When we visited Belize with our kids several years ago for a month, that extra space made a real difference. On Ambergris Caye, we stayed in large two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, laundry and room for the kids to spread out. We baked blueberry muffins and crepes for breakfast, ate meals outside on the terrace and appreciated being able to mix pool and snorkeling days with quieter time at our temporary home.

We also discovered that choosing the right rental involves much more than comparing beautiful photos and nightly prices.

A peaceful beachfront villa may be perfect for slow mornings by the water, though it could mean a longer golf-cart ride to restaurants and grocery stores. A lower-priced condo may cost more once transportation and cleaning fees are added. A rental that works beautifully for a snorkeling vacation may be less convenient if most of your plans involve caves, Maya sites and mainland adventures.

Before booking, think about how the destination, exact location, transportation, amenities and level of service will shape your entire vacation.

Decide What Kind of Belize Vacation You Want

Before comparing individual properties, picture how you’d genuinely like to spend your days.

Belize offers Caribbean islands, coastal communities, rainforest destinations, Maya archaeological sites, wildlife experiences and access to the Belize Barrier Reef. The country may be relatively small however each part of it offers a very different kind of vacation.

Our time on Ambergris Caye was heavily focused on the water. We snorkeled, swam with sharks and stingrays, used the provided kayaks and paddleboards, explored San Pedro by golf cart and spent plenty of time around the pool with the kids. That made staying on the island a natural fit for us.

Start by considering a few questions:

• Will most of your time be spent near the beach or on the water?
• Are snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing priorities?
• Do you want restaurants and nightlife nearby?
• Are caves, Maya sites and wildlife central to your plans?
• Do you prefer a lively town or a quieter residential setting?
• Are you willing to rent a car or golf cart?
• Would you prefer an independent home or a professionally managed property?

Once you know what kind of trip you want, it becomes much easier to choose the right part of Belize before comparing specific rentals.

Compare Belize’s Main Vacation Rental Destinations

The best destination will depend on your interests, preferred pace and comfort with transportation.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and a popular base for reef activities, boating and laid-back island vacations. San Pedro, the island’s main town, has plenty of restaurants, shops, tour operators, beach bars and nightlife.

We stayed both in San Pedro and a few miles south of town, and the two experiences felt surprisingly different. In town, we could easily walk to restaurants and shops, and the kids loved spending their mornings in the warm oceanfront pools before ordering nachos for lunch. Farther south, things were quieter and more spacious, with a real beach, a long dock and kayaks and paddleboards ready to take out on the water.

Ambergris Caye may be a good fit for travelers interested in:

• Snorkeling and scuba diving
• Fishing and boating
• Reef excursions
• Island restaurants and nightlife
• Beachfront accommodations
• Golf-cart transportation
• A combination of activity and relaxation

When comparing rentals on Ambergris Caye, check the property’s actual distance from San Pedro. Descriptions such as near town or a short ride away can mean something very different once you’re making the trip several times a day.

Ask how long the golf-cart ride usually takes, whether tour companies provide nearby pickup and where the closest grocery stores and restaurants are located. We rented a golf cart for our time on the island, and it gave us the freedom to explore, pick up groceries and move easily between quieter areas and the livelier sections in town.

Travelers who want the privacy and space of a villa without managing every detail independently can explore professionally managed Belize vacation rentals that provide local guest support and access to resort-style conveniences.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sandy Point Resorts (@sandypointresorts)

Placencia

Placencia sits along Belize’s southeastern coast, combining beaches and marine activities with easier access to mainland attractions.

The area includes Placencia Village along with quieter communities and private homes farther north on the peninsula. A rental near the village can make it easier to reach restaurants, shops and tour operators while a home farther along the peninsula may provide more privacy and space, though transportation will become a larger part of your daily plans.

Placencia can work well for:

• Families and couples
• Large groups
• Beach-focused travelers
• Visitors who want access to both coastal and inland activities
• Travelers looking for a slower pace
• Guests comfortable renting a vehicle

Confirm the property’s exact location and whether a car is recommended. It’s also helpful to ask whether tour companies will pick you up at the rental office or expect you to meet them in the village.

San Ignacio and Western Belize

San Ignacio is a strong choice for travelers planning an adventure focused trip rather than a primarily beach based vacation.

The surrounding area offers access to Maya sites, caves, rivers, rainforest experiences and wildlife. Rentals range from homes near town to secluded jungle cabins where the sounds and scenery become part of the experience.

Consider San Ignacio when your itinerary includes:

• Maya archaeological sites
• Cave tours
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• River activities
• Wildlife experiences
• Cultural excursions

Before booking a remote rental, confirm the road conditions, transportation options, Wi-Fi availability, air conditioning and access to dining.

A jungle home can be peaceful and memorable. You’ll simply want a clear understanding of how far it is from San Ignacio and how you’ll reach tours, restaurants and other services.

Consider Splitting Your Stay

Travelers with a week or more in Belize may enjoy dividing their vacation between the coast and western Belize.

For example, you could spend several nights near San Ignacio exploring caves and Maya sites before traveling to Ambergris Caye or Placencia for time near the Caribbean.

A split stay can help you experience more of the country without turning every inland activity into a long day trip. The downside is it also creates another travel day that includes packing, checking out and transferring to a second property.

For shorter vacations, one well-positioned home base will often make the trip feel easier and more relaxing.

Check the Property’s Exact Location

A listing may describe a rental as being in San Pedro, Placencia or San Ignacio even when it sits several miles outside the main town.

