Where to Stay in Belize: The Best Resorts in Every Area

There are SO MANY amazing places to stay in Belize — secluded eco-luxury resorts with private waterfalls, budget-friendly over-water bungalows on private islands, cultural immersions, and plenty of other places that perfectly blend adventure and relaxation.

But with so many hotels and resorts scattered around the country, it’s difficult to figure the BEST places to stay in Belize. Since my family lives in Belize and I’m a frequent visitor, I know the country well and have some strong opinions on the best places to stay (and places to avoid).

In this article, I’m highlighting the best areas in Belize, including the country’s most idyllic Caribbean islands, adventurous jungle destinations, and some hidden areas you’ve probably never heard of.

I’m also sharing my personal recommendations for hotels and resorts in each part of the country. My family and I have stayed at many of these Belize hotels, and they all have excellent reviews from other travelers!

📷: Photo of Matachica Beach Resort by Megan Blay

Quick Guide – Where to Stay in Belize

• My Favorite Belize Resort: Gaia Riverlodge
• Best Place to Stay in Belize for Snorkeling & Diving: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
• Best Private Island Stay in Belize: Thatch Caye Resort
• Best Budget-Friendly Eco-Lodge in Belize: Kane Villas
• Best Cultural Immersion Stay in Belize: Palmento Grove (Garifuna Owned)
• Best Place to Stay on Caye Caulker: Weezie’s
• Best Place to Stay on Ambergris Caye: Matachica Beach Resort
• Best Place to Stay in Belize City (walking distance from the water taxi): Harbour View Boutique Hotel
• Best Place to Stay Near the Belize Airport: Black Orchid Resort

The Best Areas to Stay in Belize

There are two main areas to visit in Belize: the islands (called ‘cayes’) and the mainland.

Most people head to the cayes to relax, snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, and live life on island time. Meanwhile, the mainland is the place to go to immerse in the jungle, visit Mayan pyramids, go cave tubing, spot jungle wildlife like monkeys and toucans, chase waterfalls, and experience Belize’s rich diversity of cultures.

If you can, be sure to spend some time on an island and some time exploring the mainland. The best Belize vacation is a combination of both.

Learn about Belize’s six districts

Where to Stay in Belize, By Area

Overview of the best areas to stay in Belize (click to jump to each section)

• Caye Caulker (My Favorite): Quirky walkable Caribbean island right next to the Belize Barrier Reef, easy to get to from Belize City
• Ambergris Caye: Large island home to a diversity of resorts and hotels, close to the reef and easy to get to from Belize City
• Other Cayes: There are other smaller islands (called cayes) with resorts, perfect for a secluded getaway!
• Hopkins (My Favorite): A charming mainland Belize beach town with a rich Garifuna culture. Hopkins has great resorts yet still feels like a small town and is close to both the reef and jungle.
• San Ignacio: The ‘adventure capital of Belize,’ this centrally-located town is an excellent base for exploring Mayan ruins, cave tubing, and other jungle adventures in the Cayo District
• Mountain Pine Ridge (My Favorite): This mostly undeveloped natural reserve has a few incredible resorts with access to private waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails
• Hummingbird Highway: Scenic jungle drive with waterfalls, caves, and a cenote. There are a few lovely jungle resorts along the way!
• Placencia: Sandy beach destination in southern Belize with a great selection of hotels and resorts
• Secluded Jungle Lodges: Explore far off the beaten path at these eco-resorts hidden in the middle of the jungle!
• Places to Stay Near the Airport & Belize City: I don’t usually recommend staying Belize City (there isn’t much to do and some areas are unsafe), but there are a few hidden gem hotels and resorts I can recommend for staying before/after a flight or ferry ride!

1. CAYE CAULKER

Caye Caulker is my top recommendation for an island in Belize! It’s a small, walkable island with no major resort chains and no cars (just golf carts).

Although it is still quite a popular place to visit in Belize, Caye Caulker feels local, rustic, and off-the-beaten-path. And thankfully, the island is very easy to get to from Belize City via a 10 minute flight or 45 minute public water taxi ride.

The island’s motto is ‘go slow,’ so it’s the perfect place to relax, but it’s also a great place to snorkel and scuba dive since the Belize Barrier Reef is just offshore.

