Stay Close To Go Far in Placencia, Belize

The Elysian Fields represented the Classical Greek ideal of heaven — but thousands of years later and thousands of miles away, it’s a vision that’s being brought to life for a contemporary audience on a beach in Belize. The Ellysian sits among some of the most picturesque locales in the South, and they’re committed to delivering an experience that matches the environment. Whether you’ve come for the white beaches, the lush and verdant jungles, or to get to know the local culture more intimately, The Ellysian will put you exactly where you want to be for your next vacation. 

A Heaven on Earth

While The Ellysian may have been inspired by the divine, it’s rooted in the understanding that beauty and inspiration come from the natural world. And the Placencia Peninsula is certainly not lacking for beauty. Located along the southern tip of the country, it’s a half mile wide strip that extends for 16 miles. That means that pristine beachfront property is always within reach.

That’s made Placencia a popular destination, and no shortage of gaudy and opulent resorts have sprung up as a result. Instead, the architecture was designed to impose itself on the environment as little as possible and find a balance between form and functionality. It’s a sensible choice considering the view this resort offers from its perch over the Caribbean Sea. That sense of letting aesthetics and functionality complement one another is reflected in the interior of The Ellysian. Every one of the dozen rooms in The Ellysian is unique — from the art that adorns its walls to the mood and ambiance established by the layout and color scheme. This meticulous approach to interior design ensures a sense of personality that will help set the vibe for your stay.

As Much — Or As Little — Attention As You Need

For some, a relaxing vacation looks like long afternoons of peace and solitude on the beach. For others, it’s an action-packed extravaganza of socializing and adrenaline-fueled adventures. As a true boutique luxury hotel, the Ellysian is ready to deliver you the exact experience that you’re dreaming of. The staff is always available to provide you with the first class service you deserve, but you can count on them to never be intrusive.

If you have some tension you’d like to clear out of your body, you can arrange for massages either on the beach or privately in your room. Have an intimate experience with your friends and family with an intimate champagne hour, or head out to the pool bar for a chance to kick back and socialize with the rest of the guests. And if you start to feel the reminders of the outside world creeping in, you can always center yourself with on-site yoga classes.

Feast on Neptune’s Bounty

While Placencia Village is seeing more visitors every year, it still has the heart and sensibilities of a fishing town. The Caribbean Sea has a lot to offer, and fishing season for culinary delights like king conch and lobster are reasons to celebrate for days or even weeks. But you can eat like royalty without ever having to even leave the resort if you’d like. Muna Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is located on the property, and they offer a menu that combines the fresh ingredients and recipes of Belizean cooking with international influences.

But since the Ellysian is positioned right in Placencia Village, you have a world of culinary possibilities right at your fingertips. The food culture in Belize extends well beyond simple seafood. Whether you’re looking for world-class gelato, pasta, or a test of cooking from the local Creole or Garifuna people, you’ll not want for culinary diversity at the Ellysian.

Explore a World of Endless Adventure

You’ll want to make sure you have a big meal if you really want to make the most of the adventures Belize offers. Both the open waters and the interior countryside offer their own experiences, and you can count on the staff at the Ellysian to handle all the details. Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve and Monkey River offer opportunities to see the local wildlife up close and personal — while sunset cruises, fishing expeditions, and snorkeling or diving adventures offer completely different ways to experience the gorgeous Belize Barrier Reef. There are even opportunities to experience the cultures — both living and dead — of Belize.

If you want to have all the fun that Belize offers without having to deal with the hassle of planning out a whole trip, packages offer a cost-efficient solution for your trip. Whether you’re planning an elaborate destination wedding, retreating away from society for your honeymoon, or simply get out and explore the waters, this boutique hotel offers a solution that’s tailor-made for you.

The Ellysian might not quite be heaven, but curator Kim Simplis Barrow and her dedicated team have done an admirable job of getting close. If you want to see paradise the way it was meant to be seen, there’s no better resort for you. Best of all, it’s a surprisingly close destination for travelers throughout the United States and Canada.

All images courtesy The Ellysian