Belize's Best: Choosing Your Perfect Belizean Stay

Belize is a small country known for its stunning beaches and amazing water sports. The country covers an area of 22,800 square kilometres and is divided into six districts, which are further subdivided into 31 constituencies.

The best place to stay in Belize depends on what you want to do and experience during your vacation. The towns and cities in mainland Belize are great for ecotourism and jungle adventures, while the islands and coastal villages are perfect for sun, sand and sea activities.

- San Pedro – the main town in Ambergris Caye, which is the country's largest island. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning views and plenty of lively bars and restaurants.

- Caye Caulker – a tiny island located off the coast of Belize, perfect for budget-conscious travellers. It offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including scuba diving and snorkelling.

- San Ignacio – a small town in central Belize, famous for its proximity to renowned Mayan ruins and outdoor activities. It is also a great base for families, offering a rich history and a diverse blend of backgrounds.

- Placencia – one of the most popular spots for travellers looking for a coastal resort town on Belize’s mainland. It is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in Belize.

- Hopkins – a small village just an hour’s ride from Belize City, great for experiencing the local culture. It is also known for its nice beaches and proximity to beautiful national parks.

- Belize City – the largest city in the country, home to major cultural and historical landmarks, nice shops and delicious restaurants. This is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the airport.

Beach resorts

Belize is known for its stunning beaches, incredible snorkelling, delicious food, rich history, diverse culture, and amazing water sports. The country covers an area of 22,800 square kilometres and is divided into six districts, which are further subdivided into 31 constituencies.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort, South Ambergris Caye

Awarded one of the best small hotels in Belize by the Belize Tourism Board, Pelican Reef Villas offers modern, well-equipped beachfront condos. The resort is located about 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Pedro and offers the perfect setting for families or groups of friends.

Coco Plum Island Resort, Southern Belize

If you’re looking for a private island, all-inclusive resort in Belize, Coco Plum is one of the top adults-only choices. The resort is located off the coast of Dangriga in Southern Belize and offers the perfect island getaway for honeymooners, couples, and friends. It consists of a restaurant, bar, and a few beachfront cabanas.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, South Ambergris Caye

The chic Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club is a part of Curio – A Collection by Hilton Worldwide. Located in Ambergris Caye South, it is set up as an exclusive village that offers seclusion to guests but is only 15 minutes by golf cart from the bustling downtown of San Pedro. The resort is the first international luxury hotel chain to enter Belize and has won the hearts of many.

Naïa Resort and Spa, Placencia Peninsula

Situated between Maya Beach and Seine Bight on the Placencia Peninsula, Naïa Resort and Spa extends along a beach and through forests within a 200-acre nature reserve. It offers 38 upscale beach houses with modern luxury amenities, including outdoor showers and plunge pools, a luxury spa, fitness centre, yoga studio, and two restaurants. The resort is rated highly for romantic getaways and family vacations.

Chabil Mar Resort, Placencia Village

If you’re really into beachfront villa-style accommodations, Chabil Mar is the ideal hotel in Placencia. Aside from having beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, the resort has many amenities and offers guests more than 400 feet of private beach. Although Chabil Mar is very private, it benefits from being the closest resort to downtown Placencia.

The Phoenix Resort, Downtown San Pedro

The Phoenix Resort is an award-winning beachside resort in downtown San Pedro. It’s ideal for travellers seeking to spend a lot of time in the vibrant town of San Pedro yet want to have the satisfaction of being able to easily find refuge within their nearby hotel. Guests feel right at home with the deluxe condo-style accommodations, casual upscale restaurant, on-site luxury spa, and a refreshing set of pools.

Eco-resorts

Belize is a small country known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and impressive Mayan ruins. The country is also a great choice for eco-tourists, with several environmentally-focused resorts to choose from. Here are some of the best eco-resorts in Belize:

Blancaneaux Lodge, San Ignacio

Part of a family of eco-friendly resorts owned by acclaimed American film director Francis Ford Coppola, Blancaneaux Lodge is nestled in the remote forests of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest in the Cayo District. The resort combines luxury, sustainability, fine food, and style. It features a hydroelectric system powered by the on-site Privassion Creek, all-saline swimming pools, and a commitment to reducing single-use plastic. Guests can enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching, as well as tours of Mayan ruins and cave explorations.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, San Ignacio

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a pioneering eco-resort located on the western fringe of Belize. It offers a range of accommodation options, from cottage-style rooms to a treehouse and private villa. The resort is spread across 400 acres along the banks of the Macal River in a rainforest reserve. The owners donate 10% of all accommodation revenue to local environmental and community projects, and the resort offers a range of amenities, including an infinity pool, a full-service spa, and an organic farm.

