The Central American country of Belize could very well be the melting pot of the Caribbean. In fact, its residents belong to widely disparate groups such as Creoles, Garifuna, Mennonites, East Indian, Mestizos, and Mayan! Brilliant white-sand beaches, some of the world’s best beaches, lush national parks, and some of the world’s most spectacular reefs. Even though it continues to be largely conservative, Belize is becoming a top-rated destination for LGBTQ travelers. In fact, while none of the gay friendly hotels in Belize actually advertise themselves, but the fact is that they’re indeed very welcoming of LGBTQ travelers. Despite there not being Pride celebrations or even a local gay scene, everyone is welcome everywhere. Clearly, the country’s tourism has made Belizians more accepting.
That said, there are so many Top Things To Do In Belize. Culture and history lovers will love the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and exploring the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal. Are there any intrepid adventurers out there? Cave tubing is the activity for you, amongst other water activities such as snorkeling, scuba, etc. And who can forget the Great Blue Hole, which is the world’s largest natural formation of its kind and also one of the Most Amazing Sinkholes On Earth? So, pack your bikinis, your sunscreen lotion, and your best summer clothes, and head to Belize for a wonderful gay sojourn. To that end, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Belize.
Coco Beach Resort
11
We begin our list of the best gay friendly hotels in Belize with the utterly luxurious yet charming Coco Beach Resort, one of the island’s top-end condotels. The resort lies right on a beautiful stretch of beach close to San Pedro. What’s more, it offers the choice of spacious one/two-bedroom suites and large rooms. Earth-toned hues perfectly complement Spanish tiles and Balinese rattan furniture, lending the place a truly “Caribbean” vibe. What’s more, they all come with swish kitchens, and the penthouses have spectacular views of the barrier reef and the sea.
What you’ll really love about this condotel is the amenities, especially the two huge and gorgeous freeform saltwater swimming pools. Sprinkled with palm trees and sun loungers, they offer unobstructed views of the sea. Since this condotel is a sister property to Belizean Shores, you even have access to the volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts next door. For a small fee, you can even use the paddleboats, bicycles, and kayaks for excursions. Finally, the on-site Cocoblanca restaurant serves both Caribbean and international fare, while the Coco Café is for digging into pastries and breakfast snacks. If there are any great gay hotels in Belize, this is a well-rounded one.
Check Rates on:
Belize Boutique Resort and Spa
10
Belize Boutique Resort and Spa has something of a “sexy” reputation on the island, and rightly so. Verdant landscaping with lots of vegetation tunnels and flowers is sprinkled with beautiful sculptures and focal points everywhere. For instance, there’s a palapa-covered stone chess table, a small glass–decorated chapel, and a pool with waterfalls that seem to spring from the jungle! If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find a top-notch and relaxing spa, a Japanese mineral bath, and a hookah lounge – sigh. Moreover, the restaurant offers what is “Neuvo Jungle” cuisine with everything made to order. What’s more, much of what they offer is grown locally in their own organic gardens. It’s no wonder that this resort was once called the top hotel for romance in Central America!
With no TV or Wi-Fi in the rooms, staying here is a truly solitudinous experience. Rooms are divided into five categories, of which the Bungalows are great for gay couples. They offer not only a hot tub but also tons of privacy. Nevertheless, all rooms come with mod-cons, tiled tubs, standing candles, fresh flowers in the bathrooms, and huge feather beds.
Check Rates on:
St. George’s Caye Resort
9
Enjoy a truly hedonistic vacation at the adults-only beachfront St. George’s Caye Resort, one of the most luxurious gay friendly hotels in Belize. Located on a mile-long island close to the Belize Barrier Reef, this low-key resort is the perfect place to get away from all the bustle. A long sandy beachfront aside, the resort boasts a saltwater pool but also offers snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks for free use. What’s more, enthusiastic divers can even book complimentary trial scuba sessions. The spa, albeit small, offers amazing massages and body treatments, but it’s the food here that’s the most unique of all amenities.
