Bella Vista Resort Belize

We liked the setting, especially the dock and the shoreline walking trail, and the restaurant had a cozy, fun atmosphere. The staff were generally friendly, and we enjoyed seeing iguanas and lizards on our deck. The hot water never worked during our stay. Maintenance tried to fix it but couldn’t, so we ended up with cold showers on vacation. We also got the wrong pickup time for an excursion booked through the hotel. The night before, they tried messaging me around 10 pm, but we were already in bed and didn’t see it. In the morning they called to say pickup was in 20 minutes, though we’d been expecting it an hour later, which made for a stressful start.

The staff were kind, our airport pickup arrived promptly, the bath products were nice, and breakfast at the restaurant was great. The resort dog, Dakota, was sweet and came to greet us. Our room was clean and the kitchen had what we needed, though the bathroom felt cramped. There was no shower door or curtain, and toilet paper can’t be flushed, so they provide a small bin instead. The pool looked more worn and dirty than the photos suggested, with chipped surfaces and a few lounge chairs without cushions. That was disappointing since there isn’t a usable beach or ocean area onsite. We knew this first stop in Belize wasn’t luxury, but the place seemed more run down than expected. Booking activities felt disorganized, and our daily golf cart rental arrived an hour late. We liked the good reviews and wanted to add our honest experience so people know what to expect.

The meals at Aji Tapas Restaurant and Bar were one of the best parts of the stay. We tried most of the menu and never had a bad meal, especially enjoying the rich seafood coconut curry and sizzling Gambas Al Ajillo. We ate there several nights. The staff were warm and helpful, with great suggestions for things to do nearby. The property and ocean view were beautiful, and our clean, comfortable room had everything we needed. I tried fishing for the first time, and the patient guides helped me reel in a mahi-mahi. We also went parasailing. I’m very afraid of heights, but the crew was professional and made us feel safe. My favorite activity was snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley. Our guide taught us about the marine life and helped us stay safe and respectful around the nurse sharks and stingrays. We saw so much. The August trip was incredible, and I’ve recommended the place to lots of friends and family.

Spacious, clean, and with a great view. You can walk to some places to eat, but having a golf cart gives you more options for getting around.