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Xanadu Island Resort

About

Imagine a secluded tropical paradise where futuristic architecture blends seamlessly into the Caribbean coastline. Xanadu Island Resort is a unique eco-friendly resort located on the picturesque island of Ambergris Caye in San Pedro. This destination became world-renowned as the first complex built using monolithic dome structures, giving it a distinctive and memorable look.

Xanadu Island Resort. Source: Kupi.com AI

The resort is rightfully considered a pioneer of responsible tourism in Belize. It was the first hotel to be awarded the prestigious Green Globe Island Certified Property status for its commitment to environmental protection. Here, travelers can enjoy 3-star comfort, knowing their stay has a minimal impact on nature.

Located just a mile south of the town center, the hotel offers guests breathtaking views of the Belize Barrier Reef—the second largest coral system in the world. It is the perfect spot for those seeking a balance between a peaceful beach holiday and proximity to the island's main tourist routes.

Contacts

To clarify booking details or contact the eco-resort administration, you can use the following contact information:

Address Sea Grape Drive, San Pedro, Belize
Phone (local) +501-226-2814
Toll-free +1-866-351-4752
Website https://www.xanaduislandresort.com

What to Do

A stay at Xanadu Island Resort offers plenty of opportunities for both active and relaxed leisure. Guests can spend time on the private beach, admiring the turquoise waters, or head out on a sea adventure with kayaks and paddleboards. For those seeking more tranquility, there is an outdoor freshwater pool and a cozy hot tub (available for guests aged 14 and over).

If you want to explore the surroundings, the resort provides bicycles, which are convenient for reaching the town center or the scenic Ambergris Lake. Within walking distance are popular spots like Average Joe's Sports Bar and Sticky Fingers restaurant, where you can get a taste of local cuisine.

For art and culture lovers, a stroll through the town will open the doors to numerous galleries, including Belizean Arts and The Gallery of San Pedro. And after an eventful day, there’s nothing better than ordering a refreshing cocktail at the pool bar and watching the sunset over the endless ocean.

Getting There

Xanadu Island Resort is conveniently located just one mile (about 1.6 km) south of the main town area. If you are already in the central part of San Pedro, a pleasant walk along the coast to the hotel will take about 20–25 minutes.

The island of Ambergris Caye itself is accessible to travelers by both air and sea. Regular flights by local airlines and high-speed water taxis connect the island with Belize City and other major ports in the country. Upon arrival at the San Pedro airport or dock, guests can take advantage of the transfer service provided by the resort.

For those who prefer to move around the island independently, free parking is available on-site. This is particularly convenient if you decide to rent a golf cart—the most popular form of transport on the island—to explore the remote corners of the coast.

History & Facts

Xanadu Island Resort is more than just a place to stay; it is an outstanding example of modern ecological architecture. The main feature of the complex is the use of monolithic dome structures. At the time of construction, it was the first resort in the world completely designed in such a futuristic style, making its appearance truly unique for the Caribbean region.

The history of the project is closely tied to the concept of sustainable tourism. The founders sought to prove that high-level comfort could exist in harmony with the fragile ecosystem of Ambergris Caye. These efforts were officially recognized when the complex became the first hotel in Belize to receive the international Green Globe certification.

During the resort's development, special attention was paid to preserving the natural tropical gardens and the shoreline. The architectural choice of domes not only gives the place an unusual look but also provides high resistance to tropical storms, highlighting a sensible approach to construction in the Caribbean environment.

Time Needed

To simply get acquainted with the grounds and the hotel's architecture, travelers might need about 4–6 hours. This is enough time to see the unique dome buildings, stroll through the tropical garden, and perhaps stop by the local pool bar.

However, to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of tranquility and have time to enjoy all the activities Xanadu Island Resort offers, it is recommended to plan a visit for 2–3 days. This will allow you not only to relax on the shore but also to take trips to the coral reef or explore the streets of the nearby town.

Working Hours

Xanadu Island Resort welcomes guests daily. The reception desk and main services operate from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM. Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM, although the management always tries to accommodate guests arriving earlier by providing a place to change or preparing the room as a priority.

As the opening hours of individual services and restaurants on-site may vary depending on the season, visitors are encouraged to check the current information on the official website before their trip.

Nearby

The convenient location of Xanadu Island Resort allows guests to easily combine a beach holiday with visits to interesting town locations and dining spots. Exploring the surroundings will give you a fuller picture of the flavor of life on Ambergris Caye.

Within walking distance or a short golf cart ride are popular restaurants, art galleries, and iconic town landmarks:

Name Distance (km)
Victoria House Resort & Spa 1.0
ZiZi’s Backyard Splash 1.2
El Fogon Restaurant 1.4
Sunset Lounge 1.5
San Pedro sign 1.7
San Pedro Clock Tower 1.7
Elvi's Kitchen 1.7
Palapa Bar and Grill 2.2
Cool Beans Cafe Restaurant & Bar 2.4
Wayo's Beach Bar 2.8

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