31 Best Hotels in The Cayes and Atolls, Belize

Islanders will tell you that Cayo Espanto, a spectacular private island off Ambergris, is where movie stars stay, and they’re not wrong. Before arrival, you’re asked to detail favorite foods, music tastes, and your daily rhythm, so that staff can craft a highly customized paradise. Then, on arrival, you're met by the uniformed crew, a welcome bottle of champagne, and astonishing vistas of crystalline seas. Architecturally, the turquoise-and-white-tone villas blend in with the sand and sky as much as possible—during the day, the villas aren’t even walled (most have walls folded in at night). Between the architecture and details like alfresco showers and splash pools, you have intimate access to the natural stage around you. Meanwhile, a personal butler, or “houseman,” is on call to take care of every whim. The island chef creates a bespoke menu, while the day's meals are delivered to a waterside table or dock by your villa. A special experience is the private beachside dinner, lit with luminaries and a just-for-you bonfire. For all this intensely personal care, you'll pay a small (or large) fortune. The highly professional service can feel formal, which may discomfort those used to the casual interactions you'll have on Ambergris Caye.

El Ben Cabañas offers the far-from-it-all atmosphere that many seek in their Belizean adventure, but that most new resorts fall short of—at this boutique resort, you can wander the verdant grounds, lounge by the mangrove-lined sea, take a kayak out, and spend the night in a thatched cabana filled with local hardwoods. Such features make El Ben feel remote, but Caye Caulker village is a short jaunt away (by free boat ride or, if you’re adventurous, by bike and ferry). Still, staying north of the Split means dining options are less immediately accessible. Fortunately, the fabulous restaurant T&T (named for the co-owner’s home of Trinidad and Tobago) is at your doorstep. It has swiftly earned acclaim for dishes like homemade pasta, T-bone steak, and crème brûlée flambéed at the table. A special feature of El Ben are the beautiful mangroves preserved during construction. 

Grand Caribe's superluxury condos, an unmissable landmark on the North Ambergris shore, are renowned for their seamless glamour: the terra-cotta will put you in mind of a Spanish palace (or of South Florida), and indeed you'll feel like royalty. The suites (one- to five bedrooms) have Brazilian floor tiles, spacious Jacuzzis, and kitchens that will make you want to cook with every appliance. The a/c is famously cold, and sunken ceilings lend every suite a dynamic depth. Six pools and a swim-up bar provide hours of relaxation (though the bunker-like bar is an aesthetic miss). If you can live without views, the studio apartments are by far the best deal. Across the street on the lagoon side, the new Sunset Caribe development offers comfortable but less dynamic condos with sunset views. Two high-profile restaurants, Rain and Aqua, are on-site plus the small grocery Bread Basket and an impeccable spa. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 first traditional resort on this low-key island, Blu Zen sits on Caye Caulker's quiet north side and consists of starkly white, modern buildings, each filled with minimalist condos in gray and white tones. Some will love the clean lines and urban design, while others will find the units cold. With their vast square footage and full kitchens, the apartments let families and groups spread out. There's even a five-bedroom (ultra-expensive) penthouse for you and 15 friends! The resort boasts the fantastic global fusion restaurant Lotus, which serves creative dishes all day (at a high price point). There is also the new La Fogata serving wood-fired pizzas. At the high-end convenience store Mercado, you'll find wine, imported cheeses, local meats, and yummy snacks from the smoothie bar (an outpost of Namaste Café). A scheduled boat runs several times daily to shuttle you to and from the village. Though it’s not for every audience, Blu Zen offers a unique, luxury option on casual Caye Caulker. 

This luxe resort gives the impression of a Mediterranean palace---or maybe a fun Las Vegas version---with its colonnades and grottoes rising from the swimming pools. Indeed, the two pools are the real pull at Coco Beach, but this top condotel also has lovely interiors, featuring Balinese rattan furniture and Spanish tiles in the various rooms and suites. Kitchens feature granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Five penthouses boast amazing views of the sea and Barrier Reef. The main restaurant, Cocoblanca, is a baroque display of chandeliers, alcoves, and silken upholstery. Unfortunately, the food is overpriced and underwhelming. Coco Beach and other Sandy Point Resorts often offer deep discounts, so check specials before you book.

It all comes down to this: recline in a hammock on your cottage veranda, sip a cold daiquiri, and contemplate the Caribbean at this intimate all-inclusive private-island resort. Aside from the traffic of geckos and pelicans, this 16-acre island will never feel crowded. But you'll make your share of friends with other guests, staff members, and maybe the nurse sharks that patrol the waters. Coco Plum, whose operation is famously well run, offers seafront cabanas that are remodeled, air-conditioned, and decked out in tropical colors. The fabulous chef, Miss Jude, prepares masterful, homestyle meals (served in a daily set menu, so choices are limited). Most rates include snorkel trips to the reef just a few miles out. Be aware that the included alcohol often facilitates a beach-party atmosphere. Coco Plum is definitely a place for all-inclusive travelers, not the independent adventure travelers that Belize often attracts. Coco Plum's sister resort Manta Island, which opened in 2021, has soft white sand, coral-rich waters, and the benefit of sitting on glorious Glover's Reef Atoll.

