Preparing for your arrival

Getting Here:

The countdown to adventure is on! By now, you may have already organized your flight to Belize. If not, here's a quick guide:

Placencia is easily accessible by land, sea and air; so however you want to reach us, you can! Flights operate regularly from America, Canada and neighbouring Guatemala and Mexico. 

Air: Once you’ve arrived at Belize International Airport (BZE), the easiest way to get here is to take a short (20-minute) local flight to Placencia Airport (PLJ). There are two local airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Our Placencia Airport pick-up is complimentary and the resort is a 15-minute drive away.

Land: If you are arriving in Belize City and want to make your own way to Umaya, please find options below: 

Umaya Resort shuttle service: Please contact reservations@umayaresortbelize.com and they can help you book this. Please note it takes approx 3 hours and can cost up to $300 each way. 

Bus: From the main bus station in Belize City, the journey to Placencia takes around five hours. The price is around $15 for a one-way journey, but be aware that buses are often quite crowded.

Arrival Process

If you are being collected from Placencia, the Umaya Resort van will be waiting to whisk you away to your destination. We'll have your flight information and the resort is in regular contact with airlines in case of any changes. 

If you are facing any flight delays, please DM us to ensure we're also aware. 

The Umaya Resort Team will give you a hotel orientation, then our Noma representative will come to greet you once you're settled in.

Orientation

Now, once you've checked in at the hotel, this is where the fun really begins. Our welcome/kick-off ceremony will provide you with all the necessary information about your stay and give you the chance to meet your unique Noma community. 

Things you should know before you pack: 

Weather:

Belize’s dry season is from December to April with warm sunny days and cooler weather in the evenings. The wet season is from June to November but from August to September, there is another dry season. The average temperature in Belize City is about 74 °F (23 °C) in December and 84 °F (29 °C) in July. 

Packing List For Belize

• Lightweight t-shirts 
• Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection or hiking
• Shorts and skirts
• Long pants
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses and Hat
• Hiking boots/Water shoes
• Sandals/flip-flops
• A dry bag for water excursions (not a necessity, but useful) 
• Eye mask
• Earplugs 
• Toiletries
• Reef-safe sunscreen 
• Bug repellent
• International credit/debit card 
• Cash - USD or BZD are accepted everywhere
• Water bottle (it’s not recommended to drink tap water in Belize)
• Laptop 
• Chargers
• Portable Charger
• Headphones

Communication

Important - all guest communication is on slack. 

Please click on the below image to join our Noma slack channel
Slack App is available on Web, Android and iOS. Please join Noma Collective on Slack clicking on the slack logo above.

When you join Noma Collective, please DM @teamnoma letting them know the Edition & month you are attending. We will add you to the correct channels:

News And Events - For anything related to on-site events and activity sign-ups. @teamnoma uses this channel to let you know about the onsite event programme and daily announcements.

Onsite Chat - Think of this as your community conversation space, where you can share memes, have casual chats, see what people are up to and more!

#alumni - Once your trip is over you’ll get a VIP backstage pass to the entire Noma Collective Community. You’ll have access to exclusive perks, recommendations, advice, and alumni-only Editions.

You can also DM anyone by selecting their name in the bottom left which will enable you to discuss anything in private. 

Add a profile picture, pronouns and a short bio of current/previous job roles and any personal information of interest that you’d like to share in the ‘what I do’ section. This will help your fellow community members get to know you better!

If you have any questions for us, or any issues with anything on-site, please DM @TeamNoma. Also, if you’d like to flag anything in a general chat for our attention, simply add @TeamNoma to your post and we’ll pick it up.

We will monitor Slack between 8 am and 8 pm daily, if there’s anything urgent outside of those hours then please contact the front desk at the resort.

