The Tropical Paradise Of Belize: Discover The Country's Finest Resorts

Belize is a tropical paradise with world-class snorkelling, sea kayaking, luxury resorts, barrier reefs, and jungle lodges. The best resorts in Belize are small, ecological, and located in spectacular rainforests or by the Caribbean Sea.

The top resort destinations in Belize include the Cayo District, Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Placencia, Dangriga, Hopkins Village, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

- Matachica Resort & Spa, Ambergris Caye

- Chabil Mar Resort, Placencia

- Victoria House Resort, Ambergris Caye

- Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Hopkins Village

- Coco Plum Island Resort, Coco Plum Cay

- Turneffe Island Resort, Turneffe Atoll

Belize beach resorts

Belize is a tropical paradise with world-class snorkelling, sea kayaking, luxury resorts, barrier reefs, and jungle lodges. Here are some of the best beach resorts in Belize:

Victoria House Resort, Ambergris Caye

One of the oldest and most popular beach hotels in Belize, Victoria House Resort has earned its reputation for luxurious accommodations and world-class service. It is located in South Ambergris Caye, a short distance from the island's downtown, San Pedro. The resort features a beautiful swimming pool that complements its beachfront, and its restaurant is one of the best in San Pedro.

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Hopkins Village

The award-winning Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort is known for its world-class diving and snorkelling adventures. The resort is located in Hopkins, a small quiet village that is the ideal hub for travellers interested in experiencing the unique Garifuna culture, exploring the southern barrier reef, and visiting nearby jungle reserves, Maya sites, and other mainland Belize attractions. Hamanasi Resort offers both rainforest and beach experiences.

Ramon's Village Resort, San Pedro Town

Inspired by Tahitian cottages, Ramon's Village Resort brings the unique aesthetics of Bora Bora to Ambergris Caye. The resort is located in downtown San Pedro, and its beachside thatched cabanas are surrounded by tropical gardens and pools. Ramon's Village is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in San Pedro.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort, South Ambergris Caye

Awarded one of the best small hotels in Belize, Pelican Reef Villas has modern, well-equipped beachfront condos. The resort is located about 20 minutes away from downtown San Pedro and offers the perfect setting for families or groups of friends. Pelican Reef Villas provides guests with access to cooking facilities and self-serve laundry, along with resort amenities such as an onsite restaurant, bar, and pool.

Coco Plum Island Resort, Southern Belize

Coco Plum Island Resort is a private island, all-inclusive resort located off the coast of Dangriga in Southern Belize. It offers the perfect island getaway for honeymooners, couples, and friends looking for romance or bonding time. The resort consists of a restaurant, bar, and beachfront cabanas, providing a secluded and intimate experience.

Naia Resort and Spa, Placencia Peninsula

Naia Resort and Spa is situated between Maya Beach and Seine Bight on the Placencia Peninsula, extending 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 highly rated for romantic getaways and family vacations.

Belize sea kayaking

Belize is one of the world's top sea kayaking destinations, with its clear waters, coral reefs, marine life, and tropical cayes. The Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-longest reef, is a paradise for kayakers, and the reef's three atolls—Glover's Atoll, Turneffe Atoll, and Lighthouse Atoll—offer a unique kayaking experience. The protection of the reef and atolls, along with shallow inshore waters, makes Belize one of the best places for sea kayaking.

The water temperatures in Belize range from 78°F to 82°F (25.5°C to 27.7°C) year-round, making it an ideal destination for kayaking at any time of year. The rise of the Belize Ruta Maya Canoe Race has also contributed to the popularity of kayaking in the country.

Belize offers a variety of kayaking experiences, from leisurely paddles along the coast to more adventurous trips through mangroves and coral reefs. Kayaking in Belize is not just about paddling; when the trade winds blow, kayaks become light and responsive, perfect for sailing. Kayakers can also snorkel from their kayaks, exploring the rich underwater world of colourful corals and diverse marine life.

