Belize's Best Luxury Escapes

Belize is a small country with stunning beaches and amazing water sports. It is a tropical paradise that welcomes travellers with its rich history, unique culture, delicious cuisine, and incomparable nature. The country is divided into six districts and has something to offer travellers of all styles and budgets.

Belize City, the largest city in the country, is a hub for culinary, dining, and nightlife entertainment. It is also one of the best-connected cities in the country, making it a great base for exploring the rest of Belize. The Fort George neighbourhood is the most upscale area, with stately houses and mansions, as well as some of the best hotels in the city.

For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, known for its scuba diving and snorkelling. San Pedro, the main town in Ambergris Caye, offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning views, and plenty of lively bars and restaurants.

Corozal, located on the mainland near the Mexican border, is a small and friendly town with plenty of attractions, including Mayan Ruins and golden sand beaches.

San Ignacio, a small town in central Belize near the Guatemalan border, is famous for its proximity to renowned Mayan ruins and outdoor activities. It is also a great base for those looking to live a sustainable life off the grid.

Ambergris Caye

The island offers a range of accommodations, from smaller cabanas far from town to luxury resorts and private rental homes. San Pedro, the island's only town, is a bustling hub with paved streets, trendy restaurants, nightclubs, coffee houses, and shops. The side streets retain their sandy charm, and you can still buy fresh fish from local fishmongers on the beach.

Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation, and the island has a unique golf cart culture. The building of a new bridge and road north of San Pedro has led to an explosion of development, with many resorts, beach bars, and boutique hotels.

For those seeking water-based activities, Ambergris Caye provides world-class snorkelling and diving sites just minutes away from the island. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are must-visit spots to snorkel and dive with a variety of marine life.

The island also boasts a range of dining options, from fresh ceviche and conch fritters to high-end restaurants. Secret Beach, once a deserted stretch, now features beach bars and restaurants with calm, crystal-clear waters.

Whether you're looking for a simple and relaxed lifestyle or an active and engaged one, Ambergris Caye offers a range of social activities, events, and volunteer opportunities. It is a stable community where it's easy to get to know your neighbours, both locals and expats.

With its combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, nightlife, and social life, Ambergris Caye delivers an island lifestyle with many comforts, making it a popular choice for tourists and expats alike.

Caye Caulker

The primary mode of transportation on the island is by golf cart or bicycle, although it is also common to walk everywhere, as the streets are unpaved and there are no cars. Measuring just five miles long by one mile wide, Caye Caulker offers a quaint lifestyle with some frills.

The turquoise waters and white sand beaches offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Fishing is also a popular activity, and visitors can have their catch cooked at one of the local restaurants. Caye Caulker's 'Split' is a channel that divides the island in two and is a popular hangout spot, featuring shallow waters and the Lazy Lizard bar.

In addition to water sports, Caye Caulker offers a variety of other activities, including full-day excursions to see manatees or visit Mayan temples on the mainland. The island also has several excellent restaurants and street food stalls serving up delicious barbecue and fresh seafood. Lobster and conch are speciality dishes, and Caye Caulker even hosts an annual Lobsterfest celebration.

The best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the dry season from January to April, which coincides with the high tourism season. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit, and discounts can be found during the offseason from March to May.

Corozal

The cost of living in Corozal is much cheaper than in other Caribbean expat havens in Belize. A couple that owns their own home can live comfortably on $1,500 a month, while a couple that rents can expect to spend around $1,800 a month.

There are several resorts and hotels in the Corozal district, including Serenity Sands and Almond Tree Resort. However, as Corozal is not a popular tourist destination, there are no large hotel chains or luxury accommodations. Instead, quality lodgings can be found at family-owned small hotels and inns clustered on the coast or in the southern part of Corozal. Some recommended places to stay in Corozal include:

• Almond Tree Hotel Resort
• Serenity Sands Bed and Breakfast
• Casa de Shelley Unit 2 – The luxury pool house
• Tony's Hotel
• Mirador Hotel

San Pedro

For those seeking luxury, there are several highly-rated hotels and resorts to choose from. The Phoenix Resort is a centrally-located, top-rated property in Ambergris Caye, with large suites, a beautiful pool, and impeccable service. The Pelican Reef Villas Resort is another popular choice, offering tranquil accommodations and activities like snorkelling and kayaking.

For a quiet and secluded stay, Lina Point Belize Overwater Resort is a beautiful option with ocean views, unique features like glass floors, and attentive staff. For a peaceful location with stunning lagoon views, Brahma Blue Belize provides a mix of adventure and relaxation with kayaking, campfires, and boat rides to Secret Beach.

Other notable mentions include the beachfront Caribbean Villas Hotel, with its unbeatable ocean views and secluded atmosphere, and the Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, a tranquil resort with spacious, home-like cottages and a private beach.

San Ignacio

The San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a luxurious accommodation option, with 27 rooms and suites that offer hillside, garden, and rainforest views. The rooms are designed with exotic local art and furnishings made from Belizean hardwood and sustainable mahogany. The hotel offers various packages to cater to different interests, such as the Maya Expedition Package, which includes tours of ancient Maya sites, and the Belize Romantic Package, which combines luxurious accommodations with fun activities for couples.

For dining, Cenaida's Belizean Food is a popular choice, offering Caribbean and Central American cuisine at affordable prices.

There are also several popular attractions in San Ignacio, such as the Green Iguana Conservation Project, the Belize Botanic Gardens, and the Chaa Creek Natural History Museum. For adventure seekers, there's canoeing on the Macal River and exploring the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec.

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