thatch Caye Resort?
Yes, just like in USA 110V with the same plugs. There are generators but Thatch Caye prefers to run the caye from their deep cycle batteries, which store energy captured by Solar panels and Wind Generators. Air conditioning requires us to run Generators.

Can you drink the water on Thatch Caye?
The water comes from the sky and is collected in cisterns. After being slightly chlorinated, this rainwater is piped directly into guest units and is fresh and fine for showering and handwashing. Drinking water is purified through a reverse osmosis filtering system for our kitchen and ice maker and 5 gallons of bottled drinking water are provided in all of the guest units. Water is as valuable as gold on tropical islands so, salt water is used in the toilets to insure a reserve of fresh water during the dry season.

Is air conditioning available at Thatch Caye Resort?
If the Caribbean Sea breeze, along with ceiling and wall mounted fans, don’t keep you cool, air conditioning is available for an additional $50.00 US per day.

Are there bugs at Thatch Caye Resort?
You can expect to encounter mosquitoes and sand flies when travelling to the tropics. Thatch Caye substantially reduced the biting insect population by eliminating any swampy areas on the island, planting natural ground covers and placing mosquito traps in public areas. These efforts substantially decreased their populations in order to increase your enjoyment of our tropical island. For those who are sensitive to insect bites, we advise bringing an insect repellent.

What clothing do you suggest I bring to Thatch Caye Resort?
Belize is a very relaxed and informal country. Daytime on the Island calls for shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, wraps, hats, and sandals.The evenings can be a touch cool, depending on the time of year, due to the sea breezes and days spent in the tropical sunlight. Light slacks and long sleeve shirts and blouses or a windbreaker would keep most visitors perfectly comfortable.

The same type of clothing applies while on tours to the mainland but, we’d suggest a good set of hiking or walking shoes with socks in place of sandals. If you’re not going off the beaten path, then sandals are just fine.

What is the time zone in Belize?
Belize Standard Time is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-6). Belize does not operate Daylight-Savings Time.

Do I need a passport to travel to Belize?
A valid passport is all that is required for citizens of the Australia, Britain, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, United States, Venezuela, and CARICOM member states, as well as nationals of European Community. Belize equires citizens from certain other countries to have an entry visa.

What is the monetary exchange in Belize?
The Belize dollar has a locked exchange rate of two Belize dollars to one US. dollar.

Do I need to bring Belize currency?
No, US. dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize (US coins excluded). The majority of tourism facilities including hotels, restaurants and shops in populated areas accept Credit Cards & Travelers' Checks. Street vendors and smaller establishments in remote areas may accept only cash.