Las Terrazas Resort

Built in 2008, Las Terrazas is as close as it gets to a design-centric resort on Ambergris Caye. Guests arrive on a long, two-tier dock that arcs like a swelling wave. A little farther ahead, the resort’s sandy seaside is dotted with lounge chairs (and a few antique anchors and cannons), offering plenty of pretty vantages and a sun-filled place to relax, despite being not ideal for swimming. Beyond the sea, the resort packs plenty of contemporary punch, and is one of the most stylish that we visited on our trip to Ambergris Caye. A fountain gurgles in the resort’s thatched-roof lobby, providing the perfect soundtrack for enjoying the free neck and shoulder massage -- and tropical punch -- that all arriving guests receive. While interiors are a blend of all things modern and beachy -- with fresh art, lots of hardwood, and terra cotta details -- it's the sleek saltwater infinity pool that's the resort's heart. It’s usually a relaxing spot, but during the holidays, the resort attracts many families, and kids can be found running around and playing, as they do. Travelers looking for guaranteed calm might want to check ahead or consider elsewhere. Still, it's pretty and picture-perfect throughout much of the hotel, and the grounds are grassy and full of blossoming hedges and perfectly aligned rows of palm trees.

Travelers looking to strike a balance between feeling lost in paradise are in luck at Las Terrazas, though it may be a bit too far from civilization for some. There are a handful of restaurants within a 10-minute walk of Las Terrazas, though most of them are located at other resorts and -- as such -- can be pricey. Otherwise, a golf cart, rental car, or taxis will be necessary to get around. There’s a grocery store a four-minute drive from the resort, but it’s expensive and has a limited selection compared to options in San Pedro. Secret Beach -- the island’s best beach -- is a bumpy 15-minute drive. There's also great snorkeling a 20-minute kayak trip from the resort’s pier. Expect a 20-minute drive (or water taxi ride) into San Pedro Town, where just about everything’s available including restaurants, grocery stores, and shops. The island's airport is also located in town.

The apartment-like residences at Las Terrazas are sprawling multi-level units with one to three bedrooms and plenty of space to live it up next to the shores of the Caribbean. Interiors are modern and minimal, with handsome marble floors, photos of blossoming flowers, and paintings of geometric collages on the walls. The look is definitively "high-end home," and decor includes contemporary dark wood furniture, white walls, and pops of color and patterns in the soft furnishings.
Each residence is a multi-room unit that furthers the home-like vibe of a stay here. Standard features include air-conditioning and most rooms also have stylized ceiling fans with bamboo blades. Living rooms feature flat-screen TVs with surround-sound audio systems, DVD Players, and low-profile sleeper sofas. Full-kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are in every room; they include dishes, cutlery, and all the kitchen gadgets you could want. There’s no minibar, but bottles of (subpar) wine are available for purchase too.
Bedrooms feature a mix of king-size poster beds or two twin beds with candy-striped bed runners in shades of red or green, overstuffed armchairs, and huge walk-in closets. Master suites include flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Bright and spacious bathrooms are a stand-out, with their skylights, granite counters, and glass-walled showers with rainfall showerheads. Some units have whirlpool bathtubs. Amenities include robes, hairdryers, and Gilchrist & Soames shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, and bar soap.
All units have balconies with lounge chairs and the Penthouse Two-Bedroom has an amazing sea-view balcony with a private plunge pool. Thoughtful extras include lanterns, umbrellas, and yoga mats. Some units have washing machines and driers. Disappointingly, Wi-Fi is slow.

There’s no doubt: Las Terrazas’s best feature is its ocean-view saltwater infinity pool. At 70-feet long, it’s big enough to swim laps and surrounded by lounge chairs and cabanas. The resort’s sandy beach is also lined with lounge chairs and cabanas and has a cornhole set, but unfortunately there’s a coral-rock breaker wall and the turquoise sea is overgrown with sea grass. Free kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, water bikes, and Hobie cats are available to borrow, and are the best way to explore the offshore reef.
Drink options include Jugo Bar, the poolside bar with happy hour drink specials and weekly rum tastings, though the latter is not provided for free. The resort’s fine-dining restaurant, O Restaurant serves tasty international cuisine and has sushi and live music on select weeknights. Fishing poles and cast nets are available for rent (for a fee) and the restaurant will clean and serve your catch as well.
The dive shop charters diving trips, free introductory scuba lessons, and “Bubble Makers,” a diving course catering to kids (fee). The full-service Serenity Spa offers services like massage, facials, and manicures and pedicures. They also have twice-weekly yoga classes, though they aren't included in room rates The resort’s activity desk arranges tours, rents golf carts, provisions rooms with groceries, and arrange babysitters. Free bicycles are available to borrow.
There’s a gift shop in the lobby that sells souvenirs, snacks, and assorted sundries. They also have a DVD and book library and a computer with free printing for guests. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, though it is slow.