We learned firsthand on Ambergris Caye that a few miles can have a noticeable effect on a stay. Our quieter accommodation south of San Pedro gave us more beach space and a peaceful setting. Our stay in town made restaurants, shops and activities much easier to reach.

Both were wonderful in different ways. The key was knowing what each location offered before settling in.

Ask for the property’s exact location or a recognizable nearby landmark before booking.

Consider:

• Distance from restaurants and grocery stores
• Travel time to the nearest town
• Road, golf-cart or boat access
• Availability of taxis and transfers
• Tour pickup locations
• Road conditions during wetter periods
• Distance from medical services

A secluded location can be a wonderful choice for travelers who value quiet, privacy and space. Make sure you understand how the location will affect the rhythm of your days.

Plan Transportation Before You Book

The nightly rate won’t tell you how easy or expensive the rental will be to reach. Depending on the destination, travelers may use domestic flights, water taxis, private transfers, rental vehicles, taxis, buses or golf carts.

Map the complete trip from Belize’s international airport to the property before making a reservation. This matters even more if you’re traveling with children, arriving later in the day or carrying a lot of luggage.

Ask:

• Does the host arrange airport or water-taxi transfers?
• Will someone meet you when you arrive?
• Is a domestic flight recommended?
• Will you need a car or golf cart during the stay?
• How far is the rental from restaurants and stores?
• How will tour operators pick you up?

On Ambergris Caye, our golf cart became part of the experience. We used it to explore the island, reach restaurants and pick up groceries. At our quieter stay outside town, the staff arranged for the golf cart to be delivered directly to us, which made arrival much easier.

Include transportation costs when comparing properties. A less expensive rental may lose some of its value if it requires costly daily transfers or a vehicle for the entire stay.

Make Sure Your Belize Vacation Rental Fits Your Group

A property advertised as sleeps eight may still feel crowded with eight adults.

Maximum occupancy can include sofa beds, bunk beds or sleeping spaces in common areas. That may work perfectly for a family with younger children while feeling less comfortable for several couples or a multigenerational group.

Before booking, confirm:

• The number of private bedrooms
• The size and type of each bed
• The number of bathrooms
• Whether sofa beds are in shared spaces
• Which rooms have air conditioning
• Whether there is enough seating for the group
• Whether cribs or high chairs are available

During our family trip, the two-bedroom layouts worked especially well. The kids had their own twin beds, bathroom and television, while we had a separate bedroom and enough shared space to relax together. It felt comfortable for a family of four without everyone living out of one room.

Choose a property based on its practical layout rather than relying only on the maximum listed occupancy.

Focus on the Amenities You Will Use

A long amenity list doesn’t automatically make a property the right choice. Think about which features will genuinely improve your stay.

A full kitchen can be incredibly useful for families, groups and longer vacations. We made good use of ours in Belize, from cooking simple pasta dinners to baking blueberry muffins and crepes with the kids. Having grocery stores nearby also made it easy to prepare some meals ourselves while still enjoying the island’s restaurants.

Confirm that the kitchen includes the appliances, cookware and dining space your group will need. You should also find out where groceries can be purchased and how you’ll transport them to the property.

Don’t assume the entire rental is air-conditioned. Some properties cool only the bedrooms, while common areas rely on fans and natural airflow.

Laundry facilities can be valuable for families, long time stays and anyone planning several water or outdoor activities. We appreciated being able to wash swimsuits and towels rather than packing enough clothing for every day of the trip. Ask whether the equipment is inside the rental, shared with other guests or available through housekeeping.

Travelers working remotely should ask about typical internet speed and reliability rather than simply confirming that Wi-Fi is available. A dedicated work area can also be useful when you need to answer emails or take a call without occupying the dining table.

Understand Beach and Water Access

Beachfront, oceanfront and beach access can describe very different experiences.

We experienced this contrast during our own trip. One property was directly on the water with beautiful views, pools and nearby piers, though it didn’t have a beach of its own. Another had a genuine sandy beach where the kids could play, along with a long pier that made it easier to get beyond the shallow water and seagrass. The last one had a small beach, pier and pool but the ocean was only feet away at any time.

An oceanfront property may offer gorgeous views without having a wide swimming beach (or any at all). Shoreline conditions, docks, tides and seasonal changes can also affect how guests use the waterfront and many hotels are on a marina that limits swimming opportunities right off the property.

Ask:

• Can guests swim directly in front of the property?
• Is the beach private or shared?
• Is there a dock?
• Are beach chairs provided?
• Are kayaks or paddleboards included?
• Is the pool private or shared?
• Are life jackets available?

Some of our favourite Belize memories happened right beside the water. We took kayaks and paddleboards into the quiet bay, snorkeled from the dock and watched fish and turtles moving through the clear water. One especially memorable moment involved a giant manta ray gliding beneath our paddleboard in the crystal clear water before disappearing to join it’s mate.

Recent guest photos and reviews may give you a more realistic view of the waterfront than carefully framed listing images so make sure you check the reviews to see that what you’re actually getting matches the listing pictures.

Compare Independent and Professionally Managed Rentals

Vacation rentals may be managed by an individual owner, a local property manager or a hospitality company.

An independently managed home can offer privacy and a more residential experience. Before booking, confirm who handles check-in, maintenance and emergencies.

A professionally managed property may combine the space of a villa or condo with services such as:

• Local guest assistance
• Housekeeping
• Transportation coordination
• Tour planning
• Concierge services
• Maintenance support
• Grocery stocking and large water bottle refilling
• Pools or beach facilities
• Onsite or nearby dining

The right choice depends on how independently you enjoy traveling and how much help you’d like to have available.

