If you’re planning a trip to Belize with kids, finding a great place to stay is crucial to having a good family vacation. This is because staying at hotels and resorts that cater to families guarantees a good time. For example, top kid-friendly Belize resorts typically have a mix of 60 percent families and 40 percent couples. As you can imagine, if you’re traveling with children and stay at resorts that mostly cater to couples, that experience won’t be as great for your family or the other guests.
Related: Belize with Kids Guide & Activities for Families
Below is a list of the 5 best family resorts in Belize. Whether these places are all-inclusive or not, they tend to roll out the red carpet for families, with special amenities for children and adults!
1. Ramon’s Village Resort
Inspired by Tahitian cottages, Ramon’s Village in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye brings some of the unique aesthetics of Bora Bora to Belize. The beachfront resort is located near the downtown but its thatch beach cabanas, which are surrounded by gardens and swimming pools, provide a tropical sanctuary for guests. After a long day of family activities in San Pedro such as snorkeling, sailing, or manatee spotting, enjoy returning to one of the best beaches on the island.
Insider Tip: Ramon’s Village is one of the oldest resorts in Ambergris Caye and is named after one of its founders, a local San Pedrano who pioneered diving in Belize.
2. The Lodge at Chaa Creek
As one of the premier eco-lodges in the world, Chaa Creek Lodge has won several international awards for its sustainable tourism efforts. Situated within a 400-acre private nature reserve that is minutes away from San Ignacio, the luxury resort caters to families that enjoy nature and want to learn about Mayan culture. This luxury jungle resort was practically made for family vacations, offering many all-inclusive amenities, such as a natural history museum, Maya medicinal plant trail, and a butterfly farm. And for adults seeking some pampering, there’s a spa and wellness center.
Insider Tip: For a more outdoors camping experience, Chaa Creek’s on-site sister property, the Belize Rainforest Retreat, is a great place for families to stay.
3. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
Hamanasi Resort in Hopkins Village is known for world-class diving adventures, however, what sets this resort uniquely apart is its location. Hopkins is a small seaside village in Southern Belize that is ideal for travelers interested in experiencing the Garifuna culture of Belize. Along with exploring nearby marine reserves and cayes, or taking jungle day trips to nature parks and Maya sites, families can learn about the Garifuna people through dance, drumming and cooking lessons,
Insider Tip: Hamanasi’s expansive grounds are a perfect blend of natural habitat and pristine landscaping. You get an awesome deep-in-the-jungle vibe while being beachside.
4. Robert’s Grove Beach Resort
Located in the beautiful beachside village of Placencia, Robert’s Grove Beach Resort is one of Belize’s oldest resorts. Placencia is on an 18-mile peninsula in Southern Belize and it’s known to have the best beaches in Belize. One of the best things about staying at Roberts Grove is that it’s only 15 minutes away from Placencia’s downtown core, but staying there makes it seem as if you’re miles away from any town. Families rave about the resort’s tranquil and serene setting while having fun amenities for kids, including pools, sailing boats, and kayaks.
Insider Tip: Roberts Grove landscaping is immaculate and I consider them to have one of the best-manicured gardens in Placencia.
5. Pelican Reef Villas Resort
Awarded one of the best small hotels in Belize by the Belize Tourism Board, Pelican Reef Villas has modern, well-equipped beachfront condos in south Ambergris Caye. Located 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core, the resort offers a quiet and relaxed setting for a family vacation in Ambergris Caye. Guests have the option of cooking their own meals in their condo or eating at the on-site restaurant and bar. After a fun day of activities, relax on their private beach, lounge by the pool, or swim/ snorkel off their boat dock.
Insider Tip: Rent a golf cart to have easy access to downtown San Pedro and the many attractions in Ambergris Caye.
Best time to visit for families
The best time for a family vacation in Belize is December and January. One of two weeks before Christmas or New Year’s is popular with families because it’s a very festive time in Belize. The mood is merry and since it’s Belize’s dry season, the weather is excellent for tours and activities, including having plenty of nice sunny days for the beach or jungle adventures. Other popular times for families include Thanksgiving in November, Spring Break in March, Easter in April, and the Summer.
Safety concerns
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. However, as always, I recommend that common sense is used when traveling and I have written at length about travel safety in Belize.
In regards to visiting Belize during the current pandemic, visit my COVID-19 updates for travelers page for more info.
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