Does Belize have any all-inclusive resorts?
This is one of the most common question we are asked at least once a week. And I will be truly honest with you, even if this is going to surprise you…
There are no all-inclusive resorts in Belize!
Yes, I know. You searched online, and you found a bunch of websites with titles like “Here are your Top All Inclusive Resorts in Belize”. Then you clicked on it, read the article, and you are now looking forward for that promise of free drinks and free food on a tropical beach. The truth is that if you are still looking for that huge all-inclusive mega resort with 12 restaurants on site, please let me save you some time now because there are none. Trust me, we arranged thousands of trips to Belize since 1983 and we know what’s out there.
I will say though that if you want to have your meals (or some) and your drinks included in your vacation package, there are options! So how does a Belize all-inclusive vacation (BZE) compare with a Caribbean all-inclusive vacation(CAR)? Let me break it down for you…
FOOD
CAR: Large amount of unlimited food always available, including snacks any time of the day. Note: Quality and quantity can vary depending on the resort.
BZE: A meal plan typically includes one breakfast choice with coffee, tea and fresh juice, two course lunch, and three course dinners. No snacks or other meals included during the day. Note: the quality of the food is very high, regardless the location. We also highly recommend and suggest local restaurants to try when staying at the beach locations.
DRINKS
CAR: Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including top shelf and imported liquors.
BZE: The plan varies depending on the resort and usually includes unlimited soft drinks, domestic beers and mixed drinks made with domestic brands. Top shelf, imported liquors and imported beers are additional. Note: the partners that offer this plan are Sleeping Giant Lodge in the jungle area, Almond Beach Resort and Spa in Hopkins Village, Portofino Beach Resort in Ambergris Caye, and the private island resort of Cayo Espanto.
EXPENSES
CAR: Very easy to calculate since you already have all your basics covered. However, you don’t know if you have overpaid (or underpaid) for the services you received.
BZE: Very easy to calculate as we give out clear guidelines of what the out of pockets can be. Some people like this option better as they are in control of their budget and they know how much they are spending on what. Note: Belize has high duties to protect home grown products. Anything imported is pricey so plan to eat and drink local products to save money.
ENTERTAINMENT
CAR: You can spend a night at one the resort bars or depending on the resort, there could be a show or other types of theme nights.
BZE: If you are in the jungle, you are probably going to bed early for your next day adventure. If you are at the beach, you’ll probably end up driving your golf cart to a local bar where the bartender is the cousin of the guide that took you on that tour in the jungle the day before. It’s very easy here to feel like family!
EXPERIENCE
CAR: The Caribbean all-inclusive destination is by definition built to keep you inside the resort. There is hardly any interaction with the local culture outside the resort. The location of these type of resorts is usually far from towns, local bars, and restaurants.
BZE: In Belize everything is small and after a couple of days you already feel like a local. The lady at the bakery waves at you when you are driving by, you talked with the Canadian expat that opened his coffee shop ten years ago, and you already found the bar that serves the best margarita in town and at the best price. Experience is everything in Belize.
CONCLUSION
These are some of the main differences between the two types of vacations and I hope that you now have a more clear picture of what a Belize vacation is about. Belize is the eco lodge’ owner that shares funny stories with you at breakfast, it’s the Mayan family that wants you to learn how their ancestors lived on these lands, it’s the friendly locals that will go above and beyond to make sure you are having a lifetime experience.