If you're looking for an unfussy, homey spot on the beach with personal service, charming Cocotal Inn could be just right. Our favorite unit is the casita, with its vaulted hardwood ceiling (capped with a cute cupola) and four-poster queen bed; it's closest to the beach and overlooks the freshwater pool. Darling cottages also make a pleasant retreat, and all have fully equipped kitchens so you can cook your own meals. Or, hop on a complimentary bike and ride to one of many nearby restaurants. The friendly, helpful owners are on-site. You can snorkel at the small artificial reef, right off Cocotal's enormous 200-foot pier. 

Nearly every hotel on Ambergris Caye claims that it can arrange fishing trips, but this resort, opened in 1974, has the best angling resources, plus plenty to do for companions with other passions (half the guests are snorkelers and divers). Ask the folks here about fishing and they'll rattle off lists of pancake flats, back-reef flats, turtle-grass flats, and all their inhabitants. Loosely described as a "fishing camp," the main lodge is actually a handsome white colonial with comfortable rooms and a nice swimming pool. Adjoining the lodge in two groupings, each with a pool, are deluxe private villas. The restaurant has delicious farm-to-table (and sea-to-table) daily menus, with one seating for the prix-fixe dinner. Many guests arrive as part of a fishing package; check the website for package deals. The resort has a fly-fishing shop and offers lessons.

Spend your days here snorkeling in the shallows, doing acrobatics on a water trampoline, and, most dramatically, diving at "The Pinnacles," where coral heads rise 40 feet from the ocean floor. After a lobster or fish dinner and a few Belikins on a pier 100 feet into the Caribbean, wander back to your rustic cabin, a breezy retreat built of tropical hardwoods. The cabins are more or less utilitarian, but you're unlikely to spend much time in them. Given its air-conditioning and 24/7 electricity, Isla Marisol has more amenities than many resorts nearby. With 40 miles between you and the Belizean coast, this is an exhilarating place for fishers and divers, midrange for remote islands in Belize.

Sister property to Island Magic Resort in the heart of Caye Caulker, Island Magic Villas offers a more upscale and luxurious stay away from the hustle and bustle of town. Situated less than half a mile from the Split, the teal-and-white-hued lodgings sit on the northern side of the island. That doesn't mean it's a trek to the resort, however. A lightning-fast ferry across the Split followed by a three-minute golf cart ride north will have you sipping by the idyllic property's pool in no time. Island Magic Resort is ideal for families, even boasting a master villa that sleeps up to eight. This oceanfront gem is ideal if you want to party in town, then retire in tranquility. 

Expansive villas command the beachfront, all named after precious jewels like Opal and Emerald---and they really do dazzle. The design is inspired by Mexican, Moroccan, and Maya traditions, evident in the arches, alcoves, rugs, and sensuous tones of rose and mango. Hand-hewn furniture and deluxe kitchens enhance the spaces. The villas range from two to five bedrooms; with a group, they can be more affordable than a hotel. Plus, you’ll still enjoy concierge service and a shared pool. A few restaurants are within walking distance or, more comfortably, golf-cart distance.

The all-white dazzle of Las Terrazas will make you want to don your chicest beachwear---but even if you can’t rival the style, this is a welcoming luxury resort. You can enjoy complimentary extras like Hobie Cat sailing, kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes. The spacious condo suites boast travertine tile floors, granite countertops, and handcrafted Belizean furnishings. A glassy infinity pool makes a gorgeous property centerpiece. If there's room in your vacation budget, Serenity Spa offers special treatments like Belizean chocolate facials. At the water, an unusual, two-level curved pier, which sweeps out into the sea, makes an ideal spot to watch the waves break over the Barrier Reef. Take bait and rods to the pier for $10 and the chef will cook your catch.

