Portofino Beach Resort sits on a quiet stretch of sand about six miles north of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, reached by golf cart along the beach rather than a paved road. The property is built around a cluster of thatched roof, palapa style cabanas and suites scattered among coconut palms, which gives it a low key, village feel rather than the footprint of a large resort. A short dock reaches out toward the reef flats, and the on site dive shop, Carpe Diem Charters, runs diving, snorkeling and fishing trips directly from that dock.
Rooms range from simple beach cabanas and beachfront rooms up to two story mansion units with full kitchens and private balconies, most finished with mosquito netted beds, wood ceilings and colorful Belizean textiles. A free form swimming pool with a small landscaped island and hot tub sits at the center of the grounds, shaded by palms, and the resort's restaurant and bar serve meals within sight of the water. Guests can also book massages and hot stone treatments at the small beach spa, or take a golf cart ride to Secret Beach on the island's west side.
This resort works well for divers and snorkelers who want reef access without basing themselves in San Pedro Town itself, for couples planning a quieter honeymoon or beach wedding, and for small groups or families who can spread out in one of the multi bedroom mansion units. Room rates already include airport or water taxi transfers, a daily continental breakfast, and the use of kayaks and bicycles, which keeps logistics simple for first time visitors to Belize.
