Belize’s main hotspot for scuba diving, fishing, and just about any fun-in-the-sun activity imaginable, Ambergris Caye is a sandy island that locals and expats eagerly flock to in equal measure. Enjoy this beautiful island and stay in the best design hotel of Belize, El Secreto.

The secret is out. Located 30 minutes away from the town of San Pedro, the largest on Belize’s Ambergris Caye, is El Secreto, an intimate 13-villa resort surrounded by the lush and natural beauty of an island setting. Accessible only by boat to the hotel’s private pier, El Secreto is a totally unique experience in a region that remains largely undiscovered, and where the stunning Great Blue Hole submarine sinkhole and Barrier Reef lie only a short distance away.

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Each thatched-roof villa has been designed with the locale in mind, the impressive environs taking centre stage in each accommodation by way of ocean views and landscaped grounds. El Secreto Restaurant delivers guests the best organic ingredients the island has to offer and the Ikal spa acts as the ultimate gateway to total relaxation with its program of Mayan influenced treatments. Contemporary yet bucolic, El Secreto is setting a new standard for the Caribbean resort: a boutique retreat created with respect for its surroundings while offering high-end comforts and modern conveniences to savvy travelers.

Tasked with creating a contemporary hideaway that did not compete with its lush surroundings, El Secreto’s owners Abraham Roffe and Abraham Saade’s measured approach to the architecture of the resort makes an impact with the absence of flashy gimmicks.

All 13 freestanding thatched-roof villas and public spaces are at ease with the landscape, aided by the utilization of local materials, such as Belizean tropical woods and structural motifs. These lean heavily on regional design elements whilst simultaneously incorporating a modern touch.

Beamed ceilings, earth-toned textiles and rattan furniture introduce a healthy dose of laid-back Caribbean cool to El Secreto. Sleek finishes such as marble bathrooms and outdoor showers and jacuzzis temper the more traditional elements of the interiors. Each villa features locally inspired fixtures such as mirrors, closets and rails, designed and hand-crafted by local artisans.