Turtle Inn, owned by the Coppola family and sister property to Blancaneaux Lodge, is an intimate luxury resort set alongside a beautiful stretch of the Caribbean Sea near Placencia. Kids are allowed to stay here, but it mostly caters to couples -- and it's easy to see why. The resort offers a peaceful setting and Balinese-style private cottages and villas -- each with a fabulous indoor/outdoor bathroom -- separated by sand and stone walkways. Three restaurants, two bars, two outdoor pools and a number of guided tours and excursions make the resort feel much bigger than it actually is. Wi-Fi is spotty, but most guests are focused on unplugging outdoors: Excellent snorkeling and scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef is a short boat ride away.
Turtle Inn, owned by the Coppola family and sister property to Blancaneaux Lodge, is an intimate luxury resort set alongside a beautiful stretch of the Caribbean Sea near Placencia. Kids are allowed to stay here, but it mostly caters to couples -- and it's easy to see why. The resort offers a peaceful setting and Balinese-style private cottages and villas -- each with a fabulous indoor/outdoor bathroom -- separated by sand and stone walkways. Three restaurants, two bars, two outdoor pools and a number of guided tours and excursions make the resort feel much bigger than it actually is. Wi-Fi is spotty, but most guests are focused on unplugging outdoors: Excellent snorkeling and scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef is a short boat ride away.
Situated on the south edge of Hopkins Village, Beaches and Dreams is a quaint mid-range option on the beach with a popular restaurant. The 11 clean rooms are done in bright, tropical decor, though televisions, phones, and air-conditioning are notably absent in some rooms. However, they do include free Wi-Fi and hot showers, and many have water-view balconies or patios. The location away from the center of Hopkins Village -- including restaurants, shops, and services -- will appeal to those wanting seclusion, though others may be disappointed at the five-minute drive into town. This is one of the more reasonably priced beachfront options in the area, but for those with more money to spend, more modern rooms are available at Hopkins Bay Resort.
Situated on the south edge of Hopkins Village, Beaches and Dreams is a quaint mid-range option on the beach with a popular restaurant. The 11 clean rooms are done in bright, tropical decor, though televisions, phones, and air-conditioning are notably absent in some rooms. However, they do include free Wi-Fi and hot showers, and many have water-view balconies or patios. The location away from the center of Hopkins Village -- including restaurants, shops, and services -- will appeal to those wanting seclusion, though others may be disappointed at the five-minute drive into town. This is one of the more reasonably priced beachfront options in the area, but for those with more money to spend, more modern rooms are available at Hopkins Bay Resort.
With its sleek pool, free welcome massages, and sophisticated beach vibe, the upscale Las Terrazas Resort and Residences feels more South Beach than San Pedro. Its 39 air-conditioned rooms -- many with ocean views -- are decorated in blacks and browns with granite-countered kitchens and king-size poster beds. The saltwater infinity pool is a big plus, considering the beach isn’t great for swimming due to sea grass. A poolside bar has happy hour specials and a weekly rum tasting, for a fee, and freebies include kayaks, Hobie cats, and stand-up paddleboards. Fishing gear can be rented and the resort’s tasty, attractive restaurant will clean and prepare your catch. For a more tropical vibe and two giant pools, it’s worth considering Coco Beach Resort, which has similar rates but far less style.
With its sleek pool, free welcome massages, and sophisticated beach vibe, the upscale Las Terrazas Resort and Residences feels more South Beach than San Pedro. Its 39 air-conditioned rooms -- many with ocean views -- are decorated in blacks and browns with granite-countered kitchens and king-size poster beds. The saltwater infinity pool is a big plus, considering the beach isn’t great for swimming due to sea grass. A poolside bar has happy hour specials and a weekly rum tasting, for a fee, and freebies include kayaks, Hobie cats, and stand-up paddleboards. Fishing gear can be rented and the resort’s tasty, attractive restaurant will clean and prepare your catch. For a more tropical vibe and two giant pools, it’s worth considering Coco Beach Resort, which has similar rates but far less style.
