The oceanfront, three-pearl X’Tan Ha Resort has one of Ambergris Caye’s best beaches: It’s well maintained, great for swimming, and features water volleyball as well. Kayaks, Hobie Cats, and stand-up paddleboards are free, and the resort’s two saltwater pools -- including one with a sandy, zero-entry point -- are rarely busy. The resort’s 42 villas -- some with ocean views -- have air-conditioning in all rooms (a rarity on the island), kitchenettes, and bamboo furniture. Unfortunately, they are dated, and some have tube TVs. Additionally, the resort is a 40-minute drive from San Pedro, meaning guests are stuck eating at the mediocre on-site restaurant unless they have wheels. For a stay closer to San Pedro with modern rooms, a great pool, and better restaurant, check out White Sands Cove Resort.
The oceanfront, three-pearl X’Tan Ha Resort has one of Ambergris Caye’s best beaches: It’s well maintained, great for swimming, and features water volleyball as well. Kayaks, Hobie Cats, and stand-up paddleboards are free, and the resort’s two saltwater pools -- including one with a sandy, zero-entry point -- are rarely busy. The resort’s 42 villas -- some with ocean views -- have air-conditioning in all rooms (a rarity on the island), kitchenettes, and bamboo furniture. Unfortunately, they are dated, and some have tube TVs. Additionally, the resort is a 40-minute drive from San Pedro, meaning guests are stuck eating at the mediocre on-site restaurant unless they have wheels. For a stay closer to San Pedro with modern rooms, a great pool, and better restaurant, check out White Sands Cove Resort.
For sporty travelers looking for an Ambergris Caye getaway, the two-and-a-half-pearl Belizean Shores Resort is an unpretentious spot with plenty to do on-site. The 45-room oceanfront resort has free tennis and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, beach volleyball, and water sports. Lounge chairs dot its palm-lined beach, but there's frequently sea grass, so swimming can be a bit unpleasant. There’s a great saltwater pool and hot tub with a walk-up bar plus lots of loungers -- the area is rarely crowded. Rustic suites are clean but dated and sport kitchens, tropical paintings, and bamboo furniture. Room service is available but the restaurant is expensive and gets mixed reviews. For a more intimate option, the nearby White Sands Cove Resort has more modern room plus a great restaurant and pool.
For sporty travelers looking for an Ambergris Caye getaway, the two-and-a-half-pearl Belizean Shores Resort is an unpretentious spot with plenty to do on-site. The 45-room oceanfront resort has free tennis and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, beach volleyball, and water sports. Lounge chairs dot its palm-lined beach, but there's frequently sea grass, so swimming can be a bit unpleasant. There’s a great saltwater pool and hot tub with a walk-up bar plus lots of loungers -- the area is rarely crowded. Rustic suites are clean but dated and sport kitchens, tropical paintings, and bamboo furniture. Room service is available but the restaurant is expensive and gets mixed reviews. For a more intimate option, the nearby White Sands Cove Resort has more modern room plus a great restaurant and pool.
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.
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.
Chabil Mar on Placencia Peninsula has 22 spacious villas equipped with family-friendly amenities: open kitchens, washers/dryers, closet space, and one to two bedrooms. Each villa is individually owned -- so decor varies between units -- but they are well-maintained through repairs and annual upgrades. Though many guests choose to cook in their villas, the Chabil Mar also operates an outdoor restaurant with great food and views of the Caribbean (room service is available, as well). The property has many of the amenities of a larger resort, including a bar, two outdoor pools, a pier for swimming, and free use of the kayaks and bikes. Golf carts can be rented by the day, as Placencia is a short ride away. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout.
Chabil Mar on Placencia Peninsula has 22 spacious villas equipped with family-friendly amenities: open kitchens, washers/dryers, closet space, and one to two bedrooms. Each villa is individually owned -- so decor varies between units -- but they are well-maintained through repairs and annual upgrades. Though many guests choose to cook in their villas, the Chabil Mar also operates an outdoor restaurant with great food and views of the Caribbean (room service is available, as well). The property has many of the amenities of a larger resort, including a bar, two outdoor pools, a pier for swimming, and free use of the kayaks and bikes. Golf carts can be rented by the day, as Placencia is a short ride away. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout.
The 52-room Robert's Grove Beach Resort is a laid-back property on Placencia Peninsula. The range of amenities is extensive, including a professional dive shop, marina (slips are available), spa, three restaurants, three outdoor ocean-view pools, and tours galore from an impressive fleet of boats. The pretty beach offers free water sports; guests can also jump off the end of the swimming pier or grab drinks at the palapa bar. The rooms have patios and basic Guatemalan- and Mexican-inspired decor (some also have kitchenettes). Free Wi-Fi and airport transfers are offered.