Indulge in communal meals at the long, 16-seat table on the upper deck with a wide outdoor terrace, which is the only place to have a meal on the entire island, by the way! Aside from scrumptious meals, even the à la carte breakfast is great with made-to-order eggs, cereals, and tropical fruits. Oh, and don’t miss the complimentary daily rum punch at the Sand Bar. 12 thatched wooden cabanas cream rustic elegance, of which half are overwater. However, it’s the oceanfront cabanas that are the best. Nevertheless, all of them come with chic bathrooms, verandahs with hammocks, and cos interiors.
Check Rates on:
Ka’ana Resort & Spa
8
Ka’ana is Mayan for ‘heavenly place,’ and the luxurious and leafy sanctuary that is Ka’ana Resort & Spa is exactly that. Lying 10 minutes south of San Ignacio, the resort is a honeymooner’s paradise and rather favorite with newlyweds. What’s more, the staff is excellent and welcome you with a refreshing ginger and lime drink and a property orientation tour. The style is contemporary luxury with lots of Belizean touches; think Mayan masks, brightly colored textiles, and hammocks. And, of course, there are the bountiful tropical gardens that are chock-full of butterflies, birds, and blossoming Caribbean florae.
The 26 feet-long infinity pool feels decadent and divine at the spa time, as does the two-room spa. Moreover, the property even offers entertaining Mayan cooking classes. The on-site restaurant and bar serves lip-smacking American-Belize fare with inventive cocktails and even has a 500-bottle wine cellar! Breakfast is a mixed affair with banana pancakes, fry jacks, kombucha tea, and superfood juices. Choose from 15 suites that feature local woods, minibars and are divided into entry-level suites and huge casita suites with enclosed garden courtyards with outdoor showers. For real decadence, the one/two-bedroom villas with private pools are perfect.
Check Rates on:
Victoria House Resort & Spa
7
Combining luxury and a central location is Victoria House Resort & Spa, one of the most swish gay friendly hotels in Belize. This four-star resort lies on palm-dotted grounds right on the sands of a pristine beach near San Pedro. This place is very popular with honeymooners and divers, so if you’re either, you’re going to have a great time here. What’s even better is that the resort has hammocks strung between the palms, white rope lights all over, and lovely music playing in the background.
While the sandy beach is shallow and clean, there are even two pools and a swimming area at the property. After refreshing dips in the water anywhere, head to the fitness center or the excellent spa, which even has Mayan treatments using coconut oil and local honey. What’s more, the resort even has a water sports and a dive center and organizes a host of water activities and excursions. Two restaurants and a bar serve delectable Belizean and international fare, with breakfast being a hearty continental affair.
Of the 42 excellent and spacious rooms, the plantation rooms are particularly beautiful with four-poster beds, quicker fans, and terracotta-tiled floors. If you’re a large group, go for the houses and villas, which are sprawling and decked out with all mod-cons.
Check Rates on:
Copal Tree Lodge
6
Eco-conscious LGBTQ travelers will love the luxury eco-lodge of Copal Tree Lodge, which lies on a ridge overlooking a verdant rainforest. Located 25 minutes north of Punta Gorda, it’s the perfect retreat for those gay travelers who want to get away from the bustle and cookie-cutter living. Intrepid travelers will love Copal Tree, for there’s so much to do! Right from fly fishing and visits to spice farms to chocolate-making and birdwatching, this place has no dearth of activities to keep you on your toes.
The resort incorporates many thoughtful and responsible touches, such as complimentary metal water bottles, birdwatching scopes, and coffee table books. A Jungle Gym fitness center and a one-room Jungle Spa aside, the resort also has a yoga platform with breathtaking views and six miles of hiking trails. When you want to unwind, choose a perch at one of the two swimming pools with stunning views of the foliage. Even the restaurant and bar are thoughtful and serve up the bountiful organic produce that the estate grows itself. In fact, the bar even packs hearty lunches if you’re headed out on an excursion! If that wasn’t enough, the à la carte breakfast is a scrumptious affair with dishes such as locally made honey and yogurt, cocoa nib waffles, and ‘Sunrise Burrito’ – yum!
