When we got married…we said we were going to take five years to travel…and we did. We also said we would not repeat destination vacations until we found that special place…and we did. matachica will forever be that special place that we return to.

We originally heard of matachica through a close friend of ours who had traveled to Belize and dined at Mambo restaurant. He absolutely raved about the quality and presentation and advised us to definitely have dinner there. We immediately researched the matachica website and decided that we were not only going to have dinner there…but we simply had to stay there.

It should be noted that there is no 800 number and we had to contact the resort directly. This was appealing to us because it provides a more personal level of service as well as expressing that matachica is the opposite of a typical chain resort. This place raises the bar. We developed an immediate connection with Burga as she assisted us from the beginning of our reservation. We were never misled. Ever. We have learned through our extensive travels that what we have paid for is not necessarily what we have received upon arrival. We have also learned that travel agents often mislead as well as offer poor service once they have been paid. As a result…we research and book our own vacations. With this being mentioned…we asked Burga many questions as we could not believe that a place could be as beautiful as represented on their website. Burga assured us over and over that matachica was everything and more. After our research…we decided to book a beachfront casita. Once we provided Burga with our arrival and departure information…she reserved our Tropic Air flights and informed us that we would pay for these flights upon our arrival to the airport in Belize City.

Once we arrived in San Pedro we were warmly and genuinely greeted by Charlie and Chris…who were smartly dressed in their professionally casual matachica uniforms. They escorted us and our luggage by golf cart through this charming beach town to the waiting matachica boat. Upon boarding the boat...we were asked for our complimentary drink order which would be waiting for us upon our arrival. During our fifteen minute boat ride to the resort we were surrounded by the most brilliant turquoise waters we had ever seen. It was during these moments that we simply knew that we were going to have an amazing time. As we approached the dock at matachica we noticed that a young lady was walking toward the end of the dock. Upon our arrival…we realized she was there to meet us. She immediately introduced herself as Myra and personally guided us from the private dock through the softest sand to a very unique and welcoming lobby. Here we were greeted with our drinks and a refreshing towel.

Shortly thereafter we were whisked away to our casita…Tangerine. We learned there are no typical room numbers…each room is named after a fruit…which just adds to the uniqueness of this special place. We were immediately overcome by the beauty and cleanliness of the entire resort…including our accommodation. Upon entering our casita we were impressed with the design and style. From the thatched-roof to the rustic shutters to the exquisite tiles to the most luxurious linens and towels to the beautiful bathroom and shower decorated with fresh flowers. Our view was unlike anything we had ever experienced as we opened our doors to be greeted by the breeze and most breathtaking ocean. We have always requested and paid for direct ocean view at other resorts but none will ever compare to our experience at matachica as this was a true and direct ocean view. We spent endless moments in our private hammock located on the front patio of our casita. We also lounged in the most comfy beach chairs that were always available and waiting for us. We were surrounded by peace and tranquility…we were exactly where we belonged.

We purchased a meal plan when we originally made our reservation. This plan included breakfast and dinner each day at Mambo restaurant. The food and service as well as presentation was excellent. We must recognize three individuals for their outstanding dedication to exceptional service…Ishmael (Ish), Myra and Abi. Our only feedback regarding breakfast is that the coffee was simply okay and could have been better. Regarding dinner…we highly recommend the ceviche appetizer. Yum! The limes were a perfect addition to any recipe. Unlike anything we had ever tasted. As we did not venture from the property much…and we loved the food at Mambo…we decided to have lunch as well. We highly recommend anything on the reasonably priced menu. If you enjoy relaxing and dining (even barefoot if you desire) in a romantic casual atmosphere then you will love matachica! One more thought…the music selections and volume were always perfect.

On the one occasion that we did venture into San Pedro we found that the matachica boat was a convenient hassle free mode of transportation to and from.

This is where we have to be blunt as there is only one way to capture the essence of matachica...it’s either your style or it’s not…there is no in-between.

Although it was spring break and the hotel was operating at full capacity, we felt like we had the place to ourselves. In part this is because the resort is located in a secluded area, surrounded by large private homes so the beach is never crowded. In addition, the individual 'casitas' are private and the resort is so well-equipped that there is no jockeying for position on the beachfront chairs; no lack of kayaks or snorkeling equipment when you want them. The staff also contribute to the feeling that you are on your own private estate. They are extremely warm and welcoming, and the level of guest service is superb. I arrived at 2 p.m without my luggage, which had been lost somewhere between Vancouver and Belize City. The manager said he would take care of it, and the bag was in my room by the time we went to dinner, having come by helicopter from San Pedro to the resort. The staff go out of their way to ensure that you have a peaceful and relaxing stay.

