Matachica
Matachica is located close to Belize's Great Barrier Reef, on a powdery white sand beach. Think low-key barefoot vibe; more for the laid-back traveller than the set-in-their-ways traditionalist.
Matachica offers a relaxed atmosphere and a splash of colour, from the pastel shaded cabanas to the vibrant multi-patterned tables and chairs in the entrance. The interior walls of the main building are painted in warm cosy colours, while lanterns and fans hang from the ceilings, and a mixture of art work and statues adorn the walls (as well as a smidge of peeling paint here and there).
Accommodation ranges from 25 individual beachfront and sea view casitas to one exclusive luxury villa, all decorated in an eclectic Bohemian style. Step past the hammock on the deck and through the shuttered wooden doors into the casitas that define rustic through their Central American furnishings and mosaic-tiled bathrooms. The Luxury Caribbean Villa is the exclusive two bedroom (both en suite) accommodation option that offers king beds, a living area and kitchenette as well as a screened patio.
Sample local flavours at award-winning Mambo restaurant, housed under a large palapa amid candelabras, local ceramics and soft music. Note that they only take children over 12 years old and describe their ambiance as 'mature'. The beachfront bar-lounge, under the domed thatch roof is the place to head to for Belizean beach -side living, the atmosphere is chilled and there is a wide collection of spirits and liqueurs, plus Cuban cigars and ambient music.
Complimentary activities abound at Matachica including kayaks, snorkelling, fishing and bicycles so you won't be short of things to do. If you're feeling too lethargic to venture out, enjoy the Jade Spa natural treatments or, for a dip, there's the hotel's infinity pool or the conveniently located ocean. Unfortunately the sea grass in the shallow waters means that guests should swim off the jetty for an ocean dip - a small price to pay really. After dinner the Cinema-Martini Lounge offers a huge plasma television screening of an extensive selection of classic films.
Why We Love It
Matachica is full of character, friendly staff and is the ideal place for a relaxing barefoot break.
Victoria House
Victoria House lies between picturesque white beaches and coconut groves with lush tropical gardens planted with hibiscus, bougainvillea and oleander.
On the island of Ambergris Caye, Victoria House is small and exclusive with a casual ambience and friendly staff and just a short boat ride away from one of the world's best dive sites.
The plantation rooms, casitas and private villas are stylishly furnished with cool white fabrics and handcrafted furniture. All rooms are located in lush tropical gardens with palm trees and sweeping views of the reef and white sand beach.
At night guests can enjoy delicious fresh seafood in the hotel's restaurant and a cocktail in the cosy palapa bar. The pool is perfect for relaxing and overlooks the turquoise Caribbean and the new spa (as of 2016) offers a range of treatments from radiant face masks to hot stone massages. In addition to the excellent diving, activities nearby include fishing, snorkeling, birding and cave tubing.
Why We Love It
In true Bill & Ted fashion, Victoria House was voted 2009 Most Excellent Beach Hotel in the Americas by Conde Nast Johansens Magazine.