Located mid-way along the Placencia Peninsula, the Maya Beach area is a lesser-known gem that offers a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of Belize’s more populated and touristy spots. From uncrowded spots for lounging on the beach to hidden gems for delicious food, Maya Beach has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate mini-guide to where to eat, stay, and play in this charming coastal community.
Where to Stay
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Maya Beach, you’re spoiled for choice! Stunning beachfront resorts, quaint cottages, cozy boutique hotels, or luxurious private villas—there are options that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here are two top picks:
Umaya Resort & Adventures
If you’re searching for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, Umaya is your go-to spot. This resort offers 1 or 2-bedroom options. Their luxurious accommodations with Caribbean flair boast spacious suites that overlook either the lagoon or the ocean. Enjoy all the bells and whistles of a full-service resort with multiple bars and restaurants in addition to perfectly equipped kitchens in every suite for self-catering options. The resort’s on-site tour operator can schedule excursions to several nearby attractions or custom-tailor an adventure for your party. Umaya is the ideal base for both relaxation and exploration.
Ceiba Beach Resort & Residences
For those who crave an intimate resort experience, Ceiba Beach is a perfect choice. This boutique resort is nestled among lush tropical gardens and offers a personalized experience with cozy beachfront cabanas and suites. The pool’s swim-up bar is a favorite haunt for locals and visitors alike, where hand-crafted cocktails and fresh ceviche are served up with a smile that is warmer than the Caribbean sun.
Where to Eat
Maya Beach might be small, but it certainly isn’t lacking in the dining department. From local Belizean dishes to international cuisine and elegant bistros, here are a couple of must-visit eateries:
Maya Beach Bistro
Sunrise at Maya Beach Bistro. Photo courtesy of restaurant.
A peninsula favorite for many years, The Bistro offers a sophisticated menu with an emphasis on fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients. The intimate setting and oceanfront views make it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Be sure to try the breakfast menu and stop in during happy hour for some of the best small plates on the peninsula.
RumBum Restaurant & Bar
Known for its laid-back vibe, cold drinks, and delicious food, RumBum is the place to go if you’re craving a classic rice-and-beans or some savory jerk chicken.
Umaya’s Restaurante Laguna
Restaurante Laguna at Umaya. Photo courtesy of propety.
Dining at Umaya’s Restaurante Laguna is an experience. Located on the resort’s lagoon side, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring a fusion of Belizean and international flavors. The chefs pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure that every dish bursts with flavor.
Where to Play
Maya Beach might be known for its tranquil atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be short on things to do. Here are some activities to fill your days with fun and adventure.
Water Sports and Excursions
Photos courtesy of Sirenian Bay / Captain Jak’s
Bordered by the tranquil lagoon on one side and the sparkling Caribbean Sea on the other, Maya Beach is the perfect location for a variety of water sports. From kayaking and paddleboarding to snorkeling and scuba diving, the magnificent marine life and vibrant coral reef that Belize is famous for is just beyond your doorstep. A short drive inland will bring you to ancient ruins shrouded in mystery and dense jungle. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a day trip to one of the country’s many caves or get your adrenaline pumping with a zip-line or rappelling expedition. Maya Beach is ideally situated to allow you to reach all the best of Belize’s attractions.
Games Galore
Photo by Duarte Dellarole
Maya Beach boasts the country’s one and only bowling alley, Jaguar Lanes. The perfect diversion when you’ve had enough sun and sand, this lively spot is a great place to hang out with friends or meet fellow travelers. Dartboards, pool tables, and a well-stocked bar round out the bowling alley’s offerings. Inky’s at Sirenian Bay Resort offers fun for the whole family with multiple tennis and pickleball courts for fast-paced and friendly competition. Test your skill on the 18-hole miniature golf course that is equally beautiful at night as it is during the day.
Explore the Rest of the Peninsula
Photo courtesy Captain Jak’s
Borrow a bicycle or rent a golf cart for an easy ride to Placencia Village. Spend the day wandering the streets and sidewalks, chatting with locals, and picking up handmade souvenirs. Sample local treats from roadside vendors such as fresh coconut water and homemade fudge. Be sure to explore all the way to The Point, the very end of the 15-mile-long peninsula where fisherman clean their daily catch next to the municipal pier each afternoon.
Featured Photo by Ceiba Beach Resort
