The Best Resorts and Luxury Hotels in Belize

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When it comes to finding the Best Resorts in Belize or where to stay in Belize it can be quite challeging if you are not sure which island you want to stay on in Belize.

If you are seeking adventure, off the beaten path fun, and delicious food then Belize is just the place for you and your next vacation.  Belize is nestled next to Mexico and Guatemala.  

Belize is a relatively tiny country but what it lacks in size it is overcompensated in beauty, rainforests, national parks, and its sparkling clear Caribbean waters lure visitors from all over the world.

There are more than 200 islands off  Belize’s Caribbean coastline, ranging from uninhabited mangrove to  postcard-perfect beaches that accomodate both families and couples alike.

English is the official language, making it a top destination for tourists to escape to for either a short weekend trip, couples getaway or even to celebrate your honeymoon.  

With stunning beaches, some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling (Belize is home to the world’s second-largest reef), and easy direct flights from the U.S., Belize’s is now a top bucket list destination. 

Jungle cottages, romantic beachfront villas, tree houses in the rainforest canopy—there’s no shortage of standout hotels in this laid-back Central American country. Here are 7 of the best hotels in Belize.

Best Resorts in Belize

1. Ka’ana Belize

Ka’ana Belize offers everything you will be looking for in a luxury resort. Ka’ana is located in Western Belize where intimacy, luxury, and style are intertwined with authentic Belizean culture.

Ka’ana Belize is one of the best hotels in Belize—from the minimalist-modern villas with their private plunge pools to its lush garden walkways and two-acre organic garden, which provides ingredients for the restaurant’s seasonal menu.

In the main hacienda, five sunny suites (some come with hammocks) are perfect for catching some much-needed R&R after a day of exploring the Mayan archeological sites just a short distance away.

The resort is so private we rarely came into contact with other guests during our stay.  It was like we had the entire resort to ourselves and the staff made sure our every need was met

Ka’ana Luxury Resort was named one of the Best Belize resorts by Travel and Leisure.

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2. Cayo Espanto – Ambergris Caye

Cayo Espanto, a private-island resort southwest of Ambergris Cay, the resort can only accommodate 18 guests. Each villa and over-water bungalow has its own private butler and a personal chef.

Snorkel at the nearby Belize Barrier Reef or fly fish directly from the property. 

One of the reasons Cayo Espanto is considered one of the Best Belize resorts is that they offer an abundance of activities that include stand-up paddleboards and kayaks that are at guests’ disposal. 

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3. Las Terrazas Resort – Ambergris Caye

The 38 townhomes at Las Terrazas Resort and Residences include kitchens and washer and dryer for a home-like vibe. Arrive via a 10-minute boat ride from San Pedro. 

At the rooftop O Restaurant, enjoy Belizean fry jacks and coconut water for breakfast and freshly caught fish for dinner.

There are classes that teach Creole language and Belizean woodcarving which makes Las Terrazas one of the Best Belize resorts.

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4. Hatchet Caye Resort – Placencia

Hatchet Caye Resort, a private-island resort off the coast of Placencia is one of the most sustainable properties on the island.

Lionfish dishes at Lionfish Grill that fund Belize Lionfish Project (including fish-your-own options) to a request that guests pack school supplies and other items for local kids in need.

Oceanfront cabanas are just a few feet from the beach.

The beautiful 7-acre Hatchet Caye Resort is home to 9 cabanas, a restaurant, and a bar.  Hatchett Caye offers guest a true Belizean experience where guest can snorkel right outside of their rooms and catch dinner all at the same time!

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5. Almond Beach Resort

7. Itz’ana Belize Resort & Residences, Placencia

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8. Naïa Resort and Spa, Placencia

I suggest this 19-acre hideaway as a basecamp for exploring the Placencia Peninsula (known for its art galleries and fish markets) as well as indulging in Belizean wellness.

Framed by palm trees and mangroves, its 35 relaxed beach houses, treetop villas, and residences offer varying perspectives: verandas that open directly onto the beach, tropical birds singing from the tree canopies, or soothing interiors with cathedral ceilings and pops of vibrant Caribbean artwork.

There’s a yoga studio and fitness center, but be sure not to miss the spa, whose treatment rooms are scattered across a clutch of tiny islands.

9. Hickatee Cottages, Toledo District

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10. Matachica Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye

A short water taxi ride from the coastal village of San Pedro leads you to Ambergris Caye Island and the eye-popping Matachica Beach Resort. 

The 31 thatched-roof villas are as brightly-colored as tropical fish and done up with traditional Central American accents and modern flourishes, each with private terrace.

After a day of windsurfing or sea kayaking, curl up with a good book in a crocheted hammock on the pristine white-sand beach.

Or if you’re still feeling adventurous, go snorkeling in the nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve. JS Tip: We highly recommend a day trip to the tiny, laid-back island of Caye Caulker.

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11. El Secreto Hotel

Talk about seclusion: this romantic hotel, in a hidden cove miles up the coast from San Pedro, is reachable only by boat.

Here, 13 cozy thatched-roof villas line Belize’s Instagram-perfect Ambergris Caye; all come with marble bathrooms, tandem bathtubs, and Egyptian cotton sheets.

If you’re hoping to up the romance quotient, splurge on the Spa Villa, whose plunge pool overlooks the Caribbean.

When lazing in one of the resort’s hammocks starts to bore you (impossible!), the Barrier Reef is just a five-minute boat ride away.

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The Best Beaches In Belize

Belize has golden and white-sand beaches that are a boat or plane ride away from Belize City. Many of these beaches remain a well-kept secret, discovered only by dive enthusiasts and anglers who venture off the beaten track.

