The Placencia peninsula is the favorite beach getaway on the mainland for tourists and locals alike and provides the perfect setting from which to explore the underwater gardens along the southern reef, venture into the jungle of the central coast, or simply relax and unwind with the sea breeze in your hair.

The 15 mile long Placencia peninsula is located on the Belize central coast south of Dangriga town and Hopkins Village. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the east and a placid mangrove lagoon on the west. The eastern shore is strung with a series of beaches that are dotted with luxurious beach resorts, intimate guest houses, private rentals, and homes. The small community of Maya Beach, lies about half way down the peninsula (8 miles or so north of Placencia village and just north of the Garifuna Village of Seine Bight), and offers several of our favorite beach resorts and inns and some excellent gourmet restaurants. The Placencia Village is at the lower tip of the peninsula. It is a fun little town with a long expanse of yellow sand beach, an assortment of delicious restaurants, gift shops, a few lively beach bars, and a laid-back quiet atmosphere. A visit here will reward you with a relaxed experience in a fun beach town with access to both marine and inland attractions.

View SabreWing's top picks for adventures & activities in the Placencia Area >


The Chabil Mar Villas, Placencia, Belize

Chabil Mar Villas  

The Chabil Mar is a guest exclusive boutique resort offering 20 fully appointed luxury villas set among lushly landscaped tropical gardens along 400 feet of barefoot perfect oceanfront and swimming beach within walking distance of the village of Placencia.  Its setting provides a private beach escape with all the luxuries of a full-service resort, while also offering easy access to the fun restaurants, bars, and shops of the village. Spacious one bedroom and two bedroom spacious villas feature full kitchens and living spaces, are uniquely designed and furnished with original artwork, and offer excellent views from personal verandas. Friendly service is a hallmark of this gem. infinity beach-side pools are nestled among the gardens, as is a fun bar and lounge area. Delicious meals are available from the onsite kitchen, Café Mar and are served to guests anywhere on the property, including the open-air beachfront dining room, private tables on the beach, the over-the-water pier and of course in your villa. Gentle waves lap the soft sand swimming beach and the use of sea kayaks and paddle boards is complimentary along with a range of beach toys. A large over-the-water dock with covered thatch palapa is a great place to catch the sun rise and sunset, relax with a book or drinks, or mark a special occasion with an intimate meal. Concierge service is available for any of your needs and in-room or beach-side massages can be arranged. Chabil Mar prides itself on providing top-notch “guest-centric and exclusive service”. This is evident in every aspect of how the resort is designed and operated and a stay here is sure to reward guests with an unforgettable “barefoot luxury” experience. 


Sea Front Villa at the Turtle Inn near Placencia Village

Turtle Inn

The Turtle Inn is part of the Family Coppola Resorts. It was acquired by Francis and Eleanor Coppola in 2001 and transformed into an idyllic Balinese inspired refuge that delights guests with 25 individual thatched cottages surrounded by lush gardens and located just steps from the beach Turquoise Caribbean. Each Cottage has a private screened porch, spacious bathroom with a Japanese bath, private walled garden with an outdoor shower, and features Balinese hand-carved doors and decor. Larger 2-bedroom/2 bath Villas provide a living room, separated seating areas, and an extended screened porch - the perfect location to unwind over a coffee or cocktail after an exciting day of adventuring. All rooms are spacious and appointed with luxurious amenities: Wifi, alarm clock & iPod docking station, Illy espresso machin, bathrobes, in-room dining, refrigerator stocked with wine, soft drinks, Belikin beer, and snacks, writing table & chair, sofa & coffee table, and yoga mats. Three delicious onsite restaurants offer a range of dining experiences: the upscale Mare specializes in Italian and Seafood dishes, while the relaxed Auntie Luba's Kitchen offers local favorites, and the beach front Gauguin Grill serves grilled, fresh, "catch-of the day" right out by the water. Two onsite bars offer your favorite cocktails and a large selection of wine housed in Belize's only "Wine Aquarium" - a wall-to-wall glass-encased wine cellar that holds more than 1200 bottles from Francis Ford Coppola’s two wineries in Sonoma County, along with many other vintages from Chili, Argentina, Italy, France and the US. Other Resort amenities include the Sunset Spa, set in an open-air Balinese Rice House and specializing in traditional Thai massage, two swimming pools, a full service Dive Shop, and a gift shop. Pampering service provided by experienced staff tops off the list of what makes The Turtle Inn one of Belize's most luxurious beach resort destinations, sure to deliver an experience that will cater to your every whim.