The local staff made a meaningful difference during our Belize visit. They helped arrange golf-cart rentals, called taxis and coordinated tour pickups directly from the pier. When a family emergency meant Micki needed to reach the airport quickly, a staff member drove her himself because there wasn’t time to wait for a taxi.

That kind of support is difficult to see in listing photos, though it can become one of the most valuable parts of a stay.

First-time visitors, families and larger groups may appreciate having a local team available to coordinate transportation, suggest activities and help when plans change unexpectedly.

Calculate the Complete Cost

Compare the total price for the stay rather than focusing only on the advertised nightly rate.

Additional expenses may include:

• Cleaning fees
• Booking or service fees
• Local taxes
• Security deposits
• Additional guest charges
• Electricity or air-conditioning fees
• Resort or community fees
• Airport transfers
• Golf-cart or vehicle rental
• Housekeeping
• Chef or concierge services

A property with a higher nightly price may provide better overall value when transportation, housekeeping or guest services are included.

Consider how much you’ll spend getting to restaurants, grocery stores and activities. A centrally located rental might allow you to walk more often, while a quieter property outside town may require a golf cart, car or regular taxi trips.

Review the payment schedule as well. Some rentals require a deposit at booking and full payment several weeks or months before arrival.

Confirm Local Support and Booking Policies

Local support becomes especially valuable when renting in another country.

Ask who will assist if your transfer is delayed, if you can’t access the property, if the air conditioning suddenly stops working or severe weather affects your plans.

Confirm who manages the rental, how that person can be reached and whether assistance is available outside normal business hours.

You should also read the cancellation policy carefully. Belize’s wet season overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 through November 30.

Ask whether:

• Deposits are refundable
• Reservations can be moved to new dates
• Refunds are provided if the property becomes unavailable
• Weather-related transportation delays are covered
• Travel insurance is recommended

Travel insurance may offer additional protection, though coverage varies. Read the policy terms carefully so you understand which delays, interruptions or cancellations qualify.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before sending payment, ask the owner or manager:

• Where exactly is the property located?
• How will we reach it from the international airport?
• What transportation will we need during the stay?
• Which amenities and services are included?
• What is the complete cost after taxes and fees?
• Who provides local support during the stay?
• What are the cancellation and weather policies?

Save written copies of the answers, booking agreement and payment receipts. Use a recognized booking platform or follow secure payment instructions on the property or management company’s official website.

Choose a Rental That Fits the Entire Vacation

The best vacation rental in Belize is the one that fits the way you genuinely want to experience the country.

Our stays on Ambergris Caye taught us how much the right location and layout can shape a trip. Being close to San Pedro made it easy to walk to restaurants, explore town and spend long mornings around the pool. Staying farther south gave us more peace, a sandy beach and easy access to the water from our own dock.

Start by deciding which part of Belize best supports your itinerary. Then compare each property’s exact location, layout, amenities, transportation requirements, complete cost and local management.

Taking time to look at the full experience will help you find a comfortable home base and leave more room for the parts of Belize you came to enjoy, whether that means snorkeling over the reef, exploring the jungle, swimming with sharks or sharing a quiet breakfast outside before the day begins.

About our Belize trip:

• We Review The Phoenix Resort Belize And Tasty Nachos
• Better Than Home, A Review of Athens Gate Resort in Belize
• 23 Moments You’ll Experience At Victoria House on Ambergris Caye

Luckily for us, The Phoenix Resort in the heart of San Pedro, Belize is worth every penny and earns its reputation as one of the best resorts on Ambergis Caye.

We were fortunate enough to stay at The Phoenix Resort for five days and had the opportunity to find out for ourselves what makes the place a Tripadvisor favorite.

Just want to hear the highlights? Look for our quick review on The Phoenix Belize at the end of this post.

A word of caution though, our Phoenix Belize review might make you book a one way flight to the island of Ambergris Caye off the coast of mainland Belize, so continue on at your own risk.

First Impressions of The Phoenix Resort

Tucked out the way at the north end of Barrier Reef Drive, known as front street to the locals, the unassuming side entrance of The Phoenix Resort leads into a shaded lot full of golf carts, which are the most common mode of transportation on the island of Ambergris Caye. On the left is a playground for kids, and up above is the hotel patio bar with free drinks during happy hour every day from 5 to 6 (local beer and rum only).

There’s also the well reviewed Sol Spa and gym located on the second floor with the resort owned Red Ginger restaurant tucked below next to the main lobby.

The main entrance to The Phoenix Resort is actually located on Pescador Drive, known as middle street to the locals, however the most common entrance is via front street with quicker access to the many restaurants, shops and bars along the beach.

Once you cross through the lobby from the main entrance and exit the rear door you see the saline lap pool and then the beautiful and heated multi-level main pool, with a well stocked pool side bar. There are loungers positioned all around the pool, as well as tables and chairs where you can sit back and enjoy a bite delivered fresh from the Red Ginger restaurant, or sip on a tasty concoction the friendly bar servers whip up.

The ultra-stylish, three-story high buildings that comprise The Phoenix surround the entire pool area. Nearly every one also has an ocean view of the clear blue water. There is no beach at The Phoenix Resort, which is the case for almost all of the hotels on Ambergris Caye. However, there is a short seawall and pathway that runs in front, as well as several long piers nearby you can swim off if you fancy a dip in the ocean.

