What’s Special About This Resort
Points hoarders and status searchers will be pleased to know that Alaia Belize, one of Ambergris Caye’s newest and hottest Belize resorts, is a Marriott-affiliated one. They’ll be even more pleased if they like to explore the underwater world.
This resort has an on-site PADI five-star dive shop with frequent boat departures, and the famous Belize Barrier Reef is just 600 yards offshore. Choose from dozens of canyons, walls, and reefs to descend on after a quick cruise across the stunning Caribbean water – including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the most vibrant reefs in the region visible whether you want to wear a tank or not.
Beyond all that, this resort is just generally gorgeous, with three pools and some guest rooms that have their own.
Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Resort, may be all-inclusive. You’ll have to check whether this special deal is being offered over your dates or not, and you’ll have to book the package specifically. If available, you can enjoy three meals a day, snacks, beer, wine, and cocktails, along with non-motorized watersports, local transfers, and discounts around property..
Things we like:
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One of Ambergris Caye’s newest resorts with a very upscale atmosphere, yet still family-friendly and fairly priced
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Just 600 yards from the Belize Barrier Reef with an on-site dive center to see its best spots
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Beautiful guest rooms, including some with private pools
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Lots of dining with six restaurants and four bars
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Plenty more dining, shopping, and local experiences are a quick golf cart ride away in San Pedro
Things we don't like:
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The beach area is very small and frequently overtaken by seaweed
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Certain rooms can reportedly be a bit noisy
➞ What to Do
Alaia Belize is one of the best places to enjoy snorkeling and diving, in our opinion. The Belize Pro Dive Center will facilitate that for you, and they’re located at the resort’s beach. There are numerous spots just a few hundred yards offshore, but the famous Hol Chan Marine Sanctuary is probably the top choice for snorkelers in Belize.
Scuba divers also have a whole host of spots to choose from, including many local spots that can be bundled into a multi-tank, multi-day dive package. Some of the best spots are a bit further than the local reef, though, including the Blue Hole and Turneffe Atoll. The dive center can also do fishing charters and general sightseeing cruises.
On land, you should take advantage of being just minutes away from San Pedro, the main town of Ambergris Caye. The best way to see it is by renting a golf cart – available from the resort – which is the main method of transportation for tourists here. You can explore culture, food, and local life in this vibrant town.
Back at the resort, you have three swimming pools to choose from, including one on a rooftop. The beach out front is, admittedly, a bit small and not great for swimming, but you can take your golf cart to Secret Beach, which is the top attraction on the island.
➞ What to Eat & Drink
There are quite a few places to dine and drink at Alaia Belize, and we almost gave it the title of best in this area. Breakfast is served at The Terrace, which is the main restaurant serving international delights alongside Belizean specials.
Many guests enjoy lunch at The Terrace as well, along with its poolside and swim-up bars. The Rooftop Bar is another great choice for all-day dining and drinking. The Ocean Side Pizzeria bakes brick-oven specialties with flavors for the whole family.
All of those places are great choices for dinner as well; however, this is when several specialty restaurants open. That includes Sea Salt, which combines international dishes with local seafood and flavors; The Deck, an overwater spot for a fusion of Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors; and Infinity Rooftop Lounge & Bar, an adults-only spot for tapas with a 360-degree view from above.
➞ Room Guide
There’s a huge variety of accommodations at Alaia Belize, ranging from studio rooms to three-bedroom suites. The resort breaks them down into three distinct experiences, located in different parts of the property and with different atmospheres. Within each experience, there are more room categories.
The Vista: This resort experience is at the heart of the property, just steps from the pools and restaurants. Studios and suites with one, two, or three bedrooms are available with views of the sea or the pools and gardens. Guests here can expect modern aesthetics, bright luxury, and simple elegance.
The Reef House: An all-suite section, these two-bedroom and three-bedroom accommodations may be oceanfront or with a resort view. It’s more historic and sophisticated in nature, but still family-friendly and with its own swimming pool.
The Villas: The most deluxe accommodations of all are perfect for families or large groups of friends, as each of them has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. That’s along with a spacious indoor living room, kitchen, and dining room. Outside, you have your own relaxation area and private plunge pool.
➞ Special Experiences
There are plenty of ways to make your stay at Alaia Belize more special. If you’re coming here to dive, don’t miss the opportunity to take the longer boat ride to the Blue Hole, which is well worth it. You can even book a full-day, multi-tank excursion that includes both the Blue Hole and Turneffe Atoll, two of Belize’s most prized underwater sites.
If you’re more of a beach person, consider the Cruisin’ San Pedro package, which includes things like a golf cart rental, packed beverages, a guided tour of town, and a trip to Secret Beach. There are also many jungle excursions in Belize’s mainland that can be added on, for activities like ziplining, caving, and visiting archaeological sites.
Things we like:
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One of Ambergris Caye’s newest resorts with a very upscale atmosphere, yet still family-friendly and fairly priced
-
Just 600 yards from the Belize Barrier Reef with an on-site dive center to see its best spots
-
Beautiful guest rooms, including some with private pools
-
Lots of dining with six restaurants and four bars
-
Plenty more dining, shopping, and local experiences are a quick golf cart ride away in San Pedro
Things we don't like:
-
The beach area is very small and frequently overtaken by seaweed
-
Certain rooms can reportedly be a bit noisy
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