Opened in 1998 and located on a private island near Ambergris Caye, the luxury Cayo Espanto's seven air-conditioned villas have wraparound porches, private docks, and ocean-view plunge pools. Interiors are rustic Caribbean, with details like cement floors and exotic hardwood furniture. All villas have two assigned butlers and the resort’s chef visits daily to discuss (and tailor) the menu for guests. Sadly, Cayo Espanto’s beaches are small and shallow. The resort is seven minutes by water taxi to San Pedro, Ambergris’ Caye’s commercial hub. Travelers looking for a property with a great beach and a sleek ocean-view pool should consider the villas at La Perla del Caribe, though rooms there aren't quite as lovely.
Opened in 1998 and located on a private island near Ambergris Caye, the luxury Cayo Espanto's seven air-conditioned villas have wraparound porches, private docks, and ocean-view plunge pools. Interiors are rustic Caribbean, with details like cement floors and exotic hardwood furniture. All villas have two assigned butlers and the resort’s chef visits daily to discuss (and tailor) the menu for guests. Sadly, Cayo Espanto’s beaches are small and shallow. The resort is seven minutes by water taxi to San Pedro, Ambergris’ Caye’s commercial hub. Travelers looking for a property with a great beach and a sleek ocean-view pool should consider the villas at La Perla del Caribe, though rooms there aren't quite as lovely.
Coco Beach Resort is a sprawling three-and-a-half-pearl resort north of Amgerbris Caye’s San Pedro Town. Its 58 rooms and suites -- many featuring ocean views -- have bright, beachy interiors with wicker furniture, plush sleeper sofas, and flat-screen TVs with premium channels, though noise can be an issue. The resort’s sandy beach -- like most in the area -- is prone to sea grass and the two huge saltwater pools with sandy, zero-entries are an attractive aquatic alternative. One has a swim-up bar while the other includes a waterslide. The resort’s three restaurants are decent, but close too early for late diners. Those looking for a resort that feels more South Beach than San Pedro should consider Las Terrazas Resort instead, though it will be more expensive.
Coco Beach Resort is a sprawling three-and-a-half-pearl resort north of Amgerbris Caye’s San Pedro Town. Its 58 rooms and suites -- many featuring ocean views -- have bright, beachy interiors with wicker furniture, plush sleeper sofas, and flat-screen TVs with premium channels, though noise can be an issue. The resort’s sandy beach -- like most in the area -- is prone to sea grass and the two huge saltwater pools with sandy, zero-entries are an attractive aquatic alternative. One has a swim-up bar while the other includes a waterslide. The resort’s three restaurants are decent, but close too early for late diners. Those looking for a resort that feels more South Beach than San Pedro should consider Las Terrazas Resort instead, though it will be more expensive.
Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina is a three-pearl hotel situated next to the Fort George Marina and its dive shop. The Belize City cruise dock is a four-minute walk away. While there are a number of features here, the style is very much that of an outdated chain hotel. The 102 rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and many have balconies and plush Sleep Number beds. The Radisson offers two outdoor pools, a poolside bar and restaurant, a full-service spa, a seafood restaurant, and tavern. Travelers might want to also consider the Ramada Belize Princess, which has an on-site casino and slightly lower room rates, although it's farther from the sea and cruise dock.
Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina is a three-pearl hotel situated next to the Fort George Marina and its dive shop. The Belize City cruise dock is a four-minute walk away. While there are a number of features here, the style is very much that of an outdated chain hotel. The 102 rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and many have balconies and plush Sleep Number beds. The Radisson offers two outdoor pools, a poolside bar and restaurant, a full-service spa, a seafood restaurant, and tavern. Travelers might want to also consider the Ramada Belize Princess, which has an on-site casino and slightly lower room rates, although it's farther from the sea and cruise dock.
Situated at the northern tip of Hopkins, Hopkins Bay Resort is one of the most sophisticated beachfront hotels in Stann Creek. The spacious 38 villas and suites provide an excellent list of amenities including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, sea-view balconies/verandas, and minibars or full kitchens. They also have sharp tiled bathrooms with colorful local details. An extensive list of resort-style amenities is available, including two pools, a funky nautical-themed pool bar, an open-air Belizean restaurant, and a sizable beach that feels completely private. However, the lack of a spa and long walk into downtown Hopkins may discourage some. The similarly priced Belizean Dreams offers most of the same amenities at similar rates with a more intimate atmosphere.
