Belize has many eco-resorts in its unspoiled rainforests — Chaa Creek and the Ka’Ana Resort, to name a couple of outstanding examples — but this Central American nation also has hundreds of miles of Caribbean coastline on its eastern border, as well as hotspots like Ambegris Caye and Caye Culker in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. And where there’s beach in Belize you’ll find beach resorts, from Belize City and San Pedro in the north to Hopkins and Placencia in the south.
Cayo Espanto By Belizean resort standards, Cayo Espanto has been around forever — the opening of this private island resort off the coast of San Pedro 22 years ago helped put luxury travel to Belize’s islands on the map. This tiny island has just seven villas (including one overwater villa) and — with a two-to-one staff to guest ratio — surrounds guests with service, from butler-delivered meals and spa treatments to outdoor activities that include wading into the shallow waters off the island for guided fly fishing, and snorkeling, scuba diving and boating on and around the nearby Mesoamerican Reef and the famous Blue Hole.
Turneffe Island Resort It’s no coincidence that the logo for this private island resort is a fish — Turneffe Island bills itself as a luxury diving and fishing destination where guests can spend their days casting for bonefish or diving over wrecks or deep into the Great Blue Hole. Of course relaxation is also part of the Turneffe experience, whether you define that as swaying in a hammock on the porch of your villa or kayaking around the island. Meals, but not alcohol, are inclusive with your stay — treatments in the waterfront spa are also (a necessary, to our mind) extra.
Almond Beach Resort Culture and scenery conspire to make this mainland resort a favorite of travelers seeking serenity and authenticity in Belize. The intimate Almond Beach Resort has just 12 villas on a five-mile stretch of beach, close to both the resort-owned Paddle House beachfront restaurant and the traditional village of Hopkins, home to the native Garifuna people. Two other affiliated resorts, the Lodge at Jaguar Reef and the Colonial at Jaguar Reef, are nearby. Each takes advantage of their location by offering both on-the-water and into-the-jungle excursions.
Naïa Resort & Spa Part of a 200-acre residential beach community, Naïa Resort and Spa has 35 beach houses and two restaurants (including the signature 1981, serving upscale Belizean cuisine) built around the Naïa Spa and Wellness Center, which has treatment rooms overlooking serene jungle lagoons, services utilizing indigenous ingredients, and yoga and fitness facilities. Opened in 2017, Naïa features decor from Placencia artists in its studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas.
Thatch Caye Overwater bungalows are the calling card at this private island resort off the coast of Dangriga, Belize — the 30-unit resort has two classes of villas perched above the waves as well as a variety of on-land (but still oceanfront) cabanas. Like most Belize resorts, Thatch Caye takes a “barefoot elegance” approach to luxury. All-inclusive programs feature three meals daily, all drinks, use of water toys and fishing gear; a fun schedule of activities includes seasonal lobster and conch hunts, night snorkeling, zip lining, river tubing, and hiking to a sacred Mayan cave.
Ray Caye Belize’s newest beach resort, which debuted in January 2020, has 20 rooms on a private island off the coast of Placencia and an eco-conscious mission (it’s powered by a Tesla Powerwall fueled by solar energy). Formerly known as Hatchet Caye, the resort has been extensively redeveloped, adding new oceanfront villas with plunge pools, a wellness center, the Catch831 restaurant, and a new lobby and welcome center. Activities include day trips to nearby Moho Caye, a 12-acre islet also owned by the resort, and snorkeling in the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve.
Coco Plum Island This 18-room private island resort stands out for being adults-only as well as all-inclusive. The latter programs include room, food, drinks, unlimited water sports, and a variety of tours, such as day trips to Mayan ruins, zip lining, and reef snorkeling, as well as birding trips to nearby Man-O-War Caye to see pelicans, brown Boobies, and Magnificent Frigate birds.