Green Parrot Beach Houses & Resort

The property consists of a small collection of standalone buildings situated directly on the beach. The thatched roofs, hammocks peppered throughout, salt-weathered wood exteriors, and mature coconut palms all create a distinctly Belizean feel. In fact, it's exactly what many travelers have in mind when they arrive in the Placencia region, with little more to do here than kick back and enjoy the sea. The vibe is simple, relaxed, and unpretentious; although, it may feel a bit too unpolished for some. Beyond the beach and small restaurant, there is not much going on here and guests seeking more will likely need to venture to Placencia. Guests are mostly couples seeking a no-nonsense, beachfront property with clean sand and rooms that provide a mostly unplugged tropical getaway.

Those looking to feel like they've landed in the middle of nowhere are (mostly) in luck, as the Green Parrot Beach Houses sits well north of the bulk of development in the Placencia region. The road out front is peppered with other small hotels and guest houses, but not much else. There is little within walking distance and most guests will want a car to explore the area. However, nearby Placencia offers artisan shops and local restaurants, most of which are a 15- to 20-minute drive away. The town serves as a launchpad for guests looking to explore Belize’s famous barrier reef (the world’s second largest after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef), which is reachable via a 30-minute boat ride.

Placencia’s tiny airstrip is the nearest and most convenient, however, flights are limited. Many guests opt to arrive via Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), more than three hours away by car in Belize City. Taxi service is convenient but expensive throughout the country. Rental car service is available at BZE airport and through several providers in Placencia. Belize’s major highways provide a modern, well-maintained route to explore the country’s scenic landscape.

Rooms feature a simple, cabin-like aesthetic that includes rough wood flooring and exposed woodwork on the walls and ceilings. The look is rustic, but charming, with details like bright tile countertops, bold striped linens, and a peppering of tropical artwork all working to remind guests of where they are.

Each of the hotel’s two room types is designed for either one couple or one family. Thatched Roof Cabanas are simple, one-story cabins built directly atop the sand. These feature a single queen bed, a mini-fridge, a private bathroom with hot water, and a rustic outdoor shower -- all ideal for an adventurous honeymooning couple. The property’s Beach Houses are similarly quaint two-story, standalone buildings situated on the beach. The design is well-suited for families, with a futon on the first floor and a queen-size bed plus a cot in the upstairs loft. However, the open-concept floor plan -- including the lack of a curtain or door on the only bathroom -- may dissuade some guests. These rooms also feature a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, sink, two-burner electric cooktop, and all essential dishware and utensils.

All rooms feature a private outdoor deck with lovely sea views. As a mostly unplugged property, there are no in-room phones, televisions, or air-conditioners. Free Wi-Fi is available, however, it’s slow and unreliable.

The beach here is a small, but well-maintained little gem -- just don't come expecting beachside service or anything like that. There are a dozen chairs and a few palapas, and kayaks and paddleboards are free for guest use. Green Parrot Restaurant & Bar is located in an open-air, thatched-roof building directly on the beach. With an unobstructed eastern view, the restaurant has excellent sunrise views each morning. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served a la carte and food gets solid marks from previous guests. The menu is dominated by traditional Belizean fare and local seafood including lobster, shrimp, and red snapper. A small lending library adjacent to the check-in office provides a selection of a few hundred used books, and while free Wi-Fi is available, it's not reliable. The free off-street parking lot is small, though adequate given the hotel’s limited capacity.