159 Best Hotels in Belize

Perched on a low hillside on the New River Lagoon within walking distance of the Lamanai ruins, this eco-lodge's well-designed thatch cabanas sit amid lovely gardens and have porches with lagoon views. The main lodge and restaurant is well appointed. There's a pricey, near-all-inclusive plan with all meals, transfers, and activities, such as a sunrise birding canoe ride and crocodile encounter. A room-only plan is also offered, but dining options in this remote area are very limited. The restaurant serves three-course, filling meals on a set menu, but the gracious staff will gladly accommodate any dietary restrictions. A dock extends 130 feet into the lagoon and is a good place for swimming, but keep an eye out for crocodiles. Bird-watching, croc spotting, and cultural tours, such as a Mestizo cooking class, are offered.

Palm-leaf thatched casitas in shades of mango, banana, and melon, offset by brilliant white sand, give this deluxe resort a Gauguin-like quality. An Ambergris classic since 1996, Matachica deserves its world-class reputation. The resort and its excellent service have a way of making you feel like a honeymooner even when you're not (many guests are). We recommend snagging one of the six beachfront casitas, which command the best views and catch a breeze. Matachica easily has the island's sexiest pier, which features landings with cushy daybeds for two. There's also a stunning swimming pool, kid-free. You'll have access to the pricey but delicious Mambo Restaurant and Bistro. Jade Spa offers treats like papaya facials, coffee scrubs, and chocolate body wraps. The same owners now operate Gaïa Riverlodge in the Cayo District, so jungle-beach packages are offered, among others. Staff members here are famously attentive.

This sandy hidden gem, which is shaded by a century-old breadfruit tree (mazapan in Spanish), is off the water but still an utter oasis---and hands down the island's best value. Butter-yellow wooden cabanas house the three rooms, which feature hardwood furnishings and hammock-slung verandas, as well as microwaves, purified water, and other amenities. The spacious grounds feel like a tropical secret garden. You can picnic outside or mingle with other guests at the raised palapa (bring your own Belikin). The co-owner Louise Aguilar (\"Miss Louise,\" as she is known) is a delight to speak with and offers a trove of knowledge about her native Belize. Reserve early: this inn is almost always fully booked (despite the fact that bookings must be done over email).

This jungle resort on the Macal River is a step up in luxury, service, and dining from other run-of-the-mill lodges in the area. With lofted ceilings and tile floors, bathrooms with glass-block shower walls, and stylish furnishings, Mystic River's 15 cottages may lure you to lounge in your room or at the pool instead of going on one of the jungle adventures offered by the resort. On cooler winter evenings, you can relax in your king bed, and watch a crackling fire in the stone fireplace. When it's hot, four of the villas have private plunge pools. At the lodge's restaurant, La Ranita (The Little Frog), in a high-ceiling, thatched palapa set about 100 feet above the river, the chef serves an eclectic menu of Belizean and other dishes. The French co-owner/manager also keeps 40 milk goats and makes her own cheeses.

This resort aspires to be the country's ultimate spa-centric seaside luxury destination, and we'd agree it succeeds. Naïa totals three dozen guest villas and houses, including stylish studio units with 13-foot ceilings and one-bedroom villas, some with private splash pools, mostly set in and around freshwater ponds, with a few directly on the seafront. Two-bedroom, two-level villas are set in lush gardens, and three larger houses with three bedrooms are on the water. All have original artwork by Belize's most famous artists. A sparkling, modern new beach house sleeps up to 15. There is a large rectangular swimming pool near the main restaurant and another pool at the spa, and several villas have private splash pools. The resort has three restaurants, focusing on seafood, grilled fish and meats, and healthy, lighter fare. Guests have access to a fitness center, yoga studio, and a long stretch of pristine beach, but the star of the show is the enormous 10,000-square-foot spa complex set among freshwater ponds.

Steps from one of the country's best beaches sits this former-convent-turned-serene-island retreat, a pioneer in Belizean ecotourism since 1971. Run by the old-line Bowman family, Pelican Beach's colonial-era main lodge has a dining room serving fresh seafood and Belizean-style dishes on the ground floor. You can stay in the lodge's rooms, or in a no-frills but pleasant cottage, where the trade winds will lull you to sleep (no a/c at Pelican Beach). Here you can swim, snorkel, and fish to your heart's content right off the shore. The transport to the island from Dangriga is extra. No dive shop here, but staff will arrange trips for you. Power here is solar, showers are rainwater, and toilets are the composting kind.

