Even as 2021 is almost over, Ambergris Caye’s Secret Beach is anything but secret and is still one of the most worthwhile destinations in the Caribbean. Out of all the bars and restaurants that line the beach, one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Maruba Beach Klub takes luxury to the next level without sacrificing the casual vibes of this formerly hidden beach destination.
Ambergris Caye sits just a few miles from the Belize Barrier Reef — the second largest barrier reef ecosystem in the world — but the isolated beach that Maruba Beach Klub calls home still deserves a place on the list of must-see destinations on this sparse and tropical island that extends for 25 miles. The beach itself is roughly 7 miles away from the major settlement of San Pedro, which helps the beach continue to have a pristine and idyllic appearance despite increasing in popularity over the past few years. Even without the recent development of businesses along the strip, it’s still a beautiful stretch of white sands with plenty of shade offered from palm trees. And it’s entirely unlike beaches along the east coast thanks to shallow waters that extend for hundreds of meters, a distinct lack of seaweed, and a significantly calmer tide. The beach itself made this site one of the most popular destinations for locals long before there was even a single business.
Relaxation can really build up an appetite, but it would be worth making plans for a hearty meal at Maruba Beach Klub even if it weren’t positioned on one of the most beautiful beaches touching the Caribbean Sea. Chef Max and Leo have adapted their menu to suit the coastal and tropical surroundings of the Klub with a playful style of gastropub cuisine. The current menu mixes Belizean spins on bar food favorites alongside healthy salads, wraps, and local specialties such as whole fish.
The Klub also offers gluten-free food, a wide variety of vegan options, and delicious seafood with their specialty being the Lobster seafood platter which is made up of lobster, crab, fish, and shrimp. In addition, the Klub is the only establishment that serves breakfast at Secret Beach. Order the deluxe Belizean Breakfast when you visit – the meal is served in a glass (breakfast in a goblet style with michelada with an icy Belizean beer, grilled shrimp, and crispy bacon).
And if you’re looking for an adult beverage to enjoy out on the beach, you’ll find a creative range of classic cocktails and decadent original creations. And if you’re just ready to celebrate being here with the people you love in paradise, you can always serve up a toast of a fresh fruit sorbet made with natural ingredients and topped off with a bottle of mini champagne.
But if you find yourself nursing a hangover after too many margaritas in the sun, all you have to do is head up to the open-air spa. Here you’ll find a fully-featured spa and sprawling out for a full body massage with views of the beach and sea while listening to the festive music piping in from below is a truly unique experience worth having. Take advantage of a full menu of massage options for both singles and couples. In fact, Maruba Beach Klub’s spa services have been so successful that they even offer an expansive line of products.
Their mood mud masks are some of the most popular choices for bringing home, but there’s a whole range of wellness products that can serve as a much better alternative to bringing back another cheap plastic souvenir. The spa is overseen by the owner, Alexandra Nicholson, a renowned wellness specialist who has a long and well-praised history in the hospitality industry.
Secret Beach has stayed that way for so long because it was so remote. Actually getting there required a serious truck with the ability to go off-road, but the construction of a road to the beach roughly a decade ago changed everything and brought in both tourists and businesses. The ride from San Pedro is only 40 minutes, but it offers some scenic and natural sightseeing of the local wildlife along the way. Today, the beach is even easier to get to than ever before. You can even grab a ferry in San Pedro and take a boat right to the beach’s ferry.
A Reputation You Can Trust
Maruba Beach Klub is the only Gold Standard Establishment at Secret Beach and offers in-water concierge service, floating tables, and runs solely on solar. It is also one of the best places on the island to watch jaw-dropping sunsets that are nothing short of spectacular. Kayaks and snorkeling gears are handy for those who wish to venture out and explore the Secret Beach coast, while comfy couches, day beds, and contoured lounge chairs and pillows are available for those who want to do nothing at all.
The establishment is famous for its iconic Viper Rum – a 16-year-old aged liquor that was concocted by the owners. The rum has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman, and Travel Channel – even Olympic champion Simone Biles and US Hall of Fame gymnast Alexandra Nicholson have tried it! As for those who dare, their names are honored on the walls.
Both the Secret Beach and Maruba Beach Klub are worth visiting in their own right. It’s just a fortunate convenience that you can visit them at the same time. Be sure to set at least a day aside!
All images courtesy Maruba Beach Klub.