Belize has luxury accommodations in some of its most remote areas. Pick from rooms that are deep in the jungle or on the white sands of the Caribbean shore. This list also includes some of the country’s top eco-friendly luxury resorts — they offer hospitality that’s in harmony with nature. Belize is a relatively small country, covering a total of just 8,864 square miles (22,960 sq km), so no matter where you stay, you’ll be an accessible distance from Belize’s top destinations.
Chan Chich Lodge Chan Chich Lodge has incredible grounds, which include their very own Maya ruins, complete with an ancient plaza and ball court. Book a luxury villa for the plushest surroundings, with all of the comforts of a high-end hotel. This is one of Belize’s highly related eco-friendly hotels. Lodges here are made from sustainably harvested wood, and the furnishings are made by local craftsmen. Your hosts also provide biodegradable toiletries.
Lamanai Outpost Lodge Lamanai Outpost Lodge shares the banks of the New River Lagoon with the Lamanai Maya ruins. The Mayan word Lamanai translates to “submerged crocodile” — this place is named after the scaly inhabitants of the river. You can walk 20 minutes or take a short ride to Lamanai. There is a total of 4 exquisite ancient temples at this site, the most famous of which is the Mask Temple. Take a moment to appreciate the detailed carvings of each figure’s elaborate headdresses. This is one of Belize’s few jungle lodges. To maintain the serenity of the lodge, they offer fewer than 20 cabins. Book a luxury cottage for high-end amenities and gorgeous high ceilings.
Maruba Jungle Lodge and Spa This place goes a step beyond comfortable jungle accommodations. Maruba Jungle Lodge and Spa will leave you feeling downright pampered. The spa here specializes in mud baths, which infuse your skin with rejuvenating minerals. There’s also a Japanese mineral bath, poolside canopies, and a fresh juice bar. Boutique rooms come with vibrant colors and textures. The plushest rooms have hot tubs and lush jungle views. Drive 30 minutes from the lodge to reach the Maya site of Altun Ha. Here, visitors are welcome to climb to the top of the Temple of the Masonry Altars.
Portofino Resort Potofino Resort has exclusive beach real estate on the island of Ambergris Caye and is accessible only by boat. The resort offers guests a boat taxi to San Pedro, the island’s main town. If you’re traveling in a large group, book the beachfront mansion. There are also beachfront suites with bamboo thatched roofs and hardwood floors. Although these accommodations are designed to blend in with the serene beach landscape, all of the rooms still have air conditioning, WiFi internet, cable TV, and daily housekeeping. There’s a pool that overlooks the beach. You can get a massage in a thatched hut on the beach, or order an in-room massage.
Robert’s Grove Book rooms at Robert’s Grove for sparkling views of the Caribbean Sea. It’s nestled on 22 acres (9 ha) of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Placencia Lagoon. Leave from the shore to take sailing tours. Visit the massage therapy hut on the beach. In addition to massages, they offer body scrubs and aromatherapy. Enjoy these treatments all while you experience the ultimate therapy — listening to waves crashing on the beach.
Turtle Inn Francis Ford Coppola has purchased many properties in Belize. He started in the 1980s when he bought a mansion to use as a writing retreat. Coppola eventually turned that property into a hotel, and then acquired several more properties. Coppola’s resorts take inspiration from his travels. Cottages at Turtle Inn were inspired by Balinese huts, and this resort specializes in Thai massages. Placencia has especially calm waters that make it convenient for snorkeling. There are also two infinity pools on the grounds of the resort.
Xanadu Island Resort This green resort has received the Green Globe Certificate. Some of the eco-friendly measures that Xanadu has taken include a solar water heater and a freshwater swimming pool. Prepare for a breathtaking view of the Caribbean scenery. Explore to your heart’s content — use of the resort’s bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards is included in your stay. Book a few ocean bound tours while you’re staying at Ambergris Caye. Belize is known for its great sailing, as well as the thriving underwater population that surrounds the Belize Barrier Reef. Go on expeditions to the Belize Blue Hole, and see the coral reef that makes up the Lighthouse Reef and the Turneffe Reef Atoll.