La Perla Del Caribe

For a hotel whose name translates into The Pearl of the Caribbean, La Perla del Caribe offers the style you’d expect from a place that's named after gems. Its 12 villas -- with names like Diamond, Emerald, and Ruby -- are scattered throughout the sprawling seafront property. Its sandy grounds are full of palm trees and blossoming flowers, and the whole property is tidy enough for barefoot exploring. Upon arriving at La Perla, guests -- usually middle aged couples and groups of friends -- are taken directly to their villas. As such, the small lobby with a desk, kayak paddles for borrowing, and vintage La Perla California Olives poster almost seems like an afterthought. There’s no bar or restaurant. Given this fact, the tile-decked pool with gray lounge chairs and modern wood pergola serves as the resort's relaxing epicenter. It's right next to the beach, which is great for wading and taking in the scenery. All in all, the hotel is geared toward independent travelers looking to kick back without too many distractions.

Just north of San Pedro town, La Perla is far enough away from the island hustle but close enough for travelers still wanting a short commute to the action. Within a five-minute walk are an Italian, seafood, and a steak restaurant, and a highly rated Jamaican jerk pit is a two-minute walk. Getting to San Pedro -- the island’s commercial heart that’s full of shops, restaurants, and grocery stores -- is a 25-minute golf-cart drive along a bumpy road or a 15-minute shared water taxi (private water taxis are also available, but expensive). There’s a grocery store a five-minute walk from the resort, but the budget-conscious will want to grab provisions in town. Dice rollers looking to play their luck can visit the nearest casino, a 15-minute drive from the resort. San Pedro Airport is a combined 25-minute water taxi and taxi ride from La Perla. 

La Perla’s villa’s range from two-bedroom apartments that sleep four to five-bedroom, multi-floored mansions with room for 11. They blend Caribbean and Mexican styles along with European and North African Mediterranean details. Accents include like color-washed walls in tans, reds, and oranges, plus Talavera tiled bathrooms and kitchens. Since each unit is individually owned, the decor ranges widely. We especially love how the Topaz Villa blends bright Caribbean colors with imported antique European furnishings: tables, chairs, church doors, candelabras, and religious statues. All villas have balconies with pool, garden, or ocean views -- while all have at least a glimpse of the sea, only the two-bedroom villas have direct views. 

Living room amenities vary, but expect flat-screen TVs with cable channels, plush couches and love seats (some are rattan), DVD players, and ceiling fans (one even has a popcorn maker). Only bedrooms are air-conditioned, though double doors in the living rooms and kitchens open onto balconies (with hammocks) that let in the ocean breeze. Chef's kitchens are fully stocked with ovens, stoves, coffeemakers, toasters, blenders, and dish washers. We did notice that the appliances in some units could use an update (there was rust and damage from previous guests). All units come with free freshwater. 

Master bedrooms are huge and fit for a king, with beautiful hardwood floors, tons of closet space, and private balconies. The best is the Amethyst Villa’s balcony that’s loaded with lounge chairs, a small dining table and chairs, and whirlpool tub. The master bedroom's bathrooms have painted tile sinks and walls, and stand-up showers. They include soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Their open floor plans could be a negative for some, since the only separation from the sleeping area is either a curtain or short wall. 

All villas but the two-bedrooms have washer and dryers. Wi-Fi is free in all villas. Daily housekeeping is provided.

La Perla’s best features are its white sand beach and freshwater pool -- and that's the case primarily because there isn't much else on offer here. The beach stretches across the entire property and has lounge chairs with blue cushions and tall palm trees provide much-needed shade. Seaweed is an issue from time to time in this part of Belize, and due to offshore boat traffic, the beach might be best for wading and splashing than proper swims. Free kayaks are available to explore the azure ocean and nearby reef. The resort’s ocean-view pool overlooks the beach and is perfect for a daytime or romantic nighttime swim, since its one of the few on the island that stays open 24/7. It also has a modern wood pergola that shades the many lounge chairs underneath.

The hotel’s concierge works with many of the island’s major tour operators and can help arrange snorkeling or diving trips, sunset cruises, and other excursions. They can also set up groceries for the kitchens in the villas, spa services, chefs, butlers, babysitters, and arrange for maids to do guests' laundry (for a fee). Golf carts and bicycles and available for rent (for a fee). 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and all stays include free round-trip airport transfers.