Celebrities' Favorite Belizean Hideaways

Belize has become a hotspot for celebrities, with its diverse beauty, lovely people, and exclusive services. From luxury beachfront villas to secluded jungle lodges, here are some of the top spots where celebrities choose to stay in Belize:

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the most visited place in Belize, known for its small Caribbean island charm surrounded by breathtaking blue waters. While it attracts many celebrities, it is also the most touristy spot, so those seeking privacy may want to look elsewhere. Katie Couric, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tiffany Trump have all been spotted in Ambergris Caye.

Azul Resort

Azul Resort, located on Ambergris Caye, offers two huge white villas with a private pool and dock. Celebrities spotted here include Katie Couric and the actor who played Gus on Breaking Bad.

Cayo Espanto

Cayo Espanto, a luxury resort located just off the coast of Belize, is a private retreat favoured by high-profile celebrities and CEOs. Tiger Woods, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gisele Bundchen are among the celebrities who have stayed here.

Blancaneux Resort

The Blancaneux Resort, located in the Cayo District, is owned by Francis Ford Coppola and attracts many celebrities. This resort is nestled in the Pine Ridge region, surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, jungle, and wildlife. The Coppola family has been spotted vacationing at their own resort.

Placencia

Placencia, a charming beach town, is the second most visited celebrity hotspot in Belize. The main draw is Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn resort, where celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, Chelsea Handler, and Reese Witherspoon have stayed.

Victoria House

The Victoria House Resort, located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, offers colonial/plantation-style elegance. With its perfect restaurant and civilized beach bar, it's no wonder that Jennifer Lawrence chose to stay here.

Chabil Mar Luxury Villas

Chabil Mar Luxury Villas is another celebrity favourite, offering big hacienda-style villas on the edge of the popular Placencia village.

Copal Tree Lodge

Copal Tree Lodge, a Muy'ono Resort, immerses guests in the wilderness with its pool and lounge perched over the bird-filled rainforest. Modern villas and canopy suites nestled in the trees provide the ultimate getaway.

El Secreto

El Secreto, located on Ambergris Caye, offers a gorgeous pool, restaurant, spa, and more. Celebrities Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna have stayed at this secluded resort.

Mata Chica Resort & Spa

Mata Chica Resort & Spa, also on Ambergris Caye, features super comfortable thatch-roofed cabanas painted in tropical fruit colours and equipped with matching hammocks. Celebrities spotted here include Derek Jeter, Alexa Chung, and Alexander Skarsgard.

Placencia

The northern portion of Placencia includes the Garifuna village of Seine Bight and is less densely populated. It is home to many of the more expensive resorts and has "real" surf, although not very high. The water is clean and clear, and the trade winds are gentle and cooling.

San Pedro

The Phoenix Resort

The Phoenix Resort is a celebrity hotspot located at the end of Front Street in San Pedro. It offers huge modern full-kitchen living spaces with massive balconies overlooking the pool. The resort features a great spa, restaurant, gym, and pool. It also stands out for its community involvement, organising weekly beach clean-ups and other projects. Celebrities who have stayed here include Rashida Jones, Angela Kinsey, and Wilt Chamberlain.

Victoria House Resort

The Victoria House Resort is an absolute colonial/plantation-style beauty. Spread over a vast green property, it boasts a perfect restaurant and the most civilised beach bar—you'll want to stop by for a drink or lunch even if you're not a guest. They are currently working on a spa, which will be the largest on the island. This resort has hosted celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence and Chelsea Handler.

Ramon's Village Resort

Ramon's Village Resort is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in Belize. Named after one of its founders, a local from San Pedro, the resort is located on the beachfront and offers massage services, a dive shop, a restaurant, and a bar.

Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection

This new addition to San Pedro offers spacious two-bedroom suites and a friendly staff. It features a stunning, well-maintained property with beautiful grounds, architecture, and room decor. There are various dining options, including the Sea Salt restaurant, and a rooftop pool with amazing beach and ocean views.

Drift Inn San Pedro

Drift Inn San Pedro is a beachfront hotel that provides easy access to activities, restaurants, and bars. It offers spacious shared and private rooms, an outdoor kitchen, and an adjacent restaurant/bar. It caters to all budgets and is well-connected to the popular hub.

Belize Budget Suites

Belize Budget Suites is located in San Pedro, just a three-minute walk from San Pedro Beach. It offers a blend of cleanliness, coziness, quietness, and spaciousness. The property is spotless, with fresh linens and well-maintained facilities. The suites are comfortable and spacious, featuring well-equipped kitchens and ample storage space. The staff is very friendly and responsive.

Cayo Espanto

The island features seven air-conditioned villas with ocean views, private docks, and infinity plunge pools. Each villa is assigned two personal butlers who cater to the guests' every need. The resort's chef also consults with guests daily to tailor the menu to their preferences.

The villas at Cayo Espanto are designed with rustic Caribbean charm, featuring exposed beams, cement floors, and exotic hardwood furniture. The living areas are spacious and well-appointed, with entertainment systems and kitchenettes. The bedrooms offer comfortable king-sized beds with mosquito nets and luxurious linens.

The resort's small beach and shallow waters may be a disappointment to those seeking a traditional beach vacation. However, the nearby sandbars and deserted islands, accessible by kayak or sailboat, offer more suitable swimming spots.

Azul Resort

Overview

Accommodations

Dining

The all-inclusive options at Azul Resort include custom meals crafted by the chef of the on-site Rojo Lounge. The restaurant and lounge have become a neighbourhood hotspot, known for its refreshing cocktails, great music, and delicious treats.

Activities

Celebrity Guests

Blancaneux Resort

Location and Setting

Accommodations

The resort features 20 units, including spacious two-bedroom villas and romantic honeymoon cabanas. The accommodations are built with wooden furniture, thatched roofs, and Guatemalan textiles, creating a rustic luxe aesthetic. Some rooms even have private plunge pools and outdoor showers. The beds are extremely comfortable, and the rooms are equipped with shell phones (an intercom inside a conch shell) for ordering room service.

Dining and Amenities

Eco-Friendly Practices

The Blancaneux Lodge is committed to eco-friendly practices and is Rainforest Alliance Verified. They use renewable energy sources, such as a hydro-electric plant, energy-efficient light bulbs, and biodegradable detergents. The resort also has an organic garden that supplies produce to the restaurants and bar.

Frequently asked questions