Location

The Neighborhood - Maya Beach and Placencia Village

Small but mighty Belize is packed with culture and endless adventure. With a diverse ecosystem filled with jungles, mountains and beautiful coral reefs, the country boasts over 450 islands off its tropical coast and is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Belize is popular amongst snorkelers, divers and adventurers wanting to explore the underwater world teeming with wildlife. The Placencia Peninsula is a picturesque stretch of land that includes Maya Beach, Placencia Village, and Seine Bight.

Maya Beach is a small and welcoming spot close to Umaya Resort, where you can relax into island life. With a selection of restaurants, beach bars and supermarkets, Maya Beach has everything you need to unwind, enjoy the local cuisine and appreciate the scenic views. 

Placencia Village is a charming fishing village located a 20-minute drive from Umaya. With Placencia Lagoon to the west and the crystal clear Caribbean Sea to the east, this paradise offers a diverse selection of activities from kayaking, deep sea fishing and scuba diving to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. The village center also has a range of supermarkets, restaurants, and lively bars.

Umaya Resort - Placencia Our Noma Home

Noma Collective is in partnership with Umaya Resort. The Resort consists of several 1,000 sqft two-bedroom apartments and condos spread across 13 acres of land stretching from the sandy white beach to the Placencia lagoon.

Surrounded by water on both sides and home to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, Umaya has a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere; perfectly suited to the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean.

The local area is teeming with stunning wildlife; see if you can spot gibnuts, coatimundis, manatees and even dolphins from your balcony!

Onsite Amenities   

If you want to do a workout, there are free hand weights available to use. You can also borrow paddle boards, kayaks, and bikes whenever you like.

The Resort Team

The Front Desk/Reception are your first point of call for any queries about your room, the resort, or requirements. You can call them from the room phones on 5001 or visit them in person in the clubhouse. 

Open from 7 am - 10 pm daily, call security outside of these hours.

They can help with:

Room issues 

Maintenance requests 

Internet/WiFi

 Taxi bookings 

Airport transfers 

Housekeeping 

Laundry 

Daily shuttle booking to Placencia 

Any security issues 

Housekeeping: your room is cleaned twice a week. 

Laundry: One load costs $10 USD and is turned around in under 24 hours. Please leave your laundry in the laundry bag to be washed. 

Food & Beverage 

The Pool Bar

 11 am - 7 pm every day

 Restaurant Laguna 

Breakfast:  7am- 10am 

Lunch: 12 pm- 3 pm 

Snacks: 11 am - 7 pm 

Dinner: 5:30 pm - 8 pm 

When Going Offsite  

We're thrilled to provide you with a tailored Google Map showcasing our handpicked local hot spots. This map will be your ultimate guide for discovering hidden gems, must-see attractions, and our personal favorites. Get ready for effortless access to insider recommendations that will elevate your Belize adventure! 🗺️🌟

Here is a list of our recommended bars, restaurants, and shops worth visiting in the local area.

Maya Beach (within cycling distance):

• Maya Beach Bistro
• Buzzed Birds coffee @ Singing Sands
• Singing Sands Restaurant
• Mangos
• Jaguar Lanes Bowling
• Verns
• Finger Food Delight

Placencia Village: 

• Rumfish y Vino
• Rick's Cafe
• The Shack
• Barefoot & Tipsy Tuna
• Turtle Inn
• Wendy's Creole Restaurant
• Omar's

There are plenty of beautiful beaches, surfing, snorkelling/diving, and jungle treks waiting to be explored.

Don't Miss:

• Maya Beach
• Azura Beach 
• South Water Caye
• Laughing Bird Caye
• Placencia Lagoon
• Monkey River Village
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gladden Spit 

 Transportation 

Shuttle heading into town or the grocery store run Monday to Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm. Please arrange this with the front desk.  

There are several restaurants and bars within a short cycle ride. You can borrow bikes from the resort, free of charge.

You can rent golf carts from Captain Jak’s from $65 USD a day.

Taxis to Placencia cost BZD40 and can be booked through reception. Note: make sure you agree on prices upfront.

There are several buses that run up and down the peninsula. The going rate is BZD2 from the resort to Placencia Village.

