We gave our Outoria Team one job:
Find the best and most popular Resorts in Belize
Here you go, now you should be all set for your next trip to Belize.
There are dozens of dreamy Belize resorts fit for everyone, from budget watchers to luxury seekers and from relaxation searchers to adventurers. Its nickname, “The Jewel of the Caribbean,” is definitely appropriate, and while it’s often overshadowed by its neighbors like the Riviera Maya, thousands of tourists come to experience this place’s allure each year.
Most of the resorts in Belize can offer you a combination of as much beach-bumming and sightseeing as you desire, and many Belize all-inclusive resorts will even bundle your experiences together to take the stress out of planning it all.
We did the research for you, so read on to see where to go in this stunning country for your dream vacation.
The Top 10 Resorts in Belize in 2025
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1
Most Luxurious: Cayo Espanto -
2
Best Adults-Only Getaway: Coco Plum Island Resort -
3
Best for Diving & Snorkeling: Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Resort -
4
Most Romantic: Victoria House Resort & Spa -
5
Best for Nature Lovers: Gaïa Riverlodge -
6
Best for Thrill Seekers: Copal Tree Lodge, a Muy’Ono Resort -
7
Best Escape to the Beach: Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton -
8
Most Relaxing: Ka’ana Resort -
9
Best for Families: Coco Beach Resort -
10
Best Value on a Budget: Turtle Island Resort & Residences
All the Resorts in Belize We've visited:
Where to Book Cayo Espanto:
Cayo Espanto
What’s Special About This Resort
Cayo Espanto may not carry a big brand name, but this four-acre private island resort in Belize is certainly among the most aspirational in the country.
Its seven bungalows are located just three miles off the western coast of Ambergris Caye, and each offers a private heated plunge pool – with the exception of one, which is completely surrounded by the warm Caribbean Sea instead.
You won’t find a restaurant here; instead, you’ll meet with the chef every day to decide what you’d like to eat, when, and where, whether it be beside your pool, on the beach, or in a secluded coconut grove. In between lounging by the water, guests can go to the spa or partake in a variety of ocean excursions. It’s just up to you to decide on the balance of relaxation and adventure.
Cayo Espanto isn’t advertised as a traditional all-inclusive resort, but it essentially is. Three meals per day, snacks, and drinks are included in your room rate, and they’ll be custom-made and served in private rather than chosen off a restaurant’s buffet or menu.
Things we like:
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Just seven luxe bungalows on a four-acre island, each with private heated plunge pools, makes everything very secluded and exclusive -
Full-time butlers are ready to bring you basically whatever you want, whenever you want
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The on-site spa brings treatments straight to your villa
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Huge variety of excursions, including diverse scuba diving options and fishing charters
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Options for domestic flight to Caye Ambergris or private helicopter arrival straight to the resort
Things we don't like:
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Four to seven-night minimum stay, depending on the period, combined with a very small number of rooms, makes it hard to find dates that work -
Plus, you can’t see availability online
Where to Book Cayo Espanto:
Cayo Espanto
What’s Special About This Resort
The premier adults-only, all-inclusive getaway in Belize is Coco Plum Island Resort, as evidenced by the awards it frequently wins. This is another private island, and it’s located off the southern part of the country’s coast, about 30 minutes from the city of Dangriga by boat.
Just 18 oceanfront cabanas can accommodate no more than 42 guests here at a time, making this a relaxing, exclusive escape. When you aren’t relaxing on the beach or cooling off in the warm, clear water, you can choose from a variety of adventurous activities. This is a spot located among the Belize Barrier Reef, putting unreal snorkeling and diving at your doorstep, along with great fishing.
Coco Plum Island Resort is all-inclusive, starting with your arrival in Belize City. From there, your transfer by air to Dangriga is included, as is your boat transfer to the resort. Three meals a day, unlimited local bar beverages, use of water toys, and even a few snorkeling excursions are all free of charge.
Things we like:
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Quiet and exclusive: adults-only, 18 rooms, and 42-guest maximum on the private island
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All-inclusive from the moment you land in Belize City, including all transportation from there and all meals
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Complimentary snorkeling excursions for guests staying at least four nights
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Lots of awesome more premium diving opportunities on the Belize Barrier Reef, as well as fishing, cruising, etc.
