Placencia, Belize: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway
- Wendy Hilberman
- Oct 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 1
Belize had been on our bucket list for several years when we finally booked our first trip in 2022. Alaska Airlines was running a promotion with affordable flights to Belize City. We booked a trip for the second week of February to celebrate Valentine's Day in Placencia, Belize. From Belize City, we caught a 30-minute hopper flight to Placencia. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air provide flights to Placencia.
We found our perfect beach hotel when we booked with Naia Resort & Spa. Placencia Belize Luxury Resort & Spa - Naia Resort & Spa (naiaresortandspa.com).
I fell in love with the concept of the studio beach houses complete with a private outdoor veranda that sits steps away from the calm water. Fun perk: Upon check-in, the staff will place lounge chairs and hammocks on the beach directly in front of your beach studio for your use during the stay. I loved taking my cup of coffee out to the lounge chair in the morning, mere feet away from the water. This was always a quiet time to watch the pelicans diving and fishing.
The beach studios are spacious at 646 square feet with 13-foot vaulted ceilings. The room decor for each studio is unique and includes original artwork from local artisans. The color palette is stunning and creates a sense of calmness and well-being throughout the studio. Each studio has a mini kitchenette equipped with a mini-fridge, sink, fresh coffee beans, grinder, tea kettle, and coffee pot. Dishware is provided. The bathroom has a separate toilet closet, two spacious vanities, a bathtub, and an indoor and outdoor shower. The outdoor shower is tucked into a private fragrant garden. The king bed sits on a wooden platform dressed in 100% cotton Matouk sheets and a luxury comforter. Each studio has a sitting area with a couch, side table, and large desk area for remote work. Wireless internet access is complimentary and stable.
The resort has a nice pool with lounge chairs, two restaurants, outdoor water sports, a corn-hole game, and bikes to use during your stay. We used kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles regularly throughout our stay. You can kayak out to the False Caye a 20-minute trip if the winds are in your favor. The False Caye is beautiful; many people pack snorkeling gear in their kayaks and enjoy a leisurely snorkel around the Caye. One note of caution, be conscious of the wind patterns as you head out, coming back against the wind can be a challenge. The second note of caution is to ensure you have the resort's location and some key markers of where the resort is located as you head out. Once you are out in the water the shoreline blends and it can be difficult to paddle back to your specific resort when they all look similar. We learned that lesson the hard way.
The spa at Naia Resort & Spa is stunning, with a separate tranquil pool, winding pathways through a lush garden area, and multiple treatment rooms and options. The spa area also has a fully-equipped fitness center, plus a yoga and movement studio that overlooks the tranquil lagoon. The resort has 19 acres to explore, and we took advantage of walking and biking every day during our 8-day stay. The main pool was not large, but the lounge chairs were comfortable, the pool water was refreshing, and we always had great drinks and food service at the pool.
Naia Resort & Spa has two excellent restaurants, Beach Bar and Grill and 1981 Restaurant. The Beach Bar and Grill is open from 7 am to 9 pm and serves a healthy local diet. Fresh fish and shrimp tacos are the best we have ever had anywhere. The drinks are inspired and made with the freshest ingredients from their smoothies to their cocktails. I fell in love with their toasted coconut mojito.
Restaurant 1981 at Naia Resort & Spa is open for dinner and offers an elegant dining experience. The restaurant is named after the year that Belize attained independence. The restaurant offers guests a modern take on fresh Belizean cuisine, with an emphasis on high-quality local ingredients and creative mixology. The modern ambiance has wood floors, black and white checkered booths, and vaulted ceilings. It is elegant and polished, yet relaxed. The menu features seasonal signature seafood dishes, as well as flavorful local meats and tasty vegetarian options. We highly recommend the Creole Lobster, Coconut Shrimp Salad, Ceviche, Conch Carpaccio, Mayan Spiced Fish Fillet, Seafood Risotto, and Shrimp & Callaloo Linguine. The menu is expansive and the restaurant features evening specials in addition to the regular menu. Dessert is sublime and cannot be missed. I recommend the Molten Chocolate Cake served with vanilla ice cream and the Banana Bread Pudding.
The beauty of Naia Resort & Spa is that you can truly embrace the tranquility of this beautiful and unique spot. We swam every day in the ocean and took long walks on the beach. We stayed active by biking, kayaking, and walking. We read a book in the comfortable lounge chairs overlooking the sea and took peaceful siestas in the hammocks.
We explored the area of Placencia and booked a shuttle through the resort for a day of exploring. The shuttle from the hotel takes about 15 minutes to get to Placencia, a small village with a chill vibe. People are golf carting around town, biking, and walking the streets. If you move off the main drag you find a meandering pathway between the main street and the beach where you will find quaint shops, restaurants, and bars. Placencia still feels like it hasn't been discovered by mass tourism.
One of the most popular tourist areas in Placencia, Belize is the Tipsy Strip, named after the famed Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar. This area is active and has a lively vibe with music. It is a perfect spot to kick your shoes off, put your toes in the sand, grab a chair, and enjoy a great drink while people-watching. We sat on the beach and enjoyed drinks while we watched a Manatee swim directly in front of our seats. It was an absolute treat.
Tipsy Strip Happenings
Art Galleries
Spa Treatments
Water Sports
Restaurants and Bars
Boutiques
Tour Companies
Jewelry Shops
Live Music
People Watching
In Placencia, the marina is active with boat tours and snorkeling trips. We booked our snorkeling tour through our hotel and had a private driver deliver us to the marina for the roundtrip.
Restaurants
Coffee Shops
Things to Do
Our hotel was great about providing information and pricing on all the local tours available in the area.
Snorkeling and Diving Tours
Fishing Excursions
Rent a Golf Cart to Explore
Visit Hobbs Brewery
Monkey River Tours
Mayan Ruins
River Rafting
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife
Cave Tubing
Wendy's Wellness Score (1-5 Stars)
*****
Beach Walking, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Swimming, Biking (Complimentary bikes), and Gym.
Final Thoughts...
Belize is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The people are warm and welcoming, and the food is delicious. I highly recommend a trip to Belize! We have been traveling back every year since our first trip in 2022.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this personal blog are strictly my own and do not reflect those of any organization or entity. I have not received compensation in any form for the content provided. Please see the home page for the full terms & conditions statement.