A major new beach resort is opening its doors this week: the Naïa Resort and Spa.

The property, which opens Jan. 7, is set within a 200-acre private reserve in southern Belize on the Placencia peninsula.

“The concept for Naïa emerged from the Belizean experience and is reflected in every aspect of the resort,” said Stewart Krohn, lead partner for the resort. “We started with an unbelievably beautiful site and our guiding principle was to enhance that natural environment without overwhelming it. I am confident that we have succeeded in turning that vision into reality.”

It includes 35 individual beach houses, each designed as a “private sanctuary” overlooking the Caribbean sea, with a mix of one, two- and three-bedroom options.

Each room features deep soaking tubs, a private outdoor shower, AC and a wet bar, with larger beach houses offering full kitchens and seafront pool decks.

Inside a room at the Naia Resort and Spa in Belize.

There are three restaurants, including The Beach Bar & Grill, the Lagoon Spa Cafe and the resort’s signature waterfront restaurant, 1981, named after the year Belize gained independence.

The property is located in Placencia, a long, thin beach-filled peninsula that has retained a laid-back, untouched feel though popular with Caribbean travelers in the know.

Naïa Resort and Spa also includes a 7,000-square-foot spa with six treatment rooms with private decks extending over lily-covered lagoons.

The resort also has a fitness center and a yoga movement studio as part of its wellness offerings, with both studios overlooking a lagoon with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Rates start at $295 per night.

To book a stay at Naia Resort and Spa, click here.