Hyatt Hotels Corporation in collaboration with Maya Rio Development has announced plans for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Belize with The Placencia Resort, which is entering the Hyatt portfolio as an affiliated hotel before joining the Destination by Hyatt brand and World of Hyatt loyalty program late next year.

Nestled south of Mexico, east of Guatemala, and next to the Caribbean Sea, the resort is located on the Placencia Peninsula, a 13-mile long beach in southern Belize near the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere.

By late 2025, The Placencia Resort is expected to offer 90 reimagined guestrooms, suites and beachfront villas following a $10 million dollar renovation including an enhanced arrival experience with refined public areas. Shortly after, guests can expect a new dynamic three-meal restaurant, indoor/outdoor event space, an overwater signature restaurant and bar, and a refreshed pool and pool bar experience.

“We’re excited to welcome guests to a new destination within the Hyatt portfolio and allow them to explore the breadth and beauty of Belize and what The Placencia Resort has to offer,” said David Kuperberg, head of development, Dream Hotels, Hyatt. “These plans for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Belize reinforces our thoughtful brand growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, and we remain dedicated to meeting our guests where they want to be. We’re thankful to have worked alongside Maya Rio Development on this transition and look forward to bringing the Destination by Hyatt brand to Belize in late 2025.”

“The Placencia Resort’s collaboration with Hyatt will allow us to offer our guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Belize,” said Dyke Rogers, co-owner of Maya Rio Development.” We are thrilled to join the Destination by Hyatt portfolio next year, further enhancing our guests’ experiences with access to World of Hyatt benefits once we officially join the portfolio.”

Other highlights of the property include:

• an indoor/outdoor biophilic gym;
• Belize’s largest swimming pool;
• unlimited private beach access;
• complimentary kayaking and paddle boarding;
• complimentary bicycles;
• and a roster of activities including fishing expeditions, private boat charters, bespoke island immersions, scuba diving and snorkeling, and day trips to the country’s inland with guided tours to Mayan archeological sites, cave expeditions, and jungle adventures.

The Placencia Resort further builds on Hyatt’s strategy for growing its brands in the Latin America and Caribbean region, with forthcoming openings slated to debut by end of 2024, including Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Dreams Grand Island in Cancun, Mexico, Hyatt Centric San José Escazú in Costa Rica and Hyatt Regency Panama City in Panamá. The Destination by Hyatt brand portfolio continues to expand in the region, with the recent opening of The Legend Paracas Resort in Peru and the anticipated debut of Cas En Bas Beach Resort St. Lucia in 2025.