The Best of Guatemala and Belize

Overview

One of the most comfortable and luxurious boutique hotels in Antiqua, El Convento takes its name its location just next to the historical Convent.

Built in a Colonial style the rooms are very spaciously constructed with private patio walled patio areas, large bathrooms and luxury fittings.

The hotel has a courtyard area, restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace.

Overview

You’ll find this luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel tucked away in a beautiful six-acre garden, just a short drive from the centre of Antigua. Villa Bokéh’s building combines classic Guatemalan colonial architecture with contemporary design with private terraces and pretty secluded gardens. The property has 15 rooms for you to choose from. There is plenty to do here when you’re not out exploring the region. Spend time in the billiard room, fully-equipped gym, outdoor swimming pool and spa. Villa Bokéh offers full room service, but you can also choose to enjoy the sunlit, gourmet-style dining room for tasty Guatemalan breakfasts, or the open kitchen which serves fresh pastries and fruit throughout the day.

The inviting pool area is surrounded by mature palm trees, has hot and cold Jacuzzis and charming daybeds. At the poolside grill you’ll discover a summery menu including ceviche, pizza, and piña colada. The spa has an array of treatments inspired by Mayan traditions. Villa Bokéh is surrounded by one of the largest hotel gardens in Antigua; the lush landscape has paths which wind around the lake, river, and picturesque lily ponds. Spend time enjoying the tropical flowers, picturesque gazebo, lakeside solarium and tranquil waterfalls – all framed by views of the Volcano Agua.

Overview

The San Rafael is a grand colonial property set on a cobblestone street in Antigua’s historic centre, a lengthy restoration retaining the grandeur of its original features.

Seven rooms can be found off of two peaceful courtyards, each of which has a fireplace, ornate fabrics and rustic interiors along with modern comforts such rainfall showers and the larger suites with living areas.

Breakfasts can be enjoyed on the patio or in the lofty dining room which is also a great space to be in the evenings with a glass of wine.

Overview

Nestled deep within the Guatemalan jungle, minutes from the magical Maya world is Las Lagunas: a rustic and romantic wildlife hideaway.

Overlooking the Quexil Lagoon, your comfortable wooden bungalow and private jacuzzi offers the perfect spot to drink in romantic natural views.

Besides waterside beauty, a wealth of activity is also provided here. Spend your days on exciting eco adventures from trekking to birdwatching to kayaking to ATV 4×4 rides. Wildlife experiences can then be enhanced with a visit to the property’s own private reserve which boasts a breeding facility for native species. What’s more, cultural pursuits come in bundles with the spectacular Tikal, Uaxactun and Yaxha ruins just moments away.

Overview

Uaxactún Camping is an experience like no other. Set deep in the jungle of Tikal National Park, this camp is part of the village of Uaxactún, where mysterious ruins dating back to the Pre-Classic Mayan period and the village community of around 400 are your only companions. It is a truly secluded stay in the depth of nature.

The spacious nine tents here sit on wooden platforms and include their own bathrooms, although showers are found in the communal block, along with large, comfy beds. Within the camp there is a large hang-out area for you to relax in, either with a morning coffee or an evening drink after a long day exploring the ruins. The camp is a truly cosy and intimate stay.

For dining, you’ll enjoy all your meals in the homes of members of the community. During your time with the villagers you’ll also get to see how the surrounding jungle sustains the community by providing two important exports: chicle, an elastic byproduct of tree sap used in chewing gum, and xate, a fern with perfectly symmetrical leaves that’s used in floral arrangements.

Settle into deck chairs outside your tent as the tropical birds and howler monkeys in the nearby trees greet the break of dawn, or admire the twinkling lights above as owls and other nocturnal creatures fill the night sky with their chatter.

Overview

Owned by Francis Ford Coppola this is the most comfortable and well-serviced lodging option in the Tikal area.

La Lancha sits overlooking Lake Peten just a short drive from the entrance to the Tikal National Park. Service is attentive and friendly with many of the staff receiving extra training from abroad.

Decoration with a mixture of local and Balinese textiles and handicrafts. Accommodation is in air-conditioned casitas, the best of which enjoy views of the lake with a private balcony.

Overview

Started more than twenty years ago, Chaa Creek has grown organically to be one of the very best eco-lodges in Belize with a real sense of place, character and history. The lodge is set in a 365-acre private nature reserve on the banks of the Macal River.

There are just twenty three rooms ranging from garden suites to the jacuzzi cottage, all are ample in size and tastefully appointed with local hardwood furnishings and textiles. The lodgings are arranged around beautiful lush gardens dotted with royal palms and brimming with exotic birdlife. At the centre is a large infinity pool, bar and restaurant. There is also a large spa area atop the hill with an extensive range of treatments on offer. The lodge is well-positioned to explore the attractions of the surrounding area from Mayan ruins to Cave systems. Service is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional.

Overview

This boutique resort is for those seeking a more polished hotel-style experience in the Cayo district.

Located just a short drive to San Ignacio. All rooms are comfortable and equipped with all the modern luxuries one would expect from a hotel such as air-conditioning, flat screen televisions and iPod docks.

Accommodation is in large rooms or private casitas. The hotel has a pleasant outdoor pool, spa, bar, and a good restaurant. Service is excellent, very attentive and helpful.

Overview

The island is set three miles away from San Pedro and has just six villas with all services completely private (even meals are served in your villa meaning you have total privacy). Service and the quality of the rooms here is exemplary, with the fully private activities tailored to your requirements making this an ideal place for honeymooners. The island also has spa facilities with an on-site massage therapist.

Overview

A wonderful and romantic beachfront option on the more secluded northerly shores of Ambergris, Portofino is owned and run by a friendly European couple who really add a personal touch to the feel and service of this boutique resort. Design is based around the idea of simple comfort with whitewashed walls, spacious rooms and handmade furniture.

There is a pleasant pool area and all room and cabanas offer views of the Caribbean. The onsite restaurant and bar serves excellent euro-caribbean fusion and the option to take a romantic meal on the pier.

The hotel is close to an excellent snorkelling area which can be reached by boat or even on your own using the hotel’s kayaks.

Access to the town of San Pedro is via water taxi and there are several good restaurants within walking distance.

Overview

Set on a secluded stretch of natural white-sand beach looking out to the vast barrier reef, Matachica offers a choice of 31 intimate villas, including 30 single casitas and 1 two-bedroom villa. Vibrantly coloured with thatched roofs, the villas are spacious and privately located from each other with traditional mosaic bathrooms, air-conditioning, private patios and hammocks.

There is a welcoming bar, and drinks can be brought to you, poolside or on the beach, while the award-winning Mambo restaurant is considered one of the best in the country and offers locally inspired flavours and some surprising combinations.

As well as relaxing on the serene beach or in the Jade Spa, you can explore both land and the reef with complimentary use of sea kayaks, bicycles, snorkel gear and fishing tackle. The buzzing little town of San Pedro is just a short water taxi away and the lush jungles of Belize’s interior are also within reach.

Overview

Located a short drive away from the main town, Victoria house is an wonderfully elegant beachfront property with beautiful gardens and pool area.

Service is very professional and helpful and the gardens and beach are immaculately manicured. On-site services include a dive-shop, massages, bar and a good restaurant. There are a range of different accommodations on offer from private casitas, to beachfront houses suitable for families or groups of friends.