With just a few king jungle and signature canopy suites, staying here is one exclusive experience. While the former lie close to the main building, the latter are set further up the hill. While all of them are excellent, we suggest going for the signature canopy suites for a splurge-worthy vacation, as they come with terrific views of the mountains and the river and even a private pool!
Check Rates on:
Ramon’s Village Resort
5
The island of Bora Bora is the inspiration for Ramon’s Village Resort, one of the most luxurious gay friendly hotels in Belize. This Polynesian-style self-contained Ambergris Caye paradise has its own spa, dive center, and white-sand beach and is truly a sanctuary on ‘La Isla Bonita,’ as Madonna dreamt of San Pedro.
Belize’s first certified scuba diver and a San Pedro native Ramon Nunez manages this resort, which is a bunch of thatched cabanas set in lush green gardens. The staff dressed in brightly colored tiki-style shirts are friendly and book just about anything that you want. What’s more, the resort even offers trips to The Blue Hole and has one of Belize’s largest dive centers. When you want to relax, the lagoon-style pool is perfect for a refreshing dip, after which you can enjoy a seashell massage or a pineapple facial in an open palapa at the Beach Spa! Plus, the alfresco restaurant and bar serve delicious local and international meals. In fact, breakfast includes fry jacks, delicious smoothies, egg combos, ad more. Finally, don’t miss ‘On A Stone’ cooking sessions on Saturdays and Tuesday night beach barbecues with live music.
Cabanas are inspired by Bora Bora and designed from local materials. Moreover, all rooms are extremely spacious, airy, and colorful with spotless bathrooms, Belizean mahogany floors, plush king beds, and a veranda.
Check Rates on:
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
4
How would you like to stay amidst acres of Belizian rainforest that’s within walking distance of the lively town of San Ignacio? Welcome to San Ignacio Resort Hotel, a family-run gay-friendly 26-room luxury hotel with an on-site iguana conservation project! In fact, the location is dubbed as the “only jungle in town.” This 1976-built relaxed hotel welcomes you within a bright lobby with an inviting lobby bar and local artwork. The best spot on the property is probably the outdoor patio. Not only does it overlook the rainforest and the pool, but also you might end up spotting an iguana or two here.
The friendly staff is more than happy to book Mayan temple tours and hiking and canoe trips for intrepid travelers. Or, you could visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project, go birdwatching for spotting the keel-billed toucan, or indulge in the Medicinal Trail guided walk. After a dip in the decadent 24-hour pool, we recommend a banana mash mask at the spa. The on-site restaurant serves delectable Belizian and international fare, but the a la carte breakfast deserves special mention. Don’t miss the Belizean Breakfast with eggs, plantain, fry jacks, a side of cornmeal flatbread Johnny cakes.
Comfy and unfussy is the best way to describe the rooms here, which range from Garden Rooms with hammocks in a private garden to Balcony Rooms with jungle-view balconies with hammocks and alfresco furniture and local artwork. Immaculate bathrooms, bathrobes, and mod-cons make for a great stay.
Check Rates on:
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club
3
The Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club is not only one of the most lavish gay friendly hotels in Belize, but it’s also one of the Best Hotels in Belize. But, that’s not all. It also happens to be the first internationally branded luxury resort on Ambergris Caye! While it offers a slew of indulgent facilities, the resort still manages to retain the island’s come-as-you-are and laidback spirit.
Less of a resort and more of an upscale village, the place features a ‘townlet’ of shops, food shacks, restaurants, canal-facing cottages, white clapboard streets, a British Colonial-style house, and a waterfront. Phew! What’s more, the resort overflows with amenities, the zenith of which is the Bay Club with a pool deck with a bar, massage cabanas, and a next-door fitness center. Furthermore, you’ll also see a tour desk, a golf cart rental agency, and a yoga studio. Begin your day with a delicious continental breakfast and follow it up with plentiful options for lunch and dinner. The best part? They range from Japanese cuisine and Texan barbeque to sandwiches!
