Belize is a small but diverse country in Central America, known for its stunning Caribbean coastline, ancient Mayan ruins, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. Here’s a breakdown of its main tourist areas and what each is famous for:
Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker (Beach & Diving Paradise)
- Ambergris Caye (San Pedro): Largest island, known for luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to the Great Blue Hole & Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Caye Caulker: A laid-back, budget-friendly island with the famous “Go Slow” motto, ideal for snorkeling and relaxing
Where to Stay:
Ramons Village Resort: Ramon’s Village Resort in Belize is a tropical paradise with charming thatched-roof cabanas, nestled along the stunning shores of Ambergris Caye. The resort offers an island-chic ambiance with lush gardens, a pristine beach, and easy access to the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef for snorkeling and diving adventures. Guests can indulge in delicious local cuisine, unwind by the lagoon-style pool, or explore the vibrant town of San Pedro just steps away.
Matachica Resort & Spa: Matachica Resort & Spa is a vibrant, adults-only hideaway on Ambergris Caye boasting 31 colorful thatch-roofed casitas and one deluxe two-bedroom villa, all outfitted with air-conditioning, luxurious linens, mosaic bathrooms, private patios, and cozy hammocks just steps from the Caribbean Sea. Guests can savor fresh, creative dishes at the award-winning Mambo Restaurant, sip cocktails at Danny’s Tree Bar, and soak in the infinity pool, hot tub, or unwind at the serene Jade Spa that features indulgent treatments using locally inspired, natural ingredients. A wide array of amenities—including complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, sea kayaks, bicycles, fitness center, and beachside lounging—allows visitors to explore the nearby reef and island at their leisure.
Xanadu Island Resort: Xanadu Island Resort on Ambergris Caye welcomes travelers into a tranquil, eco-friendly escape with just 20 spacious dome‑styled suites featuring full kitchens, air conditioning, cable TV, free Wi‑Fi, and ocean‑ or garden‑facing decks. The resort’s lush grounds include a freshwater pool, Jacuzzi, hammocks under swaying palms, and a man‑made reef ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Embracing green-globe practices such as solar water heaters and energy-efficient systems, Xanadu blends rustic Caribbean charm with eco-conscious luxury—perfect for a peaceful and sustainable island retreat.
Pelican Reef Villas Resort: Pelican Reef Villas Resort is a boutique beachfront hideaway nestled just south of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, featuring only two- and three-bedroom villa-style suites with full kitchens, plush living spaces, air conditioning, and private balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea, pool, or lush gardens. Guests enjoy a secluded private beach, a shimmering infinity pool with pool‑side bar, a 350‑foot dock for swimming and jumping into the reef, plus complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, bikes, and a friendly staff that assists with diving, snorkeling, and tour bookings . An on‑site restaurant and bar serve fresh seafood, Belizean cuisine, and tropical cocktails, while spa services, yoga and fitness classes, and family‑friendly amenities like babysitting and children’s meals make it ideal for both couples and families.
Portofino Beach Resort: Portofino Beach Resort in Belize is a boutique, “barefoot luxury” hideaway on the northern end of Ambergris Caye, offering peaceful beachfront access and just 17 rooms plus a private mansion for groups. Amenities include a freshwater ocean-view pool, a full-service restaurant and bar, a dive shop, spa services, kayaks, bikes, and a serene beach with hammocks. Room types range from rustic Beach Cabanas set right on the sand to elevated Treetop Suites, spacious Colonial Suites, VIP Suites, a romantic Honeymoon “Royal Orchid” Suite, and a four-bedroom Beachfront Mansion ideal for families or groups. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, relaxing by the pool, or arranging inland excursions to explore Mayan ruins, jungle hikes, and waterfalls.
Las Terrazas Resort & Residences: A high-end boutique resort on Ambergris Caye that blends modern luxury with island tranquility. It offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom fully furnished residences and penthouses—many with private terraces, plunge pools, full kitchens, laundry, upscale appliances, and king-size beds—giving you the feel of a home with resort perks. Amenities include a 70-foot saltwater infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a private beach area, spa services, a dive shop, and non-motorized water sports like kayaks, paddleboards and Hobie Cats, as well as bicycles for exploring the island. For activities, guests can snorkel, dive, fish, enjoy nightly dining and drinks, take yoga or rum-tasting sessions, rent a golf cart or arrange excursions into the jungle or to nearby Mayan ruins.
