Victoria House is a secluded waterfront resort on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. After a two-mile trip from the island town of San Pedro, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a majestic view of the Caribbean Sea. Kick off your shoes and decide what to do first: overwater massage, swimming with sharks, or rum punch by the infinity pool. 

Unwind in the Belize Sunshine

Victoria House Resort & Spa is a private beachfront property on Ambergris Caye, a 25-mile island below Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Dotted with palm trees, tropical flowers and thatched-roof casitas, the resort is a quiet place to relax in the sun with a view of the water. Two pools face the Caribbean Sea and you can take your pick of lounge chairs or beach hammocks. 

To kick off your Belize holiday, book an appointment at Victoria House Spa for a massage on the pier or a body wrap in the spa. The signature relaxation massage is a treat for the senses, a blend of essential oils and heat. Private yoga sessions can also be arranged. 

Take to the Sea for Underwater Adventures

When you’re ready for adventure, head to the resort’s dive shop. Here you can join a fishing charter, snorkel or dive trip, aerial tour, day sail or sunset cruise. There are countless ways to make the most of your time in Belize, from caving to zip lining. 

A snorkel excursion to Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the perfect way to see the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. Located just a mile offshore from the resort, the coral reefs are a super highway for multi-colored tropical fish and majestic eagle rays. This two-hour snorkel trip also takes you to Shark Ray Alley where you can swim alongside nurse sharks, known as the puppies of the sea. 

For lower-key water fun, borrow a free kayak from the dive shop and paddle at your own pace. 

Get a Taste of San Pedro

To experience life beyond the resort, take a Victoria House bike or rent a resort golf cart by the hour. The trip to town by golf cart — the most popular mode of local transportation — takes about 15 bumpy minutes. Cobblestones and speed bumps keep all traffic moving at a nice, slow pace.

In San Pedro, you can buy groceries, souvenirs, and baked goods. There are only three main streets so it’s easiest to park and explore on foot. Make sure to time your visit to enjoy local cuisine at Elvi’s Kitchen.  

Dining at Victoria House

When you book your stay at Victoria House, consider if you’d like to opt for a meal plan. You can also pay as you dine. Admiral Nelson’s bar serves up beachfront nachos and pizzas and Palmilla Restaurant offers three meals a day, both indoors and out. Try all the soups at Palmilla, and ask about the chef’s special of the day — the peppercorn steak is delicious. 

If you want to handle some of your meals, book a suite with a full kitchen. There are small grocery stores within walking distance of the resort. 

The Best Time To Visit Ambergris Caye

For the best weather, head to Ambergris Caye in January or February. Belize’s rainy season winds down in December and the temperature remains in the 80s. With a constant breeze off the water, this feels perfect. From December to May, rain occurs in brief bursts but passes quickly. The Caribbean water is warm throughout the year, so snorkeling is enjoyable year-round. 

How To Get To Victoria House

Getting to Victoria House is half the fun — it involves a commuter airplane or water taxi and possibly a golf cart. 

After a direct flight from Dallas or Houston to Belize City, you can either take a 90-minute water taxi ride or a 14-minute Tropic Air flight to get to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The latter is a scenic adventure you won’t soon forget. With about a dozen fellow travelers, you’ll fly in a small Cessna Caravan over beautiful green water and jungle. Grab a window seat for the best views and have your camera ready.

Once in San Pedro, you’ll be greeted by a Victoria House staff member who will either pick you up in a taxi or a golf cart. Hop aboard and you’ll be at the resort in about 15 minutes. 

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Cover photo courtesy Victoria House Resort & Spa.

Heidi Gollub is a travel writer based in Austin where she lives with her husband and five children. She recently enjoyed a trip to Victoria House with her husband to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.