Your Guide to the Best Family Hotels in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Planning a family vacation to Ambergris Caye, Belize, promises an unforgettable adventure filled with turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and a relaxed Caribbean vibe. But ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip starts with finding the perfect home away from home. The right accommodation can transform a good vacation into a fantastic one, offering amenities that cater to all ages, convenient access to island activities, and a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.

This guide delves into the top family-friendly hotels and resorts on Ambergris Caye, helping you discover the ideal spot for your family’s Belizean escape. When searching for the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize has to offer, you’ll find options ranging from luxurious condominiums to charming, eco-friendly retreats, all designed to make your family’s stay comfortable and memorable.

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Our Top Picks: A Deep Dive

Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums (Luxury)

The Vibe: Grand Caribe offers a sophisticated yet incredibly family-friendly atmosphere, making it one of the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize has for a luxurious stay. It feels like a luxurious village, with spacious condominiums spread across lush grounds, offering privacy and ample space for families to spread out. The resort hums with a gentle energy, blending the excitement of vacation activities with serene spots for relaxation, creating a perfect balance for all ages. It’s ideal for families seeking a premium experience with all the comforts of home and comprehensive resort-style amenities.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• Multiple swimming pools, including a large family-friendly pool with a swim-up bar that also offers delicious non-alcoholic options for kids, ensuring everyone stays refreshed.
• Spacious 1-5 bedroom condos are available, all featuring full kitchens and comfortable living areas. These configurations are absolutely ideal for larger families or those planning extended stays, providing ample room to relax.
• An on-site grocery store is a huge convenience, making meal preparation and snack access incredibly easy for families looking to save on dining costs or cater to specific dietary needs.
• Guests can enjoy complimentary use of kayaks and paddleboards, perfect for exploring the beautiful ocean right from the resort’s beachfront and enjoying the calm waters.
• Daily housekeeping services keep your accommodation tidy, and laundry facilities in many units are a blessing for families managing swimsuits and clothes during a longer trip.

Good to Know: Grand Caribe is located about 2.5 miles north of San Pedro town, which provides a quieter, more secluded retreat while still being easily accessible by golf cart. For families looking for the best packages, booking direct with the resort sometimes offers better deals, especially for longer stays or when reserving larger units.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton (Mid-Luxury)

The Vibe: Mahogany Bay exudes a charming, village-like atmosphere with its colorful, colonial-style cottages and a vibrant town square. It beautifully balances modern luxury with a relaxed, authentic Belizean feel, making it another excellent choice among the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize offers. It’s a bustling hub of activity during the day, with various shops and eateries, yet offers peaceful havens within its beautifully designed accommodations. This resort provides a unique blend of community and comfort, ensuring families feel both pampered and part of the local scene.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• The resort boasts a variety of charming cottage and villa accommodations, with some units featuring convenient kitchenettes. These options are well-suited for different family sizes and preferences, offering flexibility for your stay.
• Families get exclusive access to the ‘Secret Beach’ via a complimentary 20-minute boat ride, which is a fantastic perk. This beach offers calm, shallow waters, making it absolutely perfect for kids to splash and play safely.
• There are two inviting swimming pools on-site, including a main pool that’s often lively and a quieter one, providing options for both energetic play and serene relaxation.
• With several on-site dining options, families will find a range of choices, including plenty of kid-friendly menus and dishes to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
• An activity planning desk is readily available to help families arrange exciting excursions like snorkeling trips, diving adventures, and other island explorations, making planning easy.

Good to Know: Mahogany Bay Resort is situated inland, so getting to the main beach or San Pedro town typically requires a golf cart or taxi. However, the complimentary boat ride to Secret Beach is a huge and unique draw for families seeking pristine, child-friendly waters. If you prefer easy pool access, consider booking a cottage located close to the main pool.

Xanadu Island Resort (Mid-Range)

The Vibe: Xanadu offers an eco-friendly, tranquil escape with a strong emphasis on natural beauty and relaxation, distinguishing it among the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize has for an environmentally conscious stay. Its unique dome-shaped units and beachfront condos provide a cozy, intimate setting, perfect for families who appreciate peace and quiet while still being conveniently close to town. The atmosphere is laid-back and unpretentious, inviting guests to connect with nature and enjoy simple pleasures like the sound of the ocean and lush tropical gardens.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• Spacious condo-style units come with fully equipped kitchens, which are incredibly ideal for family meal prep. This allows you to easily manage snacks, breakfasts, and even full dinners, offering flexibility and cost savings.
• Guests receive complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards, providing fantastic opportunities for active families to explore the area at their own pace.
• The resort features a beautiful freshwater swimming pool, thoughtfully nestled within lush tropical gardens, offering a refreshing and picturesque spot for families to swim and relax.
• With a direct beachfront location, families can enjoy calm waters perfect for swimming, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for children of all ages.
• Xanadu is just a short walk or golf cart ride from San Pedro town, offering the perfect balance of convenience without the noise and bustle of being right in the center.

