Where to Stay in Belize
Known as “The Jewel” by local Belizeans, Belize is one of a kind among Central American countries – it’s English-speaking, small, and uncrowded.
From beachfront resorts to riverside lodges, this list of the top ten places to stay in Belize will help you find somewhere that is tailored to your needs and enable you to maximize your experience there.
Known for warm waters, laid-back style, and lush jungles, Belize is also recognized for its commitment to environmental conservation and eco-tourism.
Shortly after gaining independence in 1981, Belize’s new government designated 40 percent of the total territory as protected land.
Since that original commitment to sustainability, protection of pristine forest and marine habitats has continued, marked by the subsequent establishment of numerous additional public and private reserves.
Here’s a look at our top 10 recommendations for places to stay in Belize:
10. Hidden Valley Inn
Hidden Valley Inn is situated inside a 7,200-acre private nature reserve, exclusive to hotel guests. That reserve is contiguous with the the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the Cayo District in Belize’s western mountains.
Amenities include a mahogany bar room, pool terrace, and hotel gardens.
Guests at Hidden Valley Inn can hike through the surrounding forest, zip-line, explore the underground cave systems, and explore ancient Maya cities.
The estate lodge is surrounded by six cottages, each with two suites. These guest rooms are furnished with fireside seating, full bath and shower, writing desk, closets, and a queen or king beds.
The cottages are finished in mahogany and leather, terra cotta, and artisanal textiles.
The restaurant at Hidden Valley Inn is reserved for hotel guests only. Their in-house chef combines the authentic Mayan and Mestizo flavors.
9. Las Terrazas
Las Terrazas is a beachfront boutique resort located on the eastern shore of Ambergris Caye. The heart the resort is a 70’ swimming pool, surrounded by sun loungers and the O Restaurant.
Among the other amenities at Las Terrazas are:
- Dive Shop
- Dock
- Bar
- Spa
Las Terrazas offers complimentary-use kayaks, SUPs, water bikes, Hobie Cats, and bicycles.
The front desk can also arrange rentals of golf-carts, wave runners, and fishing gear.
Las Terrazas has 34 contemporary rooms and suites, each with air conditioning, television, ceiling fans, security box, kitchenette, and hairdryer.
Some upper category rooms add ocean views, washer/dryer, and private terraces. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
8. Chan Chich Lodge
Located within the 30,000-acre Gallon Jug private reserve, Chan Chich Lodge rests within a 3,000-year-old Maya settlement. Led by resident guides, guests can explore the ancient plazas, partially-excavated temples, and a ritual ball court.
Gallon Jug is contiguous to additional conservation areas—a combined half-million acres of protected habitat for more than 500 species of birds.
The jungle is also home to howler monkeys, colorful frogs, deer, pumas, and jaguars. Over nine miles of trails surround the lodge. Guided forest walks, canoe excursions, and horseback rides can be arranged.
Chan Chich has a farm-to-table restaurant, featuring fresh ingredients from farms in Gallon Jug and Spanish Lookout.
Roughly 60% of the ingredients (including shade-grown coffee) are sourced on site.
Among the other lodge amenities are:
- Screened-In Swimming Pool
- Hot Tub
- Gardens
- Library
The 15 rustic guestrooms at this Belize resort feature thatched roofs, tile floors, and fully-screened windows. Some higher category rooms have hardwood floors, air conditioning, and private porches.
Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge building common areas.
7. Victoria House
Victoria House is one of the top boutique beachfront resorts in Belize. It is located on the eastern shore of Ambergris Caye, a short drive by golf-cart south of San Pedro town.
Among the resort’s amenities are:
- Two Swimming Pools
- Fitness Center
- Restaurant
- Dive Shop
- Bar
- Spa
Complimentary-use kayaks and bicycles are available.
The resort has 42 rooms, suites, and villas—something for everyone.
Each guestroom at Victoria House is equipped with air conditioning, security box, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
6. Chaa Creek
Chaa Creek is a riverfront lodge located outside the town of San Ignacio, in the Maya Mountains of western Belize.
