Cayo Espanto

A wonderful and romantic beachfront option on the more secluded northerly shores of Ambergris, Portofino is owned and run by a friendly European couple who really add a personal touch to the feel and service of this boutique resort. Design is based around the idea of simple comfort with whitewashed walls, spacious rooms and handmade furniture. There is a pleasant pool area and all room and cabanas offer views of the Caribbean. The onsite restaurant and bar serves excellent euro-caribbean fusion and the option to take a romantic meal on the pier. The hotel is close to an excellent snorkelling area which can be reached by boat or even on your own using the hotel’s kayaks. Access to the town of San Pedro is via water taxi and there are several good restaurants within walking distance.

Started more than twenty years ago, Chaa Creek has grown organically to be one of the very best eco-lodges in Belize with a real sense of place, character and history. The lodge is set in a 400-acre private nature reserve on the banks of the Macal River. There are a wide range of accommodation options ranging from garden suites to cottages and fabulous modern villas, all are ample in size and luxuriously appointed. The lodgings are arranged around beautiful lush gardens dotted with royal palms and brimming with exotic birdlife. At the centre is a large infinity pool, bar and restaurant. There is also a large spa area atop the hill with an extensive range of treatments on offer. The lodge is well-positioned to explore the attractions of the surrounding area from Mayan ruins to Cave systems. Service is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional.

This is a wonderful luxury mountain lodge set overlooking a small river and waterfall and close to the Caracol Mayan site. This is one of two properties in Belize owned by Francis Ford Coppola and was used as his private family retreat until it was opened to the public in the 90s. The decoration and construction of the lodge has a distinctly Balinese feel with ornately carved hardwood furnishings throughout. Accommodation is all in spacious private cabanas or larger two bedroom villas. The deluxe honeymoon cabanas come equipped with their own private infinity pool. The lodge has two restaurants (Italian and Guatemalan), a spa, swimming pool and stables. As one would expect service is excellent and the lodge is very well run.