Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.
Looking for the best resorts in Placencia, Belize?
I’m here to help you! Placencia is a small village in southeastern Belize that’s one of the most popular stops for travelers. Most hotels in Placencia are along the Placencia Peninsula, a 16-mile stretch surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the lagoon on the other.
Separated from the mainland by a small causeway, the peninsula offers a perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy fun activities like wildlife watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving. But if you just want a lazy day, you can enjoy Placencia beach with soft silky sand.
✅ Read my Belize travel tips to avoid worst tourist mistakes
In this article, I will provide a detailed overview of the best places to stay in Placencia from some of the most popular resorts in Placencia to popular cabanas and the best cheap stays to save some money.
Best Resorts in Placencia: an overview
1. Sirenian Bay Resort – Villas & All-Inclusive Bungalows
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Free Parking
One of the best resorts in Belize, Sirenian Bay Resort is a stunning property along the beachfront in Placencia that offers a mix of accommodations including spacious villas and cozy bungalows.
Only a few steps from Seine Bight Beach and 1.8 miles from Maya Beach, Sirenian also has a bar and a private beach area.
➡️ Check: Is Placencia safe?
The resort offers several types of villas – Turtle Villas for 2 guests, Seashore Villas for up to 10 guests, and Manatee Villa that has space for up to 14 guests. It also has beach bungalows with stunning views of the Caribbean.
All rooms at Sirenian Bay Resort have a coffee machine, and selected rooms also have a kitchen with a fridge, an oven, and a dishwasher.
➡️ What language do they speak in Belize? Click here to find out
You can grab a free bike offered to all guests, enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, or a fitness center and garden
The resort has an on-site restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines like Caribbean and Italian and also has some classic American staples. You can also request vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options.
Guests enjoy a great breakfast with buffet, à la carte, and continental options.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SIRENIAN BAY RESORT
2. Itzana
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Free Parking
- Family rooms
Itz’ana Resort & Residences is one of the best eco-resorts in Belize along the gorgeous beach in Placencia that boasts a home-like atmosphere and cozy accommodations.
The property has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, and free Wi-Fi. Guests love the gorgeous pool with fresh water, attentive staff, and beautifully decorated rooms.
Continental breakfast is available, and you can choose from continental, American, vegan, and vegetarian options. Guests at the accommodations can take advantage of many activities at Seine Bight Village, like cycling.
✅ Read: Honduras or Belize vacation?
Placencia Village is 3.7 mi from Itz’ana Resort & Residences.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ITZANA RESORT AND RESIDENCES
3. Naïa Resort and Spa
- Beachfront
- Spa services
- Free Parking
Naia Resort and Spa is one of the best eco-resorts in Placencia that boasts a private beach and a welcoming atmosphere.
The property offers a good variety of accommodations from studio beach houses to one and two, three, four, and five-bedroom beach houses and gorgeous tree-top villas.
The beachfront cabins with hammocks surrounded by tall palm trees create an ideal setting for a tropical getaway. The property offers bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boards at no charge.
Naia also has an on-site restaurant where you can try local specialties and international cuisines and the friendly staff can help you arrange tours at the front desk.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT NAIA RESORT AND SPA
4. Sandy Feet Beach Rentals
- Free Parking
- Beachfront
- Swimming pool
Sandy Feet Beach is an apartment vacation rental that offers a home-like experience. The units have kitchens, washing machines, bathrooms, and spacious living rooms. Accommodations have a private entrance, a pool with a view, and a flat-screen TV and air conditioning.
The property is only a few steps away from Placencia Beach, and has a balcony, so you can watch a gorgeous Placencia sunset from your room.
Guests can choose from a variety of wellness packages available in-house. The area is popular for canoeing, and free bicycles are available at the property.
The Placencia Airport (PLJ) is 1.9 miles from Sandy Feet Beach Rentals, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SANDY FEET BEACH RENTALS
5. The Villas at Cocoplum
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Free Parking
Located 1,300 feet from Seine Bight Beach, The Villas at Cocoplum is one of the most popular hotels in Placencia that has modern accommodations and friendly staff. The property offers free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden.
All rooms have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a spacious terrace with gorgeous views, and a hot tub to soak in after a day of adventures.
