The pristine beaches, warm ocean waters and exotic wildlife of Belize are drawing vacationers and retirees from around the world. This independent Caribbean country has something to offer everyone.
Discover the enchanting island of Belize City, where history and contemporary energy merge. Explore our curated listings and learn why this captivating capital is the heart of the nation.
Placencia
A Caribbean beach community with luxury homes, resorts and plenty of world-class restaurants, Placencia, Belize is a dream destination. Located on the narrow 16-mile Placencia Peninsula in Stann Creek District, Placencia offers an idyllic Caribbean lifestyle. Here you will find year-round summers, awe-inspiring beaches, easy access to the southern barrier reef, cayes and mainland jungles and a laid back lifestyle that many ex-pats have come to love.
The town is built around a paved road that runs north and south along the peninsula, dividing it into four distinct areas. The village of Placencia, Seine Bight, Maya Beach and the Plantation area are all popular vacation spots with their own distinct feel. Each of these communities has its own high-end Belize beach vacation homes, modest retiree homes on the lagoon, a variety of excellent restaurants and even a bowling alley.
In recent years, Placencia has gone from a relatively unknown luxury tropical destination to one of the hottest spots in all of Central America. Early upscale hotel pioneers like Turtle Inn and Chabil Mar have been joined by dozens of new resorts and luxury home developments at a variety of price points, and demand has continued to climb.
What was once a quiet Creole fishing village is now the center of a bustling Caribbean paradise that attracts visitors from all over the world. Despite the increased traffic and the rise of affluent Belize real estate, Placencia still retains a very relaxed feel. Here you will find golf carts instead of cars on the streets, casual restaurants where “no shoes no shirt no problem” is the rule and friendly Belizeans who go out of their way to make your visit special.
The beaches of Placencia are some of the most beautiful in all of Belize and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. There are also great snorkeling opportunities on the reef and scuba diving excursions in the nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see some of the last remaining jaguars in all of Central America.
The quaint village of Placencia has a number of world class restaurants that feature everything from gourmet seafood to traditional Belizean cuisine. If you are looking for a more active vacation, you can hike through the scenic Sitee River or Monkey River, or explore ancient Maya ruins. There are also a number of world class tours and excursion that can be booked through the various tour operators in town.
Ambergris Caye
The beauty of Belize’s coastline has long enticed visitors and investors alike. In fact, it is the country’s most visited region, winning back-to-back Trip Advisor member awards as “Best Island” in 2013 and 2014. Whether you are seeking a luxurious villa tucked into lush greenery or an expansive property with breathtaking views, there is something for everyone in this popular Caribbean destination.
In addition to pristine beaches and azure seas, Ambergris Caye is home to thriving communities of locals and expats. It is a true melting pot of culture, cuisine, and lifestyles from all over the world. This lively island is also a popular place for retirees, thanks to its warm tropical climate and affordable living costs. The community is friendly and welcoming, and many of the residents speak English, making it easy to get to know your neighbors.
One of the best things about this beautiful coastal city is its variety of fun activities and attractions. For example, it offers a wide range of water sports, including scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming with dolphins. It also has a bustling town center that features restaurants, bars, and shops. It is the perfect spot to spend a day on the beach, shopping, and enjoying live music.
Another thing that makes Ambergris Caye unique is its rich history. This area was once inhabited by Maya, European pirates, and Mexican refugees. The town’s quaint streets and stunning architecture are a testament to its illustrious past.
If you are looking for Belize property for sale, it is important to understand the zoning laws and environmental guidelines before you buy any land. While these rules are intended to protect the natural environment, they can make it difficult to build a home or business in some areas. To avoid these issues, it is important to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help you navigate the process.
For those looking to take advantage of the amazing investment potential that Belize has to offer, Corozal District is a great option. This picturesque district has a diverse selection of properties, from stunning beachfront homes to charming neighborhoods with lush landscapes and captivating history.
Orange Walk District
One of the country’s most intriguing regions, Orange Walk District is a land of lush landscapes, historic richness, and investment potential. From fertile lands for agricultural ventures to picturesque riverfront properties, the region offers a wide array of real estate options for those looking to invest in Belize.
The capital of the district is Orange Walk Town, where citrus farming is a major industry. The region was also once a leading sugar producer, which gave the town its nickname of “Sugar City”. Today, the local Tower Hill Sugar Factory handles much of Belize’s sugar cane production, and the plant’s cane is also used to make an interesting rum known as Old Master Rum.
Sugar cane has been the lifeblood of the region’s economy for centuries, and this rich heritage is still apparent throughout the area. The area’s cultural diversity is reflected in the many quaint towns and villages that are popular tourist destinations. Each is home to small boutiques, markets, and historical landmarks that tell the story of this fascinating country.
Orange Walk is an ideal location for nature lovers, and the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, the largest protected area in the nation, provides an excellent opportunity to see flora and fauna up close. The area is also dotted with Maya ruins that offer an intimate look at the past. Lamanai, which means “submerged crocodile,” is the second-largest Maya ruin in Belize and features pyramids, ball courts, and evidence of religious sacrifice.
In addition to the natural splendor, Orange Walk is also home to a lively urban scene that has emerged in recent years. Its many restaurants, bars, and clubs offer a variety of tastes to please even the most discriminating palate. The district’s capital is a bustling hub of activity that is constantly growing and evolving, making it an ideal place to purchase a piece of Ambergris Caye real estate market.
Cayo District
This inland region is the gateway to Belize’s Mayan culture, and its lush environs are engulfed with jungle and dotted with waterfalls, rivers, and azure pools. It is home to the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena as well as the capital city of Belmopan. Cayo District is also a premier adventure and eco-tourism area. It is replete with pre-Columbian Mayan ruins, including Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar as well as the mother of all Maya sites – Caracol.
Much of the region’s land is used for farming and ranching. It is referred to as the breadbasket of Belize and produces most of the country’s dairy, poultry, and agricultural products. Cayo is also a popular place for farmers to grow fruits and vegetables, from the traditional citrus, bananas, and corn to more recent innovations such as pastrami and mozzarella cheese.
The local population is a mix of ethnic groups, with the largest being Mestizos (mixed Mayan and Spanish). English is spoken in Cayo District as it is in most parts of Belize. In addition, you’ll find pockets of Creole and Lebanese.
If you choose to live in Cayo District, there are a variety of social activities that you can take part in. The expat community in the area is a bit quirky, as one writer has described it. Wednesday afternoon darts at Remo’s Bar in Bullet Tree is the don’t-miss expat activity, and sporadic get-togethers at various homes are also common. For more active pursuits, horseback riding, river tubing, hiking, and swimming in resort pools are popular among the residents.
The best time to visit Cayo is between December and January, as the weather is cooler and less humid. It’s also the busiest time in the country, so you’ll want to book ahead for accommodations and tours. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape, or just a tranquil spot to call home, Belize has an excellent selection of prime real estate. For more information, contact the knowledgeable team at Ceiba Realty. They can help you locate the perfect property for your lifestyle and budget.