All inclusive resorts in belize for families

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A revered destination for diving, Belize’s laid-back vibe, quirky spirit, and warm hospitality have rubbed off on divers and non-divers alike. As a destination, Belize gets high marks for its resorts and hotels, which include everything from beachfront all-inclusive to rainforest lodges, luxe resorts on private islands with overwater villas, and intimate hideaways in sleepy fishing villages. 

Travelers on the hunt for their next great destination often regard Belize’s best all-inclusive resorts and the destination itself as an upgrade to over-touristed parts of Mexico like Cancun and Cabo. With direct flight access from many major hubs in North America, it’s just as easy to get to; and there’s a melting pot of cultures including Mayan, Creole, Mestizo, Lebanese, Chinese, and British (to name a few) that make the Central America country a curious and delightful place to try the local cuisine. 

With warm, friendly people, a safe environment, and English as the country’s official language, it's an ideal place for American travelers. Whether you’re after taking in Mayan ruins, exploring underwater caves, or hanging out at a beachfront bar, there’s a hotel and locale for every type of traveler.

  • Best Overall: Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
  • Best Budget Hotel in Belize: Almond Beach Resort
  • Best 5-Star Luxury Hotel in Belize: Cayo Espanto
  • Best Boutique Luxury Hotel in Belize: Turtle Inn
  • Best Family Hotel Option in Belize: Belizean Dreams Resort
  • Best Hotel for Couples in Belize: Victoria House Resort and Spa
  • Best for Diving: Hamanasi
  • Best for Nature: Chan Chich Lodge

Best Overall: Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection

Why We Chose It

Sparkling new and boasting palatially-sized rooms, gorgeous pools, and San Pedro’s best dive shop, the Alaia Belize will appeal to divers and non-divers alike. 

Notable Amenities

Rooftop infinity pool suspended between two buildings, innovative mixology bar, spa and fitness center, boat rentals (additional fee), yoga

Pros

  • Excellent WiFi and the ability to stream apps to Smart TVs

  • Rooftop lounge with excellent Asian fare and sushi 

  • Friendly, personable service 

  • Very LGBTQ-friendly

Cons

  • Farther walk to the main downtown area of San Pedro

  • Pricier golf cart rentals than some local competitors 

  • Spa facilities slightly more dated, though services are top-notch

Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection’s pools make a glimmering first impression as guests arrive at the resort in the popular tourist town of San Pedro; it lines the coast of Ambergris Caye and is celebrated for its beaches, diving, and parties. As a newer addition to the hotel scene there, Alaia boasts a glass-edged rooftop infinity pool, which is uniquely suspended between two buildings and contains porthole windows to peek through to the city below.

A larger resort pool area is a focal point of the hotel, in sight while eating al fresco meals on the property. Outfitted with modern lounge chairs submerged in shallower parts of the water, the pool is surrounded by cabanas and features a swim-up bar and a unique sunken area for poolside dining. 

Mere steps away from the main pool is The Deck, a beach bar with sand-in-toes dining that includes wood-fired pizzas, an excellent selection of wine, and creative cocktails that wouldn’t be out of place in a large cosmopolitan city. An all-inclusive package launching in September 2022 is available for guests, with multiple on-property restaurants including Vista Rooftop Pool and Lounge (surrounding the aforementioned rooftop infinity pool), which serves Asian cuisine, and Sea Salt, which serves elevated takes on classic coastal fare.

Alaia’s guest rooms are clean and minimalist, with hanging pendant lighting, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and large cinema-style TVs. Many of the apartment-style rooms have balconies, and range in size from standard studios to palatial two- and three-bedroom suites. For a more impressive upgrade, there are also massive beachfront villas with private plunge pools. 

Best Budget Hotel in Belize: Almond Beach Resort

Why We Chose It

A splendid beachfront location with plenty of activities for solo travelers, couples, and larger families, it’s a well-priced eco-cultural destination.