Guests enjoy activities in Placencia Village, like hiking, cycling, and diving.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE VILLAS AT COCO PLUM
6. Coco’s Beach Front Cabanas
- Private beach
- Free Parking
- Family rooms
Coco’s Beachfront is a beautiful cabana-style resort with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. The property is 250 feet from Seine Bight Beach.
➡️ Can I use US dollars in Belize? Click here to find out
The rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom. All cabanas come with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony with a sea view.
The property offers activities like snorkeling and canoeing and a free shuttle service to Placencia Airport.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT COCO’S BEACH FRONT CABANAS
7. SeaBird Belize Vacation Rentals
- Private beach
- Free Parking
- Spa and wellness center
Located just over a mile from Seine Bight Beach, Seabird Belize Vacation Rentals is a cool villa with a minimalistic design. The property boasts a gorgeous infinity pool, sea views, and a patio.
Yoga classes are offered in-house. The area is popular for hiking, and car rentals are available at Seabird Belize Vacation Rentals.
Bicycles are available for rent, and you can also book a shuttle service to Placencia Airport 0.6 miles from the property.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SEA BIRD VACATION RENTALS
8. Miramar Suites
- Beachfront
- Free Parking
- Swimming pool
Miramar Suites is a seafront property with stylish apartments and great amenities. Each unit comes with a kitchen, TV, and Wi-Fi. Kitchens have a microwave and oven.
Bike rental is available at the property.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MIRAMAR SUITES
9. Chablil Mar Villas
- Free Airport Shuttle
- Beachfront
- Free Parking
If you are looking for one of the best Placencia resorts, check out Chablis Mar Villas located on the beach. The property boasts an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and sea views.
➡️ Where is Belize on the map? Click here to find out
Guests enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival and wonderful customer service.
Villas at Chablis Mar come with partial or full sea views. Guests can use free bicycles, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the area.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT CHABIL MAR VILLAS
10. Sea Glass Inn Belize
- Beachfront
- Airport Shuttle
Sea Glass Inn boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of Placencia Village a few steps from Placencia Beach.
The property has a garden, 360-degree views of the Caribbean, and modern facilities with a shared kitchen and free shuttle service. A continental breakfast is available every morning.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SEA GLASS INN BELIZE
11. The Elysian Boutique Hotel
- Spa
- Restaurant and bar
- Airport shuttle
One of the most popula resorts in the heart of Placencia, the Elysian Boutique Hotel was awarded the name of the leading boutique hotel in Mexico and Central America in 2022.
The Elysian has a swimming pool and accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace.
The property also features water sports facilities, room service, a concierge service, and organizing tours for guests.
➡️ Find out how to plan a perfect Belize itinerary
Every room includes a private bathroom, a safety deposit box, and free Wi-Fi, while certain rooms here will provide you with a balcony and some have sea views. All guest rooms at the hotel feature air conditioning and a closet.
The daily breakfast offers à la carte, continental or American options. An on-site restaurant serves American and Belizean cuisine.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE ELYSIAN
12. Belizean Nirvana
- Private beach
- Fitness center
- Family rooms
One of the best cheap hotels in Placencia, Belizean Nirvana is a small property with basic amenities and within walking distance of the center of Placencia.
Belizean Nirvana has a rooftop deck with a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea to the east and the beach in front.
➡️ Belize or Costa Rica? Find out what country is better for your vacation!
At Belizean Nirvana, you will find free bikes and free kayaks. Free parking is available.
Placencia Beach is a few steps away. After spending time on the beach, you can use the outdoor showers and relax in a hammock on a veranda.
Continental breakfast is available at the property.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BELIZEAN NIRVANA
13. Mariposa Belize Beach Resort
- Breakfast
- Private beach
- Free Parking
Mariposa Belize Beach is one of the most popular resorts in Placencia that has an outdoor swimming pool and a seafront restaurant.
Suites at the Mariposa have a fridge, a TV with steaming capabilities, Wi-Fi, a living-dining area, and a private bathroom. The property also has a tour desk where you can book fun activities like snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
Free Kayak and Paddle board rentals on-site.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MARIPOSA BEACH BELIZE RESORT
Best things to do in Placencia
Go snorkeling or diving
Placencia offers perfect conditions for diving and snorkeling with amazing reefs and spectacular wildlife. Choose one of the local tour operators for your fun adventure.
