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:
-
Great amenities at a great price point: not a “cheap” resort, but rather one of high quality for good rates
-
Seclusion away from town yet still conveniently located on Ambergris Caye
-
Small number of beautiful suites and villas, some with private pools
-
Sea turtle rehabilitation center with guest visitation
-
Water toys available to use at the beach
Things we don't like:
-
Boat transfer to San Pedro can be inconvenient, and it runs on a schedule
-
Just one dining option
-
There isn’t a ton to do at the resort itself besides lounging and relaxing
Where to Book Turtle Island Resort & Residences:
Hotels.com
➞ What to Do
Many visitors choose Turtle Island Resort & Residences to simply relax by the beach and pool, as this is a great place for that. Some suites and villas have amazing private plunge pools and exterior areas, while there’s a resort infinity pool overlooking the calm sea. Water toys like kayaks can be used to explore around the seashore.
You definitely cannot miss a visit to Lucy’s Lagoon. This is the Registered Rehabilitation Site for Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where turtles come to recover after injury. You can meet Lucy, the resident loggerhead, and Tipsy, her green sea turtle buddy, who both lost their fins in shark attacks, and even feed them sardines for a few dollars.
Aside from all this, plus eating and drinking at the restaurant, there isn’t a ton more to do at this peaceful resort, so you’ll have to jump on one of the scheduled shuttle boats to San Pedro if you’d like to experience more of the island. However, off-site activities like diving, snorkeling, fishing, and mainland adventures depart straight from the resort’s dock.
➞ What to Eat & Drink
There is just one restaurant at Turtle Island Resort & Residences, which some guests may view as a weak point. Luckily, the feedback is very positive, and locals and visitors often boat in for lunch (and to see Lucy and Tipsy).
Dining takes place on a covered patio that opens up to the beach and sea. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served à la carte and feature a balance of familiar international dishes with Belizean-Caribbean favorites. A good selection of cocktails, beer, and wine flow all day long, too.
Note that most rooms at the resort have kitchens as well. Guests who prefer to prepare something on their own can find groceries in town and bring them back on the shuttle boat.
➞ Room Guide
As mentioned, Turtle Island Resort & Residences has just eight suites and five villas. All of them are waterfront, so there are no considerations to make when it comes to the view. Your choice depends on the space you need and whether you want to have luxuries like a kitchen or pool.
Beach House Studios: These thatched-roof bungalows are the smallest options, but still have space for a living area and outdoor terrace. They are offered as standard, with kitchens, or with kitchens and private plunge pools.
Beach House Suites: Very similar to Studios, full suites offer one or two separate bedrooms along with a spacious living room and kitchen. They come with or without private plunge pools.
Villas: Two-bedroom residences have even more space than suites, along with upgraded interior furnishings and décor. They all have lovely private plunge pools on their terrace facing the sea.
➞ Special Experiences
Couples celebrating their marriage at Turtle Island Resort & Residences can book the Honeymoon Package to remove stress and add both adventure and relaxation. It includes the all-inclusive provisions plus a private candlelit romantic dinner, a snorkel trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, and flowers and champagne in the room.
In partnership with Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge, Turtle Island offers a package called Cayo to Caye for guests who want to experience both the jungle and the Caribbean Sea. It comes with four nights at the beach and three nights in the tropical rainforest in a Premier Treehouse, along with the all-inclusive offerings at both resorts. Again, value hunters will be pleased!
Things we like:
-
Great amenities at a great price point: not a “cheap” resort, but rather one of high quality for good rates
-
Seclusion away from town yet still conveniently located on Ambergris Caye
-
Small number of beautiful suites and villas, some with private pools
-
Sea turtle rehabilitation center with guest visitation
-
Water toys available to use at the beach
Things we don't like:
-
Boat transfer to San Pedro can be inconvenient, and it runs on a schedule
-
Just one dining option
-
There isn’t a ton to do at the resort itself besides lounging and relaxing
Comments