Note: This area of Belize isn’t known for its beaches, and even if you happen to find one in town the shallow waters, the sea grass don’t make wading in all that appealing. There are a few hotels with beaches on the island, however they’re all just outside the town proper. Most people that want to spend time in the ocean take snorkel tours and there’s some amazing snorkeling fairly close to shore.

That said, the Phoenix Resort is right on the water and the water views are gorgeous. The entire grounds on the resort are well maintained and patrolled 24/7, and there always seems to be someone around if you have any problems, however they’re never obtrusive.

The Rooms at The Phoenix Resort Belize

Each room at The Phoenix Resort Belize is condominium size. You can stay in one, tow or three bedroom suites, and the two and three bedroom suites all include two bathrooms.

Our 1,700 foot, two bedroom suite had a huge en suite with a large jetted tub, a big walk in shower and his and her sinks. There was a nice collection of shampoos and conditioners as well as other toiletries in both bathrooms and super plush towels and robes.

There were also flower petals strewn all around our suite when we checked in that made the suite smell wonderful. Turn down service that night took all the flower petals away so that was a nice bonus as well.

The main bathroom had two doors, one from the main hallway and one directly from the second room, with his and her sinks as well as a large shower. As such, the two bedroom suites at The Phoenix would be equally fine for two couples or a family of four. There was also a washer and dryer hidden away in the main bathroom, complete with detergent so that was a bonus.

The master bedroom had a very comfortable king sized bed and a plush white duvet complete with a variety of soft to firm pillows. There was also a new LCD TV as well as a safe hidden in the oversized closet. The spare bedroom included a pair of comfortable twin beds and another LCD TV as well.

The rooms were all meticulously maintained and we all enjoyed staying at the resort.

The Kitchens at The Phoenix Belize

All the suites at The Phoenix include well appointed kitchens complete with stainless steel appliances, including a fridge, dual sinks, a blender, a stove, an oven as well as a dishwasher. There’s also filtered water from a tap in the kitchen so you can cut down on purchased water bottles while you stay there. The kitchen was well stocked with a Keurig coffeemaker, plates, glasses and cutlery as well as a decent selection of pots and pans.

There were a few spices in the cupboard, as well as salt and pepper but that’s about it. Luckily, there are two grocery stores almost right in front of the hotel, so stocking up on supplies is a quick walk away.

Side note: I was short some butter one morning while making a late brunch and one of the women cleaning noticed my distress (there’s daily cleaning as well as a turn down service at night) and she offered to grab me some butter from the restaurant so I could finish cooking. It was incredibly nice of her and she reminded me that the restaurant could also provide additional pots and pans if I needed them. Many thanks!

As well as the large kitchen area, there was a living room complete with a large screen TV. The living room also had a outdoor patio right off it with another table, chairs and a few loungers for relaxing. We had a few of our meals out on the terrace and it was a great place to eat breakfast before the pool area got busy.

In Room Extras at The Phoenix Belize

When you stay at The Phoenix Belize, they include a lot of extras, including free WiFi which is always important for us. I have to say the Wifi at The Phoenix was pretty good for Ambergris Caye. There were a few spotty areas around the resort but it was reliable in the suite, around the pool and in the bar, which are pretty much the areas we stayed around the most.

A cool bonus when staying at the resort is that it includes an Apple iPad during your stay and a Bose speaker system to pair with. As well, there was a cell phone with $20 worth of service. The cell phone was helpful when meeting up with some friends in town and also calling about a flight off the island. It also came in handy when I called around to get some snorkel tour prices, however the hotel tour prices ended up being comparable so we ended up booking through them instead.

The iPad was great for the kids and it included links to the onsite Red Ginger restaurant for ordering room service. It also had information about the other restaurants the resort owns in San Pedro, namely Wine de Vine and the Blue Water Grill restaurant. As a guest at The Phoenix, you also get 10% off all food at the Red Ginger, as well as their other two restaurants, however there is a small surcharge for room service.

You also get a delicious welcome drink when you check in and there was a small bottle of rum, a bottle of Coke, a bottle of tonic water and a lime waiting in the suite for us when we checked in as well. Needless to say, they didn’t go to waste.

Resort-Wide Extras at The Phoenix Resort

Complimentary Yoga classes

Throughout the week there are complimentary Yoga classes upstairs on the rooftop patio for guests staying at The Phoenix Resort. We didn’t make it to any, however two separate friends we know who’ve stayed in San Pedro raved about how good the instructors at The Phoenix were when they heard we were staying at the hotel.

Complimentary Drinks

Every day from 5 to 6 PM there are complimentary cocktails served upstairs on the roof top patio bar. The free drinks include local rum, local beer and, often wine from their Wine de Vine store. Our favorite beer (and it seems the favorite of everyone on the islands) was the locally made Belikin beer. You can get it in Regular, Light and Stout. We enjoyed Regular the most, however plenty of people love the Stout.

Free Kayaks and Paddle Boards (SUPs)

Free kayaks and paddle boards are included at the resort, however you can’t get them on site. Instead, you need to grab a voucher from the main lobby and walk a few blocks south past Central Park to one of the dive centers near the ferry terminal. It’s a quick walk, however it’s a bit of a pain to have to go first to the lobby, wait for them to call and then walk down there. The good part is that the resort is just about the perfect distance to paddle to before heading back into the wind and coasting back to the dive center to return your paddle board or kayak.