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Lots of space to relax around the private island, including hammocks in the ocean and white-sand beaches with palapas
Things we don't like:
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The pool isn’t really anything impressive; although its surroundings are stunning
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Not a ton to do when it rains, so bring a book or games if there’s weather in your forecast
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’s Special About This Resort
Couples in search of a quiet, romantic Belize resort without the high price or isolation of a private island will find it at Victoria House Resort & Spa. This boutique resort sits on the southern outskirts of San Pedro, giving it access to all the convenience and wonders of Ambergris Caye but not the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.
Each of the 42 colonial-style rooms, casitas, and villas is luxuriously appointed and offers lots of privacy to celebrate your honeymoon, your anniversary, or simply your special trip. Several romance packages can guarantee additional stand-out features during your stay. Two swimming pool areas, a private beach, a spa, and plenty of add-on adventures make it easy to relax or play as much as you want over the course of your stay in paradise.
Victoria House Resort & Spa is not a fully all-inclusive experience, but they do offer meal plans that can remove the need to pay for dining à la carte. All guests get continental breakfast for free, while the most basic plan adds a daily entrée from the morning menu. You can also do breakfast + dinner or breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Things we like:
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Romantic setting on a private beach close to San Pedro yet far enough to feel quiet
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Just 42 beautifully designed colonial-style accommodations
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Fairly priced and easy to reach
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Several meal plans to make your stay somewhat all-inclusive
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Romance packages, spa, and lots of activities to make your stay special
Things we don't like:
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The private beach is partially artificial and sometimes has seaweed problems
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No in-room dining
What’s Special About This Resort
Saying that you’ll be surrounded by nature at the Gaïa Riverlodge is an understatement – this place is an hour-long jeep ride away from the nearest small village, San Ignacio, close to the Guatemalan border.
The jungle lodge is perched atop the Five-Sisters Waterfall, which, along with the local wildlife, provides the only noise in this remote Belize resort paradise. Individual cabanas are scattered among the greenery, and an electric tram takes guests down to the river itself.
Ancient caves, Mayan archaeological sites, and natural swimming holes are all around and just some of the wonders to be explored over the course of your stay. Spa treatments and local dining with home-grown ingredients are some of the things waiting for you when you get back to the resort.
Gaïa Riverlodge is not an all-inclusive resort, but breakfast can be included in your room rate. There are several special packages that bundle different things together as well.
Things we like:
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Remote location in the pristine Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
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Stunning location above a magnificent waterfall with easy access to the river
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Tons of nature-centric activities like birdwatching, cave tubing, hiking, and more
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Beautiful cabanas and villas
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On-site spa and a restaurant that uses ingredients grown on-property
Things we don't like:
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The remoteness and natural setting are reflected in the rooms: no air conditioning, no wifi, and no television
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There is no traditional swimming pool besides the natural one created by the waterfall
What’s Special About This Resort
Copal Tree Lodge is a southern Belize resort set amongst lush greenery. While that’s definitely great for nature lovers, we’re naming this one best for thrill seekers thanks to its short distance from the Caribbean Sea – making it possible to enjoy both backcountry and water-based adventures during your stay.
One day, you can be kayaking along the Rio Grande, hiking along dozens of trails, or horseback riding through the foliage. The next day, you could be snorkeling in the shallows of offshore cayes or fly fishing for tarpon in the flats. The lodge has swimming pools, a spa, and complimentary bikes for exploring the nearby town of Punta Gorda.
Guests of Copal Tree Lodge can go with an all-inclusive package if they wish. This add-on gets you three meals per day, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and round-trip transfers from the Punta Gorda airstrip.
Things we like:
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Beautiful jungle location high above a river yet just upstream from the Caribbean Sea, making it possible to enjoy all kinds of activities
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Luxury resort amenities like swimming pools, a spa, and fully-equipped guest rooms
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Resort guide-led activities like birding, hiking, and fishing
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Location is not extremely remote, with the local town accessible by bike
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Just 17 accommodation units in total, including a 3-bedroom villa ideal for families or groups
Things we don't like:
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Many guests find both the food and activities to be overpriced
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Transportation to the resort requires either a multi-stop domestic flight or a 4+ hour rental car drive from Belize City
Where to Book Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton:
Booking.com
Hotels.com
Expedia.com
What’s Special About This Resort
While Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club is our top choice of Belize resorts for beach people, they may be shocked to notice that this resort is not on the beach! But still, it takes the prize thanks to its separate beach club on a tiny island off the western side of Ambergris Caye. It’s accessible via a scenic 15-minute boat ride.