Notable Amenities

Pool and hot tub, swim-up bar, bike rentals, kids’ activities

Pros

  • Locally-infused experiences

  • Outstanding tour guides

  • Great onsite adventure desk 

Cons

  • Location is prone to mosquitos and sand flies, and some customers have had other bug issues

  • Some rooms appear more dated than others

  • Onsite food is not as impressive as others on this list

Almond Beach Resort is a seaside getaway situated on a private beach in Hopkins, Belize—an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, and jungle adventuring. With an onsite spa and an over-the-water bar, it’s a great choice for both families and couples—and it's budget-conscious to boot. The resort invites guests to authentically experience the local Garifuna culture starting at the suites themselves, which feature interior design filled with vibrant local art, woven decor, and rattan furnishings. When you venture beyond the resort you will find unspoiled beaches, pristine reefs, and uncrowded Mayan ruins just step away. 

This all-inclusive resort also offers guided cultural experiences in everything from Mayan cooking classes to island hopping, jungle exploration, horseback riding, and bird-watching, with additional exciting excursions available to be booked through the concierge desk. Go fishing and your tour guides might cook what you catch—or, for a more traditional dining experience, the onsite Big Dock Bar offers mouth-watering shrimp ceviche and cocktails mixed with local spirits. 

Best 5-Star Luxury Hotel in Belize: Cayo Espanto

Courtesy of The Cayo Espanto Island

Why We Chose It

Stylish and private, this exclusive resort will impress the most discerning of travelers and is home to the unique over-water villa Casa Ventanas.

Pros

  • On-island helipad so guests can easily connect from Belize City airport 

  • In-villa spa treatments available

  • Most villas have a personal dock, plunge pool and beach area

  • Despite being on a private island, the wireless internet access is excellent

Cons

  • No formal dining areas on property, though guests can request food whenever and wherever they like

  • No nightlife on property

The pinnacle of laid-back seaside elegance, Cayo Espanto is located just 3 miles off the coast of picturesque San Pedro (yes, of the iconic Madonna song). The private island resort is frequented by celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tiger Woods but is carefully designed to make every guest feel like a celebrity. Housemen, a form of a butler, attentively wait on your every need and act as a guide during your beach getaway.

The charming blue casas start at a palatial 1,100 square feet and only go up from there. They feature cabbage bark ceilings and luxury amenities like premium Egyptian cotton sheets, outdoor showers, Turkish bathrobes, tailored meals that can be served in-room, a butler’s pantry stocked with snacks and beverages, and nightly turn-down service.

Villas are situated so that you feel like you’re never crossing paths with other guests, giving the property a sense of privacy and seclusion for couples and those who just need some solo time. Featuring gorgeous verandas with wrap-around views of the Caribbean, personal infinity plunge pools, complimentary sailboats and sea kayaks, and daytime transport from the resort to the buzzing seaside town of San Pedro, staying at Cayo Espanto is a luxe bucket-list vacation of a lifetime.

Pro tip: Take advantage of Cayo Espanto’s excellent scuba diving, fishing, and mainland adventure tours, or yacht around on a personal cruise that will take you on an unforgettable trip on the Caribbean sea. 

Best Boutique Luxury Hotel in Belize: Turtle Inn

Why We Chose It

Located in unspoiled Placencia, Turtle Inn has stunning pools and posh accommodations with a Hollywood flair.

Notable Amenities

Multiple pools including an adults-only option, bikes for guest use, kids’ activities, breakfast buffet, finer Coppola wines available

Pros

  • Accommodations are unique and individual

  • Lovely outdoor showers

  • Some rooms have private beaches

  • Good accommodations for restricted and special diets

Cons

  • Despite being a romantic option, children are welcome on the resort

  • Service is not as strong as some other luxury properties on this list

  • Excursions are on the expensive side

Thatched cottages with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, sunset cruises, and lush jungles teeming with jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans await at Turtle Inn, a Belize hotel run by Francis Ford Coppola’s family hotel group Coppola Hideaways. Grab a camera to capture the spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak visible from the grounds, or choose from the many thrilling activities Turtle Inn offers, from paddle boarding and zip lining to surveying wildlife at a nearby jaguar preserve.

Japanese baths, organic and locally-sourced handmade toiletries, and outdoor showers come standard at this intimate, 28-room luxury property. Emphasizing wellness and relaxation, guests can also enjoy traditional Thai massage (a Turtle Inn specialty) in an open-air Balinese Rice House decorated with hand-painted murals reminiscent of ancient art.