Rooms range from studios to three-bedroom spreads with private pools all done up in British Colonial style; think deep verandahs and louvered windows. Nevertheless, they’re all made from sustainably harvested hardwoods and have swanky mod-cons, rustic-chic showers (some with tubs), and kitchenettes. Thoughtful additions such as black washcloths for removing makeup are what make this resort such a favorite.
Check Rates on:
Matachica Beach Resort
2
A short water taxi ride from coastal San Pedro brings you to the striking white sands of Ambergris Caye and the eye-popping Matachica Beach Resort. Thatched casitas in shades of blueberry, banana, and mango are offset by the brilliant white of the sand, lending this opulent beachfront oasis a Gauguin-like quality. Moreover, all of them offer superb views of the sea, complete with a glass-walled shower ensconced by bamboo plants – barefoot luxury indeed. On the inside, Central American accents and modern flourishes such as coffeemakers and flat-screen TVs. Oh, and don’t forget that huge plush bed that’ll make it very, and we mean very difficult for you to get out of bed in the morning. The best feature is the Sea Breeze bungalows – they cost less than the beachfront casitas and also are a mere 30-second walk to the water’s edge.
The rest of the resort is equally impressive. Tiles, artwork, and even the fabrics echo the outdoor hues. Pamper yourself with a sensual chocolate body wrap or a papaya facial at the Jade Spa. Yet another excellent place to relax and unwind is the divine swimming pool, which is adults-only too. The on-site restaurant, which has both indoor and outdoor seating, serves delectable seafood and other cuisines. If you’re interested in exploring the island, the concierge is more than happy to organize customized tours for you.
Check Rates on:
Naïa Resort and Spa
1
Sitting atop the list of the best gay friendly hotels in Belize is the 19-acre hideaway that is Naïa Resort and Spa. The incredibly luxurious place aims to be Belize’s ultimate spa-centric seaside luxury resort – and it’s well on its way to becoming one. Framed by mangroves and palm trees, the resort has just 35 residences, treetop villas, and cozy beach houses. What’s more, they all offer varying perspectives. For instance, you’ll find pops of vibrant Caribbean artwork all over and decadent verandas that open right onto the beach. Moreover, some even come with private splash pools and huge bathrooms with freestanding and deep-soaking tubs for the ultimate luxurious stay.
The resort overflows with amenities, and as such, feels very exclusive. The large rectangular swimming pool is definitely the epicenter of the place. Plus, there’s another pool at the spa, aside from the villas with private splash pools. Three restaurants serve delectable fare, while the spa restaurant serves lighter and healthier dishes. While there’s a yoga studio and fitness center, the star is the gargantuan spa complex set amidst freshwater ponds. Go for the resort’s signature skin-revitalizing treatment that’s sure to relax your very being.
Check Rates on:
Just So You Know:
- Even though Belize doesn’t still recognize same-sex marriages, it’s the Caribbean’s first former British colony to overturn its anti-sodomy law.
Get Some Culture in Belize:
- Belize doesn’t have an official Gay Pride, but a Pride week was organized back in 2015 by UNIBAM (United Belize Advocacy Movement) and many other LGBTQ organizations.
- Belize Party Bus Ultimate Evening Experience: Gay or straight, everyone will love to ride aboard the Belizean Dream Express. This unique Party Bus experience in Belize takes you around Belize City on an unforgettable night-time extravaganza. Think dancing, strong local drinks (free, of course!, and Belizian music.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Belize:
- Jaguar’s Night Club: One of the hottest clubs in Belize, this Ambergris Caye hotspot is the perfect place for partying the night away. The vast venue is very popular with locals and tourists, has good music and fun, and specifically calls itself a gay-friendly venue.
- Barefoot Bar: This Placencia staple is a great gay bar where you can hang out with newly-made friends or even meet travelers and locals. Expect strong drinks, fantastic service, and great food.
Best Gay Saunas in Belize:
Belize doesn’t have any gay saunas as such, and even if they do, they certainly don’t advertise it. However, there are gorgeous beaches where you can enjoy a sauna-like atmosphere, along with all the beautiful people.