Hard right angles of concrete make this resort a striking study in geometry, but what's truly unique about The Phoenix are above-and-beyond extras like free rum tastings, painting classes, and s'mores nights. Details are The Phoenix’s forte: you can expect chocolate on your pillow, floral arrangements on your bed, and complimentary lint rollers or bath bombs if you've forgotten yours. The rooms aren't too shabby either, with their silky tropical hardwood furniture, Keurig coffeemakers, Bose speakers, and private verandas with views of the reef. For families, daycare is provided by the Kids' Club––a huge hit with kids and parents alike. Another hit is the split-level pool, which is worthy of a Hollywood mansion. The acclaimed restaurant Red Ginger is on-site. Belize-born owner Kelly McDermott Kanabar and her husband are known for doing many community service works.

One of Belize's most well-managed private island resorts, Raye Caye offers an idyllic haven for honeymooners, divers, or anyone who appreciates natural splendor---with a little luxury sprinkled in. The most upscale units are chic, minimalistic villas with windowed walls opening directly onto decks surrounded by mangroves (although the ubermodern gadgets might seem at odds with the natural setting). Dining is limited, but generally well-prepared. The Lionfish Grill uses vegetables from the island's organic garden––and yes, it does specialize in cooking the invasive lionfish, making it wonderfully eco-conscious. The new hang-out spot The Cove is only open to resort guests, and not the mariners and day-trippers who visit the island. Here, you can order some drinks while lounging in the pool. Ray Caye is a more subdued scene than many all-inclusive islands: you won't see drinking contests or karaoke nights here. Entertainment at Ray Caye is best described as lounging, wildlife-spotting, and water sports---a great menu of snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, and paddleboarding. A highlight is the waterslide that launches you right into the blue Caribbean. The island has great access to the Silk Cayes, Laughing Bird Caye, and its sister island for day trips, Moho Caye. 

Charming rooms surround a venerable banyan tree and courtyard at this Caye Caulker classic, perfect for those seeking a flowered hideaway with access to the lagoon. After a day of exploring, you’ll be happy to return to the beautiful interiors and happier to enjoy the Belizean breakfasts in the morning, served under a roof of shady thatch. Above the dining area, a hammocked rooftop palapa is the place to be at sunup or sundown. All rooms are pleasant, but the Bougainvillea Bungalow is the star. Sea Dreams offers amenities you'd expect from upscale lodgings, like complimentary canoes, paddleboards, and bikes. A portion of profits go to the local high school, Ocean Academy, founded by Sea Dreams co-owner, Heidi Curry. A nice touch: educators receive a discount in summer months. Fishing tour operator Anglers Abroad is also based here, run by co-owner Haywood Curry.

Warm in ambience and in attitude, this orange-zest-colored inn is arranged snugly around a freshwater pool. Seaside’s two-story buildings command a prime location near the main public pier, and thatch accent roofs lend the hotel a distinctly Belizean vibe. It has nice design touches, like soft and indirect lighting, built-in bench seats, and local paintings. Five rooms have private rooftop terraces for sunning, watching the sea, and---a rarity on the island---soaking in the private hot tub. For breakfast you’ll have a nice spread of yogurt, fruit, muesli, and fresh cinnamon buns. The on-site bar serves coffee and tasty cocktails (with an extra long happy hour). 

This upscale, eco-oriented bed-and-breakfast is hidden away off the Consejo Road north of Corozal Town, with four tastefully decorated rooms on the second floor with private balconies overlooking gardens, Belizean art, and locally made hardwood furniture. A common room downstairs has TV, a library, and Wi-Fi. The Canadian owners generate their own power, mostly solar, and they work hard to be ecologically sensitive. Although the main B&B building is not directly on the water, Serenity has a beach on the bay a few hundred feet away and a decent-size pool. Rates are a good value for the high quality you enjoy, and delicious full breakfasts, mostly organic, are included. 

