At the mouth of a river and in the midst of the sea, Belize City occupies prime real estate in the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. With the recent opening of its first luxury hotel, the capital city of the Central American nation is bringing modern flair to its historic Fort George neighborhood. The aptly named Fort George Hotel & Spa, which opened at the beginning of February, is sleek, sexy, and cool, presenting as the perfect oasis for travelers and locals alike to catch a break from the buzz of the city.
While the hotel is new, its history dates back over 70 years to 1953, when the original Fort George Hotel & Spa first began to welcome guests into its colonial-style property. The current opening offers a redesign of 34 new Courtyard Deluxe Rooms and Suites, which reflect the new design and ethos of the 2024 vision of the hotel, which is immediately manifested in the facade of the property. The all-white entrance stands in stark contrast to the lush green foliage that surrounds the tropical location. Soothing, neutral color palettes continue both in the lobby and in the redesigned guest rooms, with the minimalistic design providing a welcome reprieve to the bustling streets of the Belize capital.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, be sure to check out the Penthouse Suites. These suites offer a full kitchen and living room with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. All rooms, however, receive great natural light, which highlights the natural wood finishes and white ceramic touches throughout the hotel.
The K’IN Spa serves as a welcome reprieve to the city center, offering signature treatments that are inspired by the surrounding ecosystem. Experiences are meant to nourish not only the physical body, but mind and spirit as well, with head-to-toe treatments that include facials, body polishes, wraps, massages, and nail services. The Seaside Symphony Facial is a particular treat and includes a high-potency marine mask for maximum exfoliation after a long day in the sun. The spa also offers health-focused food and beverage offerings that are specifically designed to continue the R&R experience after you’ve left your treatment room.
Once you’re finished at the spa, take a quick dip in the plunge pool—while not large enough for you to complete any laps, it’s a perfect place to cool off and indulge in a cocktail after a long day of sightseeing.
If you’re looking to eat on property, you’ll find a delightful culinary experience at The Treehouse, a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge serving all three meals of the day. But dinner is the real treat, with a tapas-style menu that offers freshly caught seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and internationally inspired flavors. Of course, you could also enjoy offerings from The Treehouse from the comfort of your own room, thanks to in-room dining services.
Fort George Hotel & Spa serves as a delightful jumping-off point to adventures not only in Belize City but throughout the country. The hotel’s knowledgeable staff is on hand to offer personalized tours, farm-to-table dining recommendations, and adventures designed to suit any activity level. Of course, having an on-site marina doesn’t hurt.
So whether you’re visiting Belize City for business, pleasure, or a combination thereof, the newly renovated Fort George & Spa is a fabulous place to call home for a few nights.
Top Takeaways
Location: Belize City, Belize
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Sleek, sexy, and modern
Food + Drink: Dine at The Treehouse for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or grab snacks and cocktails from the Spa and by the Plunge Pool
Amenities: Fitness center; Restaurant; Pool; Marina
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Take advantage of the maritime adventures to be had from the marina
5 Nearby Attractions: Altun Ha, Belize Barrier Reef, Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, St. John’s Cathedral, Museum of Belize
Rooms: 34 newly renovated Courtyard Deluxe Rooms and Suites; an additional 110 rooms will be added throughout the next 12 months
Pricing: Rooms start at $230/night
Closest Airport: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport
