Matachica Resort Belize Review (2026): Ambergris Caye’s Colorful Hideaway
Matachica Resort Belize Review
Matachica Resort & Spa is an adults-only (16+), 32-casita colorful beach resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize — each casita named after a fruit and painted a different bright color. It’s now part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and bookable on hilton.com with Hilton Honors benefits. Expect standout food at Mambo restaurant, easy boat access to Hol Chan snorkeling, and the most photogenic property in Belize.
Have you ever stayed at a colorful beach resort before? I hadn’t until I discovered Matachica Resort & Spa, which is an exquisite beach resort with a vibrant charm in Ambergris Caye, Belize. With its 32 unique beach villas and casitas, each named after a fruit and adorned in a different color, Matachica offers a one-of-a-kind stay. Instead of saying “I’m staying in room 3208”, Matachica guests will say “I’m staying in Grapefruit.” It’s such a fun, lighthearted concept. I’ve stayed at many resorts around the world, but Matachica’s design is truly unique.
The Casita Experience
We indulged in the enchantment of the pink casita (my favorite color) named Dragonfruit and it was the cutest room ever! Everything inside was so well thought out, from the murals to the artisanal pieces to the really good smelling toiletries (the brand was called Haeckels, which I’d never heard of, but I am going to get myself some of their soap). My favorite part of the casita was how the spacious interior and tall roof created an airy ambiance that invited relaxation. Each casita also has its own patio with a hammock, where you can unwind and soak in the views of the ocean and the other colorful villas. I was tempted to spend the whole time at my casita because of how nice it was, but I couldn’t miss out on enjoying the rest of the property.
Exploring the Resort
When you’re finally ready to leave the comfort of your casita, Matachica offers a paradise waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in lush surroundings adorned with palm trees and vibrant foliage. Matachica boasts a unique pier with sunbeds, where you can bask in the serenity of the ocean. I loved relaxing out there because it felt like it was just me and the ocean. There was a nice gentle breeze the whole time I was there, and that was great for keeping the bugs at bay. I normally get bitten like crazy by mosquitoes anytime I’m somewhere tropical, but not at Matachica! It was such a relief to walk around freely without the fear of bug bites.
Dining: Mambo Restaurant & Mambo Bistro
Prepare to be amazed by the food at Matachica because it is unBelizeable! I am a huge foodie and it takes a lot to impress me with food, but Matachica did it. The food program, led by CIA-trained chef Stephen Lighter (formerly of the French Laundry), blends Belizean flavors with serious technique.
There are now two concepts: Mambo Restaurant, the dinner-only fine dining room (reservations required, 16+), named Belize Restaurant of the Year in 2023 — and Mambo Bistro, the casual beachfront spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday, even if you’re not staying at Matachica, and try the coconut mojitos at the charming tree bar.
Things to Do at Matachica
Relax & Rejuvenate
Matachica has a chic pool with a hot tub built inside the pool — such a pretty design! The spa offers treatments like the Mayan Coffee Scrub and Chocolate Wrap.
Do Water Activities
Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and jet skiing are all available right from the resort.
Do Non-Water Activities
Bicycles, craft shopping stands, cornhole — and say hi to Taco, the adorable resort dog.
Snorkel & Swim with Sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Matachica runs its own boat tours, and the standout is the group trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. We snorkeled over the reef — Belize has the world’s second-largest barrier reef — and saw so many fish, corals, a few stingrays, and a couple of turtles. The guide gets in the water with you and leads you to all the marine life. Then they take you to swim with sharks: the sharks come up to the boats because the boats feed them, so sightings are basically guaranteed. I’ve swum with sharks in the Bahamas before, but Belize was cooler because you’re out in the open ocean in the wild with them. Can’t swim? They give you life vests. Afterward, Matachica served snacks and fresh baked goodies — the baked goods were so good I wished I had more. Private tours are available if you’d rather not go with a group.
Drive a Golf Cart into San Pedro
On Ambergris Caye, golf carts are the main form of transportation, and they’re a blast. Matachica has carts you can drive into town — about a 30-minute drive to San Pedro, and such a fun ride it doesn’t feel that long. Soak in the colorful downtown and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit Secret Beach
Secret Beach is the place to be on the island, and Matachica happens to be the closest resort to it — only a 10–15 minute golf cart ride. The water is crystal clear and super shallow, so you can walk far out into the ocean and just hang out. Restaurants around the beach have loungers and tables right in the water. We went to Aurora because it was colorful, very on-theme for the trip.
Getting to Matachica Resort
Matachica is on Ambergris Caye, a little island off the coast of Belize. The fastest way over is the 15-minute flight from Belize City Airport (BZE) to San Pedro Airport (SPR) with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air — roughly $85–$135 one way. Book in advance for the better end of that range. Once you’re in San Pedro, Matachica picks you up by boat at the dock. It’s a nice 10-minute ride with amazing views of the island and the barrier reef. They’ll ask your favorite drink on the boat and have it ready at the lobby — I got a piña colada.
You can also take the water ferry, which runs about $30–$45 one way and takes 1.5 hours. It’s crowded and doesn’t connect directly to the airport, so you’ll need a taxi on top. Take the flight — the $100-ish is worth every penny.
Good to Know
- Adults-only: the resort is 16+, which keeps the vibe relaxed and quiet.
- Mambo Restaurant (the fine-dining room) requires dinner reservations — book ahead.
- Now bookable via Hilton: Matachica joined Small Luxury Hotels of the World, so you can book on hilton.com and earn/use Hilton Honors points.
- Sister property: Gaia Riverlodge in the Cayo District pairs perfectly for a jungle-plus-beach Belize trip.
We had such a great stay at Matachica! The other guests were awesome and so were the staff. It was just happy vibes all around. It’s the rare resort that’s as fun as it photographs — the color isn’t a gimmick, it’s the whole personality.
Check out Matachica’s latest prices & availability!
More island escapes: swim with flamingos in Aruba on Renaissance Island, or browse my Oahu guide for Pacific island inspiration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matachica Resort adults-only?
Yes, Matachica is 16+, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and quiet. Mambo Restaurant (the fine-dining room) is also 16+ with reservations required.
Can you book Matachica with Hilton Honors points?
Yes. Matachica joined Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is bookable on hilton.com, so you can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points there.
How do you get to Matachica Resort in Belize?
Fly 15 minutes from Belize City (BZE) to San Pedro (SPR) with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air (roughly $85–$135 one way), then Matachica picks you up by boat. The water ferry ($30–$45, 1.5 hours) is cheaper but slower and crowded.
What is there to do near Matachica?
Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley (the resort runs boat tours), golf-carting into San Pedro, Secret Beach (10–15 minutes away), plus kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing on-site.
What is the food like at Matachica?
Excellent — a genuine standout. Mambo Restaurant (dinner only, reservations required) serves refined Belizean-influenced cuisine, and Mambo Bistro covers casual beachfront meals. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday.