📷: Colinda Cabanas, the North Island of Caye Caulker, and Weezie’s

Best Caye Caulker Resorts & Hotels

• 🌺 Weezie’s: My favorite hotel on Caye Caulker. Probably the most luxurious hotel on the main island of Caye Caulker, Weezie’s has a gorgeous property on a quieter part of the island with a large private dock and waterfront area and beautiful pool. Check prices.
• 🥥 El Ben Cabañas: Situated on the more secluded North Side of Caye Caulker, I love the feel of El Ben Cabañas, with gorgeous high-end thatched-roof cabanas, incredible service, a pool, and picturesque setting on the turquoise blue Caribbean. Check prices.
• 🌴 Colinda Cabanas: These budget-friendly colorful cabanas are a short walk from all Caye Caulker’s best restaurants, bars, and shops. The property is right by the water, too! Check prices.

2. AMBERGRIS CAYE

This 25-mile long Caribbean island off the coast of northern Belize is the most popular place to stay in Belize. It’s much more developed than Caye Caulker, with a diversity of luxurious resorts and hotels and a decent sized town (San Pedro).

Like Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye is close to the reef, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, so it’s an excellent place to go snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s also quiet easy to get to via a 20 minute flight or 1.5 hour public ferry.

Most Ambergris Caye resorts are a 15-30 minute drive away from the city of San Pedro, so you’ll be secluded—which is good for relaxing, but maybe a little inconvenient if you want to explore the city and different restaurants each day.

📷: Photos of Matachica Beach Resort by Megan Blay

Best Ambergris Caye Resorts & Hotels

• 🍹 Matachica Beach Resort: A friendly boho luxury resort secluded on a Caribbean beach north of San Pedro. Matachica is my sister-in-law’s favorite resort in Belize (she lives in Belize). She says ‘it’s the type of place you never want to leave‘. Check prices.
• 👙 PUR Boutique Resort (Adults Only): One of Belize’s only adults-only hotels, with six luxury cabanas, a swim-up bar, and onsite taco bar. It’s highly-rated and close to town but still secluded. Check prices.
• ☀️ SunBreeze Suites: The best beachfront hotel in San Pedro town. If you want to stay somewhere walkable and close to all the city has to offer, this is it! Check prices.

3. OTHER BELIZE ISLANDS

Belize is home to more than 200 islands, but most visitors only visit Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. But there are several other private island resorts, some of which are more affordable than you’d expect!

📷: First photo via Thatch Caye Resort, me snorkeling near South Water Caye, and third photo via Tobacco Caye

Best Private Island Resorts in Belize:

• 🛖 Thatch Caye Resort: Overwater bungalows on a secluded Caribbean island! This private island exudes pure luxury and is my top recommendation (if you can afford it). They offer all-inclusive stays with kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and a great restaurant. Check prices.
• 🏝️ St George’s Caye Resort (Adults Only): Overwater bungalows and thatched-roof villas on a secluded island, St George’s Caye. All villas have AC and there’s plenty to do (kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and more). Round-trip transportation to the Belize airport is included and the island is close enough to the mainland for day trips to Mayan ruins and beyond. Check prices.
• 🥥 Tobacco Caye Cabanas: Affordable off-grid overwater bungalows (yep, no AC) on a charming small island. All meals are included, with vegan and vegetarian options, and there are plenty of optional adventures like paddle boarding and snorkeling. Tobacco Caye is the perfect luxury-on-a-budget stay! Check prices.

4. HOPKINS

Named ‘the friendliest village in Belize,’ Hopkins is a charming beachside town only 1 hour from Belize City. It’s known for its vibrant Garifuna community and their traditional drumming, its excellent eco-resorts, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef.

Hopkins is one of my favorite parts of Belize. It’s also a lovely area to stay in if you want to experience both the Caribbean and the jungle without having to move around!

📷: Walking on Hopkins Beach at Hamanasi, second photo by Megan Blay, at the pool at Hamanasi

Best Hopkins Resorts & Hotels:

• 🌴 Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort: My favorite Belize beach resort! This incredible regenerative resort was ranked #3 resort in Central America in 2024. It has some of the best service I’ve experienced anywhere, and they specialize in diving and snorkeling tours. Read my review of Hamanasi.
• 🥥 Coconut Row Boutique Hotel: Cute beachfront villas right in the heart of Hopkins with easy access to restaurants and bars. Compared to Hopkin’s resorts, this is a more budget-friendly option, especially for folks who want to stay in the town! Check prices.
• ☀️ Seiri del Mar: Situated north of Hopkins on the beach (but walking distance from the town), Seiri del Mar is an expansive beachfront property with spacious villas and apartments with a large pool. Check prices.
• 🪘 Palmento Grove (Garifuna Owned): Immerse in Garifuna culture at Palmento Grove, a budget-friendly ecotourism property with basic accommodations and a diversity of cultural immersion experience. Just be aware that you have to take a kayak across the river to get here! Check prices.