The 52-room Robert's Grove Beach Resort is a laid-back property on Placencia Peninsula. The range of amenities is extensive, including a professional dive shop, marina (slips are available), spa, three restaurants, three outdoor ocean-view pools, and tours galore from an impressive fleet of boats. The pretty beach offers free water sports; guests can also jump off the end of the swimming pier or grab drinks at the palapa bar. The rooms have patios and basic Guatemalan- and Mexican-inspired decor (some also have kitchenettes). Free Wi-Fi and airport transfers are offered.
An hour east of Placencia, three-and-a-half-pearl Hatchet Caye Resort is a lovely, unpretentious private island that's a fine place for an escape-from-it-all vacation. A series of small, beautiful beaches, a full-service dive shop, and a waterfront restaurant are its biggest selling points. This isn't your bare-bones island escape, though, and all 12 rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and semi-private beaches. The remote location is a mixed blessing, however, as the peace and seclusion mean forgoing easy access to additional dining options and excursions. However, it is only a 30-minute boat ride to Belize's famous barrier reef. Travelers looking for something cheaper that includes features like a full spa should consider Robert’s Grove Beach Resort back on the mainland.
An hour east of Placencia, three-and-a-half-pearl Hatchet Caye Resort is a lovely, unpretentious private island that's a fine place for an escape-from-it-all vacation. A series of small, beautiful beaches, a full-service dive shop, and a waterfront restaurant are its biggest selling points. This isn't your bare-bones island escape, though, and all 12 rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and semi-private beaches. The remote location is a mixed blessing, however, as the peace and seclusion mean forgoing easy access to additional dining options and excursions. However, it is only a 30-minute boat ride to Belize's famous barrier reef. Travelers looking for something cheaper that includes features like a full spa should consider Robert’s Grove Beach Resort back on the mainland.
Blocks from downtown Placencia, two-and-a-half-pearl Paradise Vacation Hotel offers an eclectic, surfer-like atmosphere that's about as unpretentious as it gets. The traditional Belizean restaurant, beachfront location, and rooftop hot tub fulfill most of the essential requirements for a Caribbean getaway. The 12 rooms vary widely in size and features, though all have a humble tropical style and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges or kitchenettes. Upgraded rooms offer spacious layouts and beachfront balconies. The inconvenient location (at the end of a long dirty alley) and funky, “rough around the edges” atmosphere may feel too unpolished for some. For a little more money, Maya Beach Hotel offers the same amenities plus a larger beachfront.
Blocks from downtown Placencia, two-and-a-half-pearl Paradise Vacation Hotel offers an eclectic, surfer-like atmosphere that's about as unpretentious as it gets. The traditional Belizean restaurant, beachfront location, and rooftop hot tub fulfill most of the essential requirements for a Caribbean getaway. The 12 rooms vary widely in size and features, though all have a humble tropical style and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges or kitchenettes. Upgraded rooms offer spacious layouts and beachfront balconies. The inconvenient location (at the end of a long dirty alley) and funky, “rough around the edges” atmosphere may feel too unpolished for some. For a little more money, Maya Beach Hotel offers the same amenities plus a larger beachfront.
Just north of the tiny town of Placencia, the upscale Belize Ocean Club offers a reliable list of resort-style amenities in a chic, modern package. With a lovely pool and swim-up bar, an open-air beachfront restaurant, and a lagoon-side spa, guests seeking a proper Caribbean vacation will want for little. Each of the 60 large, apartment-style suites has a sharp, modern finish and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, full kitchens, and private water-view balconies. The unreliable internet and lack of attractions within walking distance are perhaps the property’s only notable cons. The similarly priced, three-and-a-half-pearl Hopkins Bay Resort offers a larger beach and a more sophisticated vibe.
Just north of the tiny town of Placencia, the upscale Belize Ocean Club offers a reliable list of resort-style amenities in a chic, modern package. With a lovely pool and swim-up bar, an open-air beachfront restaurant, and a lagoon-side spa, guests seeking a proper Caribbean vacation will want for little. Each of the 60 large, apartment-style suites has a sharp, modern finish and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, full kitchens, and private water-view balconies. The unreliable internet and lack of attractions within walking distance are perhaps the property’s only notable cons. The similarly priced, three-and-a-half-pearl Hopkins Bay Resort offers a larger beach and a more sophisticated vibe.