It’s a very sweet journey to Belize.

The Maya Beach Hotel & Bistro, located on Belize’s Placencia Peninsula, is offering an immersive package that allows travelers to interact with local Mayan families and learn first hand how they’ve lived off the land in the “cradle of chocolate.”

Guests experience a culinary learning education as they enjoy a tour of a local organic chocolate farm, taking in the cacao trees, meeting the family that works the land and tasting the chocolate itself.

In addition, guests can explore a spice farm, and get a first-hand look at where black pepper and vanilla is grown, while tasting their way through acres of locally-grown fruit trees.

They can also continue the culinary adventure with the local fare at the resort’s Maya Beach Bistro, such as a cacao-spice martini, cacao pork or chocolate souffle.

The experience starts at $1,299 for double occupancy and includes: a five night stay at the hotel, complimentary transfer from Placencia airstrip, complimentary upgrade at check-in based on availability, a welcome cocktail, a gift certificate for dinner for two and a full-day tour of Southern Belize.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor