Ambergris Caye is a popular island destination for families, couples, and even solo travelers looking for a relaxing vacation. One of the best places to visit in Central America with kids, the island itself isn’t very large, but it is filled with luxury resorts, budget hostels, and every lodging type in between. We stayed at the Belizean Shores Resort, a budget-friendly resort in Ambergris Caye. It is a Sandy Point property, the largest hotel management company on the island. The rooms were spacious, clean and more than adequate for our family of three. Belizean Shores is probably the oldest of Sandy Point’s properties. For that reason, the resort was not very full, which meant the pool area was quiet and we got a great deal on our room.
Where to stay in Ambergris Caye: Belizean Shores Resort
Most of the resorts on Ambergris Caye are beachfront properties, so they are located outside of the town of San Pedro. Belizean Shores resort is about a fifteen minute drive on the golf cart from the town of San Pedro, or about the same amount of time by water taxi. Sandy Point Properties offers a free water shuttle service for guests arriving or departing by either plane or ferry. A hotel representative greeted us upon arrival with a complimentary welcome drink, while another representative gathered our luggage.
Accommodations at Belizean Shore Resort
The rooms are all suites with a living area, bedroom, bathroom, a full-size kitchen and a lovely porch with a sitting area. This is great for families traveling with kids who needs to go to bed early, as you can put them to bed and still have access to the living area and outdoor patio. The resort also offers pack n plays upon request, for those traveling with a baby or toddler.
Our kitchen was fully equipped with everything we would need prepare meals or snacks in the room, which we often do when we travel to save money. It also had a large 5-gallon water jug of bottled water, since it is not recommended that you drink the tap water in Belize.
Every day, the staff would fold our towels into an animal shape and lay fresh flower petals on the bed. The great service of the staff was a nice touch.
Swimming pool at Belizean Shores Resort
The pool area is nice for children because it has a shallow zero-entry area with water fountains for them to play in. There is also a swim up bar, hot tub in the center of the pool, and an infinity pool looking out toward the beach. Plenty of lounge chairs both in and out of the water give guests an opportunity to relax poolside. While the pool pales in comparison to the pools at some of the neighboring resorts, it was nice to have the pool basically to ourselves during our stay.
Amenities
There is a a restaurant on the property, a playground area, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a life-size chess set. Guests also have access to the restaurant at the adjacent property, Coco Beach Resort. I definitely recommend going next door to Coco Beach for lunch one day, as the resort is very luxurious, and the food was wonderful.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Ambergris Caye, and budget is a factor, I would recommend giving Belizean Shores Resort a chance. While it may be an older resort, it is decently priced and you likely won’t have to worry about crowds of people in the pool, restaurant, or at the swim up bar.
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