Some of the best spots for sea kayaking in Belize include:

• Glover's Reef Atoll: Located about 40 miles (64 km) off the Belize mainland, this atoll is known for its clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life. It offers a diverse and rich kayaking, snorkelling, and diving experience.
• Lighthouse Reef Atoll: The most remote atoll in Belize, located 55 miles (88.5 km) off the mainland. It features six cayes (islands), an underwater marine trail, and two marine parks. The Half Moon Caye at its centre is a protected area and the site of a sea kayaking and snorkelling base camp.
• Belize Barrier Reef: This 300-kilometre-long reef is considered the most diverse section of the Mesoamerican Reef system. It offers unparalleled snorkelling, sea kayaking, and diving opportunities, with its incredible diversity of corals and tropical fish.
• Southern Barrier Reef: A classic Belize kayak expedition along the pristine southern section of the Barrier Reef, journeying between islands and exploring the coral reefs.

In addition to these spots, Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize, is a popular destination for beach resorts, and the Placencia Peninsula also offers beach resorts with access to sea kayaking.

For those seeking a combination of luxury and adventure, there are beachfront resorts in Belize that provide access to sea kayaking, such as Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort and Chabil Mar. These resorts offer spacious accommodations, fine dining, and a range of activities, including sea kayaking, snorkelling, and exploring the surrounding reefs and jungles.

Belize rainforest trips

Belize is a lush landscape brimming with wildlife, birds, and beautiful flowering plants. The rainforests of Belize are home to numerous exotic birds, incredible wildlife, and ample opportunities for adventure. Here are some ideas for things to do and see on your rainforest trip to Belize:

Hiking

Hike to one of the best viewpoints in Belize. One recommended hike is to the top of Antelope Falls in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. This medium-to-difficult trail hike offers a beautiful view and a refreshing pool of freshwater to cool off in. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park boasts several miles of trails to hike and five natural waterfalls to explore. Another great viewpoint is from the Cahal Pech Village Resort, a beautiful lodge overlooking the town of San Ignacio and the rolling hills of the Cayo District in Western Belize.

Wildlife

The Maya Mountains support the largest population of jaguars within Belize. While your chances of spotting a jaguar in the wild are slim, you can visit the Belize Zoo, which is home to native wildlife and supports important conservation efforts. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is also known internationally as the world's first jaguar preserve.

Waterfalls and Swimming

Find a hidden waterfall and a secret swimming spot. One recommended spot is the Hidden Valley Inn, a private nature reserve set on 7,200 acres of wilderness in the Maya Mountains.

Birdwatching

With over 500 species of birds in Belize, you're likely to spot something exciting. One of the best times to go birding is at sunrise.

Dining

Belize has incredible restaurants with locally-inspired and organic menus. Some recommended restaurants set in glorious jungle settings include the Wild Fig Jungle Bistro & Bar at Bocawina Rainforest Resort, La Ranita Restaurant at Mystic River Resort, Mariposa Restaurant at Chaa Creek, and The Sleeping Giant Restaurant at the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge.

Butterfly Farms

With over 700 butterfly species in Belize, a visit to a butterfly farm is a must. One of the most well-known butterfly farms is the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm, located at Chaa Creek.

Cave Tubing

The Caves Branch River spends much of its length underground and was once used by the ancient Maya for religious ceremonies. Today, visitors can ride inflatable tubes to sail down the subterranean passages, past underground waterfalls and ancient Maya sites.

Overnight Expeditions and Lodging

For an immersive rainforest experience, consider staying at a modern jungle lodge like Caves Branch, which offers luxury treehouses with panoramic views of the rainforest. Another option is the Dream Valley Belize rainforest resort, located 20 minutes from Belmopan City along the Belize River.

Belize family vacations

Belize is a great location for a family vacation, with plenty of resorts offering family-friendly activities and amenities. Here is a list of some of the best resorts in Belize for families:

Ramon's Village Resort

Inspired by Tahitian cottages, Ramon's Village Resort in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, offers a unique blend of Bora Bora aesthetics and Belizean charm. The beachfront resort is located near the downtown area, but its thatch beach cabanas, surrounded by gardens and swimming pools, provide a tranquil escape for families. In addition to its convenient location and amenities, Ramon's Village Resort also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as snorkelling, sailing, and manatee spotting.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a premier eco-lodge located within a 400-acre private nature reserve just minutes away from San Ignacio. This luxury jungle resort caters to families who love nature and are interested in learning about Mayan culture. Chaa Creek offers all-inclusive amenities such as a natural history museum, a Maya medicinal plant trail, and a butterfly farm. For adults seeking relaxation and pampering, there is also a spa and wellness centre on-site.