Created by Lucy and Mick Fleming in 1981, Chaa Creek is one of Central America’s pioneering eco-resorts; answering the question of “where to stay in Belize?” for travelers prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Around the lodge grounds and gardens, 400 acres of protected jungle are yours to explore.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s restaurant, bar, swimming pool, butterfly garden, canoes, natural history center, and medicinal plant garden. Massages and horseback rides can be arranged for an additional fee.
Chaa Creek has 23 guestrooms, suites, and villas—something for everyone. Each type of accommodation is equipped with security box, bathrobes, slippers, and hair-dryer.
The Ix Chel Luxury Villas and Spa Villas are the only accommodations at Chaa Creek with air conditioning. All other rooms do not have air conditioning, and none have television. Wi-Fi is available.
5. Matachica
Matachica is a boutique beachfront resort on the eastern shore of Ambergris Caye. The resort is a mix of the laid-back and the design-forward.
The resort’s restaurant, Mambo, is one of the island’s best. Among the hotel’s other amenities are a swimming pool, hot tub, sundeck, dock, library, and bar. Loaner bicycles, kayaks, stand-up-paddle boards, and Sunfish are available through the front desk.
The project has 31 vibrantly colored, thatched-roof rooms and suites. Some upper category rooms include sitting rooms and ocean views.
Each guestroom is equipped with:
- Air Conditioning
- Luxury Linens
- Ceiling Fan
- Bathrobes
- hairdryer
Rooms do not have televisions. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
4. Turtle Inn + Coral Caye
Turtle Inn is director Francis Ford Coppola’s beachfront resort on the Central Coast of Belize. Located just outside the town of Placencia, this is a perfect base for exploring the region’s white-sand cayes, atolls, and reef.
Turtle Inn’s gardens and guestrooms have a Balinese feel; Mr. Coppola fell in love with Southeast Asia while filming there in the 1970’s. He imported the resort’s hand-carved pavement stones, wall decorations, and furnishings from Bali.
Guest cabanas at Turtle Inn were designed with thatched roofs and outdoor showers. Guestrooms are fully screened and shuttered but dispense with window glass or air conditioning—another reflection of Bali’s open-air style of living.
Guestrooms at Turtle Inn are furnished with a security box, mini-bar, ceiling fans, cookie jars, bathrobes, and beach sandals.
The rooms do not have television or telephone; reception can be reached via “shellphone” intercom. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Turtle Inn has three restaurants, a bar, two swimming pools, a spa (specializing in Thai massage), and a dive shop. Service is warm and genuine; many of the hotel staff have worked at the property for more than a decade.
Coral Caye
Ever dreamed of staying on a private island in Belize?
Coral Caye is the private island retreat of the Francis Ford Coppola family. This low-lying coral islet is located eight miles (approximately 25 minutes) east of the Belizean beach town of Placencia.
Sheltered by the Belize Barrier Reef, Coral Caye is a rustic sanctuary of palms, clear water, powdery sand, and starry nights. The island is an excellent base for snorkeling, diving, fishing, and beach-hopping excursions.
Among the island’s uncomplicated amenities are a dock, fire pit, lobster pen, hammocks, kayaks, musical instruments, fishing rods, and game collection.
Meals are served al fresco, or in the “Great House”—a sand-floored living room and bar. During your stay, you’ll be cared for by a staff of six—guides. caretakers, housekeepers, and cooks.
The resident retriever, Goldie, is also an excellent host. Massage services can be arranged.
Coral Caye has three guestrooms:
- Coral Cottage – one bedroom (king bed) and living room with sleeper sofa.
- Seahorse Cottage – two bedrooms (two queen beds and two single beds).
- Great House – the indoor-outdoor living room, with bar, games, and sand floor. Meals can be prepared and served here, and a day bed (queen) can be converted for overnight use.
The simple, airy guestrooms are furnished with en suite bathrooms (sink, shower, WC), Haiku ceiling fans, electrical sockets (110v / 60Hz), bathrobes, beach sandals, coffee service, and cookie jar. Hot water and electricity are provided by solar systems.
