We are planning a trip to Belize in april 2004. Family of four...2 adults, two teens (15 and 17). Want beach front cabana type accomodations. Five star quality. Any ideas? Thanks,
Kathi

I have 3 teens and we always stay at Caribe Island. It is as 5 star as you are going to get unless you want to stay at the Victoria House. Beachfront condos at Caribe are top shelf though and you have my word on that. Don't forget to eat at Casa Picasso when you visit. You won't be sorry!

There are no 5 star accomidations in San Pedro.

That said, you might want to try Victoria House. It's about as upscale as you get on the island. I've vacationed there and thought it was great.

Seriously though, get those 5 star visions out of your head. One of the wonders of taking your vacation on this island is the downscale nature of the place.

The only 2 bedroom cabana type accommodations would be at Ramon's or Mata Chica. Both are pretty upscale (for Belize!) Other than that you would all be in one cabana with 2 double beds or in 2 separate cabanas, possibly with adjoining porch. Cap't Morgan's has 2 bedroom "cabana looking" villas. Turtle Inn in Placencia also has 2 bedroom beachfront cabanas that are about as 5 star as it gets.

Cayo Espanto on the back side of Ambergris is certainly five-star (at seven-star prices). But villas not thatch cabanas.

The closest upscale cabanas for a family of four on Ambergris would be the two-bedroom villas at Mata Chica or the "owners' villas" at Victoria House.

I agree with Barbara that the two-bedroom seafront villas at Turtle Inn in Placencia are extraordinarily nice (with not two but three baths), and Mr. Copolla's villa when available has its own pool and sauna baths.

The deluxe condo suites at Robert's Grove are also as nice as any five-star hotel I've seen (though this being Belize service may not be what you'd get in a five-star hotel). Also, the suites at Hamanasi are also great (built by the same builder who did Robert's Grove).

And not on the beach, but the two-bedroom villas at Blancaneaux are as stunning as anything I've seen.

--Lan Sluder

Sunbreeze Hotel, across from the air strip, has renovated some of their rooms. They are definately 5 star. And right on the beach.

Was that a joke Dallas? While the Sunbreeze is nice and affordable, its not 5 star. Its about 3 star, which is still pretty nice.
--Lee

IMHO, You can not go wrong with Banana Beach. Great rooms, great service, on the beach, great rest,..... What else could you ask for ? Check it out.

PS. I have no vested interest in Banana Beach.