This setup gives you the best of everything: convenient access to San Pedro, the private island experience, and the white-sand, seaweed-free shores on the good side of Belize’s most popular tourist spot – something other Ambergris Caye’s other resorts don’t have.
It also helps with the price point, as you don’t have to pay private island resort prices here. At the main resort, you have access to beautiful swimming pools, diverse dining, and all kinds of things to do around San Pedro.
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club is not an all-inclusive resort, but you can easily book a package that includes breakfast. Other special packages include resort credits that can be used to cover dining, spa treatments, and activities.
Things we like:
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Access to Belize’s only private beach club on a tiny island offshore, located on the good side of Ambergris Caye, with white sand and no seaweed
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Equally easy access to San Pedro and its dining, shopping, and entertainment
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Luxurious rooms and resort amenities consistent with the Hilton brand
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Activities like diving, snorkeling, and fishing available straight from the resort dock
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Diverse dining options on property
Things we don't like:
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Accessing the beach club requires a 15-minute boat ride, which can be inconvenient for those who want to come and go
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“Daily Mandatory Charge” to cover not only beach club access but $10 gratuity to staff, regardless of the service you perceive
Where to Book Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton:
Booking.com
Hotels.com
Expedia.com
What’s Special About This Resort
The name of Ka’ana Resort means “heavenly place” in the Mayan language, and we think that’s a pretty accurate way to describe it. Surrounded by lush rainforest in the far western part of Belize near the town of San Ignacio, this Belize resort is an oasis of modern luxury among undisturbed nature and history.
There’s no beach here, but you can relax in the resort pool, your suite or villa’s private pool, or its terrace bathtub. Mayan spa treatments and jungle yoga allow even deeper indulgence. Adventures to natural wonders and cultural sites can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like – good choices include the sacred Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave and the Yaxche sunset spot champagne picnic.
Your stay at Ka’ana Resort can be all-inclusive if it is at least three nights long, which is recommended anyway. With this package, you get breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, along with ground transportation from your arrival airport.
Things we like:
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Gorgeous jungle location in the far west of Belize, in a very remote spot but relatively close to San Ignacio
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Luxurious and modern guest rooms and villas, many with private pools or terrace bathtubs
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Wellness amenities like a great spa and yoga among the nature
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Great selection of jungle adventures and excursions
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Sister resort packages to combine your visit to Belize with a seaside resort as well
Things we don't like:
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Strict cancellation policy: 90 days before check-in or forfeiture of entire deposit
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Some guests find that dining is better at local restaurants in San Ignacio
What’s Special About This Resort
Many Belize resorts are great for families, but we like what Coco Beach Resort has to offer for kids of all ages and their parents as well.
It’s located on a quiet shore of Ambergris Caye to the north of San Pedro, but still easily accessible at about 20 minutes away. Two huge swimming pools offer a waterslide, a volleyball net, and a rock-jumping platform for all-day aquatic fun.
Kayaks and SUP boards provide saltwater entertainment, while on land, there are giant chess and bicycle rentals, including kid’s sizes.
Parents will appreciate large, residential-style suites that can even be provisioned with groceries before arrival; they may also like to have a spa day on-site. Of course, off-property adventures like snorkeling and jungle visits can be arranged for guests of all ages.
There isn’t an all-inclusive package at Coco Beach Resort, nor have we seen any special rates that include meals or credits. Expect to add meals à la carte at the restaurant or to venture out to other places around Ambergris Caye.
