Umaya Resort & Adventures
Umaya Resort & Adventures
Belize
www.umayaresortbelize.com
At the heart of southern Belize’s untouched beauty lies a boutique resort where the Caribbean Sea kisses the shore and the placid waters of the Placencia Lagoon whisper to the breeze: Umaya Resort & Adventures is not just a destination, but a harmonious encounter between culture and coastline, nature and nurture. Tucked away on the lush Maya Beach of the Placencia Peninsula and cradled by the Maya Mountains in the distance, this is a place where time slows, perspectives shift, and every sunrise feels like the start of a new story.
Umaya, part of The Belize Collection, delivers what luxury travelers increasingly crave: authenticity without pretension. Its beachfront and lagoon-facing suites—ranging from one-bedroom havens to two-bedroom villas—are spacious and stylish, offering full kitchens, airy living areas, and sweeping balconies where you can sip morning coffee as herons drift across the lagoon or toast a golden hour over the sea.
Locally sourced hardwoods, handwoven textiles, and artisan ceramics ground each room in place, blending modern comfort with the soulful aesthetics of the land. The vibe? Tropical bohemian meets barefoot elegance.
Dining at Restaurante Laguna, the resort’s flagship lagoon-side restaurant, is a sensorial journey guided by the vision of Executive Chef Rahim Melendez. Trained in classical techniques yet rooted in his Belizean heritage, Chef Melendez creates a menu that speaks in the language of land and sea.
For an even more laid-back experience, guests wander to Fyah Bar & Grill, where Caribbean rhythms play softly in the background and barefoot dining on the beach is encouraged. Fyah Beach Bar offers a vibrant beachfront experience where guests can enjoy the sun, sand, and refreshing drinks. Nestled between the resort's sparkling pool and the serene Caribbean Sea, this open-air bar provides a laid-back tropical atmosphere perfect for relaxation
Don Tonito’s at Umaya Resort & Adventures in Placencia, Belize, offers a distinctive dining experience that blends traditional pizza-making techniques with local flavors. Specializing in artisan wood-fired pizzas, the restaurant utilizes custom-made fogons—traditional ovens lit each morning with chopped wood—to achieve a perfect, crispy crust. Each pizza is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including in-house tomato sauce and herbs, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
Adventures Carved from Jungle and Reef
Tucked between the crystalline Caribbean Sea and the serene Placencia Lagoon, Umaya Resort & Adventures is a gateway to the soul of Belize—a place where barefoot luxury, ancient culture, and wild natural beauty converge. A proud member of The Belize Collection, this lush escape is located on the narrow Maya Beach peninsula in southern Belize, offering an immersive blend of elevated hospitality and unfiltered connection to land and sea.
With sprawling suites that open directly onto white sands or tranquil lagoon waters, the resort is a seamless expression of its surroundings. Yet it’s not just the dramatic backdrop that defines a stay at Umaya—it’s the carefully curated experiences that make this destination feel personal, purposeful, and unforgettable.
Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef
For many, the highlight of a visit to Umaya is its extraordinary access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a short boat ride from the resort, this underwater world is an ever-changing mosaic of living color and movement—ideal for both first-time snorkelers and seasoned adventurers.
Guided by experienced locals, guests can embark on full-day or half-day snorkeling tours to iconic sites such as Silk Cayes, Laughing Bird Caye, and Ranguana Caye—each offering its own coral kingdoms, aquatic residents, and untamed beauty.
As you glide over vibrant coral gardens teeming with life, expect to see neon parrotfish, elegant eagle rays, trumpetfish. Occasionally, a gentle nurse shark or majestic sea turtle will make a quiet appearance, reminding you just how untouched this world really is.
Snorkeling in Belize isn’t just sightseeing—it’s an immersion. You'll float among purple sea fans and brain coral, drift through cathedral-like underwater archways, and hear the subtle symphony of the reef—a clicking, crackling hush that envelopes you like a dream.
Best of all, Umaya ensures the experience is intimate and personalized, with small group tours and private chartersavailable for honeymooners, families, or groups of friends. All equipment is provided, and the guides—many of whom grew up in nearby fishing villages—infuse each journey with rich stories about the marine ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the cultural ties to the sea.
Snorkeling through Belize’s barrier reef is not just a highlight—it’s a transformative journey into a realm of wonder.
A Curated Collection of Land & Sea Adventures
Adventure-seekers can venture even further afield with a thoughtfully designed menu of excursions:
• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave: A guided journey into the underworld of the ancient Maya—wade through crystal-clear rivers, climb through caverns, and discover sacred artifacts.
• Xunantunich Maya Ruins & Inland Blue Hole: Explore towering temples and plunge into Belize’s famous natural swimming sinkhole.
• Monkey River & Manatee Safari: Cruise through mangrove-lined rivers, spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and end with a manatee watch near the lagoon.
• Jaguar Preserve Hike & River Tubing: Hike through the lush jungle trails of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and float gently downriver surrounded by tropical flora.
• Zip-lining & Cave Tubing: Soar above the canopy before embarking on a subterranean tubing journey through ancient caves and riverways.
Spa Rituals & Soulful Wellness
Those craving tranquility need not venture far. At Umaya’s 'In Lak’ech' Spa, the pace shifts from adventure to introspection. The name, a Maya expression meaning “I am you, and you are me,” reflects the philosophy behind each treatment. Body scrubs infused with local sea salt, cacao facials, and lemongrass massages are paired with calming lagoon views and the soundtrack of nature.
Yoga and wellness sessions are offered on an open-air deck with views of both sunrise and sunset—reminding guests of the duality that defines Umaya: energy and stillness, land and water, past and present.
Umaya Resort & Adventures is a destination for travelers looking to experience Belize beyond the expected. Set between the Caribbean Sea and the Placencia Lagoon, the resort offers easy access to Mayan ruins, rainforest trails, wildlife reserves, and the Belize Barrier Reef. Whether you're here for a quiet beach escape or a more active itinerary, Umaya provides a comfortable base to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and culture.
