The palm trees swayed gently in the summer breeze, making the crystal-clear Caribbean waters ripple. We dropped our bags and settled in by the spotless pool. A smiling waiter brought us two complimentary drinks and welcomed us to Victoria House.
This warm reception is typical at Victoria House Resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize. As we enjoyed our rum punch and gazed at the sea, we felt pure happiness in this beautiful paradise.
Our journey began with a friendly golf cart ride from the ferry terminal to Victoria House, passing over Ambergris Caye’s bumpy roads. After a brief ride, we arrived at a lovely, palm-shaded garden. The temperature noticeably cooled as we entered, and a friendly receptionist escorted us to our room.
Our “Plantation Room” overlooked the pool, the sea, and a lush garden filled with hibiscus and palms. The room was comfortably cool upon our arrival, with local chocolates placed beside the pillows on our luxurious 4-poster king-sized bed, draped in a hand-made linen canopy. The tasteful decor featured Belizean hand-carved furniture, blending mahogany, bamboo, and wicker perfectly.
The spacious bathroom had a powerful rain shower, and the resort’s all-natural, locally-made toiletries were a nice touch. Victoria House offers various accommodations, from lovely State Rooms and Casitas to Garden Bungalows and luxurious beachfront Villas. All rooms have either garden or sea views and are furnished with tasteful Belizean decor.
Dining options at Victoria House include the stunning Palmilla Restaurant and the waterfront Admiral Nelson Bar. We preferred the bar in the afternoons, enjoying freshly caught seafood paired with expertly mixed rum punch. In the evenings, we dined at the Palmilla Restaurant, often opting for the outside patio to dine under the stars by the ocean. The food at both restaurants was unpretentious, home-cooked, and divine. My favorite dish was the slow-roasted barbecue beef ribs, while Dariece loved the oven-roasted rosemary chicken.
The staff at Victoria House truly stood out. They were friendly, capable, and attentive, remembering our names and treating us like honored guests. Their service exceeded our expectations, frequently welcoming us by name and delivering any requests promptly and with a smile. One staff member even offered to take us fishing on his day off.
Victoria House also offers a wide range of activities, from PADI scuba diving to deep-sea fishing, all organized through their activity center. We took advantage of the free snorkel gear, kayaks, and bicycles, enjoying the freedom to explore the area. If you need some relaxation, the seaside spa offers soothing massages. Golf cart rentals and complimentary airport or ferry terminal pickups are also available.
Even without its prime beachfront location, Victoria House is exquisite, with its breezy 10-acre property cooled by swaying palms and lush gardens. Our plantation room had a massive hibiscus tree in front, where a large iguana often roamed, adding to the natural ambiance.
Room prices range from $195 for State Rooms to $1295 for the Casa Del Sol. Our Plantation Room cost $335, and there are options for couples, solo travelers, and families. Victoria House offers various packages to suit different types of holidays.
Victoria House exemplifies barefoot luxury, with top-notch service in a casual setting. The staff and restaurants set it apart from other resorts. Wandering along the beach, we agreed that Victoria House has the best plot of land on the island.
In summary:
– Staff: Friendly, genuine, and efficient.
– Pools: Clean and close to the sea, with one offering an infinity view of the garden and ocean.
– Rooms: Stylishly decorated, comfortable, and cool.
– Beds: Heavenly.
– Food: Delicious and presented like 5-star cuisine.
– Beer: Limited variety at the restaurants.
– Location: Slightly out-of-town, but free bicycle rentals and golf cart rates make up for it.
– Creole Food: Would like to see more Creole dishes on the menu despite enjoying the food.
We adored Victoria House for its casual luxury, intimate atmosphere, excellent food, and wonderful staff. It felt like a small boutique hotel despite having 42 rooms. The relaxed vibe, delicious meals, and friendly service made our stay memorable, and we hope to return to this windy island paradise someday.