It may be over two decades ago that Madonna sang Belize's praises in her hit La Isla Bonita - "Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free" - and the San Pedro in question is the island's main settlement, but the Caribbean country, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala is back on the star radar as eco-celeb, Leonardo DiCaprio has begun work on a "green" resort in the tropical paradise.

Just a 25-minute boat ride from the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest barrier reef in the world), a line's throw away from the Blue Hole - a fisherman's dream - and with Mayan ruins to explore, Belize is the next big thing for travellers.

But if you can't wait for Leo's luxury hotel to open, there are some famously fabulous alternatives...

Luxe escapes

Award-winning style
Searching for a jungle paradise similar to his Apocalypse Now location, uber-director Francis Ford Coppola splashed out on two resorts in Belize. Developed under his watchful eye, the Balinese-inspired cabanas of Turtle Inn and the villas of Blancaneaux in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest - kitted out with the maestros own choice of arts and antiques - are amazing. Visit www.blancaneaux.com for info on both.

Steal the show
The cast of Temptation Island have long gone from the island of Ambergis Caye, which means that the legendary Captain Morgan's Retreat is all yours to enjoy without the pesky camera crew. Dive the reefs, enjoy the fascinating ruins, snorkel around the Mexico Rocks, or do like the cast did (very little at all) and sun yourself at the water's edge. Check out www.captainmorgans.com to see more of what's in store.