✅ BOOK A SCUBA DIVING SESSION IN PLACENCIA
Take a day trip to the Laughing Bird Caye Park near Placencia
The Laughing Bird Caye Park is a paradisiacal island in the middle of the Caribbean that’s an absolute must for anybody who comes to Placencia. A tour takes most of the day, and you can book your adventure online for a hassle-free experience.
Best tours of Laughing Bird Caye from Placencia
✅ BOOK A TOUR OF LAUGHING BIRD CAYE FROM PLACENCIA
Visit Hopkins
Hopkins is the nearby village where you can explore the Garifuna culture in Belize one of the most interesting cultures of the Caribbean. The best way to learn about this culture is by taking one of Garifuna’s drumming classes, shopping Garifuna art from local vendors, and trying traditional Garifuna dishes in the area’s restaurants.
Best guided tours of Hopkins
Another option is to book a tour with one of local Mayan communities where you can learn about their cooking and culture.
Explore ATM caves
A day trip to the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves (ATM caves) is a must when visiting Placencia. Profiled by National Geographic, ATM caves offer the Indiana Jones kind of experience. Here you get to swim and wade through the water and learn about ancient Mayan rituals that were performed thousands of years ago.
Best tours of ATM caves from Placencia
Visiting ATM caves was one of my favorite experiences in Belize, and you shouldn’t miss out on this experience during your time in Belize.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR OF ATM CAVES FROM PLACENCIA
Go jaguar spotting in Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary near Placencia is home to the world’s highest concentration of jaguars in the wild. This awesome tour led by a local guide combines jaguar watching experience with river tubing experience.
Book a tour of Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary from Placencia
Begin with an educational hike to learn about the local plants and animals, followed by a river tubing session that will take you to a waterfall where you can swim and float on the water.
Best overall tours from Placencia
Best restaurants in Placencia Belize
Placencia is a tourist hub of Belize and has no lack of good restaurants catering to many tastes and palettes. Here you can find anything from traditional Belizean food to western staples like burgers and fries and more healthy vegan and vegetarian options.
- Maya Beach Hotel Bistro – A beach resort restaurant with a separate vegan menu on request, Maya Beach offers great food and nice atmosphere. They also serve traditional Belizean food like fry jacks, refried beans, fruit, and veggies instead of eggs.
- The Secret Garden – One of the most popular restaurants inside the Placecnia village, the Secret Garden is tucked away in a quiet corner, and offers superb food and friendly service.
- The Shack Beach Cafe – A great brunch cafe, the Shack offers a great selection of Mexican foods and delicious smoothies.
- Carmen’s Kitchen – This place is not technically a restaurant, but a bunch of food stands grouped together. It’s one of the best places in Placencia to try traditional Belizean food like fry jam, rice and beans and fried dough. The food here is cheap and extremely filling, but don’t forget to bring cash!
- Omar Creole Grub – a local restaurant that’s been operating since 1993, Omar serves traditional Belize Creole food and specializes in seafood dishes made from the local ingredients brought to the restaurant by local fishermen.
How far is Placencia from Belize City?
Placenia is about 160 miles south of Belize City and it takes about 1,5 hours to get here from Belize City Airport.
✅ Read my complete guide on how to get from Belize City to Placencia
What airport do you fly into for Placencia Belize?
The Placencia Airport (code: PLJ) is a small airport that serves the Placencia Peninsula. It’s located on the Placencia Peninsula about three miles from Placencia Village and has daily flights to and from Belize City.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHT FROM BELIZE CITY TO PLACENCIA
How to get to Placencia from Belize City?
You can get to Placencia from Belize City by flying, catching a public bus, or booking a private transfer. Flying from Belize City to Placencia is the fastest way, however, it’s also the most expensive one.
Taking a public bus from Belize City to Placencia is the cheapest way to get around, but it’s also the slowest one, which might not be ideal after spending all day traveling. To take a bus from Belize City to Placencia, you will need to catch a taxi to Novelo Bus Terminal in Belize.
Many travelers book a shuttle from Belize City to Placencia which is a convenient way to get to your travel destination without having to drive or wait for public transport.
Private transportation from Belize City to Placencia
Private transportation is an easy and hassle-free way to travel between two cities. You will save lots of time and won’t have to deal with trying to get a taxi or catch public transportation.
An English-speaking driver will pick you up at the airport and transport you straight to your hotel in Placencia. Belize private shuttles offer door-to-door services which is perfect after a day of traveling.
