A big city girl with a love for the outdoors is often how I describe myself. I enjoy escaping the sounds of New York City's sirens and traffic in exchange for the sounds of silence and nature. So when I was invited to Belize last week I jumped at the chance to experience the beauty of this country... but what I found was just a little too close for comfort!

My destination was the beautiful Kanantik Reef and Jungle Resort. Located directly on the beach just north of Placencia in the southern part of Belize, Kanantik is an all-inclusive, eco-sensitive property, consisting of just 25 thatched-roof cabanas. Its location is secluded but convenient to the coral reef Belize is widely known for and just minutes away from the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in the world and home to the largest concentration of jaguars.

The first day of snorkeling, the dolphin sightings were as magnificent as one can image. The following day, an early morning hike through the jaguar preserve was an exhilarating workout as we ascended and descended through muddy trails of rocks and leaves. At the end of it all, there were no jaguars to be had, although an amazing waterfall was revealed much like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Meanwhile, back at the resort, its very animated owner, Roberto Fabbri, entertained us nightly with anecdotes of his childhood in Rome, Italy, his eventual coming to Belize and how Kanantik was unlike anything else in the country. As the wine was consumed and the conversation waned, my sleepy body found its way back to my hut; which had somehow been transformed into a home for creatures of the night. Sounds of geckos called to me from the thatched roof above my head and strange looking beetles strolled across the floor. At daybreak, I opened my villa door to find jaguar paw prints directly in front of my hut and a very large crocodile sunning himself down on the beach. I soon realized this city girl isn't so "outdoorsy" after all!

Safe Travels,
Lisa

Lisa Loverro is an independent travel journalist exploring the world for new and exciting adventures. She shares her experiences with us every Thursday through her column, Boarding Pass. Have a comment or question? Email her at Lisa@area-daily.com.