San Ignacio Resort Hotel

18 Buena Vista Rd., San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize
Fodor's Choice
San Ignacio Resort Hotel

Why We Like It

The wonderful staff makes you feel right at home. This makes sense, as that welcoming feeling probably stems from establishment’s history. Because the property has always been owned and managed by one family, their vision(s) goes into every aspect from the floorplans to the cushions. The property also includes a fascinating iguana conservation project in its backyard--which is absolutely worth your time. Oh, and it would be a crime not to visit Cahal Pech (a Maya site just steps away from the property that has to be seen to be believed).

The award-winning San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a lush, airy and luxurious establishment filled with top-of-the-line rooms, friendly staff members, wonderful local artwork, and rich history. On the hotel’s property, you will also find a medicinal jungle trail, a tennis court, and a swimming pool.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The areas surrounding the hotel are not quite as “resort-like,” so be on guard when walking around San Ignacio after hours. Also, if you don’t already know, San Ignacio is humid. Some of that spills over into the hotel as they keep the lobby doors open (which also means bugs). FYI, San Ignacio is a 90-minute drive from the airport (Philip Goldson International Airport).

Photo: San Ignacio Resort Hotel

room

The rooms have hardwood floors, art, and furniture that match the exotic aesthetic found throughout the rest of the property. Most notably, however, is the spacious balcony where you can soak up the sun during the day and relax in a Jacuzzi, located in a corner, in the evening. That's right! There's a Jacuzzi. On. The. Balcony!

The recently-renovated Honeymoon suite is a nice-sized, inviting room. The layout is ideal for two.

Photo: San Ignacio Resort Hotel

bathroom

Complete with “his and her” sinks, the bathroom also features a marble, open shower (devoid of doors) to give guests room to stretch.

lobby

Recently remodeled, the marble-floored lobby gives off a vibe that complements Belize’s exotic ecosystem quite nicely, with warm colors, plush couches, a long staircase and floral arrangements aplenty.

Photo: San Ignacio Resort Hotel

dining

The hotel’s restaurant, Running W Steakhouse and Restaurant, is divine. Offering a variety of cuisines, a standout dish is the “fry jack” (offered at breakfast with eggs and your choice of meat). This is a popular Belizean option. Order it every day. I did.

The menu at Running W Steakhouse is international with the best of Belizean cuisine featuring meats from their own family’s ranch where the restaurant got its name. Family Member and Grill Master Trey Roberson hosts an evening cookout on the patio each week featuring grilled specialties, family-style platters, and local delicacies.

Photo: San Ignacio Resort Hotel

drinking

We recommend cooling off with a bevy of custom cocktails at the Running W Steakhouse--the bartenders know what they’re doing.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Family established and owned, San Ignacio Resort Hotel goes the extra mile for its guests, providing a hassle-free vacation by organizing an array of activities for people of all ages. All tours will be organized through the Resort and include a private driver and tour guide.

Restaurants

Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let’s Go Eat) (10-15 minute walk) is simply delicious, and the variety (and quality) of the cuisines is unbelievable. We recommend the curried chicken. If you’re looking for more of an upscale dining experience, check out the seafood at Crave House of Flavor (10-15 minute walk). For dessert, bop on over next door to fantastic The Ice Cream Shoppe (10-15 minute walk). The place has a ton of eccentric flavors. We're partial to the Rum Raisin flavor, though.

Bars

There are few informal little spots just down the street, and the front desk can help point you in the right direction. However, we recommend just staying at the hotel and enjoying the cool beverages at the Running W.

QUICK FACTS

Resort
Business, Green, Service
Casual
Central
$$$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 824-2034;855-488–2624-toll-free in U.S. and Canada