Belize is where the Caribbean truly comes alive – think dazzling white-sand beaches, a world-famous barrier reef teeming with over 500 fish species, lush rainforests, and ancient Mayan ruins waiting to be explored. When it comes to hotels, you’re spoilt for choice: luxury beachfront escapes in Ambergris Caye for the ultimate island vibe, charming budget stays in laid-back Caye Caulker, and eco-lodges tucked in the jungle near San Ignacio for adventure seekers. Whatever your travel style, Belize delivers unforgettable stays.

Belize is a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, offering something for every traveler. In Belize City, the country’s lively main port, you’ll find colonial charm, seaside parks, bustling markets, and a melting pot of cuisines and cultures. Inland, San Ignacio is the gateway to Mayan ruins, vast cave systems, and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, while Placencia tempts beach lovers with its long stretch of white sand and laid-back, family-friendly vibe.

For world-class diving and snorkelling, head to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, where coral reefs, rich marine life, and the iconic Blue Hole await. Dangriga offers a more local, cultural experience, and Belmopan, the centrally located capital, is ideal for exploring caves, ruins, and national parks. Wherever you wander, expect warm hospitality, a colourful blend of traditions, and unforgettable flavours like conch ceviche and shark empanadas—just be sure to book ahead, as Belize’s tropical allure keeps it lively year-round.

The Best Places to Stay in Belize

For a beach resort

• A luxury beachside resort near San Pedro, Victoria House offers 42 elegant rooms and suites with four-poster beds, crisp linens, and terracotta floors. Just minutes by boat from Belize’s barrier reef, it boasts stunning views, an infinity pool, and endless activities.
• Turneffe Island Resort- Set on a private 14-acre coral island 35 miles offshore, this exclusive 20-room resort delivers a true desert-island escape. Guests enjoy world-class diving, fishing, and the choice of beachside rooms, villas, or a secluded honeymoon villa.

For a Rainforest Escape

• Hidden Valley Inn- Nestled in a 7,000-acre private reserve, this 12-room retreat offers rainforest views, seclusion, and intimacy. Expect refined comfort, exceptional dining, and a tranquil spa, surrounded by untouched nature in Belize’s highlands.
• A 16-room luxury escape in Punta Gorda, Copal Tree Lodge offers spacious rooms with private verandas overlooking lush rainforest. Enjoy a chic pool, cocktail bar, elegant dining with views, and easy access to the ocean and Rio Grande.
• Set amid tropical gardens near Belize’s National Parks, Ka’ana Resort's 17 cottages offer simple elegance and a serene escape. Perfect for adventurers, you can explore the jungle on foot, horseback, or kayak along the Macal River.
• Pooks Hill Lodge- Deep in a 300-acre jungle reserve, these rustic, thatched lodges open straight onto the trees. Lantern-lit dinners feature traditional cuisine, making it an ideal base for birdwatching, visiting Tikal, and discovering local Mayan ruins.

Belize’s Best Honeymoon Hotels

• Cayo Espanto- This ultra-exclusive retreat features just seven private villas surrounded by turquoise waters. With total seclusion and bespoke service, everything from fishing trips to perfect sunset cocktails is effortlessly arranged for a truly luxurious Belizean escape.
• Set by a peaceful river, Blancaneaux Lodge is a 16-room hideaway that blends palm-thatched cabanas with local art and antiques. Romantic and intimate, it offers fine dining and a secluded escape perfect for two.
• Matachica Resort and Spa- On a pristine white-sand beach, this collection of palm-roofed huts offers private patios with hammocks and unique, colourful decor. A dreamy beachfront choice for a laid-back, romantic getaway.
• Hidden in a 130,000-acre private reserve, Chan Chich Jungle Lodge is a 12-cabana lodge offering stylish comfort amid rich wildlife. Surrounded by birds and possibly a passing jaguar, it’s the ultimate Belizean jungle retreat.

For an eco-lodge

• Mystic River Resort is an eight-cabin eco-lodge offering spacious rooms with mahogany furnishings and private balconies overlooking the Macal River. With walking trails, a luxurious spa, and great food, it’s a serene, unplugged escape surrounded by nature.
• Set in the Maya Mountains near San Ignacio, Chaa Creek is a 23-cottage retreat is perfect for wildlife lovers. Palm-thatched, elegant cottages sit near the Macal River, where hummingbirds, wild parrots, and other wildlife thrive around the pool and gardens.

For Families

• On Placencia Island, Turtle Inn offers 25 spacious, light-filled cottages with traditional interiors, big verandas, and lush garden views. Families enjoy a pool, private beach, and a kids club with plenty of activities.
• Itz’ana Resort- This beachfront retreat features 94 rooms, suites, and villas, many with ocean views and luxury touches like plunge pools. Families benefit from a kids club, ample space, and even a private 40-foot catamaran for adventures.
• A luxurious, family-friendly option on Ambergris Caye, Alaia Resort boasts spacious, modern rooms, chic dining, a relaxing spa, and a kids club, making it ideal for both parents and little travellers.

For Divers

• Xanadu Island Resort- Just outside San Pedro, this eight-suite hideaway offers palm-roofed villas, a lagoon pool, and a private beach. With two- and three-bedroom options and reef access minutes away, it’s perfect for both couples and families seeking a tropical escape.
• A 37-villa beachfront retreat near the barrier reef, Las Terrazas Resort and Residences offers private white sands, an onsite diving centre, fine dining, a cocktail bar, and abundant water sports, delivering everything you could want from a luxury island paradise.

For great value

• Gaia River Lodge- Hidden on the banks of the Gaia River, this 18-cabana retreat combines palm-thatched roofs, treetop views, and luxury linens for a secluded, Robinson Crusoe vibe. After a day of exploring or birdwatching, enjoy excellent Belizean cuisine in the open-air restaurant.
• Offering 72 suites and self-contained villas right on a pristine white-sand beach, Robert’s Grove is great value for families and groups. Just ten minutes from the barrier reef, it features traditional decor, stunning views, and multiple dining options.

Prefer an Apartment or Villa?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• International visitors usually fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. If you’re travelling from Europe you might need to go via the US. You can also arrive by boat — you can even come over from Mexico via water taxi.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• Belize has a sub-tropical climate, which means you can expect fairly hot and humid weather here all year round. If you prefer dry weather you need to plan your visit for between December and May, but if you don’t mind the rain then the wet season is a bit less popular with visitors. July and August are usually fairly dry if you want something in the middle. As a rule it’s cooler in the mountains. But generally the best time to visit is between February and May.

Still not sure?

• Consider some of our other Caribbean recommendations: what about the best places to stay in the Cayman Islands?
• Or some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Mexico, like the 30 Top Hotels on the Yucatán Peninsula, or the 25 Best Hotels on the Riviera Maya.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.