Prana Maya Island Resort is on Placencia Caye, a small Caribbean island just off Placencia Village, between centuries-old mangroves, the open sea and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort's boat crosses from Placencia Pier in about five minutes. It has 10 open-concept suites with private balconies and views over the Caribbean, and seven multi-bedroom villas with indoor and outdoor living and private terraces with saltwater infinity plunge pools. The spa uses native botanicals, herbs and flowers, with treatments inspired by Belizean daily rituals and seasonal ceremonies, and there are open-air spaces for movement and practice and a fitness centre open around the clock. The Grove serves organic farm-to-table and sea-to-table food, with fresh juices, vegan dishes and Belizean flavours, and food-as-medicine and cleanse menus can be arranged. Garifuna, Maya and Caribbean culture shape the food, the materials and the experiences, and the resort arranges trips to the reef, rivers, jungle, Maya sites and villages, as well as deep-sea and saltwater fly fishing. A continental breakfast is included each morning, and villa kitchens can be stocked before arrival.
- Nearest airport
- Placencia Airport (PLJ), with flights from Philip S. Goldson International Airport (BZE); about 2.5 hours by road from BZE
- Rooms
- 10 suites and seven villas
Insider tip Fly from Belize City to Placencia with Maya Island Air or Tropic Air to save the two-and-a-half-hour drive; the resort's boat then makes the five-minute crossing from Placencia Pier.
Why I choose it A small island resort off Placencia, between mangroves and the Barrier Reef, with plunge-pool villas and a spa.