Ka'ana Resort - Boutique Luxury in the Jungle of San Ignacio, Belize

About Ka'ana Resort

Ka'ana Resort is the premier luxury boutique property in Belize's Cayo District, redefining what fine hospitality looks like in a jungle setting. The name Ka'ana (pronounced kah-AH-nah) comes from the ancient Maya word meaning "heavenly place," and the resort lives up to its name with a seamless blend of five-star sophistication and tropical wilderness.

Unlike the rustic eco-lodges that dominate the Cayo District, Ka'ana was designed from the ground up as a luxury resort. The property features contemporary architecture complemented by natural materials — locally quarried stone, rich tropical hardwoods, and indigenous plants — creating spaces that feel both polished and organically connected to the surrounding jungle. Every detail, from the thread count of the linens to the curated wine cellar, reflects an uncompromising commitment to excellence.

Ka'ana has earned recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Fodor's as the finest luxury resort in western Belize. It has been featured on multiple "best of" lists for the Caribbean and Central America, praised for its ability to deliver world-class luxury while serving as the perfect base for exploring one of the most adventure-rich regions on the planet.

Location

Ka'ana Resort sits on a lush hillside just outside the town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District, approximately 2 miles from the town center. The resort is about 72 miles west of Belize City and can be reached in approximately 2 hours by car via the Western Highway.

San Ignacio is the gateway to Belize's interior adventures. The ancient Maya city of Xunantunich, with its towering El Castillo pyramid, is just 20 minutes away. The legendary ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) is accessible via a 45-minute drive. Cahal Pech, one of the oldest Maya sites in western Belize, sits on a hilltop within San Ignacio itself. The Guatemalan border is only 10 miles away, making day trips to Tikal feasible.

The setting of Ka'ana combines the convenience of proximity to San Ignacio's restaurants and services with the seclusion and tranquility of a private jungle estate. For arrival details, consult our Belize airport arrival guide.

Rooms & Suites

Ka'ana offers just 17 accommodations, ensuring an exclusive and intimate experience:

• Premier Rooms – Elegant ground-floor rooms (45 m²) with luxury bedding, stone-clad bathrooms with rain showers, private patios opening onto tropical gardens, minibars, and sitting areas.
• Suites – Spacious upper-floor suites (65 m²) featuring separate living rooms, oversized bathrooms with soaking tubs, private balconies with jungle canopy views, and premium amenities including Nespresso machines and curated minibars.
• Pool Suites – The resort's signature accommodation, each featuring a private plunge pool on an expansive terrace, king-size beds facing floor-to-ceiling glass walls, outdoor rain showers, walk-in closets, and butler service.
• Ka'ana Villa – A stunning three-bedroom private villa with its own infinity pool, full kitchen, private garden, dedicated staff, and panoramic jungle views. Ideal for families or groups seeking complete privacy and five-star service.

All rooms feature air conditioning, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, organic bath amenities, twice-daily housekeeping, and turndown service.

Things to Do

Ka'ana serves as the ultimate base camp for Belize's interior adventures:

• Maya Ruins Exploration – Guided tours to Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and El Pilar, three significant Maya archaeological sites all within easy reach. The resort's knowledgeable guides bring the ancient Maya world to life with detailed historical context.
• ATM Cave Adventure – A full-day expedition to Actun Tunichil Muknal, widely considered one of the top adventure experiences in Central America. Swim through underground rivers, climb cathedral-like cave chambers, and view ancient Maya ceremonial artifacts including the famous Crystal Maiden.
• Cave Tubing – Float through illuminated underground river cave systems in the Caves Branch area, a quintessential Belize experience.
• Jungle Trekking – Guided hikes through primary and secondary rainforest in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, including visits to waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
• Pool & Spa – The resort's stunning infinity pool is set in a lush garden, while the spa offers treatments inspired by ancient Maya wellness practices using local ingredients — cacao, honey, copal resin, and tropical botanicals.
• Cooking Classes – Master traditional Belizean dishes in the resort's kitchen, learning from local chefs about the fusion of Maya, Creole, and Garifuna culinary traditions.
• Mountain Pine Ridge – Day trips to this unique highland area featuring the impressive Rio On Pools, Big Rock Falls, and the Rio Frio Cave.
• Chocolate Making – Visit a local cacao farm and learn the ancient Maya art of chocolate making, from roasting to tempering.
• Horseback Riding – Trail rides through the jungle and along the Mopan River valley.

Dining

Ka'ana's culinary program is the finest in the Cayo District:

• Ka'ana Restaurant – The resort's signature open-air restaurant combines Belizean ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques. The menu changes seasonally and features dishes like seared local snapper with coconut-lime sauce, slow-roasted jungle fowl with tropical mole, and cacao-rubbed short ribs. Ingredients are sourced from local farms and the resort's own herb garden. The wine cellar is one of the most impressive in Belize, curated to complement the tropical flavors of the kitchen.
• Lounge Bar – A sophisticated yet relaxed bar offering handcrafted cocktails using Belizean rums, local fruits, and fresh herbs. The bartender's Cayo Sour — a riff on the classic pisco sour using Belizean cashew wine — is a guest favorite.

The resort offers private dining experiences including jungle dinners, poolside BBQs, and candlelit dinners under the stars. In-room dining is available throughout the day.

Why Stay at Ka'ana Resort

Ka'ana Resort fills a unique niche in Belize — it is the only property in the Cayo District that truly delivers five-star luxury while maintaining an authentic connection to the surrounding culture and landscape. Where other jungle lodges offer adventure with rustic charm, Ka'ana offers adventure with sophistication.

The resort is small enough that staff remember your name and preferences after a single conversation, yet polished enough that every detail meets international luxury standards. The combination of world-class accommodations, gourmet dining, and access to Belize's most extraordinary archaeological and natural wonders makes Ka'ana the definitive choice for discerning travelers exploring western Belize.

Ka'ana is a top pick in our Belize hotel rankings and complements other excellent properties in the area, including the San Ignacio Resort Hotel and the jungle lodges along the Macal River. Many guests pair their Ka'ana stay with beach time on the coast for a complete Belize experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Ka'ana from the airport?

Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City is approximately 72 miles east. The drive takes about 2 hours via the Western Highway. The resort arranges private transfers.

Is Ka'ana suitable for honeymooners?

Absolutely. Ka'ana is one of Belize's top honeymoon destinations. The pool suites offer complete privacy, and the resort creates custom romantic packages including private dinners, couples' spa treatments, and champagne on arrival.

Do I need a rental car?

No. The resort arranges all excursions with door-to-door pickup, and San Ignacio town is a short taxi ride away. A rental car provides added flexibility but is not essential.

What is the ATM Cave experience like?

The ATM Cave is a moderately strenuous full-day trip. You wade and swim through underground rivers, climb over rocks, and walk through massive cave chambers containing Maya artifacts. Cameras are not allowed inside the cave (to protect artifacts). Most guests describe it as the highlight of their Belize trip.

Is the resort open year-round?

Yes, Ka'ana operates year-round. The dry season (November–April) offers the best weather, but the rainy season (June–November) brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Excursions operate in all seasons.