Discover New Eco-Luxury Experiences in Belize

Caye Caulker in Belize, photo courtesy of Aleksandar Todorovic/ Shutterstock Inc.

Traveling is about more than finding relaxation and getting away from it all—it’s also about connecting with a new place and striking a balance between adventure and serenity. With the advent of eco-luxury travel, which prioritizes environmental sustainability while maintaining a standard of high-quality experiences, there’s never been a better time to engage with the world’s history and culture. Belize has become a top spot for eco-conscious travel, in large part due to the country’s efforts to protect the Caribbean coastline
and the Belize Barrier Reef.

If you’re ready to take your tropical vacation to the next level, here are a few extraordinary eco-experiences in Belize to include on your travel itinerary.

Land and Sea Tours

Tobacco Caye aerial shot in Belize barrier reef, photo courtesy of Duarte Dellarole/ Shutterstock Inc

A visit to Belize would not be complete without an exploration of the many national parks, nature reserves, botanical gardens, and stunning beaches. There are excursions for all levels of fitness and interest throughout the country. Visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off of Ambergris Caye for snorkeling, and choose a multiple-day luxury tour to visit the Mayan ruins and trek the jungles surrounding Placencia. Take a horseback riding tour of Mayan ceremonial temples and set aside time for the many private excursions into some of the country’s most stunning archeological wonders. Absolute Belize offers private and custom tours of barrier reefs and other natural wonders; take an eight-day sailing tour through the cayes and ending in San Pedro, or spend two weeks island hopping and snorkeling.

Kristin Fisher, Belize Sotheby’s International Realty

When you inevitably fall in love with the country’s unique combination of nature and history, you will want to find your own oasis to return to time and again. Villa Amethyst, located in San Pedro Town, has its own private beach located on the second-largest barrier reef in the world. With a porch strung with hammocks, a shared tropical pool, and 300-foot pier, you’ll be able to keep the Belize adventure underway for as long as you wish.

Itz’ana Resort and Residences, photo courtesy of Itz’ana Belize

Eco-lodges prioritize connection with the land, ensuring an authentic and nourishing experience. One of the most celebrated eco-lodges in the country, Gaïa Riverlodge overlooks breathtaking waterfalls and is surrounded by indigenous flora. Cabanas lead down to a clear river for a midday swim, and the centrality of the lodge allows for easy touring of the many Mayan ruins. For an authentic experience rooted in local hospitality, there is the three-star Cotton Tree Lodge along the Moho River, where available activities include birding, medicinal plant walks, and chocolate making. Or, go where the rainforest and reef meet at Itz’ana Resort and Residences, located in Placencia. The resort’s luxury is driven by its investment in “the three pillars of sustainability”: natural conservation, health and wellness, and arts and heritage.

Michelle Lyons, Belize Sotheby’s International Realty

After you’ve been able to unplug and reconnect with nature, plant your feet in Placencia with a luxe locale you can call your own. Previously owned by Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, the Coco Plum Beach House has its own beachfront view, as well as a swimming pool and hot tub.

Coral Caye, photo courtesy of The Family Coppola Hideaways

There are hundreds of islands that dot the coastline of Belize, and some of them are home to luxurious resorts with a mind to ecological preservation. Three of Francis Ford Coppola’s eco-luxury resorts are located in Belize, among them the Coral Caye at Turtle Inn, a completely private island a 25-minute boat ride from the main resort. With a coral sand beach, two guest cottages, and a main house complete with personal chef, the island is the ultimate secluded experience.

Kristin Fisher, Belize Sotheby’s International Realty

Return to the mainland and find your own tropical paradise by making Villa Verano, just south of Hopkins Village, your permanent vacation home. The luxury beachfront home has 10 bedrooms for large gatherings—accommodating up to 38 people—with each floor offering ocean views.

Spa Breaks

Blancaneaux Lodge Waterfall Spa, photo courtesy of The Family Coppola Hideaways

After touring the Mayan ruins and jungles of Belize, take a break to clear your head with some sea breeze and spa treatments. Proving itself to be one of Belize’s top eco-luxury destinations, Blancaneaux Lodge offers treatments at its Waterfall Spa. Specializing in Thai massage, the facility also features a hot pool heated by hydroelectricity, and all treatments, like the Papaya Body Polish, use locally-sourced organic ingredients. The Belize Spa at Chaa Creek Resort prioritizes a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings, incorporating sustainable practices into their spa treatments, which vary from full-body seaweed wraps to “chocolate kisses pedicures”—all in the picturesque setting above the Maya Mountains and Macal River.

Kristin Fisher, Belize Sotheby’s International Realty

It would be safe to assume at this point that Belize will have entirely won you over. Incorporate what you’ve learned about the country and start your own story with Casa Bay Belize, which offers 1,200 feet of pristine beachfront just 20 miles shy of San Pedro Town on the Northern Ambergris Caye. Located within the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve—a UNESCO World Heritage site—the surrounding region is the home of Mayan archaeological sites, beautiful but endangered animals, and the untouched beauty of the jungle. Here you can swim with sea turtles and snorkel along the barrier reef in the aqua waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Unlock the secrets of Belize, where the force of nature and history will encourage you to unplug and reconnect with what’s important. Traveling with the good of the planet in mind is the ultimate in luxury.

Do your part to preserve this magical corner of the world and discover these properties ready to be turned into homes.