It would be too easy to position Belize as a generic tropical paradise. And while there are plenty of pristine beaches just waiting for their next Instagram shot, where you want to stay is sometimes about more than just what appeals to influencers. There are options for every sensibility — and every budget — in Belize, but a few areas are more popular than others. Improve your experience by knowing where to look for your vacation home or villa in Belize.
Whether you’re looking to rent a vacation home, buy a property to retire in, or even find a property management firm for your existing condo, Vacasa is an agency who can offer you everything. They take a full-service approach with their clients and have properties spread throughout Belize. That means you’re covered whether you’re looking for a jungle retreat or a beachfront villa.
San Ignacio
Belize’s beaches are beautiful, but the Cayo District is widely seen as the hub for natural beauty within the country. And San Ignacio is the heart of culture and commerce for this ecologically rich district. The Mayas understood the value in the fertile land as well, as the Cayo District was once the heart of their empire in Belize. The Cayo District is home to impressively intimidating monuments like El Castillo pyramid at Xunantunich and the ruins of Caracol, but it’s also home to natural landmarks like the expansive sets of caves known as Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek. And that’s not even taking into consideration the rich cuisine, cultural, and architecture you’ll find in San Ignacio proper.
San Pedro
Blue Water Beach Villas *Gold Standard Certified – San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Madonna’s classic ode “La Isla Bonita” may have popularized Ambergris Caye as the paradise you’ve always dreamed of, but it’s not the song that keeps people coming back. Today, Ambergris Caye has something of a reputation for drawing in the tourists. That positions Ambergris Caye’s principal settlement of San Pedro as a great place to live if you want to enjoy cosmopolitan restaurants and a full nightlife without having to leave the island, and the abundance of tour opportunities means that you’ll have a practically endless amount of chances for adventures. But thanks to Belize’s sensible approach to sustainable tourism, Ambergris Caye has retained its natural splendor rather than become just a trashed spring break mecca. Even at its most crowded, you can normally sneak off to somewhere that’s both private and beautiful.
Caye Caulker
Princesa in Caye Caulker.
If you want the vibes you’d get from Ambergris Caye without having to worry about the crowds, the charming island of Caye Caulker might be the perfect destination for you. The fact that it’s not as developed as San Pedro means that staying is cheaper and the crowds tend to be lighter. But that doesn’t mean that everything is provincial out on the island. It’s still a popular destination with a ton of prime beach real estate, and you’ll find the same wealth of activities offered as you would on Ambergris Caye. The mainland and all the adventures it offers can be reached via simple ferry ride — but Caye Caulker’s close proximity to both the Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef may keep you from the mainland except for your transit to and from the airport and Belize City.
Hopkins Village
Latitude Adjustment, a Vacasa rental.
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker tend to pull out all the stops to offer visitors the perfect beach paradise — but if you’re looking to stay on the mainland and experience something a little more culturally authentic and diverse, it might be worth it to take a detour to Hopkins Village. It sets comfortably on the coast and is one of the major population hubs for the local Garifuna. This unique blend of African and indigenous culture is welcoming to outsiders, and you can’t truly experience Belize without tasting their food and engaging in their drumming and dancing in person. But the unique location of Hopkins Village also makes it the perfect gateway for people who want to see the Maya sites, caves, and jungles that the inland has to offer while still having access to the open waters.
Placencia
The peninsula known as Placencia extends down Belize’s east coast for 20 miles, but it’s only roughly a half mile wide. Always being within walking distance of a beach is a great perk for visitors who decide to settle in or near the idyllic fishing village of Placencia, but it’s also very close to the Belize Barrier Reef and a number of popular and secluded cayes. Oceanic adventurers will find tons of sites for diving and snorkeling, but a short journey up the peninsula will bring you to inland destinations like Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary — the world’s first dedicated jaguar sanctuary. There’s no doubt that Placencia is a relatively popular destination — but the village has managed to maintain its small town charming and still offers plenty of gorgeous views for visitors trying to find some privacy.
