If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Belize for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why? Joshua: First of all, remember that selecting a place to stay has a lot to do with where you want to be and what activities you would like to do during your stay: beach or rainforest? Diving or hiking? Reef or ruins? Do you want to get pampered with massages or get sweaty and muddy with your loved one on a jungle trek? Get an idea of what kind of trip you and your honey are looking for, then dive in and book it. Following are only a few of Belize's upscale romantic accommodations that stick out in my mind for quality and intimacy. For more on Belize's ample budget options, flip through a copy of my book, Moon Handbooks Belize. ·Starting on swanky Ambergris Caye, just inshore from Belize's famous barrier reef and three miles north of San Pedro village, you will find Capricorn Resort, offering intimate beachfront seclusion in one of three bright and tasteful cabanas. Capricorn's restaurant is one of best (considered best by many) on island. ·Situated on 7,200 acres of private property in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Hidden Valley Inn is a quiet paradise for hikers and birders who will have a blast exploring resort's 90-plus miles of walking trails and old logging roads and then cozying up in front of their cottage's fireplace, listening to birdsong outside (especially nice during cool, misty, rainy season). The property encompasses lush broadleaf forest and pine tree habitat. The two diverse ecosystems are divided by a geological fault line, which marks edge of a towering 1,000-foot escarpment. Numerous watercourses spring from mountain and then cascade down steep slopes, often into deep, inviting pools; Hidden Valley's trail system runs through it all. ·On Placencia Peninsula, Kitty's Place is one of best and most unpretentious resorts on this long strip of beach resorts call it "low-key luxury," and check your shoes at front desk. Be sure to schedule a day trip or overnight on Kitty's private isle, French Louis Caye, 12 miles offshore with great snorkelling and upscale accommodations. ·Two of Belize's most romantic, beautiful, and expensive options are Francis Ford Coppola's gorgeous pair of resorts: Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge, located on Placencia Peninsula and Mountain Pine Ridge, respectively, and offering a number of collective packages. Both places feature breathtaking architecture and artwork from all over world, and top-notch service and facilities. ·Located about an hour north of Belize City, Maruba Resort Jungle Spa pampers body and soul, as evidenced by its acclaimed spa treatments and unique focal points spread around grounds: A tiny, glass-decorated chapel; a palapa-covered stone chess table; two pools that seem to spring from jungle complete with waterfalls. The rooms are spread out for privacy and are addressed by name Moon, Fertility, and Bondage, to name a few. All boast an eclectic neo-primitive motif carved masks, mosaic tile floors, standing candles, cement fountains, tiled tubs, screened shuttered windows and fresh flowers on massive feather beds and in bathrooms. NORM:

What should people know about celebrating a wedding in Belize from point of view of requirements, experience of various hotels, etc. Joshua: Belize is gaining quite reputation as perfect place to tie knot. A growing number of resorts cater to weddings of all sizes, some quite creatively (such as ceremonies underwater or atop Maya pyramids). If eloping, you must be in Belize three business days before submitting your marriage application to Registrar General's Office (tel. 501/227-7377, not open on weekends or local holidays). You get paperwork back following business day for your ceremony. If you have been divorced or widowed, bring a photocopy of death certificate or divorce decree. The Government of Belize charges US$100 for license and you'll need a birth certificate or passport. NORM: How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in Belize? Joshua: Honeymoons and getaways are easy and do not need much advance time when booking, except around holidays and at more popular resorts. If you are planning a wedding during high season that will require numerous rooms for guests, book a year in advance if possible. Otherwise, a few months are usually sufficient. NORM:

What resources are available on Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in Belize? Joshua: Several wedding specialists can facilitate paperwork, ministers, flowers, book hotels, celebrations, etc. including Katie Valk for anywhere in country, Iraida Gonzales on San Pedro, and Lee Nyhus in Placencia. NORM:

Is there anything else you wish to tell our readers that we have not covered? Joshua: Yes, keep an eye on my WEBSITE for new links and developments regarding romance in Belize and beyond; I have most popular Belize forums and news posted on my links page. Also, MY PUBLISHER'S SITE will soon feature sample itineraries and other excerpts from my book, to make planning your Belize trip even easier. Lastly, remember words of Kurt Vonnegut's prophet, Bokon: Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God. Happy trails, everyone, Joshua

Norm Goldman is editor of the travel site, www.sketchandtravel.com & the book reviewing site: www.bookpleasures.com. Norm and is artist wife Lily, meld words and art. You can read Norm's travel articles and Lily's art work at www.sketchandtravel.com.

The romance of just right destination

The cruise is a vacation in itself, but romance starts all over again when your ship docks at your destination. Whether you choose Caribbean, Mexico or South Pacific, you will discover that discounts abound on shore as well. These popular vacation spots offer fabulous deals from local artisans and crafters for you to take home with you.

Seafood and tasty local fare are inexpensive, exotic indulgences for both of you to share. Spend afternoon wrapped up together in a hammock swinging in a tropical breeze under palm trees and you’ll realize that a last minute cruise may be greatest getaway you can give your loved one – what’s more romantic than an unexpected, grand gesture wrapped in warm, salt breezes and golden sunsets and delivered in ultimate luxury?

Trying something you’ve never done before can be a powerful bonding experience, and any cruise vacation provides ultimate choice of new activities to try. Snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing, rock climbing and scuba are just a few activities that you could try as a couple that will become cherished memories.

How do I pull off a last minute cruise surprise?

Check out destinations, rates and departures for several different cruises, and then get ready to move quickly. Booking last minute cruises can net you big vacation discounts, but spaces available fill up quickly, so you should get in mindset that you need to make a decision fairly quickly if you spot perfect trip.

There are a few things you’ll want to take care of before you spring your romantic surprise on her so that she won’t have to spend few weeks leading up to her departure worrying. Once you have a few dates picked out, put them on hold if possible and start making some phone calls:

- Contact her boss and explain that you would like to arrange a few of her vacation days if possible. Explain that it is a surprise and ask him or her to keep secret.

- Talk to her best friend to find out if any appointments are necessary. Will she want a pedicure a few days before leaving? Set one up.

- Let her parents in on secret as well, but swear them to secrecy, too.

- Arrange for any pet care needed, including boarding of dogs or cats if necessary.

- If you have children, make arrangements for them to stay with their grandparents or friends and swear them to secrecy. This will be toughest sell – kids have trouble with big secrets, but try!

- Check her date book – if she has made any appointments or plans that will need to be rearranged, call and explain that you are planning a surprise trip, and that she may be calling later to cancel at last minute. This will soften news when she does call later to cancel her appointments.

- Get ready for some romantic days and nights on your last minute cruise that you won’t soon forget!