Mare Restaurant, where fresh seafood meets traditional Italian cooking, a “wine aquarium” that holds 1,200 bottles of wall-to-wall and award-winning selections from Chile to France, and a Belizean rustic-style diner are standouts amongst Turtle Inn’s plentiful dining options. Best of all, the hotel is just a short walk or bike ride from the sleepy fishing village of Placencia, where guests can experience local shops and authentic Garifuna dining.

Best Family Hotel Option in Belize : Belizean Dreams Resort

Courtesy of Belizean Dreams

Why We Chose It

An impressive beachfront location and a variety of different package options allow guests to tailor their stay to their liking.

Notable Amenities

Infinity pool with a beach view, kids’ activities, free airport transportation, onsite salon

Pros

  • Beachside hammocks

  • Renovated lounge and bar

  • Authentic breakfast Fry Jacks

  • Good service at good rates

Cons

  • Customers report some rooms with broken items

  • Resort dining and bars close on the earlier side

  • Beach area can be full of seaweed depending on the season

  • Food is hit or miss

Belizean Dreams Resort is an exciting adventure destination nestled on the friendly coast of Hopkins Village in southern Belize. A Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021 winner, guests love the relaxed family-friendly atmosphere where contemporary elegance meets tropical escape.

Opt for the Mayan Jungle & Beach vacation package for a daring escapade the kids will never forget. Highlights include complimentary kayak, bicycle, and snorkeling gear access, unlimited local bar beverages, round trip local transportation by air, and daily adventure tours through ancient Mayan temples. Don't miss the big cat wildlife preserves and 1,000-foot waterfalls that cascade into emerald waters. The resort has plenty of bikes and golf carts available to rent so you can also venture off on your own.

Private villa rooms are decorated with locally crafted mahogany and cedar furnishings, Belizean-style tropical artwork, and natural stone or hardwood floors. Standard bathrooms feature walk-in showers and a hand-painted Talavera-style basin. Looking to recharge? The resort’s onsite Bliss Spa specializes in Swedish, hot stone, and even sunburn therapy massages.

Best Hotel for Couples in Belize: Victoria House Resort and Spa

Courtesy of Victoria House Resort and Spa

Why We Chose It

The manicured grounds at this boutique hotel attracts repeat visitors, as does its high level of service and stunning ocean views.

Notable Amenities

Infinity pool, spa, babysitting services, beautiful sun terraces

Pros

  • Excellent dining in one of San Pedro’s most elegant restaurants

  • Texting service provided for guests through WhatsApp

Cons

  • No walk-in beach access

  • Smaller spa and fitness center

  • Some rooms feel smaller than others

Ideal for canoodling couples, the lush and well-manicured tropical grounds at Belize Casitas at Victoria House Resort offer a romantic getaway in one of Belize’s most popular beach towns. There are plenty of places to cozy up, from hanging hammocks to queen-sized beds draped in alluring canopies. You'll find all the amenities you and your significant other could want, including romantic dinners under the stars.

Standard rooms include large tiled showers, minibars, plush robes, free WiFi, and complimentary breakfast. Whether you decide to take advantage of the resort’s guided excursions (such as diving at the Great Blue Hole and exploring the Mayan “underworld” through cave tubing), or simply stay in with your special someone, you will quickly understand why Victoria House Resort and Spa has received plenty of accolades for romance travelers.

The 3,500 square-foot onsite spa—adorned with a 26-foot high central cupola and expansive windows that invite nature inside—provides some of San Pedro’s most diverse treatment options, ranging from acupuncture to hot stone massage. There's also a 500-square-foot fitness center and a private courtyard that makes for a serene space for yoga classes.

While falling in love with the resort, you can fall in love with your significant other all over again by choosing from a diverse selection of romantic packages available for weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals, and elopements. Personal onsite wedding planners handle every detail, including flowers and décor arrangements, spa services, ceremony setup, professional photography, and more, making this a top choice for romantic celebrations. 

Best for Diving: Hamanasi

Courtesy of Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

Why We Chose It

Unique accommodations ranging from treehouse suites to beachfront rooms make this a favorite amongst adventure seekers and divers.

