Lodging on Ambergris Caye
 

I am looking to spend some downtime in Ambergris Caye after 5 nights in the Jungle. It will be my honeymoon and so we are looking for Beachfront luxury. I believe I have narrowed it down to Xanadu Resort, Portofino, or the Victoria House. We would prefer our own Casita, but like the small amenities like our own bathtub. We are not divers, but like to snorkle and will most likely travel into town daily. Can you offer any suggestions that might tip the scales towards one place or the other?

Thanks in advance,

Jeffrey

Both VH and Portofino have individual cabanas. Xanadu is a condo. All 3 are very good, VH the best.

Being a person who likes to able to walk/ride/drive to town when I want to go, Victoria House gets my vote.

I'm more of a moderate traveler, so have never stayed at any of the properties you mention, but I've always said if I was going to splurge it would be at Victoria House. I just like the feel of the place. Sort of British colonial/plantation (not that I know what that really feels like).

Portofino is a ways from town and the water taxis don't always run real late - they didn't when I was there anyway. We stayed at Capt. Morgans and loved it but the communite to town did get old after awhile. We rented a golf cart a few times but that ran $50 a day if not more and the battery ran low quickly. All the resorts you are considering are very nice. Remember there is a fair amount of sea grass so you'll need to put up with it when snorkling. Belize is beautiful and Ambergris has a very friendly feel. You will have a wonderful time. You will probably find that showers are more common than bathtubs. Sand fleas were bad when we were there so you might want to protect your ankles before the red spots appear.

We spent several nights at Ambergris Caye last March. Victoria House is by far the nicest property of the 3 that you mentioned. Several of our friends stayed at VH and loved it. We ate there on several occasions, too. In fact, we had VH deliver to our condo one night.

Portofino is too far from town. The restaurant is great, but it is incredibly expensive - $9 US for a cup of coffee! Our friends got stranded there one evening with their 6 kids because the water taxi broke down.

Xanadu Resort is a dump.

We stayed at the Grand Colony Villas, a new condo project. We loved it. They were tastefully decorated, beautifully landscaped grounds, great beach, whirlpool tubs in the master bath, and fantastic location (5 minute walk from VH).

Where are you staying in the jungle? We stayed at Blancaneaux Lodge and LOVED IT! Went to Tikal, Guatemala for a day trip (one of the most incredible sites I've seen), cave-tubing, horseback riding, hiking. Frankly we liked the jungle more than the beach.

Hope you have a wonderful time.

Take a look at Banyan
Bay - cheaper than Victoria House
and closer to town.

Banyan Bay is a sister property to the Grand Colony, but it has more of a "timeshare" feel than a condo feel. Grand Colony is a better choice.

We stayed in a more moderate property close to Victoria House (Mata Rocks), but VH is where I would stay if I wanted to splurge. Very luxurious feel to the place and a nice bike ride/walk to town.