Chan Chich Lodge, Gallon Jug

Chan Chich Lodge is located on the Gallon Jug estate, surrounded by the 30,000-acre tri-national Maya Forest. The resort was constructed to deter looters from raiding a genuine Mayan archaeological site. It features 12 luxe, thatched-roof cottages situated on the main plaza of a Mayan Temple, crafted using wood and palm trees cleared during construction. The resort has been devoted to conservation since the 1980s, with more than half of the food served at the restaurant coming from its organic farm.

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, Stann Creek

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort boasts nearly 1000 feet of beachfront access, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the Caribbean Sea and its coral reefs. The resort has set aside 26 acres of its property as a nature preserve and composts over 100 pounds of biodegradable waste per day. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including rooms, suites, and stilt-raised treehouses, all decorated with locally handcrafted furniture.

Copal Tree Lodge, Punta Gorda

Copal Tree Lodge is tucked away in a rainforest preserve in the mountains near Punta Gorda. The resort offers 16 private villas, each with its own hammock and screened-in deck, spacious rooms with stunning views, and spa-like showers. Most of the resort's food is produced on its organic farm or locally sourced, and guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and cave expeditions.

Table Rock Lodge, San Antonio Village

Table Rock Lodge is a small and peaceful eco-lodge located inside a 105-acre jungle reserve in western Belize. It offers 10 guest cabanas with options such as garden-facing rooms, thatched-roof cabanas, and river view suites. The lodge is completely off the grid, producing all its electricity from solar panels, and it uses purified rain and river water for most of its water needs. The lodge also has an organic farm that offers a farm-to-table dining experience, and guests can enjoy activities such as canoeing, tubing, and hiking.

Black Rock Lodge, San Ignacio

Black Rock Lodge is a self-sufficient resort located on the banks of the Macal River, nestled in a dense rainforest. The lodge features 20 airy cabins, each with its own hammock and slate stone floors, and it relies on solar and hydroelectric energy to reduce carbon emissions. It also has a natural wetland wastewater treatment system to avoid polluting surrounding water sources. Guests can enjoy activities such as tubing, hiking, and spelunking in the nearby Flour Camp Cave.

Hotels and guesthouses

Belize has a wide range of hotels and guesthouses to choose from, with options to suit all budgets and preferences. From large hotel chains to small guesthouses and villas, there is something for everyone. Here is a selection of some of the best hotels and guesthouses in Belize:

Villa Boscardi

A quaint 8-bedroom villa located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Buttonwood Bay in Belize City. It is a safe and comfortable bed-and-breakfast, just a block away from the Caribbean Sea and the colourful Belize Sign Monument.

The Great House Inn

An authentic Belizean hotel located in the heart of Belize City in the renowned Fort George neighbourhood. This historic British colonial-style hotel is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Belize City and a block from the Caribbean Sea.

Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat

Located at the eastern edge of Belize City, next to the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and near the Great House Inn and The Radisson Hotel. This hotel offers a simple and intimate setting, blending a serene ambiance with unique yoga experiences.

Golden Bay Hotel

Situated in a central yet quiet location on Marine Parade Blvd, the Golden Bay Hotel offers guests tranquility and convenience. The hotel has friendly staff, spacious rooms, and a rooftop restaurant with sea views.

Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel

This hotel is located in a quiet area of North Belize City and offers 75 rooms with a full-service spa, 24-hour gym, pool, and restaurant. It also caters to business travellers with first-class amenities.

Seaside Chateau Resort

A small resort near the outskirts of Belize City, featuring cosy seaside cabanas, an infinity pool, and free kayaks for exploring the sea and mangrove forest. The on-site restaurant offers delicious meals, and the warm and welcoming staff ensures a homely ambiance.

Ramada by Wyndham Princess Belize City

A lively casino hotel set on the shore of the Caribbean Sea in the upscale Kings Park neighbourhood. This large chain hotel is popular with tourists and business travellers.

Island Magic Beach Hotel

Located on the island of Caye Caulker, this charming hotel offers scenic views of the Caribbean Sea. It features a swimming pool, a private beach, comfortable rooms with romantic decorations, a good breakfast, and an airport shuttle. The hotel's restaurant serves delicious dinners, and the beach bar offers tropical cocktails.