Good to Know: Xanadu is renowned for its friendly, helpful staff and its strong commitment to sustainability, making it a great choice for eco-conscious families. Their excellent proximity to town makes evening strolls for dinner or ice cream very convenient and enjoyable. If you’re traveling with strollers or younger children, it’s a good idea to ask about ground floor units for easier access.

The Phoenix Resort (Luxury)

The Vibe: Situated right in the heart of San Pedro, The Phoenix combines urban convenience with luxurious, resort-style living, making it one of the most upscale and accessible best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize can offer. It provides a sophisticated, contemporary ambiance with stunning ocean views, giving it the feel of an upscale oasis amidst the lively town. The atmosphere is vibrant yet serene, offering families the best of both worlds: immediate access to dining and shops, paired with elegant accommodations and top-tier service.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• The resort offers spacious condo units, available in 1, 2, or 3-bedroom configurations, each featuring full gourmet kitchens and large private balconies. These provide ample space and comfort for families to spread out and enjoy their stay.
• Families can enjoy two magnificent infinity swimming pools, both overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, complete with ample lounging space for relaxation and sunbathing.
• During peak seasons, The Phoenix often provides kids’ club and activity programs, ensuring younger guests are entertained with supervised fun and engaging activities.
• Complimentary use of bicycles is a fantastic amenity, perfect for families who wish to explore the charming town of San Pedro at a leisurely pace.
• Its prime location means guests are within easy walking distance to numerous restaurants, unique shops, and various tour operators, making planning excursions incredibly convenient.

Good to Know: Being centrally located means you’re just steps away from everything San Pedro has to offer, which is incredibly convenient for families. However, this central location can also mean it’s a bit noisier than resorts situated further out of town. For even better views and potentially more quiet, consider booking an upper-floor unit.

SunBreeze Suites (Mid-Range/Budget-Friendly)

The Vibe: SunBreeze Suites offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere with a prime beachfront location right in San Pedro town, making it an excellent choice among the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize for convenience and value. It’s unpretentious and comfortable, appealing to families who prioritize convenience and value without sacrificing an ideal location. The ambiance is friendly and welcoming, making guests feel right at home amidst the lively town buzz, perfect for those who want to be in the thick of the action and enjoy easy access to everything.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• All units at SunBreeze Suites are thoughtfully designed as spacious suites, each featuring fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas. This layout is perfect for families, offering both comfort and practicality during their stay.
• The resort boasts a direct beachfront location, providing immediate access to the beautiful beach and the town’s numerous amenities, making it easy to enjoy both sand and shops.
• Families can enjoy a refreshing freshwater swimming pool that overlooks the ocean, offering stunning views and a relaxing spot for a swim or lounge.
• An on-site diving and tour shop makes booking family excursions, from snorkeling to diving, incredibly easy and convenient, helping you plan your adventures effortlessly.
• Its close proximity to the water taxi terminal means easy access for day trips to other islands or mainland attractions, expanding your family’s exploration opportunities.

Good to Know: SunBreeze Suites’ central location means you’re wonderfully close to a wide array of restaurants and shops, making it effortless to grab groceries or dine out with the family. However, due to its central spot, some rooms might experience a little street noise, so if tranquility is a top priority, consider requesting a quieter unit during your booking.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort (Mid-Range/Luxury)

The Vibe: Pelican Reef Villas provides a tranquil and upscale beachfront experience, located a little south of San Pedro town, offering a peaceful retreat that is still among the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize has for a serene vacation. It strikes a lovely balance between a serene retreat and an engaging family destination, ensuring both relaxation and fun. The atmosphere is peaceful and well-maintained, with lush landscaping and elegant villas designed for comfort and relaxation, making it ideal for families seeking a quiet escape with beautiful surroundings.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• The resort offers spacious multi-bedroom villas, each thoughtfully equipped with full kitchens and private balconies. These accommodations provide ample space and convenience for families, allowing for comfortable, extended stays.
• Families will love the large beachfront swimming pool, which is perfectly complemented by comfortable loungers, providing a fantastic spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation by the sea.
• Guests can take advantage of complimentary use of kayaks and paddleboards, offering wonderful opportunities for water exploration and fun right from the resort’s beach.
• An on-site restaurant serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring that convenient and tasty dining options are always available for the entire family without having to leave the resort.
• The dedicated concierge service is invaluable for families, ready to arrange a variety of family-friendly tours and activities, making your planning stress-free and enjoyable.

Good to Know: Pelican Reef Villas is located about 2.5 miles south of San Pedro, offering a more secluded and tranquil feel away from the town’s bustle. For easy access to town and other island attractions, a golf cart rental is highly recommended for families. A wonderful perk is that they offer complimentary transfers from the San Pedro airport, making your arrival smooth and hassle-free.

