Andrew Zimmern Bizarre World’s - Belize Segment Premiers Tuesday, September 8th at 10PM ET

World Famous Andrew Zimmern, a food writer, TV personality, chef, teacher and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods, was in the country filming the first episode for his new TV Show Bizarre Worlds. The show will feature different aspects of the countries he visits and Zimmern’s piece on Belize will showcase art, Mayan sites, caves, cayes and of course, food.

Andrew arrived in Belize on Monday, April 6, and was filming throughout the week. “This is our first show in the Bizarre World series. So it is a really a momentous occasion for us and we’re just thrilled to be able to kick it off in Belize,” commented Zimmern

According to Zimmern he had wanted to visit Belize for the past 15 years but was unable to do so because of his hectic work schedule and was extremely pleased to finally visit the country and to film his show here.

Andrew Zimmern Belizean adventure includes swimming with sharks and sting rays, exploring the hidden underworld of the caves (Actun Tunichil Muknal) and sinks his teeth into Mayan-style pork brains and the country’s most prized rodent, the Gibnut.

Zimmern considered this experience one of the highlights of his trip so far. “That is what I will never forget. It was like a museum without the four walls. Seeing the site through the eyes of our guides was what made it amazing. That is what is beautiful about this country, the ability to enjoy the Maya heritage and the jungles, but also being able to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea with spectacular marine life,” explained Zimmern.

“There are more than just ancient Mayan cultures and beaches here. Now we are exploring both of those because we think there are interesting stories for folks who will never make it here but we also want to talk about the Creole population,” commented Zimmern. “We also want to talk about the indigenous food; we want to take our cameras into the art parks, connect people in the rest of the world, it shows in 70 countries.” The show airs in 70 countries that will see the people of Belize and show what really makes Belize truly the Best Kept Secret of The Caribbean.

Belize will be the first episode of Bizarre World, which premiers on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Be sure to mark your calendars and tune into the Travel Channel at 10:00 p.m. eastern time.

Caribbean Investment Increases and Travel Remains Popular!

The Caribbean continues to draw a luxury crowd. Everyday people are making their way here from around the world to bask in the sunshine and cool Caribbean waters with palms swaying in the wind.

The Caribbean used to be a prime location for only the most luxurious of holiday getaways. Royalty spent their time here to get away from everyday hassles. Today, with new travel packages available, and more flights into and out of the countries, it has become increasingly easy for tourists to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Belize, Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago among other Caribbean countries have become locations filled with hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts with multiple tourist destinations.

The demand for second homes in the Caribbean has grown dramatically and continues to demand more attention. Many of the property prices in the Caribbean are still low, which signals an opportunity for everyone to become part of the Caribbean lifestyle. In some areas, property prices have risen by a wide margin, especially on the largest and most developed of locations. People will forever love the atmosphere and intrigue, so much so, that the number of tourists make many rental opportunities ideal. Investors have realized the opportunity and have been buying rental properties and seeking companies like Platinum International Real Estate and Investments in Belize to manage their rentals.

You can see where each country ranks in price in the following article:
Buying a Piece of the Caribbean.

Platinum International Real Estate and Investments Debuts thier new logo in Belize, Caribbean and the World

We have now developed our new International Logo that will be presented in the coming weeks to the Belize, Caribbean, South American, Greek Isles and European divisions. New and exciting things are happening that will make working with Platinum International Real Estate and Investments the Clients' #1 Choice for Real Estate in Belize, the Caribbean and around the world.

Remember to call or email Platinum International Real Estate and Investments when looking for residential condos or homes, resort or vacation homes, rentals, commercial, land, investment properties, business opportunities, development's on site office management or property management.

platinumhomesbelize@gmail.com.
coming soon: http://www.platinumrealestate.biz/

"Bikini Caye" in Belize, Just Listed for Sale at a great price.

"Bikini Caye"

Just Listed for Sale

This incredible private island in the Caribbean is located only 8 miles from Dangriga and only 10 minutes away from the Belize Barrier Reef .
Protected by the neighboring Cayes, Bikini is part of an amazing combination of sandy beaches and wild vegetation. The lagoon is rich in corals and all kind of aquatic life thrilling to even the most experienced diver. An array of lights and vivid colors gives the lagoon an intense glow.

Bikini Caye, centered near the second largest reef in the world, is absolutely unique… after your first step on this fabulous island, your only wish will be to crystallize time and enjoy what can be yours!

Priced at only: $416,500 USD

Private Island in Belize Listed for Sale at a low price compared to the rest of the Caribbean.