Complimentary Wine Tastings, Chocolate Tastings, and Painting Classes

As well as the free daily cocktail hour, The Phoenix often offers free wine tastings, chocolate tastings and painting classes to its guests as well. These events change every week and you’ll find a copy of the resort activities on the iPad as well as printed in your room. They even offer special painting classes just for kids. You can contact the front desk to find out more info as well as watch the sign by the foot of the stairs to the patio and spa.

Complimentary Bicycles

Though we never got around to using them ourselves, The Phoenix Resort offers free bicycles for their guests. We rented a golf cart for our entire stay on the island, so er either walked or took the golf cart, but we spotted several guests using the bikes on a regular basis. The bikes looked in good shape and San Pedro is the perfect size to get around by bike.

Bouncy Castle

Everyday, at around 3 PM, there is a bouncy castle for the young ones to play on. Ours decided they were too big for it, however if you have young children with you this would be a great way to tire them out everyday. There’s also the

Amenities at The Phoenix Belize

Pools

There are two gorgeous pools at The Phoenix Resort. Both are saline pools and both are heated. The heater in the lap pool was being repaired while we were there so we strategically opted not to use it, however it looked liked a great way to get an early morning workout. The main pool had multi levels and included a shallow end that would be great for smaller kids to wade around in while the parents sample some of the tasty beverages the guys in the pool bar whip up.

Unlike some of the huge resorts in Mexico, there are no “Activity Coordinators” or music being pumped out around the pool, making it a chill and pleasant place to hang out. The only time it ever seemed to get busier was around 3 or 4 when most people got back from taking tours or checking out the town. We had the pool to ourselves quite a few times, especially before lunch.

As well as the pool bar, open most days from 10-5, there are plush pool towels and off resort (for snorkeling or other tours) towels available on the corner of the pool bar, and special lounge chair towels for the loungers. You can order food off the menu from the Red Ginger and it will be served to you pool side as well.

Sol Spa

Guests at The Phoenix Belize can enjoy the amenities of the onsite Sol Spa. The Sol Spa offers sport, therapeutic and deep tissue massages as well as a variety of scrubs and body treatments. They also do mani/pedis, facials and more. The massages can be had poolside, in your room or in one of their lovely spa treatment rooms. We didn’t have a massage, but one of the other guests raved about it while we were down by the pool one day so it sounded nice.

Fitness Center

Next to Sol Spa is the fitness center at The Phoenix. It contains all the usual assortment of treadmills, elliptical machines, a universal weight machine as well as some free weights. They also offer complimentary passes to a nearby, more fully stocked gym if you want more variety in your workout.

Red Ginger Restaurant

The onsite, resort owned, Red Ginger restaurant is a well reviewed restaurant and a great addition to the hotel. You can eat in, order from the menu poolside, or have them deliver your food right to your room. We only ate in the restaurant once, but we did get nachos and sandwiches every day we were there. The nachos were heavenly and were a great poolside treat between lunch a dinner.

The Red Ginger has daily specials and a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests get 10% off all their food at the Red Ginger, however there is a $5 BZD fee ($2.50 USD) for room service. You can check out the Red Ginger menu here. Just remember that the prices on the menu are in Belizean Dollars which is usually at half the US dollar (so divide by 2 to get USD price).

Blue Water Grill and Wine de Vine

Though neither of these places are located at the hotel, they’re all part of the same family and guests staying at The Phoenix Resort get 10% off their food and drink at both restaurants. The Blue Water Grill, a few blocks south down front street right on the beach, is known for its great seafood and ambiance and the Wine de Vine store is one of the best places on the island to buy local and imported wines. They also sell some really tasty looking platters in their meat and cheese deli section.

You can check out the Blue Water Grill’s menu here and Wine de Vine’s page is here. Note that prices are also in BZD so divide by 2 to get USD pricing.

Business Center

The Phoenix offers a small business center, complete with a few computers and printing facilities. They also include a small library of books, DVDs and board games you can borrow while you’re staying at the hotel.

Activity Planner for Offsite Activities

Though not really an amenity, the activity planner who works at the front desk is great at setting up any offsite activities you might want to do on Ambergris Caye or even on mainland Belize. They can help you set up everything from snorkeling the amazing Hol Chan Reserve and Shark Ray Alley to diving in the world famous Blue Hole. They can also get you a good deal on golf cart rentals, fishing trips, catamaran tours and jet ski rentals.

There are also a ton of things to see and do off the island like day trip excursions to the mainland to check out ancient Mayan ruins, go cave tubing, ziplining, jungle trekking and so forth. You can usually set up these activities once you get to Belize, however, depending on the season, it might be better to arrange them in advance.

A Quick Review of The Phoenix Resort Belize

What we loved

The Phoenix Resort is right in heart of San Pedro and that makes it easy to check out the nearby bars and restaurants. The rooms are bright, spacious, cheerful and clean and their nachos were so good we ordered some every day we spent there. We also loved lounging by the pools and the free daily happy hour up in the little patio bar.

Micki’s note: The kids and I loved the warm, ocean side pools so much that we spent every morning playing in the pool, and eating nachos for lunch. Pure heaven.

What could have been better

The free kayaks and stand up paddle boards they offer require a voucher from the front desk and are stored a few blocks away from the hotel with another company. On the positive side, they are included free. There’s also no beach at The Phoenix, however all the beaches are public in Belize and there is a small beach a few doors down you can use. You can also swim from the end of the nearby pier if you love swimming in the ocean as much as I do.

