PLACENCIA
Placencia is one of our favourite beach destinations in Belize. This low-key fishing village is home to some of Belize most beautiful beaches.
Quieter than San Pedro, it is the perfect place for a luxury beach getaway yet retains its old-world charm. Located in the south of Belize, at the tip of the Placencia Peninsula, it is bordered on one side by a mangrove-lined lagoon and by the Caribbean sea on the other and boasts sixteen miles of beautiful beaches. You can still see locals heading out each morning to collect the daily catch and the town is easily explored on foot, making it a delightfully laidback destination.
Placencia is the gateway to Belize’s southern reef and is a mecca for waters ports including snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing and stand up paddle boarding. Wildlife is also an attraction in this part of Belize and the Placencia Lagoon is a breeding area for saltwater crocodiles, marine turtles and manatees. Dolphins can also be spotted and a taking a boat trip out on to the lagoon to spot all of these creatures is a must-do on any trip to Placencia.
For visitors wanting something more than just beach, the Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve is a great spot for wildlife including jaguar.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Turtle Inn
Designed to resemble traditional Indonesian beach huts, Turtle Inn offers a luxurious seafront escape, and perfectly blends natural beauty and traditional materials with contemporary style. Guests can choose from garden view, sea view or seafront. Each thatched roofed cottage is beautifully outfitted with handcrafted furnishings and colourful décor to reflect true Belizean style. Some even have outdoor showers to make the most of the Caribbean sunshine. Each one is just steps from the beautiful stretch of beach so you walk out in the morning and feel sand between your toes.
Naia Resort and Spa
Stretching from the Caribbean ocean to the tranquil lagoons on the Placencia Peninsula, Naia is an intimate, natural playground encompassing an incredible 19 acres of secluded beachfront, sleeping lagoons and lush landscapes. The property extends along nearly a mile of palm-studded beach, where 35 beautifully-appointed Beach Houses welcome guests in casual, resident-style luxury. Guests can take advantage of the beachfront location, relax by the pool or relax with a cocktail as the sun goes down.
Itz’ana Resort
Opened in 2019, Itza’ana is the sister hotel to Ka’ana in Belize’s Cayo Region. Located where reef meets rainforest, there are swimming pools, pampering spas and an organic garden all designed to keep guests happy. The accommodation options are thoughtfully designed and luxuriously appointed, with a minimum of 360 square feet, private terrace, king size bed, Gilchrist & Soames bath products, Bose Bluetooth WiFi speaker, 300 thread count linens, large flat screen TV, robes, safe and exceptional design by Samuel Amoia.
Coral Caye Private Island
Located 8 miles from the mainland, in the middle of the turquoise sea and a stone’s throw from the coral reef, Coral Caye is a stunning private island resort. The resort is made up of a selection of rustic yet luxurious cabins around the perimeter of the island all of which feature plenty of amenities to make your stay as relaxing as possible. The island has a small coral sand beach, mangroves and palm fringed shores, allowing guests to truly relax and forget about the stresses of daily life. With a strong focus on eco-tourism, Coral Caye is an untouched slice of nature which will encourage you to embrace the laid back Caribbean way of life.
Chabil Mar
Chabil Mar is the only Guest Exclusive Resort on the Placencia Peninsula in Belize and also the closest full–service resort to the Village of Placencia. Mayan for “Beautiful Sea”, Chabil Mar sits at the end of the 16–mile Placencia Peninsula, nestled on 400 feet of private beachfront. Chabil Mar is a personal paradise and a stroll along the beach to the centre of Placencia Village. Immerse yourself in the restaurants; art and culture of Placencia Village, and then effortlessly slip back to the peacefulness of Chabil Mar at your leisure and on your own time. Facilities include two beachfront infinity pools, complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks and paddle boards and complimentary