Approaching Victoria House by golf cart (as most guests who fly into the San Pedro airstrip do), you may feel as though you're entering some smart, expansive, tropical country club. Once you pass through reception and see the main swimming pool and, just beyond, the Victoria House dock and reef–adorned horizon, you'll realize things are much cozier than that. Although there is plenty of space in your room or suite, you'll invariably spend time at the ocean's edge, or in one of three swimming pools. The well kept grounds and constantly improving selection of accommodations attract an enormous number of repeat customers––always a good sign. Guests have access to their own full–service dive shop with private guides, the open–air Admiral Nelson Bar, and one of the top–rated restaurants in the country.

Accommodations include the main lodge state room, ten ocean–facing casitas, eight grand plantation rooms, and several two– to five–bedroom villas, all with rich, mahogany–adorned décor, with art and furnishings from throughout Belize, Guatemala, and the Yucatan. The plantation rooms and suites are particularly spacious, with private entrances, verandahs, and all the amenities you would expect to find inside. These are especially popular with groups, as couples can have luxurious comfort and privacy, and shared space with family and friends. Victoria House is experienced at arranging weddings and honeymoons, hosting dozens of events each year. Package deals cater to romance, diving, sport fishing, and an inland combo deal with The Lodge at Chaa Creek.

After mastering the previous chef's award–winning menu, the new Japanese chef at Palmilla Restaurant launched his own retinue of Eastern–fused masterpieces on the Victoria House menu. Expect to be very, very impressed. Despite such exquisite dining, many guests choose against the meal plan, preferring to branch out and sample Ambergris Caye's plentiful restaurants and lounges. The best way to do this is to rent your own golf cart for the week, so you can come and go as you please. There is also water taxi service to the many lodges and restaurants dotting the length of Ambergris Caye's east–facing shore. In San Pedro town, Belize's easy–going tourist hub, you'll find a handful of decent shops, spas, and cafes. Or perhaps everything you need is right there on the Victoria House grounds.


Web Address: www.victoria–house.com
Total Number of Rooms: 35
Published rates: $175 to $1650

Review and photos by Joshua Berman.