If you’re ready to say a big goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022, you’d best make sure you do so before the midnight curfew this New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re all about taking in the fireworks champagne in hand or dining extravagantly, there’s something for you on this list of Belize hotspots (restaurants and destinations included), which we’ve handily split into Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Ambergris Caye is already known to be Belize’s premier party island, while Placencia tends to offer a more laidback coastal attitude. Add an NYE foodie fête to that reputation and you’ve already got an evening worth talking about for the rest of 2022.
Of course, the pandemic is still ongoing, so we encourage you to dine takeout if you haven’t made reservations in time; this guide will focus on special menus and offerings for those feeling a bit more festive to lead up to the clock striking 12. And remember, keep your face mask in hand to only remove once actively drinking and eating—especially indoors.
Alaia Belize
Summit your year by dining at one of Alaia’s two prime dining venues serving special set menus for the biggest nights of the year: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and bidding adieu to 2021.
On Christmas Eve, indulge in an eve of alchemy at the Piano Bar using homegrown bitters and tinctures sourced from native Belize ingredients, or in Beef Wellington & Christmas Tiradito at Sea Salt for Christmas Eve dinner; the first seating is at 5 pm. For Christmas Day, Sea Salt is serving up dinner as early as 5:30 pm with Lobster Surf & Turf and Pork Long Bone with Kale & Butternut Squash Hash, at $95 per adult while kids eat for $50. But if you’re more of a brunch person, order up Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Poached Egg, and Hash Browns alongside live music at $65 for adults and $45 for children under 12 years.
Getting festive at The Piano Bar, Alaia Belize.
Meanwhile, Alaia’s first New Year’s will be a lavish affair, with two different soirees. This one’s an adult-only adventure, starting from 4 PM on the high-energy rooftop lounge at Vista, serving up Asain cocktails, bottle service, and a live DJ for sunset views. After 7 PM, you’ll need a reservation alongside the $50 entrance fee. Alternatively, head downstairs to the Piano Bar for the best of molecular cocktails at $12 each by Alaia’s House Mixologist, where you’ll say Slainte! to the bygone year.
It’s a Caribbean Christmas at Alaia Belize.
And if an early dinner is in the cards for New Year’s Eve instead, Sea Salt’s first seating is done at 5:30 PM, although reservations are required. There’ll be live music and bubbly toast, plus highlights like poached stone crabs, scallops and pork belly, and beef tomahawk. Dine for US$105 per adult (kids get half off).
The Grove House at Sleeping Giant Lodge
The holidays are rife with good things, and it doesn’t get much better than deliciousness served right to your table. Make your reservation today, and join Sleeping Giant Lodge for all the finest of the season, with the Grove House’s exclusive holiday menus for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Naia Resort
Celebrate the magical season with Naia Resort’s special Caribbean Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner menus of festive classics and delights! Set on a stretch of private Placencia coastline, head to the Beach Bar & Grill on Saturday, December 25, or Friday, December 31, to enjoy a cozy evening while Naia takes care of the rest.
Victoria House Resort & Spa
Victoria House Resort & Spa, Belize, an award-winning beachfront resort on the largest of the offshore Belizean islands, Ambergris Caye, is preparing decadent three-course Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners for guests. After all, it’s already shaping up for a memorable Caribbean Christmas and New Year celebration in paradise.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
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- Bob’s Special is a must-try from San Ignacio Resort Hotel’s onsite Running W Restaurant.
If you find yourself in the West this Christmas, this 3-course plated dinner at Running W Restaurant is sure to please. As San Ignacio Resort Hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, dine in its newly remodeled air-conditioned dining hall boasting exceptional views of the hillside property or on the patio, with vistas of the only jungle in town. The menu is international with all the flavors and the best of Belizean cuisine featuring meats from our own family’s ranch where the restaurant got its name.
Have any other suggestions? Send them to us here.
Header image courtesy Alaia Belize.
