Back to Belize for Brits on 50th anniversary of Belizean liberation
- 50 years since Belize was granted self-governance by the British in 1964
- Country still British-influenced: English the official language, English legal system and Queen Elizabeth II the ruling monarch
- James Thornett, from Leeds, one of many Brits enjoying a new life in Belize
Historically part of the British Empire, the Central American country of Belize is celebrating a special anniversary this year, as it recognises the 50th anniversary of self-governance. 1964 saw British Honduras, as it was then known, granted autonomous rule by the British who up until then were in charge of the country, with full independence coming 17 years later in September 1981.
Now, at this notable milestone of liberation, Brits are beginning to turn their interests back to Belizean shores.
In 2014 the British are not looking to rule Belize, however, they are instead being taken over, themselves, by its charms: captivated by its multifaceted culture, enthralled by its sublime natural surrounds, and enchanted by its mysterious ancient history.
James Thornett, originally from Leeds in West Yorkshire, now lives in Placencia and the Cayo district of Belize. He explains why he was one such Brit captured by Belize,
“I was posted in Belize with the British Army in 1999 for 6 months and I fell in love with the jungle. I made the decision to move here in 2013 and I just love the place! Everyone is very friendly, it’s easy to get around and it has wonderful attractions both on the water and inland. I would say it probably has the best attractions of any Caribbean country, with a huge variety of wildlife, and as the epicentre of the Mayan culture, it has many fantastic ruins and attractions.
The water activities are great too, from fishing to scuba diving, and it also has the biggest and best barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere. Belize has it all!”
With its colonial history, Belize is an exciting melting pot of cultural influences, yet holds key British traits – Queen Elizabeth II is ruling monarch, English is the official language (it is the only English-speaking Caribbean country) and it has an English legal system. Wolf Worster, MD of Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc, a global property consultancy marketing The Baymen Resort & Spa in Belize’s Cayo region, emphasises the important role this has to play,
“Foreigners find it reassuring that the Belizean legal system is based on the common law of England and this, combined with well-established banking system and large expat community, make the transition of moving to Belize easy. Belize also has a retirement package which is arguably the best in the world, for those aged 45 and above, and that also makes the country a popular prospect for British people looking to move overseas.”
When buying property in Belize, British people can buy outright and the fact that the country has an ‘immature’ property market means that prices are much more affordable than in other Caribbean destinations. This in turn means that there is great upside potential for those keen on investing, with low property taxes also helping on this front.
James Thornett can see the potential for those interested in following his lead and buying in Belize,
“I can only see an upside for Belize. The number of people buying property here is increasing because of the safe nature of the investment and how easy it is to live here, and there are huge increases in visitor numbers too. Yet, importantly, the country still maintains its charms. I would advise anyone looking at Belize to decide their requirements and what they want from their investment. Bear in mind that prices can differ widely depending on where in the country you want to be.”
For those British, and others, looking to invest in Belize, The Baymen Resort and Spa is an excellent option. This lodge is a firm hands-off investment, run by one of the top US hotel groups, Noble House Hotel and Resorts, which also allows for 30 days personal use a year. Buying a property at The Baymen is also a true investment in nature, with the property being carbon neutral and eco-focussed.
Located in a breathtaking jungle setting, The Baymen boasts a host of luxurious features including an infinity pool that appears to float in the rainforest, Mayan spring pools and waterfall, and even a natural wine cave. With a choice of deluxe suites or two-bed suites available, each individual residence encompasses the notion of old world colonial charm, with four-poster beds, stunning bathrooms with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a large outside deck, all utilising natural materials of the highest specification. Prices start from $230,000 USD.
For more information about The Baymen Lodge and Spa, visit www.thebaymen.com or contact Wolf Wörster Associates, Inc on free-phone 0808 169 6526 or info@thebaymen.com