That being said, there are some downsides. Apparently, the Belize coast is very windy in March and April. The dive shops were closed for three days of our seven-day stay because it was too windy to take the boats out. Second, there isn't much to do here if you don't dive or snorkel (most of which is arranged through the local dive shop at an extra charge) . It's a hassle and/or expensive to get into San Pedro and once you're there, there is very little to do if you don't like tacky tourist shops. There were a few children staying at the resort while we were there, but it isn't really a place for younger children because of the lack of activities. Finally, the restaurant was very good, but we got tired of eating there every morning and night and there are few convenient alternatives. I wish we'd known that the restaurant next door is good, as recent reviewers have said -- it was so expensive that we didn't want to take a chance that the food was mediocre.

Finally, a word about getting there. We flew Continental. out of Houston, which most people seemed to do The airline lost my luggage going down and all of our luggage coming back. We've been home four days now, and they tell me it won't be delivered at least until tomorrow. We would not recommend using this airline. American and Delta also go to Belize City, as does the Central American airline Grupo Taca.

From the laid-back yet uniquely hip atmosphere, to the idyllic and secluded setting and the excellent service, a stay at Matachica is a truly wonderful experience!

My wife and I stayed in a beachfront casita for 8 nights in early March. I won’t go into a detailed description of the resort or the casitas because I think most of the reviewers on this site have captured the essence of those pretty accurately. Suffice to say that the resort and the casitas are well-appointed, very comfortable and fastidiously clean (which is not easy given (i) the resort is surrounded by sand, and (ii) there’s an almost constant breeze coming off the ocean).

The real appeal of Matachica lies in the wonderfully secluded and relaxed atmosphere that they’ve managed to create. If you are looking to get away from the stress and hassle of everyday life, not to mention the snow and the cold, you won’t find a better place. The pace of life is delightfully unhurried, perfect for lazy hours spent on the beach or by the pool blissfully unaware of the time of day. Everything about the resort is brilliantly casual and there’s nothing that recharges the batteries better than going shoeless for almost an entire week.

The highest accolades for Matachica, however, are reserved for its amazing staff and the excellent service they provide. The staff is extremely warm and sincere and the service is efficient and attentive without being obsequious. We travel extensively and have stayed at some very high-end resorts, but can honestly say that the people at Matachica are amongst the best. In particular, we’d highly commend Ismael, Oswald, Abby and Reuben.

Matachica isn’t perfect – if you look closely you’ll certainly find broken shutters, dripping faucets and other aspects of the resort that need work or upgrading as others on this site have pointed out.

Nor is Matachica for everybody – if living on a beach under a thatched-roof 15 minutes from town doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time then you won’t like it (hint: stay at Victoria House).

That’s okay - it means there’ll be more room for us and other people like us who appreciate that Matachica has managed to create something that many other (much more expensive) resorts have failed to - a true escape!

P.S. The food at Mambo is excellent and is by far the best on the island. Try Elvi's Kitchen in San Pedro for authentic Belizean food and we hear Rojo Lounge next door to the resort is very good (it was closed during our stay)...but otherwise don't waste your time going elsewhere - you'll be disappointed.

As a single woman, I was a bit wary of going to a small resort. But my main goal was to relax in a beautiful setting and escape from life's routine. Matachica was all it had promised and more.
From the moment one is picked up by the resort's motorboat and a drink order is placed, ready for your arrival on the longest pier jutting into the most turquoise waters I have ever seen....a guest is immediately transported to a cocoon of beauty and peace.

I discovered that the previous owners were European and their exquisite design sensibility was evident throughout. My private casita on the beach was a dream come true, with rose petals on my bed! Every day, the splendid linens were complimented by a new floral arrangement and the bathroom towels were displayed differently...it was a treat to come back to the room and discover a new creation each time.
I felt at home, welcomed by the most delightful staff and charmed by their pride in their work.
Apparently the new owner is a Parisian-trained chef who has focused on updating the menu and it was evident in every dish I tasted. And the limes!!! I was truly in heaven.
I never felt any unease at being alone; I was able to enjoy my time for relaxation, reading, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. I was inspired to buy some lovely beach sarongs in Matachica's small boutique after seeing how gorgeous they looked on the female staff and even found original jewellery and clothing in Ambergris Caye's picturesque stores.
I would recommend this hotel highly to anyone seeking a 'time
out' from children, work and life's demands.