Best hotels in Belize

This palm-studded, all-inclusive private island resort just off the coast of Belize is punctuated with just seven villas. It’s the perfect getaway for beach-seeking travelers who place a premium on absolute seclusion and attentive service – and have the wherewithal to afford it. Read expert review

This is the first internationally branded luxury resort to land on the barefoot-casual Belizean island of Ambergris Caye. It offers amenities unseen here until now, providing an upmarket atmosphere while retaining the island's laid-back spirit and come-as-you-are vibe. Read expert review

As soon as you enter the lush leafy gardens of BlueBelize, you feel you’re in another world. Smiling staff, Caribbean sea views and colourful birds fluttering among the tropical trees and shrubs give this laidback Punta Gorda guesthouse a feeling of calm and tranquillity. Read expert review

It’s not often you find a luxury hotel with an on-site iguana conservation project, but that’s what you get at the 26-room San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Family-run since 1976, it’s set in 17 acres of Belizean rainforest and is within walking distance to lively San Ignacio town. Read expert review

Inspired by the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, this self-contained sanctuary on Ambergris Caye has its own white-sand beach, dive centre and spa. Stay in breezy, thatched-roof cabanas among tropical gardens and swaying coconut palms in this Polynesian-style paradise off the coast of Belize. Read expert review

Set on a ridge overlooking pristine rainforest, this luxury eco-lodge is an excellent base for exploring the jungles, rivers and fish-rich waters around Punta Gorda. It’s a working estate that offers numerous well-organised activities backed up with 16 suites, a pool and delicious farm-to-table meals. Read expert review

This lofty inland retreat – created by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and ringed with pine trees – has 20 charming thatched cabanas set beside a river. Add in tasty Italian food and Californian wines, plus two pools, a spa, stables and plenty of activities, and you have one very memorable getaway. Read expert review

This small and inviting beach resort on the Placencia peninsula was created by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and has 20 Balinese-style cottages. With three restaurants, two pools, a spa and a dive centre, it's an easy-to-enjoy property that works well for both couples and families. Read expert review

Ka'ana means ‘heavenly place’ in Mayan and this leafy and luxurious sanctuary is an attractive inland base for exploring the attractions of Cayo District. The 17 suites and villas are well designed with a calm, contemporary style. There's a decent-sized pool and a small, welcoming restaurant. Read expert review

A well-established four-star resort near San Pedro with spacious, palm-dotted grounds set beside an immaculate white-sand beach. The 42 rooms and villas have a modern and comfortable style, plus there's two restaurants, a dive centre and a palatial new spa. Read expert review