There are many reasons to visit Belize, with eco-adventures in the jungle and relaxing experiences on the beach being some of the most popular. A unique, beautiful country nestled in the heart of Central America and the Caribbean, Belize should be a place that is at the top of your list to explore this year. Regardless of what you want to do while visiting, however, you will need to find a place to stay that meets your needs, your interests, and your budget. Consider either of these two amazing choices.

Want To Explore Nature in Belize?

If you want to experience the ecological wonders of Belize, the Gaia Riverlodge should be your resort of choice. Named for the Greek goddess of the Earth, the resort lives up to its namesake. It is located about an hour away from San Ignacio in Belize’s Cayo District, which enjoys the reputation of being the center of Belize’s eco-tourism industry.

The Five Sisters Waterfall is Gaia’s onsite swimming option. Image courtesy Roeming Belize

The resort offers several complimentary amenities that nature-lovers will love, such as private access to the on-site Five Sisters Waterfall, a hydro-powered mini-tram that takes guests from the lodge to the waterfall, mountain bikes, natural swimming ponds, and more. Guests are also encouraged to participate in regular nature walks hosted by the resort. From advanced bird watching to a rainforest walk at night, these walks are always led by certified guides knowledgeable about Belize’s ecosystems.

Caracol Maya Site. Image courtesy Belize Tourism Board

Gaia Riverlodge’s offsite adventures are even more fantastic. Go on tours to see majestic Maya sites like the nearby Caracol and meet the modern people to learn about their ancient and current culture. Zip lining, cave tours, hikes through stunning national parks, and exploring the jungle on horseback are all activities guests of the resort can participate in.

Sunset at Gaia Riverlodge.

Just because you are staying in a rustic rainforest area doesn’t mean you have to compromise on luxury. Gaia Riverlodge has an eco-friendly spa on-property that sources all of its ingredients sustainably from Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. With treatments that are both modern and come from long-held Belizean traditions, you will get to enjoy a restorative, relaxing experience that makes you feel new again.

Farm to table dining at Gaia Riverlodge.

The on-site organic garden provides for a true farm-to-table dining experience at the resort’s Five Sisters Restaurant. All other ingredients come from local farms as a way to support the local economy while reflecting the resort’s pledge to sustainability.

Wake up to the mist of a waterfall below at Gaia Riverlodge.

Gaia Riverlodge is the best place in Belize to rest in private cabanas while listening to the sounds of the rainforest before venturing out into the jungle for an adventure of a lifetime.

Each bright casita has its own private veranda at hammock at Matachica Resort.

For a relaxing vacation lounging on Belize’s white sand beaches, the Matachica Resort and Spa is likely to suit your fancy. Matachica is situated on Ambergris Caye just north of San Pedro Town and provides an unparalleled reclusive Belizean beach experience.

San Pedro Town, Belize. Image by Marlena Gomez Photography

Matachica is an adult (defined as being sixteen years of age or older) only resort, designed with guest relaxation in mind. Built right on the beach, this resort exemplifies the laid-back Caribbean seaside lifestyle. Each private guest casita and villa has a real thatched roof and comes with a personal hammock and patio for total privacy and a genuine aesthetic. The resort’s seclusion and intimate feel make it an ideal place to host private events and gatherings.

Like Gaia Riverlodge, Matachica is also proud of the spa and restaurant they house on-site. They focus on using local natural ingredients for their treatments and dishes to be both healthy and sustainable. The Jade Spa provides a variety of massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures to help guests feel their best. The Mambo Restaurant serves an inspired blend of both local and international cuisine on the open-air waterfront so you can dine in peace surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of the ocean.

Located on the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Matachica is the perfect place to view Belize’s marine life. Whether sea kayaking, snorkeling, taking a guided diving tour, or just observing from the shore, you can observe all varieties of fish, rays, and seabirds at different times of the day. The resort provides complimentary snorkeling gear for you to use at any time to explore and have your own adventures. If you enjoy fishing, you can go on fishing excursions with an experienced local guide and eat what you catch right when you get back.

Enjoy French fusion at Mambo Restaurant, the eatery onsite of Matachica Resort.

From Matachica, you can also partake in off-site activities such as visiting Maya sites, exploring caves, zip-lining, and viewing breathtaking waterfalls. If you just want to explore the nearby areas on the island, bicycles are available for any guest to use for free throughout their stay.

Watch the sun set behind the unmistakeable dock at Matachica Resort. Image courtesy SanPedroScoop.com

Matachica is the ideal place to stay if you want to experience Belize’s laid-back, Caribbean beach lifestyle.

Caribbean blues shine bright from the patio on your private villa. Image by Matachica Resort

Both of these resorts are excellent choices to spend your stay in Belize. Choose the one that better aligns with your vacation goals, and you will be set to have the best experience possible along with memories that will be with you for life.  

Header image courtesy Matachica Resort.