Saltwater Pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea at Naïa Resort and Spa

Naïa Resort and Spa

The Naïa Resort and Spa is an intimate, chic property on the Placencia Peninsula where you can enjoy a rejuvenating beach retreat with a good dose of laid-back luxury: be at peace in your serene and private room; indulge in the services of Belize's first Destination Spa; and enjoy creative cuisine in three wonderful onsite restaurants. The Beach Houses at Naïa are designed to offer guests an authentic Belize experience where they can embrace the beautiful surroundings, with open airy spaces offering breathtaking views of the sea and native vegetation, luxury en-suite amenities, and plenty of space and privacy. The Beach Houses range in size from Studios, to One, Two and Three-bedroom homes that accommodate groups and family comfortably. Every unit features an outdoor veranda that opens directly to the beach, spacious interior with wet bar, 4-piece bathroom, and gorgeous out-door showers in private gardens. Most of the larger units also feature personal plunge pools. At the heart of Naïa, tucked away on a series of enchanting lily-covered lagoons, lies a unique destination spa with five treatment rooms and a private island couples retreat offering an extensive menu of signature treatments and spa rituals. Three excellent dining options are available onsite: their signature restaurant 1981, offers Modern Belizean inspired cuisine; the Beach Bar and Grill – located next to Naïa’s large heated saltwater swimming pool and facing the beach – serves great drinks and local favorites such as seafood, homemade burgers and deliciously healthy tacos and salads; and the Reflections Spa Café is the perfect spot to grab a nourishing smoothy or healthy lunch. Naïa is the perfect beach retreat for couples, friends, or families looking for a rejuvenating beach getaway. 


Poolside perfection at Itz’ana

Itz’Ana Resort

Itz’ana is a brand new luxury boutique resort located on the Placencia Peninsula offering a unique atmosphere that seeks to combine adventure with relaxation where “wayward whimsy and an adventurous spirit are welcome”. From the moment you arrive, you sense that this property is like no other in Belize. From the grand great house that houses the reception, Limilia Restaurant and Biblio Bar, to the the uniquely designed pool area, to the exotic resort rooms and lavish beachfront villas – every aspect of Itz’ana is a delightful and stimulating surprise. Chef-driven meals and cocktail creations ensure that your every bit and drink are an inspiration. Meanwhile while style, luxury, and comfort underlie every aspect of each room category’s design, assuring a blissful and relaxing stay. Deluxe rooms offer “poolside perfection” and excellent value while their spacious Beachfront Suites offer direct beach views. The beachfront Villas are where comfort meets indulgence – these elegant modern units range from One Bedroom Loft Villas with private plunge pools to two and tree-bedroom villas featuring full kitchens, dining areas, and enclosed patios with private lap pool. Two swimming pools and a swimming beach help you to keep fresh while a full-service spa will help you shine. Nourish yourself and indulge your sense at Limilia Restaurant, where “seasonal, seafood-focused fare highlights locally sourced ingredients, including vegetables from our organic farm as well as fresh fish line-caught by our on-staff fisherman”. Transport to another era while titillating your taste buds at the Biblio Bar. Itz’Ana is located on the Placencia Peninsula a few mile north of the village, which can be accessed by taxi, shuttle, golf-cart rental or bicycle. The location is private and intimate but offers excellent access to a wide range of marine adventures as well as inland excursions in the jungle.


The Green Parrot Beach Houses, Maya Beach PlACENCIA

Green Parrot Beach Houses

The Green Parrot offers a quintessential laid back and authentic beach cabana experience in a peaceful setting. Six Newly Renovated Beach House and two Rustic Thatch Cabanas are set among coconut palms along an enchanting stretch of sandy coastline in the Maya Beach area of the Placencia Peninsula. The wooden beach houses with second story lofts include king beds downstairs with small living areas and queen beds upstairs and can accommodate couples, friends traveling together or families of four. These units offer AC, refrigerators and walk-in showers. Two smaller more rustic thatched cabana units are beach front with queen beds are ideal for couples. All the beach houses include private porches with hammocks and a sea-view, some are directly beachfront and others look over the pool to the sea beyond.  The welcoming staff, an open-air onsite restaurant and bar, a swimming dock, refreshing pool and sun deck, and plenty of shaded spaces to take in the view of the sea, ensure a relaxing and stay. A dock with covered thatch hang out area with hammocks and chairs is a great place to unwind with a book or cool drink. The use of bicycles and kayaks are complimentary for guests who wish to explore the area by land or sea. The Green Parrot is located several miles north of the Placencia Village in the Maya Beach area of the Peninsula. There are a few good restaurants nearby within walking distance while the Village of Placencia can be accessed by taxi.


The Singing Sands Inn, MAYA bEACH, pLcencia

Umaya Beach Resort

Umaya is a lovely full-service beach resort in the Maya Beach area of the Placencia Peninsula offering fully appointed One- and Two-Bedroom Suites facing either the Caribbean Sea or the placid Placencia Lagoon and the Maya Mountains. This relatively large property (for Belize) spans the peninsula from the lagoon to the sea with four hundred and thirty feet of beach access where you can play a game of volleyball or bean bags, build a sandcastle, run through the waves, kick back with a book, or just gaze across the sea from a hammock under the palm trees. The use of kayaks, paddle boards, beach toys, bikes, is complimentary. Umaya also boasts one of the largest swimming pools in Belize – sure to delight the entire family! Two restaurants are available onsite – Don Tonito’s Pizza Wood Fired Pizza Kitchen by the pool on the beach side and La Laguna on the lagoon side offering gourmet versions of locally inspired dishes and excellent views of the lagoon and mountains (highly recommended at sunset!). Both restaurants will do room service to your suite. Located right on the beach is also a fun beach bar and swim-up pool bar offering tasty snacks and a fun atmosphere all day. The Umaya Beach Resort is located in the Maya Beach area of the Placencia Peninsula, about 15 minutes north of the main village, but the many restaurants and fun activities on the peninsula are easily within reach via a fun jaunt on your golf-cart or the resort shuttle, which goes into the village twice a day.