Ambergris Caye is Belize’s most popular destination, in particular, its main settlement: San Pedro Town. This is because the charming beach town is set on a beautiful island near many amazing tourist attractions such as the Barrier Reef, the Great Blue Hole, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
See also: 10-Step Belize Travel Guide and How to Spend 3 Days in Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is only a short boat ride away from other amazing islands such as Caye Caulker and St. George’s Caye. Additionally, the island provides easy access to cool day-trips from San Pedro to Belize’s mainland, including a riverboat safari to the Lamanai Maya Ruins, wildlife spotting at the Belize Zoo, and exploring caves via cave tubing.
To top things off, the island is renowned for its restaurants, nightlife, and beachfront hotels and resorts. It is the perfect place to stay during your vacation in Belize. These resorts also qualify as Belize Gold Standard Hotels.
| 10 Best Hotels and Resorts in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye |
|---|
| 1. Victoria House Resort |
| 2. Ramon’s Village Resort |
| 3. Pelican Reef Villas |
| 4. Cayo Espanto |
| 5. Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club |
| 6. Matachica Resort |
| 7. PUR Boutique Cabanas |
| 8. The Phoenix Resort |
| 9. Las Terrazas Resort |
| 10. Blue Tang Inn |
Top San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Hotels & Resorts
1. Victoria House Resort
This beautiful British colonial-style resort is located a short distance south of the downtown core of San Pedro. As one of the best resorts in Ambergris Caye, Victoria House is known for its elegance, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and world-class service. If you are a fan of pop culture, you will know that Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed (VH1) rekindled their love here.
2. Ramon’s Village Resort
Ramon’s Village Resort brings some of the unique aesthetics of Bora Bora to the island of Ambergris Caye. It’s located in downtown San Pedro but its beachfront thatched cabanas, which are surrounded by a tropical garden and swimming pools, provide a sanctuary for its guests. Ramon’s Village is one of the oldest and most popular hotels in Ambergris Caye and is named after one of its founders, a local tourism pioneer.
3. Pelican Reef Villas
Pelican Reef Villas has several modern and well-equipped beachfront condos in south Ambergris Caye. It is located 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Pedro and offers the perfect setting for couples and families. Guests have the option of cooking their own meals or eating at the onsite restaurant. A good day can be spent lounging by the pool and soaking up the sun at their private beachfront or dock that allows for relaxation, play, snorkel, or fishing.
4. Cayo Espanto
Located 3 miles away from Ambergris Caye, Cayo Espanto is a private 4-acre island that is the ultimate place to stay for anyone seeking pampered relaxation, privacy, and world-class service. This luxury island resort is a celebrity hotspot hosting TV celebrities and billionaires such as Bill Gates. What couples rave the most about this place is that the seclusion allows for the perfect ambiance to connect with that special someone.
5. Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club
Mahogany Bay Resort is a part of Curio – A Collection by Hilton Worldwide. Located in Ambergris Caye South, this resort is set up as an exclusive village that offers seclusion to guests but it’s only 15 minutes away by golf cart from San Pedro’s downtown. The resort is the first international luxury hotel chain in Belize and since it’s inception, it has won the hearts of many. Guests rave about the chic restaurant, private beach, friendly staff, and gorgeously decorated beach cottages and villas.
6. Matachica Resort
Matachica is a beautiful adults-only resort located in North Ambergris Caye. It is perfect for couples seeking access to the lively town of San Pedro but not having much interest in spending excessive time there. Accommodations include lovely beach huts and luxurious villas, all of which are cozy and uniquely decorated. It’s the perfect place to stay in Ambergris Caye for those seeking seclusion.
7. PUR Boutique Cabanas
As one of the newest adults-only hotels in San Pedro, PUR Boutique Cabanas is quickly becoming a favorite among couples and honeymooners. The resort consists of six bungalows, a small pool, a swim-up bar, and a restaurant. Compared to other resorts on the island, PUR is “compact”–however, each bungalow is equipped with the basics such as TVs, WiFi, A/C, and a veranda with hammocks.
8. The Phoenix Resort
The Phoenix Resort is an award-winning beachside resort located in the downtown core of Ambergris Caye. It’s ideal for travelers seeking to spend a lot of time in the vibrant town of San Pedro yet have the satisfaction of being able to easily find refuge within their nearby hotel. Guests feel right at home with the deluxe condo-style accommodations and refreshing set of pools.
9. Las Terrazas Resort
Las Terrazas Resort offers beautiful island-style villa accommodations on the beach in North Ambergris Caye. The resort caters to families and couples looking for adventure and relaxation, and it is consistently rated highly for offering amenities such as spacious rooms, a modern kitchen, and in-room laundry. Additional amenities include a world-class restaurant and bar, a private beach and pool, plus access to kayaks and paddle boards.
10. Blue Tang Inn
Perhaps the most affordable Ambergris Caye hotel on this list, Blue Tang Inn is a small beachfront hotel located in the Boca del Rio area of San Pedro. It is near many excellent dive shops and popular beach bars such as Wayo’s, The Palapa, and Sandy Toes. The hotel has several comfortable suites with modern condo amenities and a private beach and pool.
What to Do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
- Visit during one of San Pedro’s many festivals and events. My favorites are the San Pedro Lobsterfest and the Holiday-lighted boat parade.
- Rent a golf cart (or bike) and explore the island.
- Go barhopping and eat at world-class restaurants.
- Swim at top snorkeling sites such as Hol-Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
- If you prefer scuba diving, top diving sites near San Pedro are Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Aquarium, and the Great Blue Hole.
When to Visit San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
The best time to visit San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is from December to May, during Belize’s dry season–you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. Due to the popularity of this time, however, the downside is that things are more expensive.
But in all honestly, things in Belize are relatively not that different during the tourism offseason and a plus is that many discounts are offered. Belize’s offseason is during Central America’s rainy season, but unless you’re visiting during a tropical storm, often the rain is overnight or for brief 1 or 2 hour periods, and the rest of the day is fine.
As for a specific date that is the best time to be in Ambergris Caye, this is