Here are my  recommendations for the best beaches to visit in Belize.

Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins Village Beach is located in the eastern Garífuna village of Hopkins, a mere 40-minute drive south of the town of Dangriga.

This uninterrupted, quiet 5-mile beach is lined with coconut trees, locals’ homes, colorful guesthouses and a few local eateries. The waters aren’t Caribbean turquoise, but clear and refreshing nonetheless.

Half Moon Caye

Prepare to gasp at the paradisiacal views of Caribbean waters and a crescent-shaped beach made up of magnificent white sand, dotted with coconut palms.

Half Moon Caye’s no-frills, untouched beach is also a protected turtle-nesting site. The other half of the caye is made up of littoral forest, home to a protected red-footed booby sanctuary. 

Ambergris Caye

Things To Do In Belize

Belize is compact, occupying about 9,000 square miles. But don’t let its size throw you off.  Swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers will discover paradisiacal spots along the barrier reef like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole.

Wildlife-seekers will marvel at Belize’s magnificent jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, parakeets and keel-billed toucans at the Belize Zoo.

And culture hounds will reach new heights exploring impressive Mayan archeological sites like Corozal, Altun Ha and Lamanai.

With so much to do, it can be difficult to decide where to begin in Belize. But the logical first step is grab your bathing suit and savor a tropical papaya or star fruit along the beach.

I suggest hiring a driver like we did and you will have your own personal driver for the week as your guide for all of our excursions and I will say it was well worth the money. 

My husband and I chose to explore the Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich, Cave Tubing, The Blue Hole National Park and ventured off to Placencia for the annual Placencia Lobster Festival.

Mayan Ruins In Belize

Maya Ruins are one of the main Belize attractions and make the country stand out from other destinations that have overcrowded beaches, franchised hotels and fast food joints on every corner.

The area was once the very center of the ancient Maya Civilization and they have left their mark in one of the largest concentrations of temples and underground ritual chambers.

The archlogical site offers guest a magnificent repository of art in gold, jade, obsidian, pottery, elaborate stone carvings, and paintings.

This vast civilization that reached its apex when Europe was in the Dark Ages virtually disappeared about a thousand years ago.

Their descendants remain in the indigenous Maya consisting of various sub-ethnic groups including the Yucatec, the Mopan, the Ketchi and the Xol.

Some of the best known Maya sites include Xunantunich, Caracol, Altun Ha, and Lubaantun.

Go Hiking In The Belizean Jungle

Taking a hike or mountain bike tour is a great way to have fun, get a little exercise after eating all of the delicious food while learning more about Belize.

Most Belize resorts have nature trails, guided or self-guided. On these trails you can hike along well-defined paths that include signs and you will get to see various plants and trees and even some will have medicinal use.

One such area is the Don Elijio National Park named after noted Maya Shaman Elijio Panti. Other resorts have scientific and nature conservation points of interest such as butterfly or iguana breeding programs and nature trails that outline these programs.

Grab a Map Of Belize and you can plan your own itinerary.

Try Belizean Cuisine

Most tourists try typical Belizean fair–stewed chicken, rice and beans, ceviche, and lobster dishes. Why not try something more unusual, like stewed gibnut…a boil up…or hudut, the Garifuna’s traditional coconut fish stew?

Add a splash of Marie Sharp’s, or Hot Mama’s veggie-based hot sauce for an extra kick.

But be sure to indulge in Belize’s artisan chocolates. Kakaw/Chocolate Factory, Moho’s, and Cotton Tree all produce high-quality chocolate, made from Belizean cacao beans.

Look for them in Belizean gift shops or specialty stores.

Try Caving in Belize

Belize offers exceptional, safe cave adventures for all levels of visitors. A trained tour guide will accompany you. Barton’s Cave, in the Cayo, is a popular canoe cave tour. 

You’ll float—in an inner tube—through a cave while passing through the Mayan underworld.

For the truly adventurous, and fit, there’s the unforgettable ATM cave tour.  The weather is pleasant, and the food is tasty and delicious.

 Belize may not be the cheapest Central American destination, but it’s one of the easiest and more relaxing places to travel in the region.

The Other Blue Hole

Belize has another, lesser-known Blue Hole. This is an inland sinkhole located 12 miles south of the City Of Belmopan in the very center of the country.

Yes, it is locally known simply as the Blue Hole. Its location right on the Hummingbird Highway makes this natural swimming pool an attraction for locals and tourists.

The inland Blue Hole is within the St. Herman’s Cave system and is administered as a national park. The Blue Hole is accessible by a short flight of stairs that take you down approximately 30 feet into the very cool freshwater pool.

Belize Lobsterfest

Lobster season in Belize opens on June 15 and closes February 15. There is so much lobster available during the summer that prices are at their lowest which means you can have lobster every way imaginable. 

The various Lobsterfest events are Belize’s way of celebrating the opening of the lobster season which makes this the best time to travel to Belize.

The Lobsterfest is held in four parts of the country, Belize City,  Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Placencia.  You can eat as much lobster as your heart desires for three days each weekend.

You can have lobster on the grill, lobster thermidor, lobster ceviche, lobster kebabs,  even lobster chowder, and even lobster nachos!

Conclusion The Best Hotels & Resorts in Belize

I hope you find my list of the most exclusive Belize Luxury Hotels was helpful.  My selection of boutique hotels in Belize guarantee’s you will enjoy every second of your vacation.

Whether you crave an eco-tourism experience in the heart of the jungle or a beach adventure on one of the many islands these resorts have something for everyone.

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If Belize is on your bucket list make sure you stay at one of my picks for the best Belize Resorts.  I would love to hear your thoughts so leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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