A two-bedroom guesthouse is available for families or groups traveling together.

In a restored century-old colonial home on a 775-acre farm near Punta Gorda, this bed-and-breakfast is among the most appealing small lodgings in Belize, but it's more like visiting a friend's home in the country than a hotel. The two-story, white-wood home enjoys a gorgeous site on a low knoll, cooled by natural breezes and ceiling fans and surrounded by several acres of lawn, flowering trees, and wildflowers. You enter the grounds via a graceful winding driveway lined by royal palms, passing the remains of a rum factory. You'll feel like a houseguest of the owners, enjoying access to the home's elegant living room and lovely swimming pool. You'll sleep in one of two charming bedrooms, both with hardwood floors and 12-foot ceilings. They share a bath, making this ideal for a family or group needing a two-room suite. A full breakfast is included.

This well-run lodge, just off the Hummingbird Highway near the Sibun River, offers luxury in a remote rainforest setting. The luxe earth-tone accommodations are lavished with Belizean hardwoods and sunlit decks, from Spanish casitas to mountain-view suites with plunge pools to a two-bedroom cabana. The second and third levels of the main lodge, used as a bar and dining room, have gorgeous views of the nearby Maya Mountains and the river. There's also a nice pool and well-tended gardens you can wander around for a whole afternoon.

In colonial days St. George's Caye was a British favorite for its proximity to Belize City; today visitors can enjoy the stunning adult-only resort as a rustic venue for adventure. Most rooms are thatch-roofed and spotlight the beauty of Belize's tropical hardwoods; this makes St. George's an atmospheric old-style lodge rich in Belizean spirit. Guests adore the overwater cabanas, on the island's lee side, but the  beachfront cabanas are also lovely and get cooling breezes. Dining is family style and social, but romantic dinners on the dock can also be arranged. The resort offers spa services in a frill-free room, and a nice pool if you want a break from the sea. Take advantage of the complimentary Hobie cats and instruction, along with paddleboarding, snorkeling, and other activities you can do right off the caye. St. George's draws not only experienced divers, but guests eager to leave their comfort zone---or find a new one.

These eight charming adults-only cabanas scattered along the bayshore are private and well-appointed, and you'll wake each morning to gorgeous turquoise water views. Each has a full, stocked kitchen. Relax around the pool, kick back in a hammock, or if you're feeling adventurous head out in the calm waters on a kayak. Ask the owner about fishing trips.

The uniformed staff lined up to greet you upon arrival, the preserved colonial-era buildings, and the oxidized anchor of an 18th-century British warship---all of it sets the tone at this upscale, legend-filled resort that's only accessible by boat. This was Turneffe Atoll's first dive lodge, and it bagged the best spot a few hundred yards from the legendary Elbow. If you came to Belize for the diving, this is an ideal base, though fishing, snorkeling, beachcombing, and in-room massages are also top-notch. The rooms, in palm-shaded, lemon cottages with sea views, have been refurbished without spoiling the cozy feeling created by the varnished hardwood fittings, which envelop you on all sides. Even buildings that are not colonial carry the aesthetic, giving the island a unified feel. The staff-to-guest ratio is among the most impressive in Belize. For some, it can feel a little hoity-toity. Meals, served group style, are quite delicious.

Francis Ford Coppola's second of three lodgings in Belize is nothing if not exotic, with the furnishings, art, and most of the construction materials bought in Bali by the film director and his wife. The entrance, on a footbridge over a small pond, leads you to a gorgeous open-air reception area, lobby, and restaurant. Splurge on a seafront cabana to catch the breezes, as there's no air-conditioning, and the units at the back can be very hot. Two-bedroom villas have not one or two but three bathrooms (two Japanese-style ones indoors and one in a walled outdoor garden). The restaurant, Mare, is great for pizza (baked in a wood-burning oven) and other Italian dishes, plus seafood and Neibaum-Coppola wines; a second restaurant, Gauguin, specializes in beach barbecue and a third in Belizean dishes. Service is warm and welcoming, as it should be for the price you're paying. You're only a short bike or taxi ride into the village to sample the restaurants there. There are two pools and a nice stretch of beach. You can add on a few nights at Coral Caye, an equally sumptuous Coppola property on a private island, eight miles and a 25-minute boat ride away.