5. SAN IGNACIO & NEARBY

San Ignacio is often called the ‘adventure capital of Belize.’ This small city is home to Belize’s largest market (which is actually pretty small but big for Belize), and it’s close to all the popular jungle adventures like the ATM Cave, Mayan ruins, cave tubing, and more.

San Ignacio is the most budget-friendly place to stay in Belize, and it’s really convenient if you plan to do a lot of jungle adventures. That said, there isn’t much to do in the city itself. Stay here if it is necessary for your budget, but opt for a nearby jungle lodge if you can afford it.

📷: The San Ignacio Market, Cahal Pech Resort, and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Best San Ignacio Resorts & Hotels:

• 🌿 Falling Leaves Lodge: Beautiful, newer hotel in San Ignacio, right by the Cahal Pech Ruins. Choose a ‘Superior Suite’ to get a gorgeous jacuzzi in your room, or opt for a basic room for an affordable but cute and clean place to stay. The property includes a restaurant and bar, but no pool. Check prices.
• 🛖 Cahal Pech Resort: I stayed here with some friends because of the beautiful views, affordable rates, and proximity to downtown San Ignacio and the Cahal Pech ruins. I felt like it was a mediocre place to stay, and I wrote an honest review of Cahal Pech Resort with more details. Check prices.
• 🌴 Green Valley Inn: Cute treehouses on a lush property with a pool between Belmopan and San Ignacio. This small property has exceptional reviews and is a great budget-friendly place to stay in Belize! Check prices.
• 🌺 Vanilla Hills Resort: Simple, clean jungle bungalows on the outskirts of San Ignacio near Bullet Tree Falls. The property features a pool and is within walking distance from the Mopan River. Check prices.

6. MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE

Mountain Pine Ridge is my top recommendation for a place to stay on mainland Belize! This forest reserve area has several excellent hotels and resorts, but is mostly undeveloped with incredible waterfalls, caves, and swimming holes.

It’s at a higher elevation than the rest of the country, so Mountain Pine Ridge is has cooler temperatures (great for the summer months), but warm enough to swim beneath Big Rock Falls and at the Rio On Pools!

Best of all, Mountain Pine Ridge is uncrowded and wild. Most vacationers never make it up to this part of the country (even though it’s a short drive from San Ignacio) so it’s quite tranquil.

📷 Exploring Rio Frio Cave, sipping a mocktail at Gaia Riverlodge, and swimming at the Rio On Pools

Best Mountain Pine Ridge Resorts & Hotels:

• ☀️ Gaia Riverlodge: Boho luxury resort on a cliff overlooking the Five Sisters’ Waterfall. Highlights include yoga in a cave, being served tropical drinks while you sunbathe beside a waterfall, and cliff-side dining. Check prices.
• 🥾 Kane Villas: Excellent budget-friendly vacation rentals with beautiful pool, incredible hosts, and private access to waterfalls, a cave, and hiking trails. Read my full review of Kane Villas, and check prices here.
• 🌿 Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge: Gorgeous eco-resort with private waterfalls and hiking trails, plus a diversity of onsite experiences like chocolate-making, birdwatching, and jungle night walks. Check prices. Check prices.

7. HUMMINGBIRD HIGHWAY

The Hummingbird Highway is Belize’s most scenic drive, with waterfalls, caves, a cenote, and endless lush views along the way. There are several great eco-resorts along the Hummingbird Highway, and this is a wonderful area to stay if you want to be immersed in jungle landscapes.

The drive connects Hopkins to Belmopan, so you can easily visit Hopkins beach on a day trip, go cave tubing, and go on the ATM Cave tour while staying here. San Ignacio is an hour away, and the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are an hour and a half, so it’s a convenient base for exploring the best of mainland Belize.

📷: Photo at Jaguar Creek Lodge by Megan Blay, Sleeping Giant Lodge villas, and Billy Barquedier Waterfall

Best Hummingbird Highway Resorts & Hotels:

• 🌺 Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge: This award-winning resort is so beautiful, it feels like a botanical garden! So much so that it’s where one of my dear friends got engaged. There are several great restaurants and a pool, riverside lounge chairs, and a viewpoint overlooking the rainforest landscapes. Check prices.
• 🐒 Jaguar Creek Eco Lodge: Gorgeous eco-resort situated right on a tranquil blue creek. My sister-in-law went here on her honeymoon and speaks highly of the beautiful property and restaurant! Keep in mind that there is no AC and the villas aren’t super private, but it’s an excellent budget-friendly place to stay in this part of Belize. Check prices.

