Belize easily takes the crown as one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, located on the east coast and home to a shoreline of brilliant blue waters. The beaches in Belize are legendary, while the waters are teeming with some of the world’s most incredible marine life, including in the Belize Barrier Reef, where islets and cayes are scattered. The country is also home to the famous Blue Hole and combined with soft sands and it taking a while to reach by plane, Belize’s beauty and seclusion has made it a haven for luxury beach holidays.
Much like Mexico, the country also boasts historic sites, lush jungles and rare wildlife, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied no matter where you stay. One of the best ways to experience Belize’s coastline in all of its beauty is by staying in an overwater bungalow. While these aren’t as common in Belize as in places like the Maldives, finding one means you know you’re staying somewhere truly special. They usually have all the amenities of a hotel with the added bonus of direct access to the sparkling waters beneath your room, meaning you’ll wake up to the sound of the waves and spot fishes swimming around outside.
Belize
Overwater Bungalows in Belize
1- Thatch Caye Resort
Thatch Cave is a private island where you’ll find the ultimate overwater bungalow experience.
It’s a Mux’Ono Resort, and it’s all-inclusive, meaning you’ll get everything from food and drink to amenities included while you’re there.
There are only 30 guests at a time who can stay here, so it feels extra private.
The incredible overwater bungalows feature private terraces, natural saltwater pools and hammocks for relaxing, with endless ocean views and comfortable beds inside.
The resort is fully sustainable and pretty off-grid – there’s only WiFi in certain areas!
But you’ll also have free access to lots of water sports, fresh cocktails arid locally sourced Belizean cuisine so you won’t get bored easily.
2- St George’s Caye Resort
St George’s Caye is one of Belize’s most amazing adults-only beachfront hotels, about a 25-minute boat trip from the mainland.
It’s very luxurious and while there’s not much to see on the island itself, it’s the kind of place where you can simply kick back, relax and forget about everything else.
It has a range of thatched-roof cabanas, some of which are perched over the water in a horseshoe shape above the sparkling blue waters below.
You’ll have a private deck complete with hammock for enjoying the sunset, while inside is a big bedroom and bathroom, minifridge and fluffy robes.
While staying here, you can enjoy a private stretch of beach and the saltwater pool, plus a variety of water sports gear and even a complimentary scuba lesson.
As there are no restaurants around, you’ll eat at the resort, which serves a delicious three meals and a free rum punch each day.
3- Cayo Espanto
Another jaw-dropping private island resort, Cavo Espanto is a short boat trip from San Pedro, Belize’s second biggest island.
It’s totally luxury and totally exclusive, with just seven overwater villas – you won’t even need to see anyone else, as your room has a private dock.
Each also has a private wrap-around deck and an outdoor bathroom, multiple rooms and a small private pool.
Each also has two staff on hand, who you can reach via walkie-talkie, who organise your meals and excursions, such as watersports, boat trips or even helicopter rides.
Although there is nothing else on the island, it’s easy to organize snorkelling and diving trips and other activities, or trips to the mainland.
Plus, all your meals are enjoyed in the privacy of your villa, deck or personal beach and are totally customisable with wine pairings, for the perfect bespoke stay.
4- Tobacco Caye Paradise Resort
Tobacco Caye Resort might have the cutest overwater bungalows in all of Belize, which are perched on the water’s edge and painted in an array of fun, bright colours.
The palm-fringed island is part of the South Water Cave Marine Reserve, which is home to incredible marine life making it perfect for snorkelling, diving, kayaking and more.
There are no televisions or public phones, and you can forget about the internet, but this makes it ideal for switching off from the world.
Bungalows are rustic, with no AC or hot water, but you will get towels and toiletries, a meal plan throughout your stay, a hammock, private deck and of course, epic sunsets over the Belize Barrier Reef right in front of your room.
5- Coco Plum Island Resort
For adults-only and all-inclusive, there’s only one place to go, and that’s Coco Plum Island Resort.
It’s on a private island of soft white sand beach, dotted with hammocks and beach chairs with room for just 42 guests.
The 18 private cabanas are scattered around, including a few three bedroom overwater villas, which sleep up to six people and on top of the sleeping areas, have full kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms.
They also boast a private veranda and sunbathing deck.
You can book a variety of packages, but all-inclusive works best, which includes the use of snorkels, kayaks, SUPS and more, plus unlimited drinks from the bar.
You’ll get three meals a day, even if you go out on a tour, which are included depending on the length of your stay.
4 Night stays get two free trips, while up to nine nights get four free snorkelling trips, which are great value for exploring the surrounding reefs.
6- Little Peter Oasis
Little Peter Oasis is small and rustic but it seems like paradise thanks to its incredible location and overwater accommodation.
It’s about 8 miles offshore from central Belize and has just one beautiful bungalow – so you’ll have the island all to yourself.
