Fringing the fine white sands of Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, Victoria House is an elegant plantation-style resort with spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea. Thatched rooms and cottages, spread throughout the gardens and along the edge of the beach, are decked out with vast canopied beds, cool tiled floors and dark mahogany furnishings. A handful of beachfront villas come with private pools.
This is a perfect base for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts; the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley and Coral Garden dive spots are just a short boat ride away, with waters teeming with nurse sharks, octopus, stingrays and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. For more intrepid divers, Belize's famous Blue Hole is within reach too, and there are paddleboards and kayaks available for more languid expeditions drifting along the pristine coastline. The hotel spa –one of the largest on the island – is set among waving coconut palms and treatments can take place out on the sands. The buzzy little town of San Pedro is a short walk or cycle away and is a lovely spot to wander around while dipping in and out of artisan shops and lively bars and restaurants.
