We are planning a 10 day trip to Belize in June. Would like to go to Ambergris caye and would like some suggestions on a nice place to stay. It will just be myself and my husband. Also would like to do the atm caves, can we do that if we are staying there, or do we need to stay a couple of days elsewhere? If so, any suggestions on where else to stay.

You can arrange ATM as a one day trip from Ambergris, but if you want to see other sites based on the mainland, better to book a few nights in the Cayo distrcit close to ATM, impressive maya sites, waterfalls, scenic jungle and river trips. Lots of nice options for hotels, inns, condos and house rentals on Ambergris.

We did a similar trip last May. Only we didn't allow ourselves enough time in the Cayo district. I'd say a minimum of three nights in or around San Ignacio.

One of the first things you need to decide about Ambergris Caye is whether you want the relative isolation of the resorts north of the cut, or would rather be closer to town, with more easy access to restaurants/bars. We've always stayed close to town, but one can certainly make a good case for getting away from the 'crowds'. Are you looking for a resort type place, a condo, regular hotel????

Tikal is just over the border in Guatemala and I highly recommend an overnighter there if you have time and an interest in world-class Maya ruins (day trip possible from San Ignacio). Happy trails...

Thank you for your responses, we would prefer to stay closer to town in a resort atmosphere. So any suggestions would be appreciated. I think we will take your advice and stay 3 nights near SI any suggestions on where to stay there?

Close to town? Chaa Creek and duPlooys for upscale, Crystal Paradise for moderate. Or SanIgnacio Hotel on the hill overlooking town.

We stayed at the San Igancio Hotel. Nice pool, decent rooms. Probably a bit overpriced. I'd either stay at Martha's in town or one of the jungle lodges when we go back.

As for Ambergris Caye, if you want to be fairly close to town, check out Ramon's. A bit further from town, but still easy access, is Victoria House. It's a beautiful looking property, more than we want to spend though. For condo type arrangements, Xanadu looks nice, as does Banyan Bay. We've stayed at the Palms, very nice condos. Our personal favorite is Belizean Reef, but it doesn't have a pool. Sunbreeze gets decent reviews as well. Lots of options, just depends on how far from town and how much you want to spend.

Do stay in the SI area for a few days. Have stayed 3 times at the Aguada which is a $5 taxi ride from SI. Did the Barton Creek cave, Rio Frio cave and pools, and ATM from there. Owner are super, pool, AC, and quiet.

We did 10 nits this past June- stayed 3 nts Chaa Creek (Cayo Dist) and 7 nts Banyan Bay (Ambergris Caye). We loved Chaa Creek and liked Banyan Bay. If we had to do it all over again, we'd stay an extra day or two in Cayo area and take-in Tikal. Enjoy!

we liked victoria house on ambergris and snorkling/diving is amazing. this small hotel is very elegant. we also stayed at chaa creek (has nice spa) where we enjoyed the river and the mountains. If you get a chance and don't mind getting really muddy and wet, there is any amazing cave experience where you go in with experienced guide and see Mayan ruins. We have traveled a great deal and this is one of those once in a lifetime experiences.
have fun.