Things we like:
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Fun pool amenities for both kids and adults like a waterslide, volleyball, and a rock-jumping island
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Water toys like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are free to use
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Large, multi-bedroom suites great for families and groups, and pre-arrival provisioning is available
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Both bicycle and golf cart rentals are available on-property for visiting San Pedro
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Staff here does a great job with service in general and guest recognition
Things we don't like:
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Just two on-site restaurants and no rates that include breakfast or other meals
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Like many Ambergris Caye resorts, the beach here is not a typical one or great for swimming, and it frequently has a seaweed proble
Where to Book Turtle Island Resort & Residences:
Hotels.com
What’s Special About This Resort
Last but definitely not least is a Belize resort that we find provides amazing amenities at a very reasonable price: Turtle Island Resort & Residences, located on a remote beach on the west side of Ambergris Caye.
While it looks nice and close to San Pedro on a map, the resort is separated from town by a large bay, and the two are connected by a house shuttle boat. That isolation makes the setting serene and private – and it also probably contributes to the lower price.
There are just eight suites and five villas along its shores, some of which have private plunge pools, maxing out at 42 guests at any given time. The property is centered around Lucy’s Lagoon, where sea turtles come to rehabilitate after injury, and guests can even meet the two resident turtles who call it home.
Guests can add the all-inclusive package to their stay at Turtle Island Resort & Residences for a fixed fee per person per night. It includes three meals per day, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, unlimited use of water toys, and transportation to and from the San Pedro airport.
Things we like:
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Great amenities at a great price point: not a “cheap” resort, but rather one of high quality for good rates
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Seclusion away from town yet still conveniently located on Ambergris Caye
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Small number of beautiful suites and villas, some with private pools
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Sea turtle rehabilitation center with guest visitation
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Water toys available to use at the beach
Things we don't like:
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Boat transfer to San Pedro can be inconvenient, and it runs on a schedule
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Just one dining option
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There isn’t a ton to do at the resort itself besides lounging and relaxing
Where to Book Turtle Island Resort & Residences:
Hotels.com
Related Reviews
Why We Think You Should Visit Belize
The Central American nation of Belize is nestled between Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Guatemala, along some of the most beautiful coastline in the Caribbean.
On its seaside, there are idyllic islets and a vibrant barrier reef. In its interior, lush tropical rainforest creates jungle scenes straight from a storybook, concealing ancient Mayan ruins within.
A Brief History of Belize
The Mayans were the original inhabitants of the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, and Guatemala and had been for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Their sophisticated civilization had major population centers in Caracol and Lamanai, which are in the jungle interior as opposed to the coast, and their ruins are major tourist attractions today.
Spanish conquistadors explored Belize in the 16th and 17th centuries and did claim it for Spain, but they never fully settled, as the terrain was difficult and the Mayans were defensive. English pirates in the region were bothersome to Spanish ships, and in the early 1700s, an agreement was made to allow an English settlement in return for countering these pirates. The British brought enslaved Africans to cut and process lumber, which became a valuable industry.
The British continued to settle and administer Belize, and the Spanish frequently attacked them there before finally getting pushed out in 1798. The territory officially became a part of the Empire in 1862 as British Honduras. The lumber industry continued, even after the abolition of slavery.
British Honduras gained further autonomy in 1964, was renamed Belize in 1973, and became a fully independent nation in 1981. Its barrier reef ecosystem would soon be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and more and more visitors curious about the pristine nature and fascinating history would continue to come each year.
Feel Like Getting Out of the Resort?
You can have the best of many worlds in Belize. Many resorts are perfectly suitable for planting yourself for a week without moving from the pool or beach. But there’s also some stunning reef diving and snorkeling just offshore, plus all kinds of other fun watersports to enjoy. And on land, a vast tropical rainforest conceals caves, rivers, and wildlife, as well as fascinating ancient ruins.
Diving and Snorkeling
The underwater world off the coast of Belize is one of the country’s most prized assets. The Belize Barrier Reef provides the setting for most scuba diving and snorkeling and extends the entire length of the country – just a few hundred yards offshore in the north and nearly 25 miles further south.
One of the many atolls and cayes formed by the reef, Lighthouse Reef, houses the largest underwater sinkhole in the world: the Great Blue Hole. While magnificent to see from above, divers can see stalagmites and stalactites along its walls, along with animals like parrotfish and sharks. You probably won’t be going to the bottom (it’s over 400 feet deep), and non-divers who need to stay on the surface have plenty of places around the reef suitable for them.
