17 Best Hotels in The Cayes and Atolls, Belize

Hibiscus blooms greet you at the archway of this charming terra-cotta-capped inn, which offers affordable suites just a hop-skip from the bustle of town. Named for the brilliant surgeonfish, Blue Tang's rooms are accented with bright fabrics that recall the sea life you'll see while snorkeling. They also celebrate Belize's tropical hardwoods with features such as vaulted ceilings and sweeping arches. Even the most economical suite is equipped with a kitchenette and small living area. The continental breakfast is a nice touch, and the front desk can book all manner of trips and packages. Don't leave without relaxing on the gorgeous rooftop sundeck.

With private terraces and Belizean artworks, CayeReef is an older condotel gone boutique, right down to the handcrafted soaps. The nice two-bed, two-bath apartments are enlivened with colorful tile and on-trend furnishings. Among the more upmarket and spacious digs on the island, they make a good choice for families or two couples on vacation. A cozy swimming pool is hidden behind a tall wall, and the rooftop Jacuzzi is a great sunset venue. (Just be careful going down the rail-less stairs after cocktails.)

One of Caye Caulker's most beloved and well-run spots, this nook offers quaint blue-and-yellow cabanas and a sense of semi-seclusion. The crowd-pleasing cabanas and suites, most raised on stilts, suit a range of budgets and make a good place to unwind after a marine adventure. All have amenities like a refrigerator, covered porches, and access to a communal grill. You're never much more than spitting distance from the water, and the hotel’s private pier features a nice palapa with plenty of loungers and hammocks. Town is a 10-minute walk away, or a pleasant ride on your complimentary bicycle. Sand fleas here can be mean—apply baby oil.

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. 

A collection of sturdy, sand-color buildings fanned by mature palms, Iguana Reef Inn is one of Caye Caulker's most upscale lodgings. Tropical-toned paintings animate the well-appointed rooms, and outside the footbridged pool is a peaceful place to cool off. Across from main buildings is the hotel's lively beach bar, which sits right on the lagoon. Its lounge chairs and small walk-in beach attract scores of tourists all day.  Travelers aren't the only ones drawn here: pelicans frequent the dock; a tiny seahorse "reserve" lies below it; and southern stingrays gather in the shallows in late afternoon. Because the inn is on the island's lee (west) side, you'll enjoy sunset views from your veranda, but you won't get the Caribbean Sea vista. But you may find you prefer the lagoon side.

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. 

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 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.

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).

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. 

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. 

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. 

Four elegant cabanas ring a glittering plunge pool at this stylish B&B just north of the bridge. In a cool palette of blue and gray, the small hardwood cabanas are beautifully textured with plush towels, polished wood, and shark-fin-smooth ceiling fans. Everything down to the shower tiles has been carefully considered. Take a decadent breakfast in your room or on the shady deck. The size of the rooms and distance from the beach might suggest a cheaper price, but it is, after all, Ambergris---plus, Daydreamin' is a welcome counterpoint to the gargantuan developments elsewhere on the island. 

If diving is your reason for the season and you don't want to blow the bank, this beachfront inn at the north end of town is a solid launchpad for undersea adventures. Poolside daybeds under shady pergolas are a nice place to unwind after a dive, maybe with a rum from the outdoor bar, The Lazy Pelican. As for the building itself, the three-story wood-frame structure recalls a time before everyone built with reinforced concrete. Top picks here are the second- and third-floor rooms, with balconies overlooking the beach, but all rooms have sea views. Ocean Tide remains a moderate value in pricey San Pedro Town. Located at the north edge of town, you can stroll along the beach to San Pedro's bars and restaurants.

If you love design but don't need the spacious grounds of a resort, you might try out one of these six adults-only cabanas, which have hip luxury on a fun-size scale. PUR has a social atmosphere that can brew up a party scene; while honeymooners love the hotel's intimacy, if you're looking for a private getaway look elsewhere. But, the textured and trendy hotel doesn’t skimp on amenities or personal service. PUR Habaneros Bar, which serves the biggest burrito on the island, is the buzzing on-site restaurant.

A Spanish arcade makes a pleasant passageway between the rooms and courtyard of this waterfront hotel on the busy southern side of town. Among SunBreeze's virtues are that it's trusty, tasteful, and well-managed, having been successful since opening in 1980. Some remodeled rooms have upscale touches like whirlpool baths and mahogany moldings; most are simply unfussy and fresh in cream and burnt-sienna tones. Some units are equipped for guests with disabilities, a rarity in Belize. Just oceanside of the pool is the noteworthy Blue Water Grill. You can have a coconut-honey scrub (or ear candling) at the spa or get underwater with Ambergris Divers. Also under the same ownership is SunBreeze Suites at the north end of town. Both are part of the Roe Group, a prominent Belize City company that also operates the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City and Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge in the Mountain Pine Ridge.