Notable Amenities

Bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards available for guest use, onsite library

Pros

  • Spacious rooms 

  • Great all-around food 

  • Attentive, friendly staff

Cons

  • Some rooms near the restaurant can be noisy

  • Farther from airport than other resorts 

  • Not the finest beach location Belize has to offer

Hamanasi is an award-winning eco-resort on the Southern coast of Belize, nestled between the Maya Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The accommodations include treehouses that are raised 12 feet off the ground and surrounded by a variety of lush vegetation, orchids, and chirping birds. Deluxe treehouse rooms even have a Jacuzzi.

The hotel happily caters to all sorts of dietary needs at the on-site Singanga restaurant, and activities are made easy through the free use of kayaks, bicycles, and stand-up paddleboards.

But where this PADI five-star resort really shines is its emphasis on diving. Staff can take guests to all of the best dive spots, including the Southern Barrier Reef, Glover’s Reef Atoll, Turneffe Islands Atoll, the Elbow, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the Blue Hole, and Half Moon Cave. They have a full line of rental gear and Nitrox and offer classes for all experience levels. The resort also keeps sustainability and the environment top of mind, regularly running beach cleanups to keep its treasured shores in top shape.

Best for Nature: Chan Chich Lodge

Why We Chose It

Immersed in nature, this Belizean resort with knowledgeable guides is a must for nature enthusiasts as well as those who love peace and quiet.

Notable Amenities

Pool, board games and puzzles available, canoeing and horseback riding

Pros

  • Covered pool can be enjoyed during rainy season

  • Excellent service in a remote location

  • Local mangoes are a treat for guests

Cons

  • Slightly dated facilities and room decor

  • Mosquitos can be a problem

Located in the middle of pristine rainforest filled with an abundance of wildlife, the Chan Chich Lodge immerses guests in the heart of the Belizean wilderness. Verdant grounds are filled with colorful tropical flowers and charming thatched-roof cottages constructed from locally-sourced materials. Guests can relax in the free-form pool and outdoor hot tub (complete with waterfall). With a strong focus on conservation and sustainability, the restaurant serves local and international dishes prepared with ingredients produced at the on-site organic farm.

Experienced guides conduct a variety of tours in the surrounding jungle, identifying birds, medicinal plants, and ancient Mayan ruins—all of which can be found within the resort's 30,000 acres of private reserve. Guests should join in the 4WD night tours for their best chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. Other activities include canoeing, horseback riding, and a variety of off-site tours to local attractions. 

Final Verdict

Unspoiled nature, laid-back beaches, adventurous excursions, and warm service have increased Belize’s popularity with travelers in recent years. Offering a resort-style experience that doesn’t feel overcrowded or overwhelming, Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection is our best overall choice for travelers with its multiple pools, protected beach, and dreamy beach bar. It’s also home to one of San Pedro’s best dive shops and is close to Ambergris Caye’s best-known tourist town.

Comparing the Best All-Inclusive Belize Resorts

Methodology

During visits to Belize and through customer reviews, we evaluated over 20 of the best hotels across the country before choosing the options on this list. We considered elements like the property’s reputation, quality of service, décor and architecture, proximity to beaches and attractions, and notable amenities (e.g., pools, restaurants, spas, fitness centers, and honeymoon or romance packages). Since diving and adventure travel are popular activities for travelers to Belize, we also evaluated resorts based on their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) resort rating and quality of adventure offerings. To ensure this list was comprehensive, we also evaluated recommendations from colleagues and considered whether the property had gone through recent renovations or received recent awards or other accolades.

Is Belize a good place for a family vacation?

Overall, Belize is a safe place for family vacations. Contrary to other places such as some parts of Mexico, you can easily and safely leave the confines of your all-inclusive resort. And no matter where you go, Belizeans will treat you with kindness and respect.

What does all inclusive mean in Belize?

An all inclusive Belize vacation allows guests to enjoy a hassle-free stay. This option offers you a rate for an inclusive package with a list of specific amenities that will be available to you during your stay in Belize.

Does Brazil do all inclusive?

The all-inclusive resorts in Brazil feature premium amenities, tropical beauty, and hospitality. We love the all-inclusive hotels in Recife, Brazil, and the all-inclusive resorts in Fortaleza, Brazil. And no trip to Brazil is complete without a visit to the culturally-rich festival city, Rio de Janeiro.