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort

Hamanasi Resort, located in Hopkins Village, is known for its world-class diving adventures. However, what truly sets this resort apart is its location. Hopkins is a small seaside village in southern Belize, offering travellers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant Garifuna culture of Belize. In addition to exploring nearby marine reserves and cayes, or taking jungle day trips to nature parks and Maya sites, families can immerse themselves in the local culture through dance, drumming, and cooking lessons.

Robert's Grove Beach Resort

Robert's Grove Beach Resort, nestled in the picturesque beachside village of Placencia, is one of Belize's oldest resorts. Placencia boasts some of the best beaches in Belize, and the resort's tranquil setting and fun amenities, including pools, sailing boats, and kayaks, make it an ideal choice for families. The immaculate landscaping and manicured gardens further enhance the appeal of this resort.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort

Awarded one of the best small hotels in Belize, Pelican Reef Villas offers modern, well-equipped beachfront condos in south Ambergris Caye. Located just 15 minutes away from the bustling town centre, the resort provides a peaceful setting for families seeking a relaxing vacation. Guests can choose to cook their own meals in the comfort of their condo or dine at the on-site restaurant and bar. After a fun-filled day, families can unwind on the private beach, lounge by the pool, or explore the surrounding waters through swimming and snorkelling.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Mystic River Resort
• Laru Beya Resort & Villas
• Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Coco Beach Resort
• Hopkins Bay, a Muy'Ono Resort
• Naia Resort and Spa
• Caribbean Villas Hotel

Belize all-inclusive resorts

Belize is a tropical paradise, with world-class snorkelling, sea kayaking, luxury resorts, barrier reefs, and jungle lodges. The best resorts in Belize are small, ecological, and located in spectacular rainforests or by the Caribbean Sea.

Turneffe Island Resort

This luxury resort is a favourite with fans of fishing, diving, and snorkelling. It is set on a 14-acre private island about 30 miles southeast of Belize City. Guests can arrive by boat or helicopter from the international airport, and the all-inclusive experience covers meals and access to the pool, gym, kayaks, paddle boards, and catamarans.

Belizean Dreams Resort, Hopkins

This intimate beachfront resort is located in Hopkins, a friendly southern Belize fishing village. It offers nine villas and seven boutique rooms ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. Guests can choose from a variety of all-inclusive packages that cover dining, transportation from and back to the airport, and select tours and activities.

Manta Island Resort, Glover's Atoll

Set on Glover's Atoll, a ring of coral about 36 miles off the southern coast of Belize, Manta Island Resort offers 11 oceanfront cabanas and three two-bedroom villas, one of which has a private plunge pool. The all-inclusive package covers meals and beverages, round-trip airport and boat transfers, water sports gear, and guided snorkelling tours.

Matachica Resort & Spa, Ambergris Caye

Located five miles north of San Pedro Town, Matachica Resort & Spa offers 32 casitas, villas, bungalows, and suites with sea and garden views, thatched roofs, patios, and hammocks. A variety of all-inclusive packages are available, and the resort takes care of all your domestic transportation. Complimentary onsite activities include spa treatments, kayaking, snorkelling, and biking.

Chabil Mar Villas, Placencia

Chabil Mar Villas offers customizable seven-night all-inclusive packages based on themes like adventure, fishing, diving and snorkelling, sailing, birding, and wellness. Transportation within Belize is covered, as are themed activities and most meals. Guests also have access to kayaks, bicycles, paddle boards, and two seaside infinity swimming pools.

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Stann Creek

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the Maya Mountains, this secluded boutique resort is set on 45 acres of waterfront property, lush gardens, and coastal forest. Accommodations include treehouse rooms as well as beachfront rooms and suites, all decorated with folk art and hardwood furniture. Guests can choose from a variety of all-inclusive packages that take care of all meals, domestic transfers, and guided tours for a more customised experience.

Frequently asked questions