58 Best Hotels in The Cayes and Atolls, Belize

A bright white building, giving the impression of a ship at sea, houses stylish rooms at this friendly boutique hotel south of San Pedro. The fresh, squeaky-clean rooms have beautiful locally carved bed frames and white walls accented with handmade decorations. Outside, a small swimming pool is ringed by pleasant deck chairs, and the sea (with a sea wall) is steps away. With new owners in 2021, Mata Rocks now has the beach bar On the Rocks and the restaurant Sorella Ristorante, which channels the owners' Italian heritage and serves classic home-style dishes. Several good restaurants are a stroll away. Although not a large resort, Mata Rocks has personal service and amenities like complimentary paddleboards, bikes, and kayaks. An added bonus: Mata Rocks has Belize's second pickleball court, which guests are invited to use. 

Palm-leaf thatch 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).

Sitting pretty and pink in the middle of town, this long-established seafront hotel has basic but pleasant efficiency apartments, lacking only a pool to make it a perfect mid-level choice. French doors open onto verandas with hammocks, where you can eat meals prepared in your well-equipped kitchenette. Some furniture is dated and nothing is fancy here, but you'll still enjoy the friendly service and beautiful views of a nicer resort. All units are oceanfront. Paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent, and just a few steps away is one of the island's best dive shops, Amigos del Mar. 

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 values 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.

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.

Steps from one of the country's best beaches sits this former convent turned serene island retreat, a pioneer in Belizean eco-tourism 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 Marine Reserve fee and transport to the island from Dangriga are 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.

A freshwater pool surrounded by hibiscus and jungle geranium make the centerpiece at Pelican Reef, which is one of the most popular spots on the island. Large butter-yellow three-story buildings house the apartments, which are all tastefully decorated, equipped with modern kitchens, and perfect for families and groups who'd like some privacy and creature comforts. Oceanfront units have especially stunning views, but all units are pleasant. The outdoor restaurant, Pelican's Nest Bar & Grill, is open for breakfast (a nice choice of dishes is included with the room) and lunch. You can enjoy amenities like complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, and snorkel gear. With its friendly atmosphere, Pelican Reef is a hit with kids. 

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.

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. Taco Bar, dishing up customizable tacos, is the buzzing on-site restaurant. 

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.

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 uber-modern 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 restaurant Catch 831 will be only open to resort guests, and not the mariners and day-trippers who visit the island. 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. 

For an all-inclusive, family-friendly option, this playful getaway---the only thing on 6-acre Little Frenchman 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: comfortable cottages, set fairly close together, have two bedrooms, turndown service, TV, and other amenities. Decor and furnishings feel a little hodgepodge, but you're unlikely to hang out in your room much. Though not quite as polished as some luxury island resorts, the casual, intimate atmosphere is what make it lovable. The boat ride is a mere 20 minutes.

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 snorkel gear. 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.

Organic forms characterize these six exotic villas, whose curved walls echo the slate floors that sweep under cathedral ceilings. Private but not too stuffy, you'll have plenty of space for yourself. Each 3,200-square-foot villa has a sunken living room, an outdoor garden with hot tub, and unobstructed sea views. If resort culture isn’t for you, this would be great for an extended family or group who can swing the price tag (though Seascape caters to adults more than kids). You can even hire a personal chef. It still has the trappings of resort amenities, like complimentary bikes, kayaks, a tennis court, and tennis gear.

Warm in ambience and in attitude, this orange zest-color 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 onsite bar serves coffee and tasty cocktails (with an extra long happy hour). 

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 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 limited spa services in a frill-free room, and a nice pool if you want a break from the sea. Take advantage of the complimentary windsurfing boards and instruction, along with paddle boarding, 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.

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 Inn in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

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.

This cluster of turquoise cottages, each with a hammocked porch, is steps from the sea, and while accommodations are simple---just above backpacker level---the Caribbean is your playground. Here, there's a bit more room for stretching out than at other lodges on Tobacco Caye, as the property extends from the sea on the east to the island's back side. A thatch-roof bar is set away from the cabins. Rates do not include Marine Reserve fees or transportation. 

Whether it's paradise or not depends on your expectations, but if you seek a cute, gently priced cabin built partly over the water, backed by coco palms, with snorkeling and adventure right out your door, this lodge could be for you. It's is a pack-your-own-beach-towel type of joint, where the light eco-footprint and solar power mean no hot showers. Tobacco Caye Paradise is run by the Belize Adventure Group; eco-conscious excursions are the hotel's speciality. A full meal plan is an additional BZ$80 per adult (kids' rates half-price). Rates don't include transportation or Marine Reserve fees.

Austrian-born owner Doris Creasey brings an eccentric flair and Teutonic cleanliness to this three-story colonial-style guesthouse, set back a ways from the sea. The decor mingles decades—silk flowers, a mysterious empty urn, stained glass—and the furniture can be a little firm. But if you seek a quiet retreat, this is a well-managed, affordable option. The small courtyard garden is a pleasant place to read or lounge in a hammock. Treetops is about 150 feet from the sea (though neighbors' plots are sometimes awash with smelly seagrass), within walking distance of most restaurants. A few guests rankle at the house rules and regulations enforced by the owner, who runs a tight ship: checkout is at 9 am; no outside guests; water bottle refills are BZ$1. But most find this to be a charming guesthouse.

The sound of the surf is the only night noise at this smart, red-roofed resort, where you'll commune with others who love fishing and other water activities as much as you do. Opened in 1981 by Karen and Craig Hayes, Turneffe Flats sits on the northeastern side of the atoll on a private point with a white-sand beach and a wadeable bonefish flat. It has earned accolades for its focus on sustainable tourism. The lodgings, fitted with elegant hardwoods, are a far cry from the bare-bones fishing camp that occupied this site in the early '80s. You probably won't spend much time in your room, in any case. The social heart of the resort is a lodge with bar, dining room (meals are served group style), and two levels of decks with sea views. You can dive at Turneffe Flats—dive boats are on standby and the reef is only 200 yards from shore—but the ubiquitous fishing-pole racks suggest that bonefish, permit, and tarpon are still the main draw. For these fish you usually go out on 16-foot flats skiffs, with two anglers and a guide per boat. You pay a pretty penny to indulge your passion, however. Fishing and dive packages are available, the latter costing somewhat less.

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 this set the tone at this upscale, legend-filled resort. 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 off-season. 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 a 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. 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 jungle-like 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 paddle board 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).

Inland from the sea, this mellow B&B is draped with golden trumpet vines and oleander, and offers personal service to a T. The hosts want to make sure you enjoy your trip to Belize, so they’ll even lend a hand with logistics and planning your vacation. Homemade breakfasts on the rooftop—with winning views of the sea and village—are a lovely way to crack open the day. Being a block or two away from the water, Yocamatsu won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those seeking a quiet, pleasant retreat it’s just the thing. The property abuts the football field, so you can watch soccer games from your cabana porch.