Blu Zen Caye Cauker: Blu Zen on Caye Cauker, Belize, is a sophisticated beachfront escape offering modern, full-condo style accommodations, including spacious two- and three-bedroom units and a luxurious five-bedroom penthouse, all featuring multiple bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and private terraces with ocean views. The resort boasts three sparkling pools, a fully equipped fitness center overlooking the sea, spa services, and concierge assistance for personalized experiences. Guests can enjoy snorkeling and diving on the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, sunset sailing cruises, fishing trips, kayaking, or cycling around the island, as well as inland jungle and cultural excursions. Combining luxury, adventure, and laid-back Caribbean charm, Blu Zen is an ideal retreat for couples, families, and groups seeking a stylish island getaway.
Caye Caulker Boutique Guesthouse : A cozy, intimate stay with modern amenities, including air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a charming rooftop terrace with stunning ocean views. Guests can enjoy easy access to the island’s top attractions, from snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef to kayaking through crystal-clear waters. The guesthouse provides complimentary bike rentals, making it effortless to explore the island’s sandy streets and colorful local markets. After a day of adventure, unwind in the lush garden or sip a tropical cocktail while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
Iguana Reef Inn: A relaxed‐luxury inn on Caye Caulker, set right on the water’s edge in a charming fishing village, with a blend of barefoot Caribbean vibes and upscale touches. The rooms include King rooms, Deluxe rooms (with two queen beds), and the top-floor Penthouse with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and vaulted ceilings—all with verandas overlooking the sea or island. Amenities include a freshwater swimming pool, a private beach with lounge chairs and hammocks, complimentary continental breakfast, free bicycles and canoes, WiFi throughout, and a bar overlooking spectacular sunsets. Activities range from snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing excursions to visits to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, relaxing in hammocks under palapas, or simply unwinding on the veranda with a tropical drink.
Things to Do:
- Snorkel HolChan Shark Ray Alley and Caye Caulker Manatee Spotting
- Premium Private Fishing, Snorkelling and Beach cookout tour in San Pedro,Belize
- Belizean Food Experience
San Ignacio & Cayo District (Mayan Ruins & Adventure)
- Xunantunich & Cahal Pech: Impressive ancient Mayan ruins
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave: A unique caving adventure with Mayan artifacts
- Jungle lodges, waterfalls, and wildlife in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Where to Stay:
The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant: On the cusp of a 10,000-acre nature reserve, find solace in gentle birdsong and uninterrupted jungle views. Here, discover divine accommodations – Riverview suites and Creekside cottages, woven seamlessly into the natural surroundings. At the pinnacle of it all, the Mountainview Penthouse and Suites are perched high in the hills, tucked away where the lush Maya Mountains and Sibun River Valley cross paths.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek: An eco-luxury jungle retreat offering a range of accommodations, from thatched-roof cottages and treetop suites to lavish villas with private pools. Nestled in a 400-acre private nature reserve, the resort features a spa, infinity pool, farm-to-table dining, and guided nature tours. Guests can explore ancient Maya ruins, go horseback riding, canoe down the Macal River, or embark on thrilling jungle hikes and bird watching excursions. With its perfect blend of adventure, sustainability, and comfort, Chaa Creek delivers an unforgettable rainforest escape for nature lovers and luxury travelers.
Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge: Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge is a charming eco-friendly retreat along the Macal River near San Ignacio, offering a mix of cozy casitas, deluxe bungalows, and elevated treehouses—like the new Signature Treehouses—with full bathrooms, private porches, and jungle vistas. The lodge boasts an infinity pool with a bar, a lazy river, and private riverbank access with complimentary tubes, canoes, and bikes perfect for leisurely jungle exploration. Dining at the Treehouse Bar features farm-to-table, all-inclusive meals and local beverages, supplemented by guided activities such as birdwatching, horseback riding to Maya ruins, river tubing, cave tubing, and scenic hikes through adjacent Belize Botanic Garden.
Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Jungle Lodge offers an immersive rainforest experience with a range of accommodations designed to connect guests with nature. The lodge features Jungle Suites, Treehouses, and Jungle Bungalows, each equipped with amenities like queen-size beds, sitting areas with futons, indoor bathrooms with hot water showers, ceiling fans, and furnished verandas. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including cave tubing, zip-lining, hiking, and exploring nearby attractions such as Blue Hole National Park and Saint Herman’s Cave. The lodge also offers an outdoor pool, spa services, and a restaurant serving local cuisine, providing a comfortable base for adventure seekers.
Jade Jungle Resort offers an immersive eco-luxury experience, blending traditional thatch-roof cabanas with modern comforts amidst a pristine 300-acre rainforest reserve. Accommodations include Hillside and Jungle View Cabañas, each featuring king or twin XL beds, rainfall showers, ceiling fans, and handcrafted limestone sinks, all designed to harmonize with the surrounding jungle environment. Guests can indulge in all-inclusive packages that encompass round-trip airport transfers, daily meals, and a variety of activities such as guided jungle hikes, river floats, cave explorations, zip-lining, and cultural experiences like Maya ceremonies and cooking classes. The resort also offers wellness amenities including yoga sessions, breathwork, and screen-free time, providing a holistic retreat in the heart of Belize’s natural beauty.
Black Rock Lodge is an eco-friendly jungle retreat nestled along the Macal River, offering a serene escape into nature with 20 charming cabins designed to harmonize with the surrounding rainforest. Accommodations range from Classic Cabins with slate stone walls and canyon views to spacious Riverfront Suites featuring wrap-around patios and rooftop decks, catering to couples, families, and groups seeking comfort amidst the wilderness. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided cave explorations, jungle hikes, birdwatching, and visits to nearby Mayan ruins, all led by expert local guides. The lodge also boasts an outdoor pool, spa services, a riverside rope swing, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine, ensuring a memorable and immersive rainforest experience.
Blancaneaux Lodge is an intimate eco-luxury retreat nestled in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, offering a blend of rustic charm and refined comfort. Accommodations include 20 thatched-roof cabanas and two-bedroom villas, each featuring private bathrooms, ceiling fans, and terraces, with select units offering plunge pools or river views. Guests can indulge in activities such as horseback riding to Big Rock Falls, guided hikes through Elijio Panti National Park, cave tubing at Barton Creek, and exploring nearby Mayan ruins. The lodge also offers a spa, an infinity pool, farm-to-table dining, and immersive experiences like cooking classes, wine tastings, and birdwatching tours, ensuring a memorable stay for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Mariposa Jungle Lodge: Mariposa Jungle Lodge in Belize is a luxury eco-retreat tucked into 40 acres of rainforest just outside San Ignacio, offering an escape that blends comfort, adventure, and serenity. The accommodations range from intimate jungle cabanas and a luxurious executive suite to family cabanas and large treehouse-style units that can sleep up to six, each featuring screened porches, rainforest or mountain views, en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, handcrafted furnishings, and private decks. Amenities include a slate waterfall-fed swimming pool with built-in ledges, spa and sauna services, nature trails, a bird-watching tower, and a restaurant focused on fresh farm-to-table Belizean cuisine with options for dietary needs. For activities, guests can arrange guided tours to Maya ruins such as Caracol or Xunantunich, explore cave systems like ATM or Barton Creek, go zip-lining, enjoy river cruises or tubing, as well as wildlife viewing, jungle walks, and cultural experiences guided by locals.
Caves Branch Jungle Lodge in Belize is a lush rainforest escape built for adventurers and nature lovers wanting immersive jungle-luxury with comfort. The lodge offers a variety of rooms: jungle cabanas, jungle bungalows, jungle suites, river and canopy view treehouses (including two-bedroom treehouses), each with screened-in living areas, king or queen beds, hot & cold indoor showers, verandas or decks with views, and decks or tubs in some treehouses. Amenities include two-tiered pools, a hot tub, spa/massage services, an open-air restaurant and bar serving fresh local & international fare, botanical gardens and a cheese house, plus a recreation center with games. Activities range from guided cave-tubing and hiking, waterfall or cave explorations, birdwatching, Mayan ruins tours, horseback rides, night walks and river swimming, all set within a 50,000-acre private rainforest estate.
