34 Best Hotels in Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, The Cayes and Atolls

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.

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.

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.

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.