The quiet Garifuna fishing village of Hopkins along the Belize Central coast boasts what many people believe to be Belize’s best mainland beach with several miles of uninterrupted yellow sand gently curving along the Caribbean sea. It also boasts beautiful beach resorts that offer an ideal location from which to enjoy a range of marine activities on the southern reef, experience thrilling jungle adventures in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, learn more about Belize’s Garifuna Culture, or just kick-back and enjoy an intimate beach vacation.

Hopkins Beach, just south of Dangriga town, extends for miles along the Caribbean sea while Hopkins Village, is a small Garifuna fishing community of a couple thousand people located on the central portion of Hopkins beach. There are some small guest-houses in the village, but most of the resorts are located on the southern end of beach, which has allowed the village to retain its authentic nature. The “hotel zone” in Hopkins is probably one of the most low key of any of Belize’s beach or island tourism destinations - so it is not the best location for those seeking a lot of action. Yet what Hopkins lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality and its ideal location. The resorts here are simply top-notch and provide everything you need for an idyllic beach vacation along with plenty of options to go snorkelling, diving, fishing, sea-kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and island hopping. Its central location on the mainland also allows for easy access to jungle adventures including some of the Maya Sites. Hopkins is the perfect place to get away from it all and simply unwind in a gorgeous beach location or enjoy a wide-range of amazing adventures.

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Jaguar Reef Lodge on hopkins Beach

Jaguar Reef  & Almond Beach

Seafront beach cabanas at almond beach

Though Jaguar Reef Lodge and Almond Beach are technically considered separate properties, these neighboring resorts are both a part of the Viva Belize Hotel Group and they share many of the same facilities spread over a large section of the nicest portion of Hopkins Beach. Combined, these properties offer a wide range of room types ranging from standard sea-side rooms to large multi room suites that can house large families and offer luxurious full service villa amenities. The accommodations at Jaguar Reef Lodge have a decidedly Belizean feel to them – they are large airy rooms under thatch cabanas with lively local art and verandas that look out over sandy beach gardens to the sea beyond. Meanwhile, the somewhat more upscale rooms at Almond beach have a modern colonial aesthetic with hardwood and stone construction, tile floors, contemporary furnishings and artwork, and luxurious touches. Some rooms face the sea, while others are set back some from the beach and look out into beautiful tropical gardens, but all very well appointed, comfortable, and air-conditioned. The picturesque beach-front restaurant at Jaguar Reef serves up delicious local cuisine with an inspired flare all day long while the Butterflies Coffee Shop, also on the compound, serves coffee drinks, sandwiches, and ice-cream. Other onsite amenities include the Butterflies Spa, offering a wide range of massage and spa treatments, two beach front, one with a lively swim-up tiki bar, a lounge bard in the Jaguar Reef restaurant, pier with thatch cabana over the water, and a tour concierge offering a range of marine and inland adventures. Beach chairs, hammocks, and loungers are set up all along the beach, providing many places to relax and enjoy the breeze, and complimentary kayaks and bicycles are provided for exploring the area. 


The pool and beach bar at belizean dreams

Belizean Dreams

Belizean Dreams is an intimate and exclusive beach resort with just a handful of units spread among green lawns and pretty tropical gardens overlooking a wonderful swimming beach. Each unit consists of a two storey Three Bedroom Villa. This is a fully appointed home with a large living room, gourmet kitchen, and verandah looking over the lovely gardens at to the Caribbean Sea beyond. The villa has three bedrooms, each with king bed and private bathroom. The two bedrooms on the lower floor also have a futon couch convertible to a 2nd bed. The villa amenities include private bathrooms, AC, King-size bed & ceiling fan in each room, refrigerator, coffee maker, purified water dispenser in each room, daily housekeeping services, and complimentary WiFi in common areas. The 3 Bedroom Villa can be booked as the whole house, as a two-bedroom unit on the ground floor (sleeping up to 5 people) including the full villa facilities, or as the upstairs suite only (as these have a separate entrance), providing a variety of room configurations suitable for couples, friends, and families. Belizean Dreams features a full services restaurant that is located on the beach next the pool and serves up delicious gourmet and local meals, while the fun beach bar serves up tasty snacks, refreshing drinks, and lively atmosphere all day long. Shaded lounge chairs dot the beach, providing a perfect setting to relax and soak in the Caribbean setting. Belizean Dreams is a perfect choice for those looking for full service villa amenities in a lovely beach resort setting. 


Supberb rooftop views from the villa verano penthouse

Villa Verano

The Spanish colonial inspired Villa Verano houses 10 spacious bedrooms spread over three floors is easily the most luxurious vacation rental in the Hopkins area. No expense was spared in the design, craftsmanship, and furnishing of this gorgeous beachfront retreat, which offers the ultimate in comfort and style. The first and second floors are occupied with the 5 bedroom Sunrise Home and 4 bedroom Sea Grape Home. Each of these two villas is equipped with a grand suite containing a very large dining room, living room, bar area, laundry room and full kitchen facing the sea (in-house chef services are available for every meal).  Smaller groups or couples can also book one of the 3 Beachfront Rooms or 2 Courtyard Rooms that comprise the Sunrise Home on the first floor independently or with the grand suite to gain use of the kitchen and living space. The rooftop terrace offers 360 degree views of the Caribbean Sea to the east and Maya Mountains to the west and features an artistically crafted hot tub, seating area, BBQ, games room with billiards and ping pong and an air conditioned Gym. The luxurious Penthouse Suite is also located on the 3rd floor.  It is an elegant and private room providing the ideal location to celebrate a honeymoon or any other special event.  Each unit at Villa Verano is beautifully decorated and well furnished with artistic touches to round out every detail and ensure a truly pampered experience. Top that off with a picturesque setting right on the sea, a 70’ pool, gym, study, entertainment room, and rooftop hot-tub, and you have the ultimate beach vacation rental. Villa Verano is the perfect setting for an intimate beach wedding, family reunion, or gathering of friends. . 


the comfortable king rooms at Caribbean Shores B&B

Caribbean Shores B&B

The comfortable Caribbean Shores B&B is a welcome addition to Hopkins located within the cheerful Caribbean Village Apartments and Shops. This is a new development with long term rental apartments, Suds n' Duds Laundromat, U lick Ice Cream Shop, a well-stocked Village Grocery store and Delicatessen, an upscale woman's clothing shop with a great selection of bathing suites (Mirror-Mirror Boutique), and The Sand Bar, a gourmet burger bar and restaurant providing tasty food and cold drinks at a fraction of the resort rates. The friendly owners of the Caribbean Village, Cindy and Joe, offer 6 well-appointed and comfortable rooms at their lovely Caribbean Shores B&B. Each room is air conditioned and comfortable and offers excellent value. Guests of the B&B have full use of a lovely pool, a fully furnished kitchen, dining, and living room facilities as well as a roof-top terrace offering fantastic views of the mountains. Though Caribbean Shores is not located directly on the beach, the sea it is only a minute away and quickly accessed by a footpath leading straight to it. This is an ideal choice for anyone looking to stay on the Hopkins area seeking a comfortable and welcoming low-key atmosphere at a great price.