The guestrooms at Coral Caye do not have air conditioning, television, bathtub, or mini-bar.
The rooms are fully screened, but porches are open-air. Wi-Fi and mobile phone service are available on the island, although weather disruptions are possible.
3. Blancaneaux Lodge
Blancaneaux Lodge is one of our favorite places to stay in Belize. This Coppola family riverside lodge is set within the Maya Mountains of western Belize.
Francis Ford Coppola purchased the property in the 1980s as a private family retreat. Today, 20 guestrooms are set among the flowers and palms of Blancaneaux’s creekside gardens.
The guestrooms feature thatched roofs, outdoor showers, and fully-screened windows without glass.
Each guestroom at Blancaneaux is furnished with:
- Security Box
- Hammock
- bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Mini-Bar
- Sandals
Guestrooms at Blancaneaux do not have air conditioning, television, or telephone.
The Mountain Pine Ridge is generally cool, and reception can be reached via “shellphone” intercom. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Food is a highlight at Blancaneaux; the lodge has three restaurants (Italian, Guatemalan, and garden) many of the ingredients are grown on property.
Other hotel amenities include:
- Spa Pavilion (Specializing in Thai massage)
- Riverside Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Hiking Trails
- Gardens
- Stables
Birding, hiking, and river tubing excursions are available to guests at no charge. Riding and massages can be arranged for an additional fee.
Service is warm and genuine; the hotel staff treats guests and each other like family.
2. Belize Beach House
With contemporary design and built-in privacy, The Beach House is one of our favorite private villas in Central America.
The Beach House is located on the Placencia Peninsula, on the central Caribbean Coast of Belize. The barrier reef lies just a few miles offshore, along with dozens of islands and atolls.
This private beachfront villa (4,000 sq.ft.) features five bedrooms, an open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen.
The state-of-the-art kitchen, imported from Italy, is complete with high-end appliances and a wine chiller.
Other amenities at the Beach House include a 50-foot mosaic infinity pool, walled private garden, roof deck, and trellised outdoor dining area with barbecue kitchen.
1. Gladden Private Island
Gladden Private Island is the creation of Chris Krolow, host of HGTV’s Island Hunters. For those looking to find the pinnacle of luxury and privacy, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Belize.
Sheltered by the Belize Barrier Reef, Gladden is an intimate sanctuary of palms, powdery sand, and starry nights.
The low-lying coral islet rests in clear blue waters 20 miles (approximately one hour) east of the Belizean beach town of Placencia. It’s an excellent base for snorkeling, diving, fishing, and beach-hopping excursions.
The Gladden Spit, famous for its whale sharks diving, is just a few miles away.
Gladden is an intimate private island retreat—one suite, just for you. Inside, you’ll find two bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom.
The suite is equipped with air conditioning, television, ceiling fans, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and Wi-Fi (with Internet reception subject to weather conditions).
Other amenities include a swimming pool, sundeck, roof deck, living room, al-fresco dining palapa, and pool table.
Support buildings and staff quarters are located on a second, smaller island; indicator lights let guests know when staff members are on the island. Staff includes a chef and concierge. The full-board package includes meals and massage.
Flights from the United States to Belize typically route through Houston (2.5 Hours). Flights to Belize from Miami (two hours), Dallas (three hours), and San Salvador (60 minutes) are also available.
Now that you know where to stay in Belize, LANDED is here to help answer your other questions.
Feel free to give us a call at (801) 582-2100. We’ve got you.
ARE YOU CONSIDERING A TRIP TO BELIZE? LANDED PROVIDES PERSONALIZED, CUSTOM TRAVEL WITHIN CENTRAL AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, AND THE ANTARCTIC. WE’LL CREATE A UNIQUE ITINERARY PLAN TAILORED TO YOUR INTERESTS AND DREAMS. EXPERIENCE THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERT TRAVEL PLANNERS TODAY AT 801.582.2100.
