Secluded Beachfront Resort on Maya Beach Peninsula

Belize’s beautiful coastal landscape has seen an uptick in interest from travelers in recent years, but the country’s southern end is still largely uninhabited. In fact, the southern portion has been somewhat isolated since the Mayans lived here—they occupied only a small outpost in an area now known as Maya Beach. Singing Sands is set on Maya Beach, where guests can take advantage of the serene atmosphere through offshore fishing, white-water rafting, or simply relaxing along the beach. Additionally, the property’s friendly staff helped Singing Sands win a 2013 TripAdvisor award for Best Service in Belize.

Located amid a tropical garden, the inn has a private feel to it, with just eight rooms including six thatched-roof cabanas that sit right along the beach. Each room and cabana has been recently renovated for a more homey stay. Inside, floors are made from local hardwoods, and you can feel the breeze through louvered screen doors and windows. Artwork and hand-painted tiles add color to each room.

Guests can take the resort’s complimentary glass-bottom kayaks or paddleboats to explore the unspoiled landscape and waters, where they might see tropical birds and manatees. The resort also arranges guided tours to sites such as Blue Hole National Park, known for its cathedral-like caves and swimming holes.

Singing Sands' onsite restaurant, Bonefish Grille, was nominated for the Best Restaurant in the 10th Annual Belize National Tourism Awards. There are two bars on the property, too, including one at the end of a 200-foot pier; it serves hometown favorites, such as Belikin beer, mojitos, and cigars, though it's open for limited hours.

Placencia, Belize: Remote Town Surrounded by Sandy Beaches

Just off the southeastern coast of Belize, the scenic Placencia Peninsula juts into the Caribbean Sea and runs parallel to the mainland for 16 miles. At its southernmost tip, you’ll find the namesake Placencia village, surrounded by pristine beaches, mangrove-filled lagoons, and tropical rainforests. You can explore the unspoiled land while hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or kayaking—all popular pursuits here. Scuba divers flock to the area for renowned diving along the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. It spans 185 miles and brims with reef sharks, loggerhead turtles, and moray eel.

A day trip north to Dangriga, one of the largest towns in southern Belize, will immerse you in traditional creole, Mestizo, and Mayan culture. Dangriga is the birthplace of punta rock, a lively percussion-heavy musical style with a calypso influence. Ask around town about the few dance clubs where you might catch a live show, or at the very least a cold Belikin beer.

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