Garifuna – Black Carib immigrants from St Vincent, themselves descended from Nigerian slaves - moved to Belize at the beginning of the 19th century. Their distinct, vibrant culture now defines the cheerful and welcoming village Hopkins, which stretches out languidly along a white-sand beach between the verdant Mayan Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. A dreamy place in which to relax, this fishing village – which hosts a marina at the point where the river Sittee flows out into the sea – also has several small hotels, bars and restaurants. Our favourite lodging is the beachfront Parrot Cove, laid-back and low-rise, with contemporary guest rooms clustered round an outdoor pool and an inner courtyard. There’s a gourmet restaurant with an eclectic menu overseen by one of Belize’s most prestigious chefs, and an equally informal beach eaterie. Complimentary bikes, kayaks and paddle boards are available, but you may choose just to swing in a hammock and watch the sun set.