One of two resorts in Belize owned by movie director Francis Ford Coppola, Blancaneaux Lodge enjoys a splendidly lush location beside a creek in the country’s Mountain Pine Ridge. This fabulous hideaway features decent amenities (including horse stables), and wonderful wooden cabanas with thatched roofs and rustic luxe decor that includes colorful Guatemalan textiles. There are two pools, one of which is heated and overlooks the brook. But all of this luxury comes at a price, with steep room rates and pricey meals. Blancaneaux arguably has a wilder, more beautiful setting than competitor Chaa Creek, with better room views, but prices tend to be significantly higher, and the location is slightly more difficult to reach.
One of two resorts in Belize owned by movie director Francis Ford Coppola, Blancaneaux Lodge enjoys a splendidly lush location beside a creek in the country’s Mountain Pine Ridge. This fabulous hideaway features decent amenities (including horse stables), and wonderful wooden cabanas with thatched roofs and rustic luxe decor that includes colorful Guatemalan textiles. There are two pools, one of which is heated and overlooks the brook. But all of this luxury comes at a price, with steep room rates and pricey meals. Blancaneaux arguably has a wilder, more beautiful setting than competitor Chaa Creek, with better room views, but prices tend to be significantly higher, and the location is slightly more difficult to reach.
The 78-room Captain Morgan’s Retreat is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort on Ambergris Caye’s north shore. Air-conditioned villas and condos have flat-screen TVs, full kitchens, and ocean views. As units are individually owned, decor can vary, so stick to the units on the resort’s north end -- they’re more modern than the older, dated villas. The hotel’s three freshwater pools with bars are a big plus, especially the zero-entry pool that's popular with families. A white sand beach stretches across the resort grounds but is often covered in sea grass -- not uncommon in the area. On-site features include a bar, restaurant, casino, and a small supermarket. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty. For more intimate and offers free bike rentals at a similar price, it’s worth considering White Sands Cove Resort.
The 78-room Captain Morgan’s Retreat is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort on Ambergris Caye’s north shore. Air-conditioned villas and condos have flat-screen TVs, full kitchens, and ocean views. As units are individually owned, decor can vary, so stick to the units on the resort’s north end -- they’re more modern than the older, dated villas. The hotel’s three freshwater pools with bars are a big plus, especially the zero-entry pool that's popular with families. A white sand beach stretches across the resort grounds but is often covered in sea grass -- not uncommon in the area. On-site features include a bar, restaurant, casino, and a small supermarket. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty. For more intimate and offers free bike rentals at a similar price, it’s worth considering White Sands Cove Resort.
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.
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.