Have you ever dreamed of staying in an overwater villa suspended over shimmering aqua, with marine life swimming below? Secluded, luxurious, and surrounded by mother nature, and for good reason too. But for many, getting to these remote islands and the price tags associated with visiting make this dream hard to attain. However, you don’t have to go to the far-flung islands Tahiti, Fiji, or the Maldives to experience falling asleep surrounded by the sea anymore. Belize, easily accessible from North America, has a number of resorts and hotels with overwater villas. Not to mention, having the world’s largest living Barrier Reef makes Belize’s marine life second to none. With cabana choices ranging from rustic to chic, it means you don’t have to fork out a fortune to stay.
Here is our round-up of some of the best over or on-the-water bungalows and villas in Belize worth a stay.
Thatch Caye
The island is limited to 30 guests at a time, making Thatch Caye a private vacation that few ever get the chance to experience.
Thatch Caye Resort is an all-inclusive private island resort off the coast of Dangriga, Belize. Ultimately, only 30 guests are hosted on the island at a time. This makes for a picture-perfect destination, guaranteeing a unique and intimate experience. The resort is fully sustainable; the overwater villas and island cabanas are from reclaimed materials on the unique Belize island. When you’re not holed up in your overwater villas or cabana, spend the day exploring the island and what it has to offer. Nonetheless, swim in the natural saltwater pool, enjoy the complimentary tours, or will the day away in a hammock.
Find out more here.
Cayo Espanto
The 4-acre island of Cayo Espanto is all about pampered relaxation, privacy and luxury service.
As far as island paradises go, Cayo Espanto is undoubtedly high on that list. Located just three miles off the coast of San Pedro, Cayo Espanto is truly a luxury private island retreat. The idyllic island features seven beach villas uniquely situated to not see another guest for the duration of your stay. While all the villas are luxe, Casa Ventanas is a cut above the rest. Each 1,100 square foot, overwater villa is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea just offshore from the Belize Barrier Reef, with its own private dock. Additionally, a glass floor to watch the fish swim by, private verandah with wrap-around views, and alfresco showers are just some of the stand-out features of this villa. The world-class service, fine-dining and bespoke adventures the island also offers will all make you see why this retreat firmly sits on the top of many award-winning lists.
Find out more here.
Ray Caye
Ray Caye Island Resort. Photo by Duarte Dellarole
Whilst not exactly over the water, these luxurious oceanfront suites are definitely on par with their overwater companions. Even better, they are situated on a remote private island. Take in the breathtaking views from your private veranda. Or take a plunge in your own private pool. In addition, the spacious bathrooms offer a jacuzzi, double sinks, and large rainfall showerheads. Pure heaven!
Tobacco Caye Paradise
Unplug and unwind on the palm fringed five-acre islet of Tobacco Caye.
This island paradise has been awarded the ‘Top 10 Bargain Hotels in Belize’ three years in a row by TripAdvisor. Hence, proving overwater stays don’t have to be expensive. The 5-acre islet sits in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef at the northern edge of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. The budget-friendly lodge has six private over the water beach cabanas. Each is clean, comfortable, colorful, and charmingly rustic. However, rain showers, solar-powered electricity, intermittent wi-fi, and communal dining are all part of this off-the-grid experience.
Find out more here.
Make your dream a reality and book your Belize escape to an overwater villa today. Belize is waiting for you!
