Matachica Resort & Spa - Boutique Beachfront Luxury on Ambergris Caye

About Matachica Resort & Spa

Matachica Resort & Spa is a vibrant five-star boutique resort on the northern shores of Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island and most popular destination. What sets Matachica apart from the many properties on Ambergris Caye is its bold, artistic aesthetic — each villa is painted in a different brilliant color inspired by the tropical surroundings, creating a visual experience as stunning as the Caribbean Sea it overlooks.

Founded on the philosophy that luxury should feel personal rather than corporate, Matachica maintains an intimate atmosphere with just 32 individual casitas and villas spread across its beachfront property. There is no high-rise construction, no crowded pool deck, and no convention center — only thatched roofs, swaying palms, and the gentle rhythm of Caribbean waves.

The resort has earned consistent recognition from Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice, and Condé Nast Johansens as one of the finest boutique properties in the Caribbean. Its Mambo Restaurant has been lauded as one of the best dining experiences in all of Belize, and the resort's commitment to personalized service has built a devoted following of returning guests from around the world.

Location

Matachica is located approximately 5 miles north of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, Belize. This northern location places the resort away from the bustle of town while remaining easily accessible — a 15-minute golf cart ride or quick water taxi trip connects guests to San Pedro's shops, galleries, and nightlife.

Ambergris Caye sits within the Belize Barrier Reef system, meaning world-class snorkeling and diving are literally steps from the resort's dock. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, two of Belize's most famous snorkeling sites, are a short boat ride away. The Great Blue Hole, a bucket-list dive site, is accessible via full-day excursions.

Guests arrive via short domestic flights from Belize City (20 minutes to San Pedro's airstrip) or by water taxi from the Belize City marine terminal (approximately 75 minutes). Review our Belize airport arrival guide for complete arrival details.

Rooms & Casitas

Matachica's accommodations are individually designed casitas, each a private retreat painted in a distinctive color:

• Seafront Casitas – One-bedroom thatched-roof villas directly on the beach, approximately 55 m², featuring king beds with mosquito netting, indoor-outdoor bathrooms with rain showers, private verandas with sea views, hammocks, and hand-painted Belizean artwork.
• Premium Seafront Casitas – Larger beachfront units (70 m²) with expanded living areas, outdoor garden showers in addition to indoor bathrooms, upgraded furnishings, and premium ocean views.
• Seafront Villas – Spacious two-bedroom villas (100 m²) ideal for families or couples traveling together, with full living rooms, kitchenettes, two bathrooms, and extensive private decks directly on the sand.
• The Matachica Suite – The resort's premier accommodation featuring a master bedroom, separate living area, private plunge pool, rooftop terrace, personal butler service, and panoramic views of the Caribbean and reef.

All accommodations include air conditioning, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, minibars, organic bath amenities, Bluetooth speakers, and complimentary bicycles and kayaks.

Things to Do

Matachica balances relaxation with adventure, offering access to Ambergris Caye's best experiences:

• Snorkeling & Diving – Daily excursions to the Belize Barrier Reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and Shark Ray Alley. The resort arranges PADI certification courses and multi-day dive packages. Discover more about diving along the Belize Barrier Reef.
• Jade Spa – A serene overwater and garden spa offering Belizean-inspired treatments including seaweed wraps, coconut oil massages, Maya chocolate body treatments, and couples' rituals. The open-air treatment rooms set among tropical gardens create a profoundly peaceful experience.
• Infinity Pool – A stunning beachfront infinity pool surrounded by day beds, palms, and attentive poolside service.
• Yoga – Complimentary morning yoga sessions on the beachfront yoga platform, plus private sessions available on request.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Complimentary equipment for exploring the calm waters along the reef.
• Island Hopping – Day trips to Caye Caulker, the less-developed sister island known for its relaxed vibe and excellent snorkeling.
• Fishing – Flats fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon in the productive waters around Ambergris Caye, arranged through local expert guides.
• Sunset Sailing – Catamaran and sailboat excursions along the coast with cocktails and snorkeling stops.
• San Pedro Town – A golf cart ride south brings guests to San Pedro's colorful streets, local galleries, chocolate shops, and vibrant bar scene.

Dining

Matachica's culinary program is a highlight of any stay:

• Mambo Restaurant – Matachica's signature dining venue and one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Belize. Chef-driven menus fuse Belizean flavors with international techniques, featuring fresh-caught seafood, hand-made pastas, tropical ceviche, and locally raised meats. The beachfront setting — candlelit tables on the sand with the sound of waves — creates an unforgettable ambiance. The tasting menu with wine pairings is a particular favorite among guests.
• Mambo Beach Bar – A casual palapa bar on the beach serving inventive cocktails, fresh juices, ceviche, tacos, and light fare throughout the day. The mojitos made with locally grown mint and fresh-pressed sugarcane are legendary.

Private beach dinners can be arranged for special occasions, complete with tiki torches, a personal chef, and a custom menu. The resort also offers in-room dining and packed lunches for diving or island excursions.

Why Stay at Matachica

Matachica Resort & Spa delivers an experience that is uniquely its own — colorful, artistic, intimate, and deeply connected to the Caribbean island culture of Belize. In a destination crowded with resorts competing for attention, Matachica stands out by doing things differently: fewer rooms, bolder design, better food, and more personal service.

The resort occupies a sweet spot between total seclusion and island accessibility. You can spend a morning diving the barrier reef, an afternoon at the spa, and an evening enjoying a world-class dinner on the beach — all without feeling rushed or leaving the property. Yet San Pedro's restaurants and nightlife are just minutes away when you want to explore.

For travelers who want a more intimate Ambergris Caye experience, Matachica is the definitive choice. It regularly appears in our top Belize hotels rankings and pairs beautifully with a jungle stay in the Cayo District for a complete Belize itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Matachica adults-only?

No, Matachica welcomes families, though the atmosphere is geared more toward couples and honeymooners. The seafront villas accommodate families comfortably. The resort has no kids club, but the beach, pool, and snorkeling provide natural entertainment for children.

How do I get from San Pedro airport to the resort?

The resort provides complimentary transfers from San Pedro airstrip. A golf cart shuttle takes about 15 minutes along the beach road to reach the property.

Can I walk to San Pedro Town?

San Pedro Town is about 5 miles south, so walking is not practical. The resort provides complimentary bicycles, and golf cart taxis are readily available. Water taxis also operate along the coast.

What is the snorkeling like directly from the resort?

The beach in front of Matachica has a sandy bottom ideal for swimming. For the best snorkeling, the resort arranges trips to the nearby reef, just a 10-minute boat ride away, where visibility is excellent and marine life is abundant.

When is the best time to visit Ambergris Caye?

The dry season from November through April offers the best weather with warm temperatures and minimal rain. However, Ambergris Caye enjoys a tropical climate year-round and diving conditions are excellent in every season.