From the Publisher: The 8 Best Hotels in Belize 

by Tanya McNab
ray Caye

1. Ray Caye Island Resort  

  • Why? Everything your heart could desire on a private island on the edge of the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve, that you can either book for yourself, or share it with other guests and the extended yacht community within the area.  Did someone say amenities and activities? Where should we start – over the water swings, scuba scooters, diving, snorkeling, and fishing right nearby the island, a pelagic clothing store, daily turtle and eagle ray spotting, on the water villas, a superb gift shop, and absolutely fabulous cuisine.  
  • My favorite thing: The 2nd story dock slide on the south dock, it will undeniably bring out the inner child in you and some of the friendliest staff I have ever met! 
ray cayeray Caye
Ray Caye's accommodations

 2. Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club – CURIO Collection by Hilton 

  • Why? Stunning architecture and interior design using all locally sustainable hardwoods and the adaptation of Belize’s old colonial charm along with the modern-day amenities.  Lots of options in unit types make it great for both couples and families.  There’s even a 5 bedroom house with private pool for those who travel in large numbers.  3 full-time restaurants, a coffee shop and rum bar, local food shacks and the island’s most beautiful sunsets can be found at Mahogany Bay. 
  • My favorite thing: The private beach club just 10 minutes away by boat, is quite simply the most peaceful place on earth and comes fully loaded with a full-service restaurant and bar, paddleboards, kayaks, beach volleyball and over the water hammocks – the best part is, it is reserved exclusively for hotel guests so it will never be crowded. 
mahogany bay village

 3. Copal Tree Lodge 

  • Why? A cozy eco-lodge in the southern part of Belize, that has more unexpected amenities than you can imagine – it’s very own rum distillery and sugar cane farm, a chocolate making factory (tours available and a must!), and a rainforest tram that takes you up and down to the river where you can canoe or kayak on the Rio Grande. The restaurant is a true farm to table experience and 70%+ of the food served is sustainably farmed right on the resorts private farm.   
  • My favorite thing: The rooms and suites are some of the most beautiful in Belize – floor to ceiling windows that span the entire width of your shower and outdoor jacuzzi’s make this lodge an absolute dream. 
copal tree lodgecopal tree hotel
Chocolate Tour at Copal Tree Lodge

 4. The Lodge at Chaa Creek 

  • Why? A pillar in the San Ignacio area, where activities are the heart and soul of your vacation at Chaa Creek – so much to do without even leaving the property.  A recent expansion has created some of the most modern resort rooms you can find in Cayo. To say they are well-appointed is an understatement with huge windows surrounding the entire villa and private pools on your own personal deck as some of the most attractive features. 
  • My favorite thing: The stable of well-groomed horses. The horses are so beautiful and available for all levels of riding experience. (The refreshing infinity swimming pool is also a close 2nd on the list of favorites). 
chaa creek horseback riding
Horseback riding with Chaa Creek Belize.
chaa creek

 5Sunbreeze Hotel  

  • Why? Location, Location, Location – step right off the airplane in San Pedro, cross the street, and you’re at the Sunbreeze Hotel.  Staying at Sunbreeze means you don’t need to rent a golf cart b/c walking to almost anywhere is easy and quick, its on the beach so you can enjoy every part of your tropical holiday by hanging out right at the pool, or if you’re an adventurer, the on-site dive shop can take you wherever you want to explore.   
  • My favorite thing: Fry jacks for breakfast at the Blue Water Grill, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, and one of the best on the entire island. 
sun breeze hotel
Photo Courtesy: Sunbreeze Hotel

 6. Turtle Inn 

  • Why? The thatched cottage resort is an icon in Placencia and part of The Coppola Family Hideaways. The resort showcases a variety of accommodation throughout the property include Sofia Coppola’s Beach House and even a Beach House on a private island called Coral Caye. The unique outdoor showers take the entire bathing experience to another level and it will probably be some of the best showers you ever have!  
  • My favorite thing: The Wine Aquarium – a wall to wall glass wine cellar – what’s there not to love? The cellar features award winning wines from Francis Ford Coppola’s two wineries in Sonoma County. 
turtle inn Belize
Dine barefoot casual at any one of Turtle Inn's four eateries.

 7. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge 

  • Why? One of the finest spots near the capital city. It’s just 15-20 minutes by road from Belmopan and doesn’t require much off-road driving to find this magical spot (a big plus!) There is extreme detail paid to the interior of these rooms which have left nothing behind when considering the guest. Besides the wide variety of tours available due to the resorts prime location, just hanging out at the resort is pretty awesome. The restaurant is exquisite and has won The Belize Tourism Board’s restaurant of the year award for the last two years in a row. 
  • My favorite thing: The modern, bohemian style pool that has the most adorable bar cart with pool-side service from 11am – 7pm, for those who like to just unwind on holiday, this is perfect. 
sleeping giant hotel

 8. Hidden Valley Inn & Reserve 

  • Why? How’s staying in 1 of 12 resort rooms and suites in the middle of 7,200 acres of wilderness in the Maya Mountains of Belize for privacy? This Inn is small but mighty and the entire reserve, which includes hiking and birding trails and waterfalls, is your private playground when staying at Hidden Valley. The 1,000 foot falls, the highest waterfall in Central American sits just 10 minutes outside of the inn’s private reserve, a must-see! 
  • My favorite thing: Private fireplaces – Believe it not, it can get quite cool in the Maya Mountains and no matter what room you’re in, they all come equipped with in-room fireplaces. 
hidden valley
Photo Courtesy Hidden Valley Inn

Written by Tanya McNab

 

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