X'tan Ha Resort

X’Tan Ha Resort -- whose name means waterfront in Maya -- is a mid-range, oceanfront property in the Ambergris Caye-based Sandy Point Resort portfolio. Outdoor activities are a brand staple, and X’Tan Ha doesn't disappoint in this regard -- there's everything from a life-size chess board to a floating trampoline and all manner of water sports, many of which are free. Despite what may feel like an abundance of things to do, the overall vibe is relaxed and the resort mostly feels uncrowded. Since the resort is so far from town, guests looking for a base to explore Ambergris Caye might want to consider elsewhere. 

A sandy, paver-stone pathway crisscrosses the resort’s grassy grounds, which are full of lush gardens and carved Mayan statues. Two- and three-story guest villas are made of dark Belizean hardwood with trim and matching roofs painted in tropical-pastels, giving it the feeling of a simple beachside community. One of the best assets of this humble property is its great sandy beach -- one of the few on the island that wasn't overgrown with sea grass when we visited. There are plenty of other places to unwind here as well, including an oceanfront bar and two pools with plenty of lounge chairs. With its secluded location and quiet vibe, most guests are honeymooners or mature adults, though families are welcome.  

X’Tan Ha Resort is far from just about everything on Ambergris Caye, and that's either a blessing or a curse depending on what travelers are seeking. Located a 40-minute drive north of San Pedro Town and its airport, it takes less time to kayak to the snorkeling reef (20 minutes) than drive to town. The only other options for reaching town is the water taxi. The trip takes 20 minutes, but is expensive. The nearest restaurant is a 10-minute walk from X'tan Ha, though it's part of another resort, and the closest grocery store is a 12-minute drive away. Just off the resort’s shoreline is Mexico Rocks Reef, where one of the island’s tour company’s offer helmet-diving tours that don't require PADI certification -- it's a five-minute boat ride away. Secret Beach, arguably the island’s best beach, though it's no longer a big secret, is about 30 minutes from the property.

X’Tan Ha’s villas -- a mix of ocean, pool, and garden views units -- blend rustic accents with a little tropical fun, though the overall look is dated. Villas are constructed of dark, weatherworn wood, and interiors are done in neutral whites and tans with exposed mahogany beams, cabinets, and a mahogany panel walls. Faux terra cotta tiling and rattan furniture, while well kept, can't help but look homey, and abundance of tropical-print fabrics used in upholstery only exacerbates the effect. Each villa has multiple rooms, including separate bedrooms and living rooms with futons, and we love the private balconies with hammocks and outdoor furniture. 

Each room in the villas have ceiling fans and air-conditioning -- a big plus at X’Tan Ha, and one that most resorts on the island lack. Kitchenettes come standard, and are stocked with refrigerators, toasters, coffeemakers, microwaves, and two-burner electric stoves. The free half-pound bag of fresh Belizean coffee is a nice touch. Wi-Fi is free in all villas.

Bedrooms have king beds with older turquoise bedspreads and TVs with cable channels and DVD players -- most of the televisions are tube units, though a few villas have flat-screen TVs.  Bathrooms are comfortably large with earth-tone standup tile showers that feature built-in seats, plus marble vanities and vessel sinks. Some of the woodwork in bathrooms when we visited was a little worn. Bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion are standard in bathrooms as are hairdryers. 

X’Tan Ha Resort’s palm tree and cabana-lined beach is one of the island’s best. It’s well maintained, not overgrown with sea grass, and swimmable. There are also two saltwater pools surrounded by lounge chairs. One has a zero entry point with sand to create a beachy effect, while the other is a little more swish, with a tile deck and partially obstructed ocean views. The resort has free kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and Hobie cat rentals with free sailing tutorials. Other outdoor sports include a ping-pong table and life-size chess set. Just offshore, at the end of the resort’s dock, is an inflatable floating trampoline. Snorkeling equipment can be rented and tours arranged at the nearby Tuff-Enough Tours, the resort’s bare-bones dive shop (the full-service shop is located at the resort next door). 

The Mayan-themed Temple Run Tavern feels like a tropical canteen with its whirring fans and giant mural of Tikal ruins set in a jungle overflowing with wildlife. The restaurant serves international and Caribbean cuisine, but is expensive and gets mixed reviews. Guests can also order food and drinks from the Temple Run Beach Bar and have the food delivered to the beach or villas. The oceanfront bar also has happy hour specials.  

In the hotel lobby, there are free DVDs to borrow, sand toys, board games, and a computer with free printing. The resort’s concierge can arrange spa services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. The hotel also provides free airport transfers via water taxi.