It has two bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, open-air family room, TV with movies and free WiFi, which you’ll only need for sharing photos of the amazing views.
You’ll also have a private swimming deck with a ladder into the crystal waters below.
Although you’re alone, there are staff – a private concierge, two caretakers, and a private chef who makes three meals per day.
Not forgetting the use of all water sports gear, and you can also take a 10-minute boat ride to the reef for snorkelling, or hop to the mainland to see jungles, waterfalls and Mayan ruins.
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7- Lina Point
Lina Point is a charming resort located on Ambergris Cave island in San Pedro.
It has a whole range of overwater suites and cabanas, some of which are over pools, while others are literally over the ocean.
The star is the two bedroom overwater cabana which has glass floor panels, allowing you to see fish swimming below your room.
There’s also a private deck with a plunge pool, full kitchen, spacious bedroom, and rainfall shower.
Nearby you’ll be able to access massages at the hotel spa, loads of activities, like fishing, swimming, diving and excursions, plus a range of home cooked meals made with fresh seafood by the onsite chef, accompanied by ice cold cocktails to sip while the sun goes down.
8- Bird Island
Bird Island Placencia is an island escape like no other, mainly because, unlike other big hotel chains, this pretty resort is a local hidden gem that’s completely private to you.
It’s just six miles from Placencia and you’ll have it all to yourself.
Although it is a tiny island, you’re surrounded by shallow blue water on all sides, and it has a main house, separate overwater cabana, smaller cabana and fourth bedroom, so it can sleep the whole family!
The fridge is stocked with lots of ingredients so you can cook whatever you like, or take the boat back to the Placencia, while you’ll have full access to all the water equipment you could want.
This is a true off-grid escape, as you’re on top of an atoll, you won’t need or want for anything and can dive into the reef right from your room!
9- Glover’s Atoll Resort
Glover’s Atoll Resort is a very simple yet beautiful eco-resort in Belize where you’ll be truly disconnected from TV and Wifi, but connected to the incredible natural beauty here.
There’s nothing much on the island besides your room and spots to relax or eat, plus a few palm trees, and the owners stock up on food once a week.
There are a variety of overwater bungalows, from where you can spot all kinds of marine life, including stingrays, tropical fish and turtles!
They’re clean with big bedrooms and a kitchenette, although the lack of electricity means there’s no fridge, so plan accordingly.
There are camping toilets and cold showers, which sounds basic until you’re hit with Belize’s warm weather, and you can either cook your own food in your kitchen or opt for a meal plan which includes rice, seafood and delicious local cakes.
You can also have free reign on the islands’ coconuts, to simply knock them down and drink fresh milk straight from the source.
10- Ray Caye Island Resort
Raye Cave is a beautiful private island resort with nearly a mile of private shoreline, and although accommodation isn’t literally over the water, everything is right on the oceanfront.
The stunning waterfront cabanas sleep up to four people, just steps from the beach with spacious rooms and all the mod-cons you’ll need inside.
There are floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean and a private deck for watching the sunset.
You’ll also be able to enjoy lots of tours and excursions, including diving, snorkelling and fishing, plush jungle tours on the mainland, while some cabanas have their own private pool to relax in at the end of the day.
On top of this, you won’t go hungry will the island’s private chef who cooks up delicious local seafood at the Lionfish Bar & Grill, which also has a very well-stocked bar.
11- Ramon’s Village Resort
Ramon’s Village Resort is a big mix of amazing accommodation options, with waterfront villas so close to the ocean that they’re almost in it, along with super cool treehouse villas in the canopy!
The beachfront suites range from king-sized to Presidential, boasting thatched roofs and wooden furniture, plus ocean views and a wrap-around deck.
The resort has an endless array of things to do, eat and see, from a restaurant and poolside bar, to a diving school, shop, spa and even golf cart rental for exploring the local area.
There’s also a beautiful white sand beach, and loads of adventurous land and water-based tours and a pool to keep you occupied .
12- Turneffe Island Resort
If you ever find yourself stranded in Belize, you should hope it’s at the stunning Turneffe Island Resort which sits just 30 miles from the famous Blue Hole.
The resort has lots to offer but is particularly amazing for its water sports and activities, which range from epic deep sea fishing trips to scuba diving and snorkelling, plus excursions to the caves and depths of the Blue Hole.
The villas and bungalows aren’t overwater but are all right on the waterfront, with the best options being the Honeymoon Villas, which include champagne and breakfast in bed, while the Sunset Villas come with plunge pools, private decks and outdoor bathrooms, plus direct beach access.
The resort also has plentiful hammocks and palapas for unwinding on the sand, and an outdoor pool.
Turneffe Island is all-inclusive, which covers everything from transportation to delicious food and access to the pool and water sports equipment.
For an additional cost, you can also opt for massages and treatments by the ocean in the onsite spa, and there’s a shuttle to Belize City if you fancy exploring the mainland.
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