From Budget to Splurge: 3 Smart Stays in Belize

by  Karen Catchpole | Mar 24, 2016
Turtle Inn
Turtle Inn / Eric Mohl

The seven countries that make up Central America (Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Belize, and Guatemala) offer something for every traveler, from beaches to volcanoes to cool cities to pristine rainforest to archaeological sites. These countries are also offering a wider and wider range of hotels. To help you plan your trip, we’re presenting three smart stays in every country in Central America. Up now, our Belize hotel guide.

Best Budget Option
Belize is not known for its budget accommodations, but Nefry’s Retreat offers value-minded options in the town of San Ignacio. The property has rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, and complimentary coffee, tea and water for nightly rates from $20. It's close to the Xunantunich Mayan archaeological site, the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, and other adventures.

Best Mid-Range Option
Ambergris Caye's Matachica Resort & Spa has a sexy, Southeast-Asian vibe. It offers brightly painted, stand-alone beach accommodations (from $225 per night) that feature thatched roofs, air conditioning, Matouk and Frette sheets and towels, L’Occitane bath amenities, and a private patio with the requisite hammock. The best part is the resort’s location is five miles from the hectic San Pedro (the main town on Ambergris Caye) on a lovely stretch of beach that’s good for swimming and snorkeling. The property also has an infinity pool, a full-service spa, and a restaurant that guests of other hotels flock to.

Best Splurge
Did you know that director Francis Ford Coppola has five hotels? Two of them, including Turtle Inn, are located in Belize. Open since 2001, it sits on the beach in the village of Placencia and claims 25 Balinese-inspired private cottages and villas (from $319, with a minimum three-night stay). Each has its own Illy espresso machine, yoga mat, and fridge stocked with refreshments including Belizean beer. There are two pools (one of them triangle shaped, pictured above), a spa, and three restaurants that serve Coppola wine. You may even catch a glimpse of Sofia Coppola, who keeps a chic beach house adjacent to the resort.

 

 

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