Final Impressions of The Phoenix Resort Belize

To say we enjoyed our stay at The Phoenix Resort on Ambergris Caye would be an understatement. From the moment we walked into our bright, spacious suite we knew we were going to be comfortable there. They included pretty much everything we needed as well as a few that surprised us. The included iPad and cell phone were especially nice while we were there.

From a tasty welcome drink while checking in to a free ride to the airport on the way out, we felt we were in good hands while we were there. We especially loved that the people at The Phoenix Resort were happy to help us in any way but stayed out of the way once we were settled in. That’s exactly what we love about a place. Well, that and tasty nachos…

About The Phoenix Belize

You can find more Phoenix Belize reviews on Tripadvisor or visit the Phoenix Belize website. You can also find the Phoenix on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Check lastest prices.

Want to check out their restaurants? You’ll find them here (prices in BZD): Red Ginger, Blue Water Grill, Wine de Vine

Just out of my hearing, the kids are tearing up and down the white sand like two happy puppies. Later, we’re all heading out for an afternoon boat trip to Shark Ray Alley to snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays.

Yes, this is what luxury is like on Ambergris Caye.

Victoria House awards and more

I should have expected something special here at Victoria House in Ambergris Caye, Belize. After all, this San Pedro resort has a swath of awards longer than my arm, including multiple TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, 2012 Travel + Leisure Magazine Top 500 Hotels and Resorts in the World, and a 2013 Fodor’s Choice Award of Distinction. Not too shabby at all. You can check out the Victoria House reviews for yourself on Booking.com and TripAdvisor. Check prices here.

If you ever have a chance to check out a luxury hotel on Ambergris Caye in Belize, don’t hesitate for a second. Grab your passport, your wallet, a swimsuit and your sense of adventure. If you do, there will come a moment when you’ll totally understand what I’m writing about today.

Here are some of the amazing moments you’ll experience.

Frolicking barefoot by the ocean

Hands down, the relaxed, Caribbean vibe on Ambergris Caye is my favorite part of the island. It’s all about sunny beach days, playing in the water, reading great books, and letting all of your at-home responsibilities and worries slip away.

Finding the most gorgeous places to catch up on work or relax with a book

Hands down, the thatched roof palapa by the infinity pool at Victoria House was one of my all time favorite places to catch up on writing blog posts, surfing the net or catching up on reading.

You’ll feel like you’re among old friends

It’s hard not to feel welcome here. We were greeted with ice cold fruit drinks when we stepped into the lobby, and every single person I met greeted me with a warm smile.

Eating snacks by the ocean

There’s something wonderful about sitting by the ocean for lunch. Admiral Nelson’s Bar at the Victoria House serves up some of the tastiest homemade snacks and lunches I’d had in a long time. Try the Greek salad. To. Die. For.

Sinking into your luxury bed

We were lucky enough to stay in one of Victoria House’s villas, with a gorgeous king size bed. There’s not much more inviting than crisp white sheets on a luxurious bed at the end of a long day of swimming, exploring the town of San Pedro, and then enjoying delicious food.

Dangling your feet in the ocean-side pool

There are two pools at Victoria House; one lovely infinity pool toward the back of the property, and an ocean side pool. It’s perfect for splashing around in and watching the ocean. The kids loved to sit on the loungers here and dangle their feet in the water. When we were there, the pool wasn’t being heated so we only went swimming in it once.

Lounging on the private dock

We found the private dock at Victoria House to be one of the prettiest spots on the island and that’s saying a lot on an island that’s surrounded by clear aquamarine water, white sand, and dotted with charming, colorful houses.

At the entrance of the dock, there’s a dive shop with free stand up paddle boards (SUP) and kayaks for use by guests. At the end of the pier there’s a small palapa for shade and lots of room to sit down if you want to relax and stare out at the ocean or dive into the clear water.

Blissing out at the Spa

The Spa at Victoria House.

I can’t even begin to tell you.

There’s a pages long menu of spa treatments and services, all designed to pamper and relax you. The Spa at Victoria House itself is a brand new 3,500 square foot colonial building set among coconut palms, bougainvillea, and gentle ocean breezes.

Charles and I both opted for a couples traditional relaxation massage. It was flawless, relaxing, and one of the best spa experiences we’ve ever had.

Dining by candlelight

The beautiful Palmilla Restaurant comes with a considerable price tag, but it’s well worth it. If I were a professional food writer, I’d be throwing around words like “scrumptious” and “mouth watering” to describe my nightly vegetarian pasta courses and Charles’ chicken selections. The Palmilla Restaurant at Victoria House has a nice air conditioned dining room with plenty of seating, plus an outdoor patio. It’s open to the public as well if you happen to be staying somewhere else in San Pedro and want an upscale meal.

Eating freshly made pastries every morning

The Palmilla restaurant is also where you’ll eat your complimentary breakfast in the mornings, complete with fresh juices and home made baking. Be sure to try the delicious, fresh-baked muffins or the home made granola. They were delish!

Walking along the ocean boardwalk

Victoria House, like most of the hotels on the island, has an ocean side boardwalk instead of a traditional beach area. The waterfront at Victoria House is also enormous, making a walk along the ocean boardwalk here extra special.

Diving off the pier into the clear blue ocean

Since there’s no sloping beach to get in the water, the best way to get wet is to jump off the pier that juts out into the ocean or when taking out one of the free paddle boards or kayaks.

Lounging by your villa

We were lucky enough to stay in one of Victoria House’s huge two bedroom private villas. As such we could just sit and watch the world pass us by from 2 great vantage points.

