By Connie Motz

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the barrier reef in Belize offers some of the world's best scuba diving. Belize's coral reef is the largest in the Caribbean (second largest in the world), following the coastline for 185 miles.

Divers rave about the 150 foot visibility and the calm 75 degree waters. With several hundred cays (islands) to choose from, divers have their choice of premier diving sites.

One of the top dive sites, The Blue Hole, is a unique, 480ft deep natural wonder spanning almost a quarter of a mile. Inside this circular limestone sinkhole, divers will experience sheer walls, stalactites formations and 200ft visibility. Amazing marine life abounds, including blacktip, tiger and hammerhead sharks. Other popular dive sites include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley in Northern Belize.

No matter where you choose, you'll be swimming with over 500 species of fish and viewing 70 types of hard coral. And if you're not already a certified scuba diver, you can obtain PADI or NAUII certification while in Belize. A supervised resort course offers non-divers an introduction into the sport in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Whether you're looking for wreck diving, night diving or want to explore the canyons and tunnels, scuba diving in Belize has it all. And in case the unexpected happens, a hyperbaric chamber is available 24 hours a day, in tiny San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

Two-tank dives cost approximately USD 35 but the best deals to be found often, which include diving, accommodation and transfers, start at USD 495 for a 6 day/5 night stay.

International holiday makers and sun seekers can fly non-stop from major cities like Miami, Houston, Los Angles, Atlanta, Houston and Charlotte. Flights to the cays can be booked with Mayan Island Air or Tropic Air. Belize is known as Mother Nature's best kept secret, so don't miss out!

Belize Info

Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize became an independent nation in 1981. With a population of just over 300,000, Belize covers approximately 8,000 square miles.

Passports are required for travel to Belize and entry visas may be required. For more information see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Belize Travel Resources:

• Travel Belize
• Belize Tourism
• Ramon's Village, San Pedro

Photo Credits: Used with permission of TravelBelize.org

Blue Hole - Image Copyright 2008 - Tony Rath of Tony Rath Photography www.tonyrath.com.

Scuba Diving - Image Copyright 2008 - Tony Rath of Tony Rath Photography www.tonyrath.com.

Whether it makes your heart sing or forces you into the foetal position in a very dark room, Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Whilst we're all for romance, we prefer doing something a little different from wistfully gazing at each other across a candlelit table, so we've drawn up a list of quirky Valentine's Day options.

Escape to a private island

Just imagine it – the perfect spot for romance and not a Hallmark card in sight. Escape to Cayo Espanto off the coast of Belize for a luxurious and private Valentine's Day. Explore the world’s second-largest barrier-reef system, languish on a private dock, cool off in an alfresco shower or in your very own plunge pool. All this and panoramic views of the Caribbean too, could you ask for anything more?

Cayo Espanto’s is currently offering an Ultimate Romance package priced at USD 4,995 per couple for Valentine’s Day.

Surf lessons and a bonfire on a Californian beach

For outdoors types a day in the surf followed by a bonfire on Huntington Beach, California could be the perfect alternative to flowers and a card.

The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach as teamed up with surf company, Toes on the Nose, to provide a variety of adventure packages for couples. You can indulge in a 2 hour private surfing lesson followed by a sunset bonfire with s'mores. Learn how to ride the perfect wave and then cuddle up on the beach a deux.

All rates available upon request: Two-hour private lessons begin at $150.00. Please contact Toes on the Nose or the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa for special package pricing at +1 714-845-4638 or email toesonthenose@hyatt.com.

A piste of the action at Whistler / Blackcomb

A little birdie told us that since opening its new PEAK 2 PEAK gondola in December 2008, Whistler / Blackcomb has witnessed numerous engagements, two weddings and countless stolen kisses in the gondola as it traverses the 2.73 mile span between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain.

Romance is clearly in British Columbia's fresh, clean air, so why not whisk your beloved away for a weekend break packed with skiing, log fires, quaint cabins and, of course, the gondola.

Go wild out West

Saddle up and get your spurs on... How about a trip to Hidden Meadow Ranch, a luxury retreat surrounded by national forest in Arizona's picturesque White Mountains? It's 20 miles to the nearest village and there are no TVs in the log cabins, so you're guaranteed quality one-on-one time.

Each of the 12 log cabins features a wood-burning fireplace, bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs (enough room for two); a covered porch overlooking the meadow; bedrooms outfitted with fine linens; and locally hand-carved wood furniture.

Gee up for romantic horseback rides, hiking, sledging and cuddling up on your own horse-drawn sleigh.

Pricing for overnight guests is an all-inclusive $565 and includes three gourmet meals per day (including a four course prix fix dinner on February 14), a special in-cabin Valentine’s Day surprise, as well as many Ranch-sponsored activities.

Get naked...

...at the Terra Cotta Inn, a clothing optional resort and spa in Palm Springs, California. There's a no kids allowed policy so couples can relax by the pool without distraction, sipping a cold drink as the warm sun caresses parts that may never before have seen the light of day.

If you're new to nudism, don't panic, CBSmarketwatch.com called the Terra Cotta Inn the most mainstream of all nudist resorts in America and perfect for couples sunbathing in their birthday suits for the first time.

The resort averages a 75% repeat guests rate, perhaps once you start you just can't stop...

Website: http://sunnyfun.com; Tel: 1-800-786-6938.

Dinner in the Sky

It might be the most expensive Valentine's Day dinner you've ever planned, but you will be eating at a table suspended at a height of 50 metres, which definitely makes for a quirky experience.

You can arrange for your dinner in the sky to take place wherever you choose – from your own garden to a vineyard to a castle to the races - as long as there is a 500 m² surface that can be secured. The service operates in 15 countries worldwide, so if you already have a mini-break planned you could add a whole new element of surprise to it.

For more information contact info@dinnerinthesky.com

London and the movies

The Covent Garden Hotel, London's chic boutique hotspot is showing hit musical Mamma Mia on Valentine's Day at its film club.

A two course dinner with a glass of wine and the movie or a champagne afternoon tea and the movie costs £35.00 per person. The film starts at 8pm. If you want to indulge yourselves a little more, you can also stay overnight in one of the hotel's luxurious bedrooms from £230.

For reservations and further information call +44 20 7806 1007.

Camp on the Great Wall of China

Sleeping on the Great Wall might be chilly in February, but you are guaranteed peace, isolation and wild romance. Pack the right kit and find one of the deserted watchtowers to shelter in.

Several tour companies can arrange overnight stays on the Great Wall, and will combine your sleep over with a stunning half day hike on spectacular sections of the wall far away from the throngs of tourists. Try The China Guide and Hidden China for more information.

Where did you spend your most memorable Valentine's Day and what have you got planned for this year?

Photo Credits:

Dinner in the Sky of Toronto by wvs via Flickr (Creative Commons); Covent Garden Hotel by Clare & Dave via Flickr (Creative Commons).