Things to Do:
- Cave tubing from San Ignacio
- ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience
- Tikal Maya Ruins Day Tour
Placencia (Beaches & Relaxation)
- Known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere
- Prime spot for whale shark diving (March – June)
- Charming seaside village with great seafood and boutique resorts
Umaya Resort & Adventure: Discover the delights of our fully-equipped condos, complete with seafront or lagoon-bay views. With a total of 60 one and two-bedroom suites, Umaya holds an unpretentious charm set on the most alluring stretch of beach in Belize. Here, beachfront condos vaunt extraordinary views, framed by an expansive pool, a thatched swim-up bar, and swaying palms. On the lagoon side of the resort, find lush tropical landscaping, expansive open-air dining, and a jetty over the calm waters. Lagoon-view condos offer vistas of the Maya Mountains and the most spectacular sunset views over the sparkling Placencia Lagoon.
Turtle Inn: Turtle Inn, a luxurious beachfront resort in Placencia, Belize, is a Coppola Family Hideaway offering elegantly designed thatched-roof cottages, seafront villas, and family-friendly seahouses. The resort features two infinity pools, a Balinese-inspired spa, multiple gourmet restaurants, and a dive shop for exploring the vibrant Belize Barrier Reef. Guests can enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and cultural excursions to nearby Maya ruins and waterfalls. With its rustic-luxury charm, personalized service, and stunning coastal setting, Turtle Inn is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for discerning travelers.
Azure Del Mar: Azure Del Mar is a boutique beachfront resort on Maya Beach, Placencia offering about five individually furnished cabanas and rooms—each with air conditioning, private balcony or patio, premium bedding, mini-fridge, and coffee/tea amenities. Guests enjoy direct access to a white-sand beach, an outdoor saltwater pool with a poolside bar, plus complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, bicycles, and beach chairs . The on-site restaurant, coffee bar, and spa services (including beach massages and full spa treatments) offer relaxed dining and wellness options right on the property. With lush tropical gardens, personalized service, free airport shuttle, and family-friendly extras like babysitting and bicycles, Azure Del Mar radiates laid‑back Caribbean charm ideal for couples and families alike.
Chabil Mar is a boutique beachfront resort in Placencia, Belize, offering a blend of luxury and local charm with 19 sea-facing villas and two infinity pools. Accommodations range from one- and two-bedroom villas to a two-story Premier Villa, all featuring king beds, en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and private verandas with dining areas and hammocks. Guests can enjoy amenities such as roaming butler service, complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles, as well as a private pier, beach lounges, and an evening shuttle to Placencia Village. Activities include snorkeling, fishing, cultural tours, and exploring the vibrant local culture, making Chabil Mar an ideal retreat for both relaxation and adventure.
Sirenian Bay Resort in Placencia, Belize, is a boutique beachfront retreat offering a range of accommodations, including one- to four-bedroom bungalows and villas, each featuring king beds, outdoor showers, and private terraces. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a large resort pool with a hot tub and swim-up bar, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, mini golf, and an organic garden. Activities include complimentary use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, bicycles, and beach games, along with optional excursions like snorkeling, diving, and cultural tours. The resort also hosts themed dinners, movie nights, and live entertainment, providing a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for guests.
Naia Resort & Spa in Placencia, Belize, is a luxurious beachfront sanctuary nestled within a 224-acre private reserve, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and refined comfort. Accommodations include 38 spacious Beach Houses and Tree Top Villas, ranging from intimate studios to expansive five-bedroom residences, each featuring fully equipped kitchens, private verandas, and custom-crafted furnishings that reflect the local culture. Guests can indulge in a variety of amenities such as two outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service spa with overwater treatment rooms, and multiple dining options serving fresh, locally inspired cuisine. Activities abound, including kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and guided cultural tours, ensuring a memorable and immersive Belizean experience.