📷: Jaguar Creek Lodge by Megan Blay, lounging by the river at Sleeping Giant Lodge

8. PLACENCIA

The 16-mile-long Placencia peninsula is home to some of Belize’s most beautiful beaches, and a diversity of hotels and luxury resorts. It’s another great base to explore the Belize Barrier Reef and go island hopping.

Since Placencia is connected to the mainland, you can also easily visit the jungle from here, but keep in mind that the drive is about an hour each way. It’s also worth noting that Placencia is about 3 hours south of the main Belize City airport, but you can easily fly from Belize City to Placencia if you don’t want to drive.

Best Placencia Hotels & Resorts:

• 🐢 Turtle Inn: This boho luxury resort tucked between the beach and lagoon is owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. It’s frequented by Coppola, his family, and other celebrities, but is still open to regular vacationers most of the year! Check prices.
• 🌺 Maya Beach Hotel: Budget-friendly waterfront villas with beach access, a pool, and onsite restaurant. This small hotel is several miles away from town, which means the beach is uncrowded! Check prices.
• 🌴 The Ellysian Boutique Hotel: Award-winning beach resort right in the heart of Placencia town with a modern style and rooftop bar. This is the best place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of the restaurants of Placencia, but still on a beautiful beach. Check prices.

9. SECLUDED JUNGLE LODGES

Get far off the beaten path at these secluded jungle lodges!

They’re each in less-visited, undeveloped parts of the country, surrounded by miles upon miles of dense jungle. Here you’ll experience a different side of Belize, and see plenty of wildlife like monkeys, toucans, macaws, coati, and more.

📷: Photos of beautiful Crystal Creek Lodge by Megan Blay

Best Secluded Eco-Lodges in Belize:

• 💎 Crystal Creek Lodge: This single villa beside a turquoise creek in northern Belize makes the perfect romantic getaway! It’s located deep in the jungle beside Mennonite farmland in an exceptionally beautiful area few vacationers ever experience. My sister-in-law got married here and I can’t put into words how special this place is. The owners are lovely and live onsite, so there’s always someone near if you need anything, but you have to bring all your own food. Check prices.
• 🌿 Copal Tree Lodge: This luxury resort in southern Belize is another incredible off-the-beaten path place to stay in Belize. The spacious suites are nestled in the jungle, with a beautiful pool overlooking the jungle and river below. Copal Tree Lodge has an excellent onsite restaurant and distillery, plus plenty of adventurous activities like zip lining, snorkeling, and chocolate-making. It’s also close to Punta Gorda, Belize’s southernmost town, which has a ferry to Livingston, Guatemala! Check prices.
• 🦜 Chan Chich Lodge: A historic lodge on a 30,000 acre nature preservation in northwest Belize, near the Guatemala border. The resort features a farm-to-table restaurant, a pool, and hiking trails. You can book a variety of adventurous day trips to places like the ATM Cave and several striking Mayan ruins including Tikal, Xunantunich, and Lamanai. Check prices.

10. WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE BELIZE AIRPORT & WATER TAXI

If your flight lands in Belize in the late afternoon or evening, you might want to stay somewhere nearby because driving at night in Belize can be tricky—and water taxis don’t run to the islands after 5:30pm. 

Thankfully, there are some great places to stay within 30 minutes to Belize City and the airport.

📷: Serene off-grid cabin at the Tropical Education Center

Best Places to Stay in Belize City & Nearby:

• 🌿 Black Orchid Resort: Serene jungle resort only 20 minutes away from the Belize international airport. The resort is right on the Belize River with a beautiful pool and an excellent restaurant. If you don’t want to travel far from the airport but still want to feel like you’re in the jungle, this is the place to go! Check prices.
• 🌺 Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Wellness Retreat: Simple rooms and cottages within walking distance of the water taxi in Belize City, with a pool, vegan restaurant, and garden. While I’d typically avoid staying in Belize City (there isn’t much to do and some areas are unsafe), this is a great place to stay before or after taking the ferry. My friends stayed here for a night and highly recommend it! Check prices.
• 🐒 Belize Zoo Tropical Education Center: This picturesque property at the Belize Zoo is a great affordable place to stay for a night. It’s only 30 minutes from the airport (on the way to San Ignacio, Hopkins, and Placencia). Accommodations are very simple, but the price includes dinner and breakfast, plus you’re close to the zoo for their fun night tour. Check prices.

Thanks for reading!

• Browse my favorite Belize tours and experiences.
• See the best hotels in Belize.
• Check out my other Belize travel guides.

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