The hype
Reviewers consistently praise the massive, condo-style suites and the friendly staff, making it a great value for families.
Umaya Resort & Adventures (Ex Belize Ocean Club And Resort)
$135-250 / night
Book this if You want a spacious, condo-style suite with a full kitchen and access to both a tranquil lagoon and the Caribbean Sea without breaking the bank.
Why People Love It
- Massive condo-style suites with full kitchens
- Dual access to both the Caribbean Sea and a peaceful lagoon
- On-site PADI dive center and adventure tours
Quick Take: It's a fantastic, spacious basecamp with killer views, but don't expect ultra-luxury perfection—quirky plumbing and seasonal beach seaweed can occasionally dampen the vibe.
Reviewed by @ugcbz9545013: My stay at Umaya Resort was exactly the tropical escape I needed. We were greeted with the prettiest cocktails, ate the most incredible breakfast spreads, and spent all day lounging by the massive beachfront pool. If you need to disconnect and be pampered, this is the spot.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Maintenance can be hit-or-miss, with some guests reporting slow-draining toilets, quirky plumbing noises, and struggling A/C units.
- You want the convenience of a full kitchen to cook your own meals
- You love having both sunrise ocean views and sunset lagoon views
- You're traveling with family or a group and need extra space
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is provided and generally thorough, though some guests note occasional missed spots during busy times.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean and functional, but some guests report slow-draining toilets and quirky plumbing noises.
- Maintenance: Mostly well-kept, but a few reports of struggling A/C units and minor wear-and-tear in older units.
- Linens & towels: Comfortable premium bedding and down comforters; towels are plentiful for both room and beach.
- Odors & scents: Rooms smell fresh, but the beach can occasionally smell like sulfur when sargassum seaweed decays.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Random toilet/plumbing noises from other floors
- Occasional wind or beach noise
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort spans both sides of the road—oceanfront and lagoon-front
- There are no elevators, so request a ground-floor room if stairs are an issue
- Breakfast is not included and costs around $20 per person
What to pack
- Bug spray for the lagoon side and jungle excursions
- Water shoes for rocky or seaweed-heavy beach areas
Room Genie
Best picks
- Two Bedroom Ocean View for direct beach access and sunrise views
- Lagoon Bay View suites for stunning sunset views over the Maya Mountains
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor units if you are sensitive to footsteps from above
- Rooms right on the road if you want maximum tranquility
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, we're so excited for our stay! If possible, we'd love a top-floor Ocean View suite to minimize noise from above and maximize our sunrise views. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee or hidden costs?
There are no hidden resort fees, but breakfast is not included and some activities cost extra.
How far is it from Placencia Village?
It's located in Maya Beach, about a 20-minute drive (7-9 miles) north of the main Placencia Village.
Is the beach swimmable?
Yes, but it depends on the season; sargassum seaweed can wash up daily and make swimming less appealing.
Do the rooms have kitchens?
Yes, all suites feature fully equipped kitchens with a fridge, microwave, oven, and stovetop.
Is there an airport shuttle?
Yes, the resort offers a free airport shuttle to the local Placencia airstrip (PLJ) at scheduled times.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at this property according to recent policies.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Catch the sunrise on the Caribbean side, then walk across the street to the lagoon side for spectacular sunset views over the Maya Mountains.
- ✨
Take advantage of the free kayaks and paddleboards to explore the calm lagoon waters.
- ✨
Stock up on groceries in Placencia Village before heading to the resort to make the most of your full kitchen.
5 things to know before you go
💡The resort is split by the main Placencia road, meaning you'll have to cross it to get between the lagoon and ocean sides.
💡The toilets have a quirky plumbing system that sometimes makes random noises even when you haven't flushed.
💡The 'beachfront' villas are massive, but the 'lagoon' side actually offers the best sunset views.
💡There's a bowling alley (Jaguar Lanes) surprisingly close by if you need a break from the sun.
💡The Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but power outages or service interruptions can happen on the peninsula.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Umaya Resort & Adventures (Ex Belize Ocean Club And Resort) is located and what's nearby.