The pulse of south Ambergris is changing with this 60-acre townlet of white, colonial-nostalgic villas by Hilton's Curio brand, complete with boutique shopping, a clubhouse, a taco truck, a spa, and all the trappings of a planned community in the States. Rooms, including cute garden cottages, are chicly designed. Think distressed wood and strong contrasting lines, offset by white fabrics that give the spaces a signature freshness. The development faces the lagoon, not the sea, but a complimentary boat runs on the hour to ferry guests to the "Private Beach Club" on the back side of Ambergris (note that sometimes there's a line for the boat). There you'll find a glittering beach where you can order expensive cocktails from an over-the-water daybed. Being on the lagoon, the beach has no sargassum seaweed but there are occasional annoying "sea lice" in the water. Mahogany Bay's tremendous Great House holds the restaurant Verandah and a deck-side bar, Shaken, and there are plenty of other places on-site to drop loads of cash. Overextended staff means service is far less personal than that found at smaller resorts. Mahogany Bay has something for everyone, but the massive resort isn't for everyone. It's easy to forget you're in Belize. This property has met controversy over its dredge-and-fill practice when making the mangrove habitat ready for construction. 

The name doesn't do justice to this intimate lodge on Glover's Atoll, which focuses on diving (sites are a four-minute boat ride away), but snorkeling, fishing, bird-watching, and stargazing aren't to be overlooked. With only five cabanas, you may feel the coral island was conjured all for you. Depending on your point of view, you'll find the small wood cabins, composting toilets, and outdoor rainwater showers either eco-rustic or very utilitarian. Tasty meals are served family style in a beachfront thatch palapa with sand floors. Off the Wall has a seven-day minimum stay. Gear and dives are additional costs, as are alcoholic drinks, fishing, and some other services.

This luxury-meets-adventure resort embodies Belize as a destination: cabanas with ragged crowns of thatch, wonderful people, imperfect beaches, and, when not plighted by sargassum, exquisite water. The exteriors and pool are showing their age, but the rooms are unlike anything back home: they feature tropical hardwoods, sultry doorless bathrooms, handpainted sinks, and bamboo bed frames. Honeymooners and families alike are welcome. The Green Parrot Bistro has decent food at special-occasion prices; you may want to explore other dining options up north. Portofino has a dive shop, spa, and all the other trappings of a seasoned resort.

One of the first and most famous resorts on the island, Ramon's really is a village, with its many buildings paneled in furry palmetto and canopied footpaths that you can get lost in. At the south edge of town, the popular resort attracts an active crowd who take their virgin daiquiris to the pool (no alcohol sold here, though guests may drink in their room or on the beach). You may find rates surprisingly spendy for the size and amenities, but you're paying for the setting. The grounds are lush, green, and flowery and the 500-foot beach is among the best in or near town. Snorkeling is decent off the long pier around its artificial reef. Across from Ramon's sits the small sister property Steve & Becky's, which has cute colonial-style cottages. The main restaurant, Pineapples On the Beach, serves so-so food and seems to import Las Vegas kitsch with its looming 16-foot Maya head.

For an all-inclusive, family-friendly option, this playful getaway---the only thing on the 6-acre caye---is a special experience. Sea kayaking around the mangrove biome, swimming, and playing chess on a giant chessboard make great activities for kids. You won't be roughing it: newly renovated comfortable cottages, set fairly close together, have turndown service, TV, and other amenities. Decor and furnishings feel a little sterile, but you're unlikely to hang out in your room much. The 2022 face-lift brought about a spacious gym and an indoor, air-conditioned hangout spot ideal for children. Families with kids can enjoy movie nights at the Coral Room or simply wind down while reading a book. Though not quite as polished as some luxury island resorts, the casual, intimate atmosphere is what makes it lovable. The boat ride is a mere 25 minutes.

Sister property to the extravagant Grand Caribe, Sunset Caribe is a stunning resort facing the leeward side of Ambergris Caye. Its most recent building is home to a top-notch café as well as a gorgeous lobby facing two unusually expansive pools. While you won't be in front of the sea (which can be a hidden blessing during sargassum season), the striking sunset views will take the sting out of it. Each bedroom comes with its own balcony that allows you to admire the bay, and if you need some fresh air, the rooftop terrace on the seventh floor allows you to gaze all the way to Secret Beach. Guests can cross the street to Grand Caribe to dine at Rain or Aqua, but if you'd prefer to cook in your kitchenette that comes with every room, Sunset offers grocery delivery from their Beach Basket store as well. 

Thatch Caye is all about you and your private-island vacation; after a day of sea adventures return to elevated bungalows, some entirely over water, at this adventure lodge. Stylish accents like distressed wooden bed frames and sliding barn doors make the design more chic than on many islands, though it can feel too rustic for some guests. Cabanas have high, open-air widow's walks where you can watch the sunrise. You can walk the island from end to end in less than half an hour and poke around the three small natural beaches; however, shore snorkeling isn't very good. Expect to get social at meals (eaten together at a long table) and cocktail hour at the over-the-water Starfish Bar. A host of packages are available, but the basic all-inclusive package runs BZ$350 per person per day. A resort in the Muy'Ono hotel group, Thatch Caye has five sister hotels all over Belize and has a strong eco-conscience.