This premier resort, stately and secluded, wears many laurels for its handsome grounds, seamless service, and Caribbean elegance. Victoria House’s signature white-and-green palette comes from its verdant lawns and white colonial-style buildings. In the main house, with airy verandas and tiled walkways, you'll find the hotel's famous restaurant, Palmilla. Dining is poolside, with gorgeous views of the lawns and the sea, or at the more casual beach bar. A wide choice of units, from standard state rooms to a five-bedroom house, suits many (but not all) travel budgets, especially in offseason. Our favorite is the stunning two-bedroom villa with al fresco showers, but the state rooms are also lovely and far more affordable. Two main swimming pools adorn the grounds, one infinity style with a black marble waterfall and pink towels wrapped neatly around the white lounge chairs. The sparkling spa has treatments ranging from honey masques to reiki. Victoria House has the prim style of a dignitary’s residence, and just as much class—you may feel self-conscious wearing T-shirts here.

If you'd rather not contend with downtown Belize City, this appealing B&B in the Northern Suburbs might be your cup of herbal tea. You'll stay in the quiet Buttonwood Bay residential area only a block from the sea. Its rooms are bright, sunny, and stylish, with hints of both Europe and Belize in their decor. An excellent full breakfast is included.

Framed by coral hibiscus and royal palms, this tranquil inn has shipshape rooms tucked away from the tourists but in the company of green iguanas. Weezie's rooms, most of which have kitchens, are made pleasant by clean white walls, original Belizean paintings, and deep blue accents. The main hotel is waterfront, while five cottages sit two blocks inland. But no matter where you stay, you'll have no shortage of activities: you can explore the waters with complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear, or have the staff arrange a guided tour for you. Yoga classes with Miss Liberty are pay-what-you-can, but be sure to reserve your spot as they fill up quickly. Massages can be had in a small spa terrace by the sea. One of the more polished spots on Caye Caulker, Weezie's features a long lap pool and a private pier where you’ll have a VIP seat at sunrise.

A lovely refuge that's eco-minded, relaxed, and just a short walk to town, Xanadu lacks the pageantry of some upscale resorts but draws repeat guests year after year. Upon arriving, you can do a \"nature walk\" through a lush pocket of vegetation. A junglelike patch of palms shade the hot tub and free-form pool. The mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units---all capped with thatch roofs---are tastefully furnished in earth tones and have modern amenities. The pier leads to a sparkling spot from which to start your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard outing (all complimentary). No restaurant on-site, but there is a small beach bar. The digs may lack the chicness of some competitors, but are timelessly tropical. The interesting monolithic dome structures means that the buildings can withstand winds up to 300 mph (483 kph).

New ownership has moved this former fishing lodge far up the scale of luxury by renovating the main lodge, adding a gorgeous spa, redoing the cottages, and adding four new luxury cottages. The lodge is set on a high hill above the Rio Grande River—you can ride a tram car to the bottom. The hilltop setting offers awesome views of the jungle and, in the distance, the Gulf of Honduras. Howler monkeys troop by regularly. After a day exploring the rain forest, dive into the swimming pool, then sup on fish and fresh vegetables from the lodge's organic farm. The renovated cottages have vaulted ceilings, tile floors, new baths, air-conditioning, and screened decks overlooking the jungle. Newly added ridge suites are even more luxurious. A second swimming pool also has been added near the ridge suites. SUVs take guests on safari-like soft-adventure trips in the Laughing Falcon Reserve, a 12,000-acre private nature reserve, and elsewhere. The lodge has an agritourism component, with programs on chocolate, rum, coffee, and local foods. There are fly-fishing, wedding, birding, and other all-inclusive packages.

This fun and funky tropical boutique resort has a remote location but offers everything you could ask for: beautiful pools, \"jungle chic\" ambience, and a laid-back vibe. There are bungalows in addition to the hotel rooms. The restaurant offers a delicious selection of chicken, pork and even vegetarian dishes, often interestingly prepared, with salads and fresh ingredients from local gardens. At night the restaurant and bar are bathed in black light, making it look a little like a nightclub. The spa touts its \"Mood Mud\" therapy, its signature spa service, using four different types of mud. There is also a stylish hookah bar that guests can reserve in the evenings.  