Even better for snorkelers is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, conveniently located just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, a major tourist island. This marine park is mostly shallow and provides views of colorful coral gardens, seagrass beds, and interesting animals from above. Shark Ray Alley is a spot that will have you surrounded by (harmless) nurse and reef sharks, along with friendly stingrays, and you will definitely want to have a camera for it.
Mayan Ruins
Deep in the forested interior of Belize are numerous relics of ancient civilizations. These very well-preserved sites are both fascinating to learn about and powerful to stand among, and visitors even travel to them on day trips from the coastal resorts. There are a ton of these around the country, but the following are a few big ones.
Xunantunich is one of the most popular, as it’s relatively easy to reach, being just outside the town of San Jose Succotz. You can climb pyramid-like structures for amazing high-up views and see a castle carved into the side of a mountain.
Caracol was a local capital for the Mayan people thousands of years ago, abandoned in the year 900. This one is a different experience, as it’s about two hours down a dirt road into a very remote part of the jungle. Once there, you can experience the stone buildings almost as they did back then – with nothing but the sounds of nature for many, many miles around.
Lamanai was also a local capital and is in a spot that’s remote when compared to the rest of Belize but near a very small and isolated village. It’s beside a river and has giant, idol-like statues carved into the stone structures. You can learn about the civilization in a museum here.
Jungle Adventures
Aside from the ancient treasures in the jungle, there are all kinds of natural features that create eco-attractions of their own. Again, you don’t have to stay in Belize’s interior to enjoy these, as most coastal resorts can arrange day trips.
One of the consistently popular choices is river tubing and/or cave tubing, often done together. Visitors are set up with floaties at a point upstream, where they leisurely make their way with the current past lush foliage, beautiful wildlife, and cliffs. The rivers sometimes continue into caves, where stalagmites and stalactites provide much different scenery.
Tubing is often combined with activities like ziplining across the treetops, horseback riding through trails, or hiking to viewpoints. One very famous trek is the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, simply referred to as the ATM Cave. It combines a rough trail with three river crossings and some rock climbing to reach a mysterious, remote, partially flooded cave. The ancient Mayans once used this place for ceremonies and sacrifices, and both artifacts and bones have been found.
Sport Fishing
Like many Caribbean countries, Belize is a year-round fishing destination. There’s always something biting, and there is more than one way to cast a line here.
Bonefishing is hugely popular, and these fighters can be found in the interior flats of atolls and mangrove-lined shores. The same can be said about permit. If you’ve never fished with a fly before, guides are experienced with beginners, just as they’re happy to engage with a pro.
Barracuda, jack, grouper, and snapper are trophy reef species here that can be caught year-round. If you charter a boat to go much deeper, you can find huge prizes like marlin, sailfish, bonito, and pompano.
Guests of some jungle resorts can try a lesser-attempted method. River fishing, whether from the banks or a boat, is an exciting experience – not just because you’re fighting an unknown opponent under murky water with many obstacles, but because you get to continue to enjoy some of the most spectacular tropical scenery on the continent along the way.
Frequently asked questions
Belize, like many other Caribbean countries, is not exactly a “cheap” destination. It’s a bit more expensive than Cancún and the Riviera Maya. This is especially true for its seaside resorts, like those on Ambergris Caye and private islands on the reef. Rainforest hotels and those in cities on the mainland can be more budget-friendly. It’s possible to do Belize on a budget, but prepare to spend accordingly on certain activities like diving, snorkeling, and jungle adventures, as these are what make a visit so special.
Like its Caribbean counterparts, Belize has the best weather between January and May. Outside of this dry season, you risk a higher chance of storms. Belize is also threatened by hurricanes in the Atlantic’s June to November season, although it’s rare that the storms actually make landfall in the country (though it has happened). That all said, the January to May high season brings more crowds and higher prices, so some visitors prefer to risk the weather in alternative months.
The only official language of Belize is English, as it was a British colony until 1981. In the vast majority of the country, English speakers will encounter no language barriers. However, a large portion of the population also speaks Spanish and/or Belizean Creole, and nearly half the country speaks all three languages. There are even some indigenous Mayan language speakers in remote villages.
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