Ka'ana Resort & Spa

A centrally located boutique resort in San Ignacio, featuring a stunning garden, a swimming pool surrounded by jungle, and a fabulous spa. The resort has a great on-site restaurant, and the rooms offer private terraces with hammocks overlooking tropical trees.

Umaya Resort Adventures

An all-inclusive resort centrally located in Placencia, offering a unique stay by the beach with a tropical vibe. Enjoy a swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden, a spa, spacious rooms with stunning Caribbean views, and an excellent on-site restaurant. Diving and snorkelling activities are also available to explore the nearby impressive marine life.

The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

A 4-star resort with bungalows, located in Hopkins, featuring a spa, rooms with private pools, a beachfront location, and an on-site bar and restaurant. The resort also offers free parking and gorgeous landscaping.

Vacation rentals

Belize is a small country known for its stunning beaches and water sports. It is a tropical paradise that welcomes travellers with its history, culture, cuisine, and nature.

Belize vacation rentals offer a wide range of options, from beachfront homes with private docks and pools to oceanfront houses and cottages. There are also glamping options and spacious condos with ocean views.

The price of a night's stay in Belize starts at $46, with the average nightly price being $46 in April and May, the country's warmest months. The most expensive month is May, with prices going up to $915.

Most vacation rentals in Belize offer amenities like air conditioning, pools, and internet access. Some rentals are also pet-friendly, and wheelchair accessible options are available.

Where to Stay in Belize

Ambergris Caye and San Pedro

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island and the most popular place to visit. San Pedro is the only town on the island and has a lively downtown area with restaurants and beach bars. The island offers world-class diving and snorkelling as the barrier reef is less than a mile away.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a tiny island that is a budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye. It has a laid-back, hip, low-key Caribbean vibe, perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the nearby reef.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is a small town in central Belize, close to the Guatemalan border. It is a great base for outdoor adventurers and those interested in exploring Mayan ruins. It is also known for its rich history and diverse culture, with a blend of Spanish and Mayan influences.

Placencia

Placencia is a popular spot for travellers looking for a coastal resort town on Belize's mainland. It is home to luxurious resorts, beautiful sandy beaches, and easy access to the Southern Cayes and Reef.

Hopkins

Hopkins is a small village that retains its seaside charm. It is ideal for travellers seeking a quiet coastal base to learn about the local culture and experience eco-tourism activities.

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in the country and acts as the main gateway, with the only international airport. It is home to major cultural and historical landmarks, shops, and restaurants.

When to Visit Belize

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season from December to April, with sunny days and clear blue skies.

Hostels

Belize is a small country known for its stunning beaches and amazing water sports. It is a tropical paradise that welcomes travellers with its interesting history, unique culture, marvellous cuisine and incomparable nature.

Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant

This award-winning hostel in Belize is reasonably priced and has a bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy pizza and rum. After eating, you can take a dip in the swimming pool or lounge on the sunbeds. There is also a common room with a plunge pool and hammocks.

Drift Inn

This clean and no-frills hostel in San Pedro is perfect for those who want to save money on accommodation and spend it on the cool activities the city has to offer. The beach is just a short walk or golf cart ride away, and the reception can help arrange trips and tours. There is also a small lounge pool for those who want to relax.

The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel

This hostel is located in the centre of Hopkins village and is perfect for digital nomads. It has a shaded sandy backyard with high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as a well-equipped kitchen. The hostel staff can also help arrange tours and adventures in the local area. There are several bars, cafes, and restaurants within a minute's walk of the hostel.

Go Slow Hostel

This colourful hostel is located in the centre of Caye Caulker and is just a 5-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and bars. It has a fully equipped kitchen and offers free tea and coffee.

Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel

This peaceful hostel in Caye Caulker has a roof terrace kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals with ingredients bought from the local market. It also offers free tea and coffee, so you can quench your thirst without spending a fortune.

Lower Dover

Hidden away in the Western Belizean jungle, this legendary hostel is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers zip-lining, tubing, and exploration of the ATM cave. For a little extra, you can enjoy traditional Belizean cuisine and drinks.

Bella's Backpackers

This hostel in San Ignacio is great for meeting other travellers while keeping costs low. It has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals instead of eating out. There are also regular events, including communal dinners, which make you feel like part of the hostel family.

Frequently asked questions