Skip to main content

Beachfront in Belize: Three of the Best Hotels Right on the Water

hotel on the beach waterfront in Belize
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Costa Rica may be the go-to spot for land-based Central American activities, but Belize is where it’s at for travelers seeking coastal adventure. From the relaxed tourist town of Placencia to the stunning island beauty of Ambergris Caye, these three beachfront hotels in Belize provide travelers with the country’s very best oceanside lodging.

Turtle Inn (Placencia, Belize)

Turtle Inn Beach and Pool View
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Francis Ford Coppola is best known for his long resume of award-winning Hollywood films. But the director has also tried his hand — quite successfully — at California wine-making and, now, as a hotelier. After the success of his Blancaneaux Lodge (also in Belize), he opened the doors to Turtle Inn. Where most eco-hotel designers prefer to blend their properties into the surrounding natural landscape as seamlessly as possible, Turtle Inn is a purposeful departure. Every aspect of the grounds and rooms features an eclectic, intentional hodgepodge of seemingly disparate elements from countries around the world. Curious Asian-inspired bath fixtures, Indonesian artisan sculptures, and hand-carved antique wooden doors from Bali often occupy the same space. It sidesteps traditional Belizean design, but it’s still plenty tropical in a way that just … works. Daily dive and boating excursions run to the country’s world-famous barrier reef, while after dark, guests can sip a bottle of (wait for it …) Coppola wine while relaxing on the hotel’s semi-private, soft white sand beach.

Recommended Videos

Las Terrazas (Ambergris Caye, Belize)

Las Terrazas Tour (2 min version)

With just 37 rooms, nothing about the intimate Las Terrazas Resort & Residences feels like a resort. Yet, the hotel boasts a solid list of on-site amenities to ensure guests never need to leave the property. There’s a gourmet restaurant, a stunning infinity pool, and a full-service wellness center with a spa. But adventurous travelers will appreciate the free use of kayaks, Hobie Cats, paddleboards, and fishing gear (the onsite restaurant will also clean and prep your catch). Plus scuba lessons are complimentary, courtesy of the on-site five-star, PADI-certified dive shop. Every “room” is actually a spacious, luxury apartment-style villa with multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, dining rooms, and (optional) plunge pools. Even travel to and from the hotel is a surprisingly welcome “feature” that requires a short puddle jumper flight and a private boat ride over the Powerade-blue waters of the Belize Barrier Reef.

El Secreto (San Pedro, Belize)

El Secreto Belize
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With a name like El Secreto (“the secret”), it’s no wonder the hotel fancies itself an “antidote for civilization.” Indeed the upscale property is just 11 miles north of the popular town of San Pedro. But, its location on a secluded and impossibly beautiful Caribbean cove (accessible only by boat) is ideal for travelers looking to feel far, far away from Belize’s maddening crowds. This is casual contemporary island luxury done right. Most days start late with fresh watermelon juice delivered to your room, followed by a stretch of relaxation in a poolside hammock, capped off with happy hour and gourmet seafood sourced from local fishermen and organic produce from the hotel’s on-site garden. But, travelers seeking to get off-property will also find plenty of opportunities. Most of the hotel’s water-based activities center around the Belize’s famous Blue Hole, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, sport fishing, and overwater helicopter rides.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Lufthansa adds its award-winning Allegris cabin to these routes
Lufthansa expands Allegris cabin offerings
Allegris First Class "Suite Plus"

Lufthansa’s award-winning Allegris cabin is now available on more flights. Starting on March 30, the long-haul cabin is bookable from Munich to San Diego, and from mid-April, Munich to New York-Newark. In early August, a route to Charlotte joins, with a connection to Bengaluru continuing as well. Those with existing reservations will receive a free upgrade to a spacious Allegris seat. Additionally, the new First Class suites will appear on trips to San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Shanghai, and Bengaluru.
Allegris Business Class is an award-winning design
Lufthansa Allegris Premium Economy Lufthansa

In 2024, Allegris Business Class received the International Design Award, and in 2025, the German Design Award. The Lufthansa Business Class Suite includes sliding doors, higher walls, a monitor up to 68 centimeters, and ample personal space. Beyond that, all travel classes benefit from the Allegris design, with improved comfort on long-haul flights. In First Class, the “Suite Plus”  uses a double cabin, two wide seats, a sliding door, and more. Premium Economy has enhanced legroom, a fold-out leg rest, and a hard shell design that doesn’t affect other passengers when reclining.  

Read more
3 game-changing food hacks for your next camping trip
Camp cooking made easier with these tips
A group of people cooking around a campfire at dusk

I don't know about you, but when I dream of a relaxing vacation in nature, I want to do as little chores as humanly possible. Camping isn't exactly the most convenient of activities, so I like to prepare in advance and do everything possible to make it easier, especially in the food department.

It's not always easy to cook over a fire or keep your food fresh, and if you don't bring disposable plates or dishes with you, it can be a huge hassle to clean up. It's by no means a reason to avoid nature altogether, but I have learned a few tricks here or there to make the process better. Here are some of my favorite food hacks for camping that will make your life easier and your trip more enjoyable.
Prepare as much as you can in advance

Read more
5 little-known national parks that are cooler than their overcrowded brethren
These national parks are way better than their famous counterparts
Yosemite Falls

In the course of my time growing up in a 1991 Airstream Motorhome with a family of 7, we visited our fair share of national parks. I loved every second of it, but there were times when certain famous landmarks and parks were honestly too crowded to enjoy. This was before many national parks started implementing a reservation system, but even these days, I've found that visiting a popular national park during the crowded season isn't my favorite thing to do. Think about it: The National Park Service reported 13 million visits to the Great Smoky Mountains alone in 2023.

During these busy seasons, the only course of action is to opt for lesser-known U.S. national parks. Poetically enough, it's at these places that we created some of our best memories. Here are some little-known U.S. national parks that are just as cool (if not cooler) than their famous counterparts.
Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)

Read more