"Aguas Dulces"

Just Listed for Sale

This private island paradise is located only 9 miles east from Dangriga in Belize and only 2 miles away from the Belize Barrier Reef which is one of the truly great spots in the Caribbean. A True Fishermans Paradise in the Sand Fly Range of Cayes in Southern Belize!

Let the clear azure Caribbean waters caress your skin on your very own Private Island!

Features:

• 2 Island Packaged as 1
• Natural Harbor on the South Side
• Covered in Black Mangrove
• Popular spot for fishing tarpon
• Snorkeling Spot with gradual slopes to deeper waters
• A private lagoon seperating the main island from secluded sandy beach area
  

Priced as a package deal for only $1.9 M USD
Email us at platinumhomesbelize@gmail.com for more information or the flyer.

Belize Promoted in the Dive Market in Europe - London International Dive Show

Belize was proudly represented at one of the biggest diveshows in Europe on March 28th and March 29th at the London International Dive Show (LIDS).

It gathered an impressive list of top names from the diving world. Belize representatives included Nick Davies and Mike Preston of the Belize Hotel Association, Teresa Parkey of Belize Adventure Lodge and Melecia Banks of the Belize Tourism Board.

The two day show showcased the very best of diving and more than 250 exhibitors. Organized by Diver Magazine, this year’s LIDS had something for everyone – from dives for the children and non divers to the latest kit, clothing, advice and training plus the very best of diving holidays worldwide.

Twice a year, the diving world gears up for the highlights of the sport’s calendar – the London and Birmingham Dive shows. At each event, hundreds of leading suppliers of the latest diving gear, holidays, training courses, leisurewear and boats meet with thousands of experienced and wanna be divers from the UK, Europe and beyond.The Dive Shows also attracted world-renowned diving experts to the speaker programmes that run alongside each event. Recent high-profile speakers included diving environmentalists Jean-Michel Cousteau, record-breaking freediver Tanya Streeter and underwater explorer Monty Halls.

The London Dive Show was the culmination of a series of shows that the Belize Hotel Association had organized to bring Belize to the forefront of the European Market. The first was the Vakantiebeurs Show held in Holland in January, the second was the Destination Show in February in London that had the representation of the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Jr. and the third was the TUR Shows held in Sweden in mid-March.

At the show, Belize gave away a full prize package courtesy of Belize Adventure Lodge and Cahal Pech Village Resort. The package included a 8 day diving package courtesy Belize Adventure Lodge, 3 nights at Cahal Pech Village Resort and 3 days of car rental courtesy Discount Car Rental. The European Marketing Initiative group of the Belize Hotel Association also furnished the winner with international air as a part of the prize package. The winner of the prize package was Ms. Edit Darabos.

Top Caribbean property for 2009

Belize on the list of top Caribbean investments in 2009

The global economic downturn has seriously affected the world's property markets. Many countries are reporting a sluggish turnover of property and decreased value on previously purchased real estate.

However, keen investors are finding that there are still some areas which are riding the storm and flourishing. A company that has been monitoring the markets in the 26 Caribbean countries is now sharing what they feel are the top locations for purchasing property in 2009.

International Property advisor, Wini Dean, states that "It is simply not true that everything is in decline, in fact I am as busy as ever with clients seeking property in the Caribbean region. Of course some areas are doing better than others and we feel obligated to let people know where they will get most value for their investments."

One of the countries remaining popular with buyers is Belize. As it is the only English speaking country in Central America, there is an increased ease of conducting both personal and business affairs for expats and investors. Real estate is readily available as Belize is the least populated country in Central America and has one of the lowest population densities in the world. Belize is popular with those who enjoy pristine environments with rainforests and exotic wildlife. In addition the coastline of Belize is lined with tropical beaches which offer snorkeling and diving into the 2nd biggest coral reef in the world.

Retiring to Belize is made more appealing through government incentives for qualified retirees. These include tax-free income status and duty free concessions to import all household items, a car and even boat or a light aircraft. They have also recently reduced the stamp duty tax on real estate title transfers. The new rate is 0% up to US$10,000 in purchase price and 5% for any amount above US$10,000.

Whilst many of these Caribbean countries are popular with retirees, Wini Dean adds a word of caution to prospective buyers of working age. "It is important to realize that there are few job opportunities within these countries and anyone who wants to live there should be prepared to create their own avenues for employment. Setting up new business which brings new jobs for locals is also a way of giving back to a country that has embraced you."

When in Belize don't forget to check with Platinum International Real Estate and Investments about some of these investments. They will be sure to have a few you might like.