Matachica Resort & Spa sits on northern Ambergris Caye, about five miles north of San Pedro in Belize, an adults-only resort between beach and jungle, steps from the Belize Barrier Reef. It has 33 thatched-roof casitas and villas, each a private beach house, from seafront luxury suites with plunge-pool terraces and beach casitas to seabreeze bungalows and a luxury villa for small groups. Dining centres on the reservation-only, elevated open-air Mambo, serving local seafood and premium beef, and the casual all-day beachfront Mambo Bistro with produce from sister property GAIA, alongside Danny’s Tree Bar built around a tree by the infinity pool, with a kitchen team that has included a former French Laundry chef. There is the Jade beach spa using local ingredients such as papaya, coffee and aloe, and an infinity pool. Experiences run from on-site snorkelling, kayaking and beach bikes to curated reef and rainforest tours, from Hol Chan shark snorkelling to Maya ruins and cave tubing, with combinations with GAIA Riverlodge. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and listed in the Michelin Guide, it suits adults-only couples, honeymooners and small groups who want a boutique beachfront Caribbean resort with strong dining and reef access.