Things to Do:
- Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mayan Chocolate Making & Waterfall Swimming From Placencia
- Zip Lining + Tubing +Waterfall 30 minutes away From Placencia
Hopkins & Garifuna Culture
- Great base for exploring the southern coast
- A cultural hotspot where you can experience Garifuna drumming, dance, and cuisine
- Close to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a jaguar preserve
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef: Be surrounded by exquisite scenery and a newfound sense of belonging at the Lodge at Jaguar Reef. Inspired by vivid coastal views and cultural heritage, discover a private sanctuary that melds chic interiors with the distinct beauty of Hopkins. Breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea are drawn indoors by full-length glass windows in each suite, and pool access is the ultimate priority. Private plunge pools adorn the balconies of each Deluxe Suite and Seaview Suite, and Two-Bedroom Villas are set against the picture-perfect main pool.
The Resort at Almond Beach: Almond Beach Resort is the picture of beachfront leisure. This intimate collection of accommodations take relaxation to the next level, with an onsite spa, swim-up bar, and sprawling beachfront pool. As a gracious extension of the Resort at Jaguar Reef, enjoy additional resort amenities such as beachfront loungers, kayaks, beachfront fine-dining, and the only over-the-water bar in Belize. Accommodations range from standard rooms to beachfront cottages and five-bedroom suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows inviting nature indoors.
Hamanasi: An award-winning eco-luxury retreat in Hopkins, offering beachfront rooms and treehouse accommodations nestled in a lush coastal forest. The resort features an infinity pool, an organic garden, a seaside restaurant, and a PADI-certified dive center for exploring the Belize Barrier Reef. Guests can embark on adventure-filled excursions, from snorkeling and scuba diving to jungle hikes, Mayan ruin tours, and wildlife spotting. With its all-inclusive adventure packages and commitment to sustainability, Hamanasi is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. MORE ON HAMANASI
Coco Plum Island (Adults Only): Coco Plum Island Resort in Belize is an adults-only private island retreat offering overwater, beachfront, and oceanfront cabanas with breathtaking Caribbean views. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive gourmet dining, a beachfront bar, an infinity pool, and world-class service in an intimate, romantic setting. Adventure awaits with activities like snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, while spa treatments and hammocks invite pure relaxation. Perfect for honeymooners and couples, Coco Plum Island delivers a secluded, luxury escape with the perfect balance of adventure and serenity.
Things to Do:
- Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
- Barrier Reef Snorkeling
- Horseback Riding
- Garifuna Cooking Class
- Half Day Fishing Tour
Toledo District (Off-the-Beaten-Path & Nature)
- Less touristy, known for its pristine rainforest and indigenous Mayan villages
- Chocolate farms and eco-lodges
- Great for birdwatching, nature hikes, and cultural immersion
Where to Stay:
Copal Tree Lodge: A luxury eco-lodge set in a lush jungle overlooking the Toledo District, offering stylish suites and private canopy villas with breathtaking views. The resort features an infinity pool, a spa, a rum distillery, and a farm-to-table restaurant sourcing ingredients from its own organic farm. Guests can enjoy immersive experiences like chocolate-making, river kayaking, birdwatching, and guided tours of ancient Maya sites. With its perfect mix of adventure, sustainability, and indulgence, Copal Tree Lodge is a dream escape for eco-conscious travelers and luxury seekers. More on Copal Tree Lodge
Cotton Tree Lodge: An eco-friendly jungle retreat nestled along the banks of the Moho River in Belize’s Toledo District. Guests can choose from eleven private thatched-roof cabanas, each fully screened and equipped with private bathrooms, ceiling fans, balconies, and hammocks, offering an authentic rainforest experience. Amenities include a main lodge housing reception, a gift shop, a fully-stocked bar, and a restaurant serving Belizean and American favorites prepared with fresh ingredients from local farmers and the lodge’s own organic garden. Activities abound, from kayaking and canoeing on the Moho River to guided nature walks, birdwatching, and immersive cultural tours to nearby Mayan villages.