In general, Abezza is geared to adults, rather than families, although technically it is not an adults-only resort.

Six high-rise towers dwarf the island's townscape at this condo complex by Marriott Autograph Collection, which features an exclusive beach club, gorgeous design, and a swanky but closed-off air that might make you forget you're in Belize altogether. There is so much to do at Alaia that, in theory, you don't even need to leave: several restaurants serve food ranging from sushi to pizza, the bars serve mixologist cocktails (at twice the normal price), and the pools are made for all-day lounging and selfie-taking. You can even reserve a poolside pergola for a cool BZ$150–BZ$350 a day. Such costs make Alaia feel a little nickel-and-dimey, but for many guests Marriott Bonvoy points decrease the hotel's sticker price. The huge apartments are all stunningly tiled in limestone travertine, and most have balcony living rooms. A major shortcoming is that the grounds are all but bald of trees or foliage. Just next to the tower development is the more human-scaled Reef House (formerly Banyan Bay), whose grounds have winding paths and mature vegetation. These family-friendly apartments feature interiors, designed by Débora Aguilar, which evoke the sandy environment. Grand Colony Villas has also been acquired by Alaia and is now available for booking. For what it's worth, Alaia has Belize's only suspended rooftop pool, so you can peer a dizzying six stories down through glass in the pool's floor. Note that the party atmosphere here can make Alaia feel like an upscale spring break scene.

The island’s lagoon side is often underrated; while watching the sun dip into the lagoon from this gentle coral-and-white budget inn, you might not miss the beach hubbub at all. Mingle with the inn's mostly European crowd by the oval pool and pleasant deck. Or, bring your own beer to the rooftop sundeck, where you can view the zinc-roof streetscape from a different angle. Opened in 2018 by a couple from San Pedro and Orange Walk, Ambergris Sunset is a great choice for those who want to be close to---but not entrenched in---the thick of things. The rooms, while simple, are a restful place to lay your head. Some have two beds but none have kitchens. 

Set on the banks of the Belize River, this lodge is a good spot for families, especially those who like to ride horses, as equestrians of all skill levels have a choice of horses from their herd of about 100. Owners John and Carolyn Carr and daughter Leisa Carr-Caceres arrange canoe trips and hikes on the lodge's 4,000 acres. Naturalists may disagree with the lodge's policy on keeping wild animals, but you'll get the chance to see deer, a jaguar, and a spider monkey on the lodge grounds, along with many birds in an aviary. A bar and grill, conference area, art studio, and art gallery are in a building next to the swimming pool.

Reopened in 2023 with a new look and feel, Bananas is often booked as a hotel \"just for sleeping,\" but still boasts two pools, a bar, and a spa. It was acquired by Caribeville (management for Grand Caribe and Sunset Caribe). The hotel positions itself as \"affordable luxury,\" and despite being on the south side of San Pedro, it is still close enough to highly reviewed eateries like La Fonda De Nilo and Robin's Kitchen. One perk is that the hotel offers golf carts for booking starting at BZ$118. It may be pricier than your other rental agencies, but the convenience is worth it. 

Beautifully designed, modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas dotted along the riverside at the foot of the Maya Mountains, each with its own courtyard and plunge pool, offer tranquility and privacy. When you feel like being around others, join them at the giant shared pool surrounded by upscale loungers. To get back to nature, the hotel provides kayaks and tubes to hit the river, or bikes to explore the trails. Eating at the beautiful river-view, open-air restaurant for every meal can get pricey, so stock up on groceries in Belmopan, and you can cook some of your meals in the full kitchen.

If you want to forgo island charm in favor of sleek, modern comfort, this striking hotel right in the heart of town might be for you. The minimalistic rooms are styled with a gray palette, Edison light bulbs, and hardwood headboards. The decor isn't the only thing that feels urban: the property itself is quite compact. But, a lovely pool and breezy rooftop round out the atmosphere, upping its tropical feel. Some rooms have ocean views, some more modest “island views.” Barefoot has an experienced team, a strong point of the hotel.