Situated at the northern tip of Hopkins, Hopkins Bay Resort is one of the most sophisticated beachfront hotels in Stann Creek. The spacious 38 villas and suites provide an excellent list of amenities including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, sea-view balconies/verandas, and minibars or full kitchens. They also have sharp tiled bathrooms with colorful local details. An extensive list of resort-style amenities is available, including two pools, a funky nautical-themed pool bar, an open-air Belizean restaurant, and a sizable beach that feels completely private. However, the lack of a spa and long walk into downtown Hopkins may discourage some. The similarly priced Belizean Dreams offers most of the same amenities at similar rates with a more intimate atmosphere.
Pook’s Hill Lodge isn't as evolved as other high-end Belize eco-lodges: It feels like it's about where its competitors were when they first opened some 25 years ago. It’s a perfectly fine place to stay in a wonderfully remote location; just don’t arrive expecting luxury on par with that found in other long-established properties such as Chaa Creek. There’s no pool, the 11 rooms are fairly basic and small, meals are served communal style, and hot water is only available during limited hours. It’s also hard to get to, and priced about the same as higher-end jungle lodges elsewhere in the country. Adventurous travelers looking for rusticity might like it; other travelers may want to reconsider.
Pook’s Hill Lodge isn't as evolved as other high-end Belize eco-lodges: It feels like it's about where its competitors were when they first opened some 25 years ago. It’s a perfectly fine place to stay in a wonderfully remote location; just don’t arrive expecting luxury on par with that found in other long-established properties such as Chaa Creek. There’s no pool, the 11 rooms are fairly basic and small, meals are served communal style, and hot water is only available during limited hours. It’s also hard to get to, and priced about the same as higher-end jungle lodges elsewhere in the country. Adventurous travelers looking for rusticity might like it; other travelers may want to reconsider.
Located just north of downtown Placencia, Laru Beya Resort & Villas offers a solid list of resort-like amenities in a pint-size, three-pearl package. The open-air, sea-view restaurant, freshwater pool, and lovely beach are among its most noteworthy features, and all are nice to have. Each of the 30 rooms features water-view balconies, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges or full kitchens. While there are few attractions within walking distance, free bikes are convenient for exploring the restaurants, shops, and marinas of nearby Placencia. Golf carts can also be rented. Depending on the season, sand flies can be bothersome; however, for the price, it’s hard to imagine finding much else to fuss over. Although a bit less polished, Maya Beach Hotel offers similar amenities for less money.
Located just north of downtown Placencia, Laru Beya Resort & Villas offers a solid list of resort-like amenities in a pint-size, three-pearl package. The open-air, sea-view restaurant, freshwater pool, and lovely beach are among its most noteworthy features, and all are nice to have. Each of the 30 rooms features water-view balconies, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges or full kitchens. While there are few attractions within walking distance, free bikes are convenient for exploring the restaurants, shops, and marinas of nearby Placencia. Golf carts can also be rented. Depending on the season, sand flies can be bothersome; however, for the price, it’s hard to imagine finding much else to fuss over. Although a bit less polished, Maya Beach Hotel offers similar amenities for less money.
Just north of the town of Placencia, Green Parrot Beach Houses is a quaint and homey property that offers beachfront cabins and cabanas with only the essentials. The lovely white-sand beach is the star of the show here, and an open-air restaurant sits right near the Caribbean Sea -- food gets almost unanimous praise. The eight colorful and rustic cabin-like rooms offer private sea-view porches, floor-standing fans, free spotty Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges or kitchenettes -- there are no televisions or air-conditioners anywhere on-site. Guests looking for entertainment options beyond the beach will no doubt require a car as there's nothing much within an easy walk. As an alternative, the nearby two-and-a-half-pearl Maya Beach Hotel offers a pool and a whiff of sophistication for less.
Just north of the town of Placencia, Green Parrot Beach Houses is a quaint and homey property that offers beachfront cabins and cabanas with only the essentials. The lovely white-sand beach is the star of the show here, and an open-air restaurant sits right near the Caribbean Sea -- food gets almost unanimous praise. The eight colorful and rustic cabin-like rooms offer private sea-view porches, floor-standing fans, free spotty Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges or kitchenettes -- there are no televisions or air-conditioners anywhere on-site. Guests looking for entertainment options beyond the beach will no doubt require a car as there's nothing much within an easy walk. As an alternative, the nearby two-and-a-half-pearl Maya Beach Hotel offers a pool and a whiff of sophistication for less.