Alaia Belize, Intriguing New Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel

By: Ben Schlappig

Updated: September 2, 2021
Published: May 8, 2021

30 comments

I always like to keep track of cool-looking hotel openings with the major hotel groups, given the opportunities to earn & redeem points. A new Marriott property just opened in Central America that piques my interest…

In this post:

Alaia Belize, Marriott’s first hotel in Belize

Alaia Belize is a Marriott Autograph Collection property that just opened in San Pedro, Belize, which is in the Caribbean Sea. This is Marriott’s first property in Belize, and it’s also the first four diamond resort on Ambergris Caye, which is Belize’s largest island.

There are several daily flights between Belize City and San Pedro, and the flights are blocked at just 15-25 minutes. Alternatively you can take a ferry, though that’s a longer journey.

The resort has 155 guest rooms and suites, ranging from studios to three bedroom villas. The average room here features 1,200 square feet of indoor space and 900 square feet of outdoor space, though that obviously reflects that the resort has a lot of larger, multi-bedroom accommodations.

The property has plenty of cool amenities, like Belize’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge, five different dining concepts, a spa, a gym, 1,000 feet of beachfront access, and much more.

Below are some renderings of the property (of course it’s anyone’s guess if the resort looks this nice in real life).

Why I’m interested in this resort

Often my relative prioritization of destinations comes down to where there are good hotel options, either in terms of luxury or value. I’ve heard good things about Belize in general and it’s a country that has been on my radar, yet somehow I had no clue this hotel was in the process of being opened.

So this looks like a place that could be worth visiting on a trip to Belize. For that matter, it could be practical to travel to a country like Belize sooner rather than later, given how restricted long haul international travel is.

Last year I had the chance to visit Calala Island in Nicaragua, which is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property associated with World of Hyatt. Now, it goes without saying that’s an experience that’s on a completely different level, given that it’s literally a four villa private island that’s all inclusive. If you haven’t done it and have the points, I’d highly recommend considering it.

Four Seasons is also opening a hotel in Belize soon, which is probably the Four Seasons location under development that I’m most excited about. The Four Seasons Belize Caye Chapel is expected to open in the not-too-distant future (it was originally slated for 2021, but that seems unlikely at this point), and it looks jaw-droppingly gorgeous. It’s located on a private island in Belize, and it looks like the Maldives without the jetlag.

Bottom line

Marriott has just opened its first hotel in Belize, which is Alaia Belize. This is a Marriott Autograph Collection property that features 155 rooms, and it looks like a nice option for any Marriott loyalist who wants a beach vacation not too far from the United States.

I’m definitely keeping this hotel on my radar, and look forward to reading some firsthand reports.

Anyone considering a trip to Alaia Belize? Or has anyone been to Belize in general, and/or San Pedro, and have any thoughts & tips?

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Recent Comments

The latest from the OMAAT community.

M.Reed Guest

November 13, 2023, 8:15 pm

I visited this hotel on Nov. 7th 2023. It was the absolute WORST experience ever. The manager, Mark was very rude and condescending. I am a marriott bonvoy member and an American Express Platinum member. When I asked Mark about the late check-out and a possible room upgrade, the manager, Mark, said that he was unwilling to do either or. I then asked if he could speak to my concierge person to get an understanding and he snatched my iPhone and went to the back office with my personal item. When I asked if he could place her on speaker so that the three of us could talk he said NO. I asked if I could have my phone back because it has my personal information on it he continued to over talk me and finally said he wanted me and my guest off of his property and called the police to have me escorted off of the grounds. This was the birthday trip from HELL. Mark has absolutely NO business in his position. When I asked for his name and corporate information he refused to provide either one. He said he was the only person in charge and no one was over him. After hearing the conversation, his co-worker, Jesus, was very nice and immediately offered us another hotel at the same rate. Jesus was very accommodating and admitted that his co-worker Mark was being very rude and obnoxious. I plan to contact corporate and take my concerns further. Lastly, Mark refunded a paying customer's money and refused his business as well, The individual had nothing to do with our conversation. Mark is unacceptable and I plan to take legal action against him.

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T Davis Guest

March 6, 2023, 7:56 am

I am at the “resort” and truly the worst hotel experience I have ever had. There is no beach, the seaweed stench is everywhere, only one of the pools has lounge chairs and very limited. The bathrooms have no walls or doors. We received an apple as our loyalty item, the resort has run out of towels the last two days. I travel extensively (88 countries so far) and have never seen a more poorly run property. This is a Marriott in name only.

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Rob Guest

May 10, 2021, 5:42 pm

I am booked at Calala Island in January 2022. 6 nights. $20K worth of hotel, food, beverages, activities, and transportation for free with World of Hyatt credit card points. Plus 80,000 Chase Saphire promo for free United tickets to Managua. Thanks for your review last year. It definitely played a factor in booking Calala.

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DeAnna Jefferson Guest

May 10, 2021, 10:38 am

We're travelling to Belize in the summer and staying at Naia (Placencia). I am brand loyal to Marriott and knew about Alaia when it was in the works and tried to book for my trip BUT they told me that they were putting it on hold. I am happy that it's open now but sad that I put my deposit elsewhere. I pray that Naia is as nice because the GM has been very friendly and accommodating. I wonder how easy it would be to do a day trip and use dining amenities for a party with ambiance. Thoughts anyone?

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Kirk Guest

May 10, 2021, 8:08 am

I've been twice to Ambergris. The puddle jumper flights are synchronized with airline arrivals so that you can buy a ticket just past immigration and get on a flight quite quickly. But you can also reserve and book in advance online with TropicAir. To take the boat, you need taxi into town that the taxi mafia charges $25 for, and then the boat ride is 90 minutes with a stop a Caulker. Ambergris is a good foodie destination even if the beaches are not the greatest.

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