Luxury Belize: Five-Star Stays

Belize is a tropical paradise, offering everything from beaches and nightlife to snorkelling and scuba diving. With its rich history and diverse culture, it is a great place to explore for adventure lovers.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, horse riding, canoeing and zip wiring through the jungle, while scuba divers and snorkellers can explore the underwater seascapes. Belize is also home to ancient Mayan ruins, mountains, caves and wildlife reserves.

- Victoria House Resort & Spa, Ambergris Caye

- Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Ambergris Caye

- Ka'ana Resort and Spa, Cayo District

- Blancaneaux Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge

- Chan Chich Lodge, Gallon Jug Estate

- The Lodge at Chaa Creek Rainforest Reserve, San Ignacio, Cayo District

- Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, Cayo District

- Umaya Resort & Adventures, Placencia

- The Inn at Robert's Grove, Placencia

Belize City: Colonial hotels, beach views, and easy access to attractions

Belize City is the largest city in the country and is located on a small peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The city offers a blend of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, along with a vibrant food scene and lively nightlife. Here are some recommended places to stay in Belize City:

The Great House

The Great House is a four-star hotel centrally located in the city's historical district. It is within walking distance of attractions such as the Swing Bridge and the Museum of Belize. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a terrace, a Caribbean restaurant, and spacious rooms.

Ramada by Wyndham Princess Belize City

This hotel is located just a short walk from the city centre and offers sea views. It has a restaurant serving delicious food, including shrimp and mashed potatoes. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature wooden structures and retro lounge chairs.

Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat

Located in the historical district, this spa hotel offers easy access to attractions such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Belize City Terminal. The hotel has a restaurant, Martha's Cafe, and provides pampering services such as massages, body treatments, and facials.

Fort George Hotel and Spa Belize

Fort George Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of Belize City, just a short walk from the Tourism Village and Baron Bliss Lighthouse. The hotel offers a spa with massages and facials, along with complimentary wireless internet access. The hotel has two restaurants, including Le Petit Cafe, and a bar/lounge.

Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza

This hotel is located near the airport and offers delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices. The staff is welcoming and attentive, ensuring a pleasant stay. It is a great option for those looking for a comfortable stop before beginning their Belize adventure or before flying back home.

See Belize Waterside Sea View Suite with Infinity Pool & Overwater Deck

This accommodation is located near the entrance of Belize City, offering air-conditioned rooms with a pool and sea views. It provides free WiFi and parking. The spacious apartment features a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private entrance.

Caye Caulker: Paradise island with budget-friendly accommodation

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, less than two kilometres from the Barrier Reef. It's a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers, with its proximity to the incredible Blue Hole, where you can swim and dive to see fish, sharks, and coral. The island also offers a plethora of other outdoor activities, including sunbathing on its stunning beaches and exploring nature.

With its relaxed atmosphere and relatively cheap prices, Caye Caulker is a popular destination for budget-conscious travellers and backpackers. Here, you can enjoy all the perks of paradise without breaking the bank. The island boasts a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels to hotels and Airbnbs, making it easy to find something that suits your budget.

Where to stay in Caye Caulker

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Caye Caulker, you're spoilt for choice. Here are some recommendations for budget-friendly accommodation:

• Tropical Paradise Hotel – Colourful, comfortable, and clean, this resort is located at the heart of the island, close to restaurants, shops, and the beach. It offers free Wi-Fi, a ticket service, and a cosy lounge bar.
• Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel – Conveniently located within walking distance of shops and the ocean, this hostel offers well-stocked rooms with a fridge/freezer, free tea/coffee, Wi-Fi, and purified water. There's also a rooftop terrace with beautiful views.
• Vista del Mar Guest House – This guest house is just a short walk from the water taxi, offering communal chill spaces and gardens where you can swap stories with fellow travellers.
• Dream Cabanas – This accommodation provides simple yet beautiful cabanas right on the sea, with one bedroom and a full kitchen.
• Valarosa – Set among the trees, this sweet one-bedroom home has everything you need, including bikes, air conditioning, and a full kitchen.
• Caye Caulker Condos – Choose from five east-facing two-bedroom condos with a rooftop jacuzzi and pool, or opt for a deluxe condo with a private pool.
• The Gumbo Limbo - Go Slow Cabana – This charming hotel has been described as one of the best-value options in Caye Caulker, with rooms starting at $93 per night.

Whether you're looking for a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, Caye Caulker has something to offer, and you can be sure to find accommodation that suits your budget and travel style. So, start planning your trip to this paradise island and get ready to explore all that Caye Caulker has to offer!

San Pedro: Water sports, seafood restaurants, and lively nightlife

San Pedro is a vibrant town on Belize's Ambergris Caye, offering a range of water sports, seafood restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Water Sports

For water sports enthusiasts, San Pedro provides the opportunity to explore the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef through activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and diving. Golf cart and bike rentals are also available for those who wish to explore the island.

Seafood Restaurants

When it comes to dining, San Pedro boasts an array of seafood restaurants serving fresh catches and delicious meals. Here are some notable mentions:

• 22nd St. Landing Seafood Grill & Bar: Located in the Cabrillo Marina, this waterfront restaurant offers expansive views of the marina, fishing boats, seals, and birds, along with a variety of seafood dishes.
• Trani's Dockside Station: A new waterside restaurant launched by one of the town's well-known restaurant families, offering a range of seafood options.
• The Crab Pot Restaurant & Bar: Known for its fresh seafood, particularly the popular Westport dish, along with breathtaking marina views, especially at sunset.
• Gladstone's Long Beach: Features a diverse menu that includes fresh seafood, grilled steaks, healthy salads, and decadent desserts, all while overlooking the Long Beach Harbour.

