If you’re on Ambergris Caye, the downtown area of San Pedro Town can be chaotic because of the traffic and long hours, cultivating an atmosphere of the island’s central commercial area. To escape this fast-paced daily routine, we recommend jumping in your golf cart and heading either north or south outside town, in search of a more tranquil pace. Even if for just a day. Why not, whether it is for a meal, an evening, or an overnight? Here, we list just a few of the resorts worth a visit by driving out of San Pedro Town via golf cart or taxi.
Northside
Sunset Caribe
On the north side of San Pedro about two miles from downtown, you will meet the majestic Sunset Caribe. This is a new condominium resort facing the lagoon, which makes it great for sunset lounging. All in all, Sunset Caribe is ideal for those seeking a quiet and very comfortable place. One of the best things to do at this resort is to lounge around its pool for undoubtedly one of the best sunset spots.
Grand Caribe
And across the street in Caribeville is Grand Caribe, Sunset Caribe’s beachfront sister property. It’s much larger with up to 6 swimming pools, 3 restaurants, 2 hot tubs, and complimentary non-motorized water games, ultimately known for its grandeur and elegance. This is a perfect place for lunch offering a panoramic view of its impeccable buildings, pool, the beach, and the Caribbean Sea. The hotel pool comes with a swim-up bar and once again, the sense of comfort is one of the reasons you can’t miss paying them a visit.
Captain Morgan’s Retreat
Captain Morgan’s Retreat hosts a 40-slot casino. Image courtesy property
This rustic-looking beach resort with palmetto rooms less than five minutes driving from Grand Caribe is known for its long stretch of white and sandy beach. However, one of the main activities that make people drive all the way up there is the onsite casino, which opens until the wee hours of the morning.
Matachica Resort
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- Brunch at Mambo Bistro. Image via @TheLuckyCoconuts
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- Pull up a chair at Danny’s Tree Bar. Image courtesy Matachica Resort
This beautiful award-winning beach resort, five miles north of town, offers the privacy and royal service anyone needs when escaping from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Ultimately, Matachica is known as a refuge for providing an intimate ambiance of relaxation, and its beachfront nooks are charming, making it that much harder to walk away from. This resort is ideal for lunch at their spacious open air-dining in their Mambo restaurant; on Sunday, the space transforms for brunch. Spend the afternoon meditating by its beach and if possible, go kayaking as well with the reef getting closer the further north you venture. The pier is another experience with lounge chairs and umbrellas offering an inviting area to unwind and immerse in total relaxation. If staying at Matachica Resort, they offer tailored packages, guaranteeing total privacy here.
Southside
Victoria House Resort & Spa
If you want to get away from the noisy downtown, your first choice may take you to Victoria House Resort. Known for its spectacular white-sand location with a killer view of the Caribbean Sea, this award-winning boutique resort is considered the boss when it comes to pampering its guests. When staying here, you can get done with an array of activities, like water excursions to snorkel or dive in the second largest barrier in the world. Found two miles south of town, you can also do yoga at Victoria House if that is something on your to-do list too.
There is no need to leave the island when you think of a getaway. Just travel north or south on Ambergris Caye and you will find that tranquility and secluded nook you may need.
Header image via Grand Caribe Belize.
