Tourism numbers continue to increase across Belize, and the flow of visitors is said to be pretty close to pre-COVID times. And while there has been plenty of tourism business this year, the time when some places close their doors for time off or renovations is approaching once again. Belize’s “slow” season typically starts in June, lasting until October, with September tending to be the slowest month. While other places stay open year-round, these are some popular places in Belize that are planning to close for a couple of days during these times of the year. Fair warning, take note!
This is not a comprehensive list, but we’ll keep updating as the peak of the slow season in Belize approaches. After all, with more than two years disrupted by a pandemic, it’s also a less than typical tourism season this year. As more businesses decide on closing dates, keep checking back!
– Editor
Restaurants
Lily’s Treasure Chest
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A beachfront favorite particularly for their fresh and classic ceviche, Lily’s Treasure Chest announces they’ll close on August 7, 2022, for vacation and reopen on August 21, 2022. Lily’s has been on the beach in San Pedro in the heart of town for almost 20 years and is a favorite with divers, locals, and visitors!
Estel’s Dine by the Sea
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Estel’s Dine by the Sea usually closes during this time when fewer tourists visit the island. According to a rep, it’s usually two weeks off in September. No dates have been confirmed yet for this year, but everything indicates that they will take a short break during the said month.
Elvi’s Kitchen
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An iconic restaurant in the heart of San Pedro and a must-go for dinner will be taking its usual break this year. Management of Elvi’s Kitchen indicates that they are also looking at closing for about two weeks to give their hard-working staff some much-deserved time off.
Caramba Restaurant
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This is another popular restaurant in the heart of town specializing in amazing seafood. Caramba is looking at taking a 2-week off from their busy schedule in the month of September.
Sandy Toes Beach Bar & Grill
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Found on the Boca Del Rio strip, the beachfront Sandy Toes Bar & Grill is closing on August 1, 2022, and reopening on Monday, August 22, 2022. In their notice, management says, “We’ll be closed for our annual summer break to give our Sandy Toes Family a well-deserved time off.”
Hotels
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
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This top-class dive resort offers a slew of adventures on a private stretch of beachfront in Hopkins, while lush littoral forest cushions privacy between the village. Hamanasi Resort, which boasts a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, has all its rooms and suites facing the sea, except for the popular wood-floored tree houses that you’re led to by recycled-glass speckled walkways.
The resort and its on-site restaurant close from August 27 until September 23; during this month, staff head out on well-deserved vacations and internal training, while the grounds undergo renovations.
Victoria House Resort & Spa
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One of the top hotels in the island and country, Victoria House Resort & Spa will be closing for renovations and providing their staff with some vacations in September. The luxurious beachfront hotel will be closing for three weeks starting the second week of that month.
Vanilla Hills Lodge
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Beginning August 20, Vanilla Hills Lodge—found within the lush interiors of Cayo—closes for its annual ‘summer’ break. Renowned for its jungle bungalows, treehouses, and 5-star food, the lodge reopens on November 1 with a large extension to the kitchen.
The Phoenix
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Located in the center of town, this seafront hotel is also closing for the slow tourism season this year. Starting September 6th, 2022, The Phoenix will be closed for three weeks.
Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant
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One of the most popular places for lodging and food in front of the Caribbean Sea in the Boca del Rio area usually opens year-round. However, this year, the management of Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant is planning to close for one week in October to give room for much-needed renovations. Exact dates are to be advised.