Julia Ross, business development executive, Latin Routes

I had already built up so much excitement, but flying over the Great Blue Hole on the last day of our Belize trip exceeded every one of my expectations and was the best possible way to end any itinerary in the destination. 

As we took off from Punta Gorda with the reef stretching for miles and miles below, I caught my first glimpse of the Great Blue Hole out of the corner of my window. 

Its stark contrast to the surrounding reef made it look almost otherworldly, and the aerial view revealed its full scale and symmetry, which can’t be fully appreciated from the ground. 

The reef and the shades of blue constantly shifted as the sun bounced on the water's surface as the plane circled. I felt a mixture of wonder and insignificance, marvelling at how such a natural phenomenon came to be and the serene beauty and the vivid colours below.

I had never seen anything like it. 

This is the definition of a bucket list destination and is something that should not be missed or underestimated on any itinerary.