Matachica: Barefoot Luxury & Island Bliss in Belize

From the moment we landed in Belize, our trip to Matachica was effortlessly smooth. We arrived at Belize City Airport about an hour before our scheduled flight to Ambergris Caye, only to be pleasantly surprised when Tropic Air added us to a flight departing in just ten minutes! Their efficiency set the tone for the entire journey.

One of the standout touches was the concierge at the Tropic Air gate, who immediately called the hotel to inform them of our early arrival. By the time we landed in San Pedro, everything was perfectly arranged. Our luggage was quickly unloaded, and within minutes, we were whisked away in a Matachica golf cart to a dock in town.

Our driver seamlessly transitioned from land to water, hopping onto a boat that would take us straight to the resort. It felt like such a special arrival — cruising across the turquoise waters, leaving the bustle of San Pedro behind and approaching the serene retreat of Matachica.

After an effortless arrival, check-in was a breeze, and we were led to our Seafront Casita, a perfect little retreat. The room was beautifully appointed with a cozy sitting area, and a thoughtful welcome message crafted from leaves and flowers on our bed set the tone for our stay. Our porch with a hammock chair and lounge chairs overlooking our own small stretch of beach made for a peaceful escape.

The restaurant and bar were just a few doors away, offering incredibly well-prepared local cuisine. Each morning, we enjoyed a fresh and customizable breakfast, featuring produce sourced from Gaia Riverlodge, their sister resort nestled in the jungles of Cayo. The hotel also hosted a tequila tasting and a Captain's Dinner, the latter being a highlight. It was an opportunity to meet other guests while savoring an exquisite multi-course meal introduced by a rotating staff member.

Matachica’s relaxed and accommodating atmosphere extended to our work needs as well. They allowed us to use the beachfront restaurant tables as a workspace.

For adventure, we were picked up right at the dock for a snorkeling excursion to Mexico Rocks. Just 5–10 minutes from the hotel, this spot was teeming with marine life. We ended the trip at Stingray Alley, just offshore from Matachica, where we had the incredible experience of swimming alongside turtles, stingrays and nurse sharks.

One afternoon, we decided to head into town. The resort conveniently dropped us off at the airport while picking up arriving guests. Given the island’s lack of cars, it’s best to arrange transportation with the hotel both ways. That said, we enjoyed wandering the town, shopping and grabbing a drink and snack at a local spot.

The Matachica staff truly went above and beyond, ensuring we felt cared for at every moment. This is the epitome of barefoot luxury, blending a laid-back island vibe with an intimate, high-end experience. With its 16+ age policy, the resort maintains a peaceful, adults-only atmosphere — ideal for those looking to unwind in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

We left feeling completely refreshed and can’t wait to return!

Matachica offers a seamless, adults-only barefoot luxury experience on Ambergris Caye, perfect for couples and those seeking tranquility. With beautifully appointed Seafront Casitas, fresh, locally sourced cuisine and special experiences like tequila tastings and the Captain’s Dinner, the resort provides both relaxation and connection. Snorkeling at Mexico's Rocks and Stingray Alley is a must, with turtles, stingrays and nurse sharks just minutes away.

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