Enjoying the ample luxury in your suite

Our huge, 2 bedroom villa came with fresh flowers, a fully appointed kitchen, two bathrooms, and even an extra, private, outdoor shower for both bedrooms! Don’t worry, there are also traditional indoor showers, if you prefer to soap up in privacy.

There were also new flatscreen TVs with good English cable service in every room however you won’t find a phone anywhere in your suite. Somewhat charmingly, when we requested a wakeup call, we got a wake up knock at our door instead!

Waking to the sound of ocean waves

Though the ocean is fairly calm around San Pedro, you can still here the water lapping against the shore some mornings and there’s usually a nice breeze blowing in off the water.

Playing games by the ocean

The kids loved hanging out on the wide swath of sand beside the ocean. We lounged in the hammocks, and played beanbag toss or ladder golf for hours.

Admiring the expansive, groomed grounds

I’m not sure how large the grounds are at Victoria House, but they must run into several acres, at least, and they’re perfectly, meticulously, manicured. There’s not a lovely tropic flower, or verdant green tree out of place.

Sinking your toes in the white sand

The sand at the Victoria House resort in Belize is bright white and easy on the feet. There are also loungers and chairs strewn about in the sand and under the many palm trees that line the water giving everyone staying at the resort plenty of space from the other guests.

Enjoying the exclusive toiletries

One of my very favorite things in a luxury hotel are the toiletries. You’ll find Victoria House’s very own spa line of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion here, made with Mayan bee honey. They’re as perfect as they look.

Savoring delectable desserts

Molten chocolate lava cake cooked to order.

Creme brule.

Homemade ice cream.

Need we go on? Absolutely heaven.

Gazing over the infinity pool

With pool side loungers, and plenty of chairs and tables, the infinity pool is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It’s also gets great Wifi.

Working out in the air conditioned exercise room

Tucked away in the spa building, the exercise room is the perfect place to get in a workout in air-conditioned comfort.

Soaking up the sunset

Ambergris Caye has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The ocean side pool at Victoria house is the perfect place to unwind, cocktail in hand, at the end of a busy day.

What you need to know

Victoria House Beach Resort is a luxury resort on the Island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. There are 42 rooms, including private pool villas, luxurious suites, staterooms, and casitas.

The resort is a few minutes just outside of the main town of San Pedro to the south, so you’ll either need to take taxis (which can become expensive) or rent a golf cart for your stay, which is the main mode of transportation on the island. They also provide free bike rentals which can be an option depending where you’re biking to.

We rented a golf cart during our stay, and had a blast scooting around the island. You can rent independently, or Victoria House can arrange a rental for you. You can also arrange tours to nearby attractions like Mayan ruins, Shark Ray Alley, cave tubing and more through Victoria House.

The Spa at Victoria House

There are over 30 treatments, massages and facials available at the Spa at Victoria House.

Dining

There are two restaurants on site: the more casual Admiral Nelson’s Bar, and the elegant Restaurant Palmilla.

Want to know more?

You can find out more on the Victoria house website. You can also find Victoria House on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Want to book a room?

Check prices here. You can book a room through the Victoria House Resort directly, or through Booking.com or compare prices on TripAdvisor.

Location: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Our stay at Victoria House was complimentary, but that doesn’t mean they forced us to lounge by the pool, enjoy some amazing meals or have one of the best spa experiences we’ve ever had. As such, all thoughts and opinions shared in this post are entirely our own.

Dreaming of an ocean getaway, but hate the crowds? Athens Gate Resort in Belize might be what you’re after.

Located just a few miles south of San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, this TripAdvisor favorite boutique beach resort is a quiet place with a ton of hidden gems. We recently had the chance to stay and review Athens Gate Resort Belize for ourselves and, to be honest, we had a great time.

For one, this unassuming boutique hotel features huge suites with some of the most well stocked kitchens I’ve ever seen in a hotel. Featuring a dishwasher and all stainless steel appliances, when you factor in it also included a full washer and dryer, roughing it in Belize takes on a whole new meaning.

Secondly, Athen’s Gate is outside the hustle and bustle of busy San Pedro, however when you rent a golf cart to get around and tour the island (like everyone who stays in San Pedro does) you’re only a few minutes from great restaurants and the best bakery we found on the island (The Baker – try their cinnamon buns!).

Since Athen’s Gate is located on the south side of town, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of crossing the island’s only toll bridge ($5 BZD each way) which can get annoying after a few trips or hearing the constant beat of San Pedro’s late night beach bars if you stay at a place in town.

The staff of Athens Gate Belize

As great as the hotel is, the best part of Athens Gate Resort could very well be the staff. Glen, William, Dennis and E. make you feel like you’re at home, and go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need during your stay.

Glen even drove Micki to the airport when a family emergency called her away, and we didn’t have time to get a taxi. Thanks again Glen!

Outside of that, if you need a ride, they’ll call you a taxi. Want to rent a golf cart? They’ll have one delivered right to you for cheaper than renting in town. Thinking of taking a snorkeling or dive tour? They’ll get you picked up off their own pier and you’ll have one of the best snorkeling trips of your life.

Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world and both Shark Ray Alley (which is a quick boat ride from Athens Gate Resort) and Mexico Rocks have amazing marine life. At Shark Ray Alley, you can swim in shallow water with harmless nurse sharks as well as huge sting rays. Mexico Rocks has more colorful fish and friendly sea turtles, but it’s a little farther north of the island.

