I have traveled to Belize regularly over the past three decades. During that period, a number of hotels and resorts have become established favorites. On my recent trip, I went in search of new discoveries, but my thoughts often turned to properties where, on previous visits, I have been fortunate to spend so many happy times.

Victoria House, Ambergris Caye

Although Belize faces the Caribbean, the country has few beaches of note. This is because a long barrier reef creates a vast saltwater lagoon between the coral and the shore. The snorkeling and diving may be superb, but beds of turtle grass often impede direct access to the water. This need not be a great inconvenience. At Victoria House on Ambergris Caye, a long wooden pier extends from the beach to a clear swimming area beyond the weed. A plantation-style hotel, Victoria House is an oasis of tranquility, despite being just 15 minutes by golf cart from the bustling town of San Pedro and its tiny airport. The property has a well-equipped dive shop staffed by experienced instructors, and guides are available for saltwater fly-fishing. For me, however, much of the property’s appeal derives from its lovely tropical gardens and consistently friendly and obliging staff. Victoria House is a place to settle into a lounger beneath the palms and to read for hours undisturbed. The quality of the 42 accommodations is inconsistent, and the regular casitas are too simple to appeal to a majority of *Hideaway Report* readers. I recommend only the Infinity Suites, the Rainforest Suite and the deluxe units in the three beachfront villas.