Work 

Your Digital Nomad Guide 

Working onsite at Umaya

Connection 

Each apartment has a hotspot MiFi device, loaded with a local sim & data so you can connect if there are any WiFi dropouts at the resort. You can also take these offsite if you require connection in Placencia.

Work Locations

As digital nomads ourselves, we know how important it is to our community to change their working environments. 

We've established two working areas outside of your private room workspace. One on the beach under a breezy palapa and another in the Restaurante Laguna, with an amazing lagoon and mountain backdrop. Be prepared to make your co-workers jealous over Zoom! 

your apartment also has a table area inside and outside so if you're sharing with another nomad, you both have space and privacy. 

All of these areas have great WiFi however if there are any drops, please contact the front desk and John our technician will be with you as soon as possible.

Community

Our community, events and code of conduct

Events Schedule

We announce the weekly events schedule on Slack every Monday morning which includes at least one event a day, offering something for everyone.

The events consist of 4 categories:

Wellbeing: Yoga classes are included as part of your package. You can also take part in HIIT classes/ run club/ beach workouts

Adventure: Weekly group excursions ranging from boat trips and jungle treks, to historical cave tours.

Community: We host various community events including a weekly family dinner, volleyball, and group game nights

Professional Growth: Noma community members have the chance to host workshops that focus on their professional background or personal interest/skill. We usually have one a week. If this is something you're interested in - please reach out to Mariela to plan this into our schedule.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a huge part of the Noma Collective community, with regular ad hoc games, beginners practice and tournaments against local teams. If you're an experienced volleyball player and would like to nominate yourself to either lead practise or put yourself forward for the Noma team then please reach out.

Code of Conduct 

We are a diverse and inclusive community, committed to supporting one another in our shared journey. Please extend your support to those organizing events and don't hesitate to ask questions; there are no such things as 'stupid questions' or 'boring events.'

At Noma, the safety and comfort of every member are paramount. We have solo travelers and staggered arrivals, so let's make every newcomer feel genuinely welcome and supported in their experience.

Understanding and Consideration

Noma attracts individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ideologies. It's essential to be mindful of this diversity. Avoid making comments or jokes related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, divisive political figures, or national stereotypes. Let's practice empathy and understanding at all times.

Respectful Communication:

In our community, respectful communication is paramount. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior such as sexual references, innuendos and passes that could make others uncomfortable. Let's foster an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect, ensuring everyone feels secure and valued.

Ensuring Safety:

1. Consent Matters: Never touch someone without their clear and enthusiastic consent.

2. Respect Personal Space: Everyone deserves their privacy and personal space; please respect their boundaries.

3. Reporting Concerns: If you witness any unsavory, criminal, or unwelcome behavior, please report it to a member of the resort staff immediately. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and are unsure how to handle it, Team Noma is always available to assist.

Contributing to Local Communities: 

At Noma, we aim to support and uplift the communities we visit. By engaging with and contributing to locally owned businesses and services, we can make a positive impact on the places we explore. We encourage everyone to be conscious of the local economy and environment, promoting sustainability and ethical practices while embracing the rich culture and traditions of our destinations.

Maintaining Confidentiality:

We value discretion and will handle issues with utmost sensitivity unless you specify otherwise. Reach out to us in person or DM on Slack if you have concerns or need assistance.

Accountability and Support:

If you wish to report something related to your Community Manager or escalate any issues, please feel free to email the Head of Community Operations at calla@noma-collective.com or DM her on Slack. Your safety and comfort are our top priority.

Leaving Process

Leaving Ceremony 

We will have a space to share how it was to spend a month in this wonderful Caribbean island! Drinks, food, and games will be in order.

Transfers to the Airport 

We are happy to help arrange shuttles to the airport when you leave. If you prefer to make your own way, please let us know so that we can make necessary arrangements.

Finally, sit back, relax and start counting down the days until you arrive in Belize! We can't wait to see you and show you around one of our favorite places - it's going to be an incredible adventure.