Alaia Belize: A Tropical Paradise Awaits

Enjoy Alaia Belize on the beach, at the pool, or under the sea.

There’s something special about arriving on a tiny prop plane, setting the perfect tone for a tropical island vacation. A rainbow in the distance during the flight further signaled good fortune for my trip to Belize with my niece, whom I hadn’t seen in a while. We landed at the airport located in the middle of San Pedro town, and within minutes, we arrived at our hotel, Alaia Belize.

Luxurious Accommodations

The new resort, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, sits on the edge of bustling San Pedro, showcasing modern oceanfront buildings with glass-framed balconies. Bright green vertical plant walls contrast beautifully with the honey-colored wood and white facade. We enjoyed welcome cocktails and admired the expansive pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas, and shaded seating areas featuring a swim-up bar and picturesque beach views. The rooftop infinity pool, cleverly outfitted with round windows beneath, promises many Instagram-worthy photos.

Our room—a spacious two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen, powder room, and a large patio furnished with a cushioned sofa, chair, and coffee table—offered beautiful views of both the pool area and the sea. This flexibility extends to various options such as oceanfront villas with plunge pools and houses with beachfront porches, all just steps from the sandy shore.

Culinary Delights

Dinner was served at Sea Salt, where we dined at an outdoor table overlooking the pool, savoring lobster flatbread, grilled lobster, and traditional Belizean rice and beans with stewed chicken. Breakfast the following morning was equally superb, and even better than the food were the servers who remembered our names and provided cheerful service. Guests are also invited to enjoy a continental breakfast at Alaia Coffee Bar, featuring muffins, pastries, and specialty coffees. For casual dining, the beachfront restaurant The Deck offers seafood and pizza.

Excursions and Activities

With a desire to explore more of San Pedro, we hopped on a golf cart, a popular mode of transportation in town, for a tour and a visit to Secret Beach. Despite its name, the beach was lively, even on a cloudy day, with guests enjoying cocktails and snacks. On our way back, we stopped at The Truck Stop, a food park made from colorful shipping containers, complete with music, a pool, a beer garden, and outdoor games. We also visited the Belize Chocolate Company, where we picked up handmade local candies and chocolate-flavored lip gloss for my niece.

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, was renamed in 1973 and gained full independence in 1981. Although popular with divers and expats for years, Belize is increasingly recognized as a prime travel destination thanks to its stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and vibrant island atmosphere. The Great Blue Hole and Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef system globally, are must-visit spots for divers, while the dense rainforest on the mainland offers its own unique adventures.

A snorkeling excursion was a highlight of our trip, and the Dive Shop conveniently located at Alaia offered just what we needed. Although we could have opted for scuba instructions in the nearby pool, we preferred snorkeling, taking a boat trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Our guides Jessie and Carlos provided all the necessary equipment and guided us as we explored the vibrant underwater world, pointing out turtles, rays, octopus, and numerous sharks.

The delightful sea explorers we met on the trip were a group celebrating a 40th birthday, expressing enthusiasm for Belize’s easy accessibility from various US cities, the new Marriott property, and the plethora of snorkeling and diving opportunities. Andrea, the guest of honor, shared that they chose Belize, initially unfamiliar to them, as one of the criteria for their group’s getaway.

As the sunsets painted the skies, we also enjoyed an evening at the Piano Bar, where expert mixologist Subhash showcased his talent. Using equipment resembling a science lab, he created exquisite cocktails, incorporating house-made elixirs, premium spirits, and selected scents for smoking. Afterward, we dined at the Vista Rooftop, enjoying a delightful dinner with sushi, chili prawns, and other Asian-inspired dishes.

Final Thoughts

As our last day approached too quickly, we took some time to explore San Pedro, starting with coffee and breakfast croissants at The Baker, a friendly spot run by Emily and Ken, who moved from Ireland to Belize. The vibrant street was alive with rumbling golf carts, bicycles, colorful buildings, shops, fruit stands, and the occasional stray dog. The warm smiles and friendly greetings from locals made us feel right at home.

We couldn’t leave without indulging in afternoon massages—also a necessary step to fulfill COVID testing requirements before our return to the U.S. The massages soothed our swimming muscles, making for a relaxing treat. For dinner, we opted for local favorite Elvi’s Kitchen, known for its sandy floor and delicious offerings. We also heard rave reviews about seafood restaurants Caramba!, El Fogon, and the laid-back Robin’s Kitchen, a casual spot just steps from Alaia.

Belize has weathered economic downturns, Hurricane Earl in 2016, and the COVID-19 shutdowns, emerging resilient with its welcoming island spirit. New resorts like Alaia Belize, already planning future expansions, will provide even more opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in all that this beautiful country has to offer.