Lively Nightlife

As the sun sets, San Pedro's nightlife comes alive with a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment options:

• Beerly Pedaling: A unique experience that combines bar hopping with island tours, making it a fun choice for groups.
• Coco Loco's Beach Bar: A popular spot with a swim-up bar and delicious food, located on the way to Secret Beach.
• Feliz Bar & Grill: Features a perfect menu for a day out on the beach, along with friendly and accommodating staff.
• Secret Beach Belize: A beautiful spot for swimming, with great food and drink options, making it ideal for groups.
• Cholo's Beachside Sports Bar: A lively sports bar with pool tables, large-screen TVs, and a friendly atmosphere.

San Ignacio: Mayan ruins, archaeological sites, and nature-focused resorts

San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo region of Belize, close to the Guatemalan border. It is a great base for outdoor adventurers and travellers looking to visit the country's famous Mayan ruins. Here are some options for places to stay and things to do in San Ignacio:

Places to Stay

• Rumors Hotel: This five-star hotel is ideal for families. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and a pool just for kids! There is also a delicious on-site restaurant and a stylish lounge bar.
• Hidden Haven: This unique Belizean eco-resort is surrounded by the jungle, offering a calm and relaxing oasis for travellers. It boasts a salt-water swimming pool and accommodations perfect for families.
• Cahal Pech Village Resort: Named after the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech, this resort offers a complete Maya Vacation Package which includes a trip to see Maya ruins and a special traditional dinner with a local Maya family.

Mayan Ruins and Archaeological Sites

• Xunantunich: Widely known as the most prestigious Mayan ruin in Belize, Xunantunich is conveniently located just west of Cahal Pech. Its notable main temple is known as El Castillo and rises 39 meters over the plaza.
• Cahal Pech: Cahal Pech is located within close proximity to Xunantunich, making it easy to explore both ruins within the same day. This ruin is dated to 1,500 B.C., making it one of the oldest ruins in Belize. It features stunning temples, plazas, and other areas to explore.
• El Pilar: One of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Belize, El Pilar spans over 100 acres and has 25 separate plazas, each with its own unique features.
• Caracol: A beautifully preserved Mayan ruin with a gorgeous temple that rises above the jungle. You can climb to the top of the temple and explore the archaeological displays in the museum.
• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave: This cave was used by the ancient Maya for rituals and sacrifices. It is located in the Cayo District of Belize and is known for its impressive underworld.

Nature-Focused Resorts and Activities

The Lodge at Chaa Creek Rainforest Reserve in San Ignacio, Cayo District, is a nature-focused resort offering intimate and rustic experiences. Here are some nature-focused activities you can do in San Ignacio:

• Explore pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls, and exotic wildlife.
• Go cave tubing at Jaguar Paw, a tropical stream in the Branch River.
• Visit the Shipstern Nature Reserve to learn about wildlife.
• Enjoy the beauty of Belize's rainforest on a combo tour, such as the Xunantunich and Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure.
• Experience cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw.
• Explore the Barton Creek Cave, a stream cave located near San Ignacio that was used by ancient Mayans.

Placencia: Family-friendly fishing town with white sand beaches

Placencia is a charming fishing village located on the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. With a mangrove-lined lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, Placencia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The peninsula is approximately 19 miles long but only half a mile wide, giving it the look and feel of an island.

Placencia has successfully retained its old-world charm despite the development of luxury resorts and condominiums. The village has a population of less than 2,000 people, and its 4,000-foot-long "main street" is a pedestrian-only sidewalk adorned with colourful murals and artwork. The village also has lovely shops, charming cafes, seafood restaurants, a small medical clinic, and an airfield.

Placencia is a popular destination for family vacations, destination weddings, and romantic honeymoons. It serves as a gateway to the southern reef, offering maritime activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing. The nearby mainland attractions include hiking through the Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve, home to some of Central America's last surviving jaguars, and exploring ancient Maya ruins such as Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum.

Placencia has a range of resorts and hotels to fit almost any budget, from exclusive luxury resorts to budget-friendly spots like Miramar Apartments or Harry's Cozy Cabanas. The best time to visit Placencia is during the dry season from December to April, when you can expect beautiful days with clear blue skies. However, this is also the peak tourism season, so hotel prices tend to be higher.

Where to Stay

• Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas
• Laru Beya Resort & Villas
• Roberts Grove Beach Resort
• Chabil Mar Villas
• Umaya Resort & Adventures
• The Inn at Robert's Grove

Where to Eat

Seafood is abundant and often inexpensive in Placencia, with lobster being a prime staple in the region. Here are some recommended restaurants:

• The Breezeway Oceanfront Restaurant & Pool Bar
• Maya Beach Hotel Bistro
• The Secret Garden Restaurant
• Above Grounds Coffee House
• Tutti-Fruitti (for authentic Italian gelato)
• Turtle Inn (owned by Francis Ford Coppola)
• Rumfish y Vino

Frequently asked questions