One of the smallest, least populated, and newest countries in the hemisphere, Belize is home to luxury hotels and resorts that offer a laid-back escape with plenty of personal attention. This country is a short hop from the USA or Canada, plus the temperatures stay relatively steady throughout the year on land and in the water. The Belize luxury resorts market is in its own elegantly rustic class within the Caribbean and Central American regions. For one thing, even the best resorts in Belize are small (70 percent of the country's licensed hotels have ten rooms or less). International hotel chains are almost completely missing here—except for a few Ambergris Caye Belize resorts—mainly because of the small size of the market and labor pool. Most Belize luxury hotels and resorts are independently owned and managed, resulting in each property being a truly creative expression of its owners' dreams and visions.
Finally, Belize is an active destination and guests at even the most luxurious resorts invariably come to scuba dive one of the world's largest barrier reefs, explore some of the Maya world's most fascinating ruins, and paddle or hike Belize's enormous swaths of wildlife–heavy protected areas. All these things translate to a uniquely intimate and nature–focused experience. Don't expect swift efficiency in this country though, where the unofficial motto is "Go Slow, Mon!" Unwind and explore what nature has to offer at the best resorts in Belize.
Here's our rundown of the best places to stay on Ambergris Cay, the Cayo District, Placencia, Hopkins, and the rest of the mainland.
Ambergris Caye Luxury Resorts and San Pedro Belize
Cayo Espanto — just offshore of Ambergris Caye
The Phoenix Resort — in San Pedro
Victoria House — Ambergris Caye
Belize Jungle Resorts and Cayo Hotels
Blancaneaux Lodge — Mountain Pine Ridge
Chan Chich Lodge — Gallon Jug Estate
Ka'ana Resort and Spa — Cayo District
Belize Boutique Resort & Spa — Maskall Village
The Lodge at Chaa Creek Rainforest Reserve — San Ignacio, Cayo District
Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge — Cayo District
Placencia Belize Resorts
Silk Cayes
Belize City
Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina
Punta Gorda
Copal Tree Lodge — Punta Gorda
Stann Creek District and Hopkins Belize Resorts
Hopkins Bay Resort - Hopkins
Thatch Caye Resort — offshore from Dangriga
Note: many visitors on vacation in this country choose to spend half their time on the Caribbean's edge, concentrating on ocean activities, and the other half in the inland forests; most of the Belize resorts and jungle lodges reviewed here cater to this "surf–and–turf" combo by teaming up with each other. The biggest concentration of luxury resorts is on Ambergris Caye though, where honeymoon couples and moneyed scuba diving enthusiasts come for an upscale vacation.
Note that all our Belize luxury hotel reviews are written by experts who are professional travel writers. Rates quoted generally range from low season double occupancy standard rooms to high–season suites in U.S. (not Belizean) dollars. Most quoted rates do not include Belize's 19 percent tax and service charges.
Note that Belize all-inclusive resorts are a rare breed and the few that exist are generally not aimed at luxury travelers. The exceptions in our reviews are the private island ones Thatch Caye and Cayo Espanto, as well as the adventure-focused Copal Tree Lodge in the far south.