Caribbean Villas Hotel (Budget-Friendly/Mid-Range)

The Vibe: Caribbean Villas offers a charming, laid-back, and distinctly Belizean atmosphere, focusing on natural beauty and a relaxed pace. This makes it a great choice among the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize for families seeking an authentic island experience without the resort frills. It’s a comfortable and unpretentious option for families who prefer a more authentic, less resort-like experience, inviting guests to truly unwind. The property is known for its beautiful beach, quiet setting, and an on-site animal rescue, which adds a unique and heartwarming element to your stay that kids will adore.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• The hotel provides a variety of room types, including convenient apartments with kitchenettes, all suitable for families of different sizes and needs, ensuring comfort and flexibility.
• Families will particularly appreciate the excellent beachfront, which features calm, shallow waters, making it absolutely perfect and safe for young children to play and swim.
• A unique highlight is the on-site animal rescue, where kids can have a heartwarming opportunity to learn about and interact with local wildlife, adding an educational and memorable experience to their vacation.
• The property boasts a large, private pier, which serves as an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and even snorkeling directly from the hotel’s grounds, offering endless aquatic fun.
• Complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards further enhances the family experience, providing enjoyable ways to explore both land and sea around the resort.

Good to Know: Caribbean Villas Hotel is located about a 15-20 minute walk south of San Pedro town, offering a quieter and more peaceful stay while still being quite accessible when you want to venture into town. The on-site restaurant, Ambergris Brewing Company, is a popular spot for casual meals and craft beers, providing a convenient dining option for families.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye (Mid-Luxury)

The Vibe: Margaritaville brings its signature fun-loving, vibrant, and escapist atmosphere to Ambergris Caye, making it a lively contender for the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize. It’s specifically designed for active families looking for a lively resort experience with plenty of entertainment and relaxation options, ensuring there’s always something to do. The resort feels like a tropical playground, full of energy and amenities that cater to all ages, truly embodying the “no worries” island lifestyle that families often seek.

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

• The resort features expansive swimming pools with fun features and plenty of space for kids to play, ensuring hours of aquatic entertainment for the whole family.
• A variety of accommodations are available, including spacious suites equipped with kitchenettes, which are perfectly designed to cater to the needs of families, offering convenience and comfort.
• Families will find multiple dining and bar options on-site, with many offering casual, family-friendly menus that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone finds something they love.
• Margaritaville boasts a range of on-site activities and entertainment specifically geared towards resort guests, providing endless opportunities for fun and engagement without leaving the property.
• With direct beachfront access, families can easily enjoy the ocean and partake in various water sports, making the most of Ambergris Caye’s beautiful coastline.

Good to Know: This resort is designed to be a destination in itself, offering a wide array of amenities to keep every family member entertained. It’s located a bit further north from San Pedro town, so golf cart rental or utilizing resort shuttles will be your primary mode of transport if you wish to explore the town center and other island attractions.

Booking Smart: Pro-Tips for Families

1. Book Your Golf Cart in Advance

Golf carts are truly the primary and most fun mode of transportation for getting around Ambergris Caye. It’s highly recommended to book yours either directly with your hotel or through a reputable vendor well before your arrival, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Many of the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize offers even provide complimentary use or preferred rental rates, so be sure to inquire!

2. Consider Suites with Kitchens

Many of the family-friendly resorts on Ambergris Caye, including some of the best family hotels Ambergris Caye Belize is known for, offer suites or condos that come with fully equipped kitchens. Opting for these accommodations can significantly reduce your dining costs during your vacation and allow for healthier meal options, which is a huge benefit, especially for picky eaters or family members with specific dietary restrictions.

3. Prioritize Location for Your Family’s Pace

Before booking, it’s crucial to decide if your family prefers being in the lively heart of San Pedro town, which offers easy access to a multitude of restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Alternatively, you might prefer a quieter, more secluded resort further north or south of the town center. Each location has its own distinct pros and cons regarding convenience, tranquility, and access to the island’s many attractions.

4. Look for All-Inclusive Options Carefully

While some resorts in Ambergris Caye do offer all-inclusive packages, they aren’t as common or as comprehensively all-encompassing as those found in other Caribbean destinations. It’s wise to carefully weigh the cost of an all-inclusive plan against your family’s eating habits and your desire to explore and try various local restaurants. Sometimes, booking a la carte accommodation with a kitchen can surprisingly turn out to be more economical and offer greater flexibility.

5. Check for Kids’ Programs and Amenities

If you are traveling with younger children, it’s a great idea to inquire specifically about any dedicated kids’ clubs, splash pads, or organized activity programs that the resort might offer. For families with older children or teens, look for resorts that provide complimentary amenities such as kayaks, paddleboards, or easy access to thrilling snorkeling tours, ensuring there are plenty of engaging options for everyone.