Story by Caren Austin | Photos by Kevin Austin
Winter chill in Colorado and beyond is a beautiful time of year to enjoy all that the season has to offer. It is also a fabulous time to take an off the beaten path beach vacation to Matachica Resort & Spa in Belize. I had the opportunity to visit this unbelievable gem a few months ago, and I returned knowing I had to write about this naturistic beauty of a resort.
Matachica Resort & Spa is for the adventurous, the true foodie, and the “I just want to get off the grid and relax” type of traveler. Getting to Matachica is easy from Denver and major airports as they offer non-stop flights straight into Belize City. After a short 15-minute plane ride to San Jose, you are whisked away via boat to arrive pier side, giving you that “White Lotus” feel.
Arriving by boat makes the experience even more special. The resort boasts 29 thatched roof casitas and three two-bedroom villas. They are each named after a type of fruit, and the murals on the wall and color scheme reflect the vibrant colors of the fruit the casitas are named after, which is stunning to say the least.
The resort’s kayaks are a fantastic way to see the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, which sits very close to the resort. Bring your snorkel gear as the view underneath the water is just as beautiful as the view above it. You can book scuba diving, a private beach BBQ, snorkeling tours, and spa treatments at the Jade Spa for an extra cost. The spa treatments were so good, I booked another one for the next day. It was one of the best massages I have ever had.
As a foodie who seeks out unusual types of foods and restaurants, Matachica Belize Resort and Spa did not disappoint. We loved both restaurants Mambo, and Mambo Bistro. Mambo Bistro is the resort’s more casual restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; while Mambo, voted Belize’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year is something truly spectacular. The Lobster ravioli was a great starter at Mambo, and over the days we were there, we dined on the Deep Blue, the pork chop, and the Seafood Fettucine. The Deep Blue is a seafood platter that I will never forget. It is served with a Lobster Tail, a Caulker Crab Claw, Shrimp and Scallops, topped with a vanilla Beurre Blanc. It arrived looking like a piece of art. It is a must order if you are looking for very fresh seafood.
The resort also offers a Belizean dinner twice a week where you are walked through a menu that reflects the true essence of where Belizean food came from. Another two things not to be missed is the freshly baked bread, made from scratch every day, and the Key Lime Pie. I don’t want to spoil the surprise on the pie, so I’ll let you see it for yourself. All their produce comes from the garden at their sister resort Gaia Riverlodge, and it is as fresh as can be.
Matachica’s mantra is “Private By Nature” and it is exactly that. Next time you are thinking about getting away, think a bit out of the box, grab your swimsuit, and your flip flops, and embark on a vacation of a lifetime. Matachica Belize Resort and Spa is waiting for you with open arms. We can’t wait to go back.
Matichica is part of The Lighter Collection. Discover your next stay here: https://thelightercollection.com/matachica/
Beach Town Magazine 