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Photo of Placencia

About Placencia

Three hours south of Belize City by car (quicker if you fly) are the palm fringed beaches of the gorgeous Placencia peninsula — aptly named by the Spanish as a most pleasant land. This 16-mile-long strip of paradise is connected to the mainland by a tiny causeway, so staying here gives the visitor a real feeling of 'getting away from it all'. Needless to stay, this formerly sleepy land of fishing villages has in recent years become a very fashionable place to visit, so there are a number of resorts and hotels dotting its silky sand beaches. Below, we have selected the best places to stay in Placencia for you, covering a range of budgets and styles.

One of the attractions of Placencia is the range of activities you can access here. To one side is a gentle lagoon, fringed with mangroves, great for wildlife such as manatees or crocs, while to the east are the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, with its windsurfing, diving in Belize's Southern Marine Reserve, and deep sea fishing for snapper, kingfish and wahoo. An excellent boat excursion — though overnight stays can be arranged — is to Ranguana Caye 20 miles out to sea, a two acre private island with clear waters and white sand. It's a perfect gateway to dive or snorkel the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef, home to more than 500 species of fish and more than one hundred different types of coral,

Meanwhile, inland and easy to access on a day trip are all the attractions of mainland Belize — Mayan ruins, rainforest birdlife, and, not to be missed, the jaguar wildlife sanctuary at Cockscomb Basin. Many visitors, however, add a few days stay on the Placencia Peninsula after a jungle trip of the interior — because it's the perfect place to kick back and decompress. Use our guide to the best places to stay in Placencia and start planning your relaxing beach break.

The best places to stay in Placencia

Luxury

  • For the ultimate in pampering, check in to the Itz'ana Belize Resort. With its large pool, luxurious beachfront suites and villas, fine dining and chic spa, it's an excellent place to unwind. It's family friendly too, though one of the pricier resorts in Placencia.

Budget

  • For a simpler stay, Robert's Grove ticks all the boxes. It's right on Placencia beach, with a small pool, two restaurants, and its own pier with access to diving and boat trips, which they can arrange. Choose ocean view rooms with balconies or the family suite, though garden view rooms are perfectly fine and great value.

Romantic

  • Romantics and style gurus will appreciate the second of Francis Ford Coppola's properties in Belize, the magical Turtle Inn. Choose from garden, poolside or ocean view cottages, each with a private walled garden with outdoor shower, Balinese hand-carved décor, and ceiling fans. There are also a number of independent, family size pavilions and cottages to rent with private pools. You won't want to leave.

For a self catering holiday apartment or villa

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • December to May offer the best weather of the year, with temperatures in the 27-30 degree range, making Placencia a great place to escape winter in North America and Europe. While August and September are best for fishing, snorkeling and diving, the weather can be muggy and hot. September/October can be wet.
  • An alternative to driving from Belize City is to fly to Placencia — a 35 minute flight in a Cessna. You can also fly in from San Ignacio.

Still not sure?

Best Hotels in Placencia

  • Robert's Grove Stann Creek, Placencia 20 rooms from £137

    Beach Life  -  Situated on a white sand beach and just minutes from Belize's barrier reef this is seaside perfection.
    Diving  -  Make the most of some of the best diving in the world in the Barrier Reef of Belize.
    Birdwatching  -  Take a boat ride up monkey river and find numerous species of birds.
    Views  -  Beautiful views of the Caribbean sea and Belize's barrier reef.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A charming, good value hotel on the pristine white Placencia beach, with a pier for easy access to diving and boat trips. Ocean view and garden view rooms sport white washed walls, tiled flooring and simple wooden furniture. A choice selection of restaurants. Ideal for families and couples alike. See More

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  • Itz'ana Belize Resort & Residences Stann Creek District, Placencia 94 rooms from £203

    Families  -  There are great accommodation options for all the family here, plus activities that will keep the kids entertained all day
    Active Holiday  -  There's a huge range of activities available at this resort for all kinds of guests, from paddle boarding to zip lining
    Beach Life  -  With its privileged seafront location and luxury facilities, this hotel makes a fantastic beach holiday
    Sailing  -  Climb aboard a 40-foot catamaran and set sail on Belize’s Southern Marine Reserve, book through the resort
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    This luxury resort is located on the beachfront in Belize. Guests can choose from stylish beachfront suites and private villas; interiors draw on the natural setting with feature walls and fresh flowers. Book a lagoon villa for a waterfront plunge pool. Unwind in the chic spa; a plush beach getaway. See More

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  • Turtle Inn Placencia 25 rooms from £249

    Families  -  With a kid's club and family rooms, it's perfect for a family trip to Belize.
    Beach Life  -  Located moments from your very own private beach.
    Diving  -  Scuba diving tours can be organised by the hotel and guests can go on a lionfish dive.
    Fishing  -  Fishing trips can be organised by the hotel.
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Delightful seaside hotel on the picturesque island of Placencia. The elegantly furnished cottages are decorated with traditional interiors and open out onto beautiful tropical gardens. These are great pool and a private beach, and a kid’s club with a wide range of activities on offer. See More

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