Belizean Resort

We Arrived in Ambergris Caye!

Hot and sweaty after coming off a whirlwind Cessna plane ride from Belize City to the island of Ambergris Caye,  having flown overnight, I was ready to “get my vacation on”.  The taxi driver was waiting for us at the airstrip and it could not have gone any smoother!  Zipping us away through the downtown streets of the bustling city of San Pedro at 8 am, I was hoping I had picked the right “smart luxury” vacation for my family of four.

Victoria House

I was looking for a peaceful, yet adventurous vacation for all to enjoy.  I knew Victoria House had been nationally recognized for being a member of Andrew Harper and the signature Travel Network, as well as from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Trip Advisor, so I was hoping for the best and expecting it too!

The Luxurious Caribbean Escape

Just thinking about a luxurious Caribbean escape while in my almost-native hot Arizona desert made me giddy. This 42-room retreat was my prescription for a relaxing, luxury Belizean vacation. Since it is only one mile from the second largest barrier reef in the world, I knew my scuba-diving husband and teenaged kids would be thrilled, but would momma be thrilled too? I think she would!

Oh, I mean, “Unequivocally, YES, she would!”

Victoria House was Perfect

It was the perfect venue for total relaxation, and that first day that we arrived, we needed breakfast and a dip in the pool as soon as we could get it. The grounds were stunning and as far as the eye could see, everything was blue, diamond blue water in the swimming pool, and a midnight blue ocean. The best thing, too, was that there was an island breeze, as it engulfed us and made us instantly relax. We were given two adjoining rooms in the plantation house, which was gorgeous, with its two front porches in the plantation house.

Cooling Fans were Blowing!

Upon entry, the fans were blowing in each room with the air conditioning temperature set perfectly while we unpacked our belongings. For me, just the word “plantation house” conjures up images of times past, on large estates in a tropical country with fields of coffee, cotton, sugar cane, or tobacco. There was certainly none of that here unless you count the ingredients at the restaurant! But you can guarantee if you wanted it, they would bring it to you in any form you like, as the service we received at dinner was spot on. Victoria House is here to cater to your every needs! And we like that!

Stroll the White Sandy Beach

Soon enough after unpacking, I was able to stroll the white sandy beaches and experience the beauty of the island away from my everyday life of social media, travel writing, and work/travel. My passion is photography, so I grabbed my iPhone and my DSLR camera and took off to photograph the resort and the surrounding area.

I strolled along each side, one path leading to the resort’s own dock, with a scuba and activity center built on stilts right on the water and, a bit further down was another dock for various houses in the area.  This resort had beautifully landscaped grounds, as well as a landscaped beach.

Walking Further Down the Beach

If you continued to walk further down the beach, you soon begin to realize that you are staying in a fantasy, as the houses began to look a bit overgrown with rubbish and foliage. The reality of life, the rich and the poor, living side by side are common here in San Pedro, the main city in Ambergris Caye.

What makes this property to be a smart luxury property?  

• A welcome cocktail upon arrival.
• A breakfast of coffee or juice, assorted muffins, toast, and various fruits are served for no additional cost daily.  *Other options are available.
• Nightly, one-gallon water is brought to your room for drinking.
• Wifi internet is included
• Free usage of their cruiser bicycles into town
• Transportation to and from the resort from the airport or the ferry station

What:  Victoria House

Where:  On the Island of Ambergris Caye, in the City of San Pedro, Belize

Tripadvisor Rating: #10 out of 55 hotels in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize (Can you imagine what the first 9 are like?)

Awards: Travelers Choice 2014 #3 Winner

Rooms:  42-rooms in individual and villas that spans across 10 acres of white sandy beach and lush tropical gardens with amenities ranging from king size canopied beds, luxurious travertine bathrooms, romantic indoor/outdoor private showers plus a whole lot more.  Check the website to see what amenities come with the room/villa you are interested in renting.

Price Range:  Starting around $195/night based on double occupancy to a maximum of $2195/night for the most luxurious villa. It is a great value for a ‘value luxury’ traveler like myself, especially when it comes to bringing the family along.

This resort is a quick drive from the airport and they will have their van there to pick you up or reimburse the taxi driver who brings you or you can also come in from the ferry boats and they pick up there as well.  It is a bit outside of town, but you are able to rent golf carts onsite or take their bikes out for a spin to get into town or to the local market.   It is truly a retreat to get away from it all and just relax and take it all in!