Why book your private shuttle in Placencia ahead of time
Private shuttles can book up during the high season in Belize (December through March) when the demand is high. It’s always best to book your private shuttle online, so by the time you arrive in Belize City, all you need to do is meet your driver at the arrivals.
Private shuttles in Belize are not allowed to take passengers on the spot, and you will not be able to pay the driver at the airport if you haven’t booked it online ahead of time.
Are there any cons to booking a private shuttle to Placencia?
The biggest downside of booking a private shuttle to Placencia is that you will not be able to stop anywhere along the way, and once you arrive in Placencia, you will either need to book guided tours or take a taxi to get around.
Is there a shuttle from Belize Airport to Placencia?
Yes, there’s a shuttle from Belize Airport to Placencia, but you need to book it in advance to have a guaranteed seat.
✅ BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION FROM BELIZE CITY TO PLACENCIA
Renting a car in Belize
My favorite way to get around Belize is by car rental. While the country still has a developing infrastructure, and you need to have a full tank of gas at all times and be prepared for little to no amenities along the way.
Do I need to rent a car in Placencia Belize?
You don’t need a car rental in Placencia since it’s a small town and you can get around on foot. However, renting a car for your trip to Placencia is a great option if you want to explore more of the area without relying on guided tours and visit hidden corners of Belize.
Renting a car in Belize City
The best place to rent a car in Belize City is Philip Goldson International Airport. They have several car rental companies, and you also don’t have to get outside the airport to look for car rentals.
✅ CLICK HERE TO RENT A CAR IN BELIZE CITY
Where to rent a car in Belize City?
I recommend checking available options for car rentals in Belize through DiscoverCars, my favorite platform for finding car rentals in Belize.
It has available cars and prices online, so all you need to do is type in your travel dates and look for the vehicle that you want. When you arrive at the car rental company’s office, all your need to to do is sign the paperwork.
✅ CLICK HERE TO RENT A CAR IN BELIZE CITY
How do you get around Placencia?
You can get around Placencia on foot, since the area is very compact or by renting a bike. Another option is to rent a golf cart.
Resorts in Placencia: FAQ’s
Can you swim in Placencia?
Yes, you can swim in Placencia. Since the town sits on the Peninsula, you have two options – the lagoon side or the Caribbean side.
Is Placencia Belize worth visiting?
Placencia is a popular destination in southeastern Belize that’s worth a stop on your Belize itinerary. The town offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the country, as well as access to many natural reserves where you can enjoy wildlife watching and hiking.
Is Placencia Belize expensive?
Placencia is one of the most popular destinations in Belize, and it tends to be more expensive than other destinations in the area, as tourism is the main economy. Still, you can visit Placencia on a budget if you stay in one of budget hotels like Belizean Nirvana, cook your own meals and take advantage of group tours.
What’s the best place to stay in Placencia?
Located along the Placencia Peninsula, Placencia is a small town with two district areas, north and south. The northern end is dominated by luxury resorts, while the southern end has budget-friendly accommodations and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Can you walk the beach in Placencia?
Yes, you can walk on the beach in Placencia. Take the sidewalk along the Placencia Municipal Pier that will lead you to the beach. As you walk along, you will find many stores, restaurants and cafes.
What is the beach like in Placencia Belize?
Placencia boasts some of the best beaches in Belize. Seine Bight and Maya Beach have white sand Caribbean beaches, while the Placencia tourist strip has gorgeous golden beaches.
How safe is Placencia?
Placencia is generally safe, but you should always be aware of your surroundings and watch your belongings as petty theft is the most common crime affecting tourists. Try to keep a low profile and don’t show off any valuables in public.
What is Placencia Belize known for?
Located along the southern coast of Belize, Placencia is located along the small peninsula known for its beaches, fun water sports like snorkeling diving and easy access to mainland jungles and natural reserves.
Best resorts in Placencia Belize: final word
Placencia is one of the best places to stay Belize. Surrounded by the Placencia lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, it offers quick access to some of the best activities in Belize like hiking and Mayan ruins on the mainland and scuba diving and snorkeling. Plus, some of the best Belizean Cayes are a short boat ride away.
I hope this guide provided helpful information so you can choose from one of many hotels in Placencia for your perfect vacation.
Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.