Amenities at Athens Gate Belize

One of the nicest things about Athens Gate Belize is that they actually have a real beach, which is rare in Ambergris Caye. If you enjoy sitting on the sand with your toes in the water, or watching your young ones frolic on the beach, at Athens Gate you can.

Kids will also enjoy the nice pool, complete with free pool toys like noodles and loungers.

Like the rest of the island, they also have a long pier to get you out of the seagrass and there’s decent snorkeling right off the dock. Since all beaches in Belize are public, you can also walk a few docks down to the right to enjoy some great snorkeling there as well. If you don’t have a snorkel or fins, just talk to one of the guys and they’ll set you up with some free of charge.

Grabbing a beer while sitting on the dock over the clear water and watching as the sun sets over the island might very well be the highlight of your year. For those that crave margaritas by the pool, William is your man and he can whip you up some delicious cocktails that will leave you wondering why you don’t live on Ambergris Caye permanently.

Water activities at Athens Gate Belize

While staying at Athens Gate Belize we also enjoyed grabbing one of their free kayaks or stand up paddleboards and cruising around the quiet bay. Unlike a lot of the resorts, where you need to sign a few things or walk to a specific pier far from the resort, at Athens Gate you just need to grab a board or a kayak and go.

Out past the piers, the water is so clear and blue that you can see everything from fish to lobster to turtles just below the water. There are even huge conch shells within grabbing distance of the dock. Glen also told me that if you wait long enough, you’ll see giant eagle rays leaping out of the ocean.

For me, one of my all time, on the water highlights happened while I was staying at Athen’s Gate. As I paddled my stand up paddle board back to shore one extremely calm evening, a giant ray crisscrossed under my SUP. I followed it for a good 30 or 40 feet as it zoomed around. The water was so clear it was like it was hovering in air.

A true boutique hotel

Whether you’re staying on the first floor or the fourth, each lavishly appointed suite has amazing views over the clear aquamarine waters for which Belize is famous for.

With only a dozen suites, Athens Gate Belize is definitely a boutique hotel, and the only thing missing for some would be an on site restaurant. Of course, the kitchen was so well stocked with everything from a Ninja blender to a cupboard full of spices, the kids and I decided to get some baking done. It’s not that often that you get a full oven at a hotel and we made blueberry muffins for breakfast one morning and crepes the next. It was awesome!

For those that don’t want to cook, there are well reviewed restaurants within a block and a half (the well reviewed Black Orchid Restaurant is one of them) and San Pedro proper has dozens of great restaurants from seafood to pasta. For us, it was a nice break from a traditional sleep only hotel, and in addition to getting some baking done, it gave us a chance to make some of our favorite meals like pasta and Mexican.

If you want to cook for yourself there are a few decent supermarkets in town and a little store just down the lane. Since Belize is officially an English country, shopping for food is really easy.

The suites themselves are large and clean and well furnished. The king sized bed in our room was heavenly to sleep on. Our two bedroom suite also had twin beds for the kids, as well as their own TV and bathroom which was a nice bonus. However we had trouble keeping Jordan out of the large jetted tub in our private bathroom.

Cole enjoyed the new 60 inch TV in the large living room, while I loved having a dedicated work desk to get some work done. We all enjoyed the fact we could watch YouTube and Netflix at the same time via the free in-room WiFi.

Final thoughts on Athens Gate Belize

So, to recap, if you’re looking for a spacious home away from home along a quiet beach just outside of a touristy town with some amazing snorkeling, diving and paddleboarding directly on your doorstep, then Athens Gate Resort on Ambergris Caye island in Belize might be just what you’re looking for.

Tell them we sent you! If you see a ray while paddling, take a picture and send it to me because the only thing I regretted about my stay there was not having a camera with me the day I saw one.

Thanks again to Glen and his team for such an awesome stay.

Things to note about Athens Gate Belize

• There is no elevator, so if you’re on the 4th floor there is a bit of a climb. The view is worth it!
• There is no restaurant on site, however there are several nearby.
• The resort is a bit out of town, so if you don’t have a golf cart rental you’re looking at long walks or taxis. Golf cart rentals are much cheaper by the week than daily.
• There is a larger sister resort a few doors down called Pelican Reef that also has a restaurant on site.
• Tiny sand flies (no-see-ums) can be bad on the beach around dusk and dawn everywhere on Ambergris Caye, especially when there’s no wind. This is true everywhere on the island, so bring bug spray or stay off the sand around dusk.
• The rooms are some of cleanest we’ve ever experienced. There’s daily cleaning and they’ll even do your dishes if you forget a few in the sink. Thank you Gloria, Gladys and Janna!
• This place is perfect for families that like to cook for themselves or those looking to get away from the crowds of San Pedro, but it’s still close enough that amazing restaurants and fun nightlife are just around the next bend in the road.

Want to know more?

You can find out more on Athens Gate’s official website, or check out their reviews on TripAdvisor.

How to get here

Most visitors get to Ambergris Caye by flying into Belize City, and then either taking a commuter flight (a bit pricier and incredibly scenic) or an hour long ferry (cheaper) to Ambergris Caye.

We wouldn’t advise spending any time in Belize City itself. We’ve heard plenty of first hand reports of Belize City crime, so if you need to overnight in the city be careful to stay in a good hotel, in a good area, and heed cautions not to go out at night or down side street. It may also be a wise precaution to avoid walking around, especially overnight, and take a taxi wherever you need to go.

Athens Gate kindly hosted us, but our opinions are all our own.