The first thing that comes to mind for many people when thinking of Belize is the beautiful beaches, but there is much more to this fascinating country. It is a vibrant melting point of cultures from Mayan and Mestizo to Garifuna and Creole. This diversity of cultures makes it a particularly enriching destination. Belize is home to several incredible Mayan ruins such as Xunantanich, Caracol and Lamanai. These sites and several more offer an insight into the Mayan history of Belize and the vast number of people that used to inhabit the country.
For nature and wildlife lovers, Belize is a key destination, particularly for birders. The elusive jaguar is present, although very hard to spot as well as ocelots, jaguarundis and pumas. The beach is also a very important part of Belize and there are several lovely options both on the mainland and the network of cayes and private islands just off the coast. Here you can find a wide range of marine life, thanks to the world’s second largest barrier reef.
Belize has a great selection of luxury hotels to match its beauty and diversity. Read on for our pick of the top luxury hotels in Belize.
Victoria House
Located on Ambergris Caye, Victoria House is a short hop on one of the many ‘pond-jumper’ flights from the Belizean mainland. This is without doubt one of the top boutique luxury resorts in Belize. Situated on the beach just outside the town of San Pedro, this beachfront property perfectly captures the essence of Belize. Time doesn’t matter here, and your days are filled with azure sea, white sands and waving palm trees as you soak up the friendly and attentive vibe from the staff.
The accommodation ranges from rooms, to suites, villas and casitas. For the most exclusive option, opt for a beachfront suite. The resort is equally suited to honeymooners and families. It has a relaxed, romantic feel and the private villas sleep up to 10 for lager groups. Guests spend their days relaxing on the beach, taking a golf cart to explore the local town or enjoying various water sports.
The food here is delicious with fresh local fish and seafood and traditional Mayan and Creole flavours.
This is truly one of the stars of Belize’s luxury portfolio.
Copal Tree Lodge
The far south of Belize is known as the Toledo District. This is one of the most remote and least explored areas of the country. Famous for its Mayan culture, lush forest and huge biodiversity. It is home to Copal Tree Lodge, a luxury jungle resort and one of the most unique in the country.
The property pioneered the concepts of sustainable food production and agritourism, developing a luxury tourism offering that welcomes visitors from around the world. The suites are simply and beautifully decorated and offer floor to ceiling windows in the showers for far-reaching jungle vistas. The Canopy Suites share a private infinity pool, with views over the rainforest and Maya Mountain range.
Guests have a range of activities included during their stay from kayaking and canoeing to guided hikes, bike rides and yoga. Additional activities can be organised including various types of fishing (Copal Tree is an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge), snorkelling, chocolate classes and so much more.
This is truly a place to relax and reconnect with nature be it with a jungle hike, a kayak down the Rio Grande or spa experiences with a view of the jungle. Copal Tree offers the best of this hidden part of Belize.
Ka’ana Resort
Ka’ana Resort is a luxury jungle property in the heart of the Cayo Region, the largest of Belize’s regions and one of the most popular. This is often the starting point for many tours of Belize, particularly for travellers crossing the border from Guatemala and Ka’ana is a wonderful place to arrive. Surrounded by lush greenery, it is a haven of peace and tranquillity in an area that has a lot to offer from adventure activities to cultural and archaeological tours.
The word Ka’ana means ‘heavenly place’ in the Mayan language, and this is an ideal name for such a property. The rooms are split between suites and villas. The suites are located in a hacienda-style building and each looks out onto its own private garden. The villas offer private pools and a more exclusive and secluded environment.
The property has a two-acre organic garden which provides a lot of the ingredients for the hotel’s restaurant. Farm to table dining is important here and guests can enjoy fine Belizean cuisine made using the freshest ingredients.
For a luxury resort that offers something for everyone, Ka’ana is the perfect choice for a holiday to Belize.
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Itz’ana Resort
The sister property to Ka’ana Resort, Itz’ana is located in Placencia, sandwiched between the rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. From the moment you enter the resort, you are welcomed with a refreshing towel and a complimentary drink in the Great Hall as a wave of relaxation washes over you as one of the hosts talks to you about the beach and surrounding jungle.
The accommodations at Itz’ana are bright and elegant with Caribbean inspired decorative touches. They range from rooms to suites and villas overlooking the beach complete with private plunge pools.
The cuisine at Itz’ana reflects Belize’s melting pot of cultures with diverse textures, and flavours at the various restaurants and bars. Enjoy locally-inspired, seasonal foods made from ingredients grown in the hotel’s organic garden and caught fresh from the Caribbean Sea.
The hotel benefits from its own marina featuring a water sports activity centre, refuelling station, and supplies store. Guests can dock their own boats there if they wish. Outside of the resort, Placencia is a delightful beach town and a perfect jumping-off point for various water sports including sailing and snorkelling.
For a resort that captures the best of Belize in its luxury, service, cuisine and style, Itz’ana is the obvious choice.
Cayo Espanto
Cayo Espanto is a luxury private island resort located just off the coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. For a truly idyllic Caribbean experience, this is a great option and Cayo Espanto offers the kind of peace and quiet you only find in the most exclusive island hideaway. The accommodation is spread across seven stylish wooden villas which are dotted among the palm trees. Each comes with its own private plunge pool, hammocks to snooze in, and a dedicated ‘houseman’ on hand to ensure that you’re treated to whatever you want, whenever you want it. From the ingredients in the kitchen to the music playing on the in-room iPad, everything is designed as you like it.
Days here are spent in pure relaxation, soaking up the sun and the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. There is a variety of activities on offer from snorkelling and diving to kayaks, pedal boats, fishing and even boats. Guests can enjoy spa services in the comfort of their own villa from massages to aromatherapy.
The cuisine at Cayo Espanto is award winning and for good reason. The chef uses the freshest ingredients to create Belizean inspired dishes with influences from around the world.
For a luxury resort in a beautiful setting, Cayo Espanto is a perfect choice.
Blancaneaux Lodge
Tucked away in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge district lies Blancaneaux Lodge. Part of Francis Ford Coppola’s hotel portfolio, this is a luxury resort on wild and remote hillside. Here, waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools and the river water is pure enough to drink.
The Lodge’s 20 villas and cabanas are dotted alongside the meandering Privasson River. Each is decorated with Guatemalan prints and textiles with the dark polished wood typical of all the Coppola resorts. Each room allows guests complete privacy from which to enjoy the stunning views over the dense jungle, waterfalls, rivers and ravines.
Activities here include exploring the jungle on horseback, visits to ancient Mayan ruins, or just relaxing in a hammock and watching the hummingbirds. Sustainability is at the forefront of much of what they do at Blancaneaux Lodge. The hotel is powered by its own hydroelectric plant, it sources its food from an organic garden and orchard, and air-conditioning is replaced with a naturally cooling open plan design scheme.
This is a true mountain hideaway with all the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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