Top 10 best all-inclusive hotels in Belize

Located on the east coast of Central America south of Mexico, Belize borders the Caribbean Sea and consists of about 450 islands called "cays" (pronounced "kees"). It also has a diverse mainland area with tropical rainforests, jungles, mountains, Mayan ruins, and the largest cave system in Central America. The Belizean Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and the Great Blue Hole attract visitors who go diving and snorkeling among the vibrant underwater wildlife.

Those traveling to Belize can choose between beach resorts and treehouses in the forest canopy, most of which offer all-inclusive resort packages that provide a carefree vacation spent snorkeling, diving, fishing, exploring, or relaxing, reports Travel + Leisure.

Turneffe Island Resort, Turneffe Atoll

This luxurious resort is suitable for fishing, diving, and snorkeling enthusiasts, located on a private 14-acre island about 30 miles southeast of Belize City. Guests arrive by boat or helicopter from the international airport, where they are met by a resort representative who handles all the details - this is the beginning of the all-inclusive program, which includes meals and access to the pool, gym, kayaks, paddleboards, and catamarans. Twenty-two rooms and villas offer seclusion, relaxation, and adventure.

Belizean Dreams Resort, Hopkins

This cozy beachfront resort is located in Hopkins, a friendly fishing village in southern Belize that is considered a center for the local Afro-Caribbean Garifuna community. The hotel offers nine villas and seven boutique rooms ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. Guests can choose from a variety of all-inclusive packages that cover room, board, airport transportation, and selected tours and activities, as well as access to the pool, kayaks, bicycles, and snorkeling equipment. Depending on guests' interests, additional excursions and add-ons are also available. To get to the resort, visitors fly into Belize International Airport and take a 20-minute local flight, followed by a 30-minute drive.

Manta Island Resort, Glover Atoll

Located on Glover's Atoll, a coral ring about 36 miles off the southern coast of Belize, Manta Island Resort offers 11 oceanfront lodges and three two-bedroom villas, one of which has its own plunge pool. The all-inclusive package includes food and beverages, airport and boat transfers, water sports equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards, and guided snorkeling excursions. Guests fly into Belize International Airport. They have a 20-minute flight and then a short boat ride to get to the island. The resort is a sister resort to the Belizean Dreams Resort (mentioned above), as well as the popular adults-only Coco Plum Island Resort and Laru Beya Resort, which are locally owned and operated and offer all-inclusive packages.

Matachica Resort & Spa, Ambergris Caye

Matachica Resort & Spa is located five miles north of San Pedro and offers 32 individual casitas, villas, bungalows, and suites with sea and garden views, thatched roofs, patios, and hammocks. A variety of all-inclusive packages are available, and the resort will take care of all your domestic transportation - a short flight from Belize International Airport to San Pedro followed by a speedboat transfer to the hotel. Complimentary on-site activities include spa treatments, kayaking, snorkeling, and biking. For an additional fee, the resort also organizes guided snorkeling, fishing, cave tubing, and zipline tours, among other adventure tours.

Shaka Kay

This private island resort is a 25-minute boat ride from Belize City, located just 9 miles away. The luxurious one- and two-bedroom air-conditioned cottages offer Caribbean Sea views, a small private thatched-roof deck in front, three meals a day, drinks (no alcohol), a kitchenette, and roundtrip airport transfers. The price also includes the use of hammocks, games, yoga mats, sea kayaks, floats, beach toys, and snorkeling equipment, while spa treatments, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, and guided adventure tours are available for an additional fee (package and tour prices vary).

Dream Valley Belize, Belmopan

Located a 20-minute drive from Belmopan and along the Belize River, this rainforest resort offers 30 well-appointed rooms and suites, two swimming pools, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, a spa, and a library. The all-inclusive rate includes a full breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft drinks, complimentary canoe and mountain bike rentals, and transfers to and from Belize City. Several excursions, including jungle hikes, pavement adventures, cave tours, trips to Mayan ruins, horseback riding, and zoo visits can also be added to your package.

Alaya Belize, Ambergris Caye

Part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, this luxury property offers spacious beachfront rooms, suites, and three-bedroom villas with private plunge pools. Amenities include a full-service spa, six restaurants, four bars, and three pools, including an infinity pool and an adults-only rooftop lounge. A dive shop is located on the beach, and the shops, restaurants, and fruit stands of San Pedro are just a short walk or golf cart ride away.

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Stann Creek

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Mayan Mountains, this secluded boutique resort is set on 45 acres of waterfront, lush gardens, and coastal forests. Accommodations include tree house rooms as well as beachfront rooms and suites decorated with folk art and wooden furnishings. The Great House is where you'll find a lobby, gift shop, library, bar, rooftop observation deck, and restaurant.

Chaa Creek, San Ignacio

This eco-lodge is located along the Macal River in the foothills of the Mayan Mountains about two hours southwest of Belize City. Opening as a farm in 1981, Chaa Creek grew and gradually added modern amenities such as a spa, stables, infinity pool, and eventually villas with gardens and private plunge pools. Guests can choose from a variety of treetop villas, cottages, and suites, and its all-inclusive packages are designed for families, honeymooners, and adventurers.

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Located on its own private four-hectare island three miles from San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Cayo Espanto offers six luxurious one- and two-bedroom beachfront villas, as well as one overwater bungalow, all with their own private dock and plunge pool. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and soft drinks, as well as private butler service, boat trips to/from San Pedro, and access to the resort's sailboat and kayaks are included in the all-inclusive rate. Additional services such as spa treatments and excursions to Belize are also available a la carte, and guests can choose from all-inclusive themed packages focused on honeymoons, babymoons, snorkeling and diving, and jungle adventures.