Matachica Beach Resort and Spa

Adults-only and set on the beachfront, Matachica Resort & Spa is aimed squarely at grown-up downtime. You can move from a private beach area to the infinity pool, then towards the bar or restaurant without turning the evening into an expedition. That matters when your legs have already done their share of the work for the day.

The feel is geared towards couples rather than families, with accommodation mainly arranged for two adults and outdoor space built into many of the options. Free WiFi, air conditioning and daily housekeeping cover the unglamorous essentials, while the garden, terrace and beach furniture give you somewhere to sit when four walls become a little too much.

You are in San Pedro, Belize, on Ambergris Caye, with the resort directly on the seafront and a private beach area on the property. North Ambergris Caye Beach is around 50 metres away, or roughly a three-minute walk, while Playa Blanca is about 200 metres away. San Pedro Beach lies 4.5 miles away, so the town's better-known stretch of sand is not right outside your door.

The setting gives you access to a few useful alternatives when you fancy eating elsewhere. Mambo Restaurant is about 550 feet away, Johns Escape around 0.8 miles, and Cococabana Restaurant & Bar about 1.6 miles. Boca del Rio Park and San Pedro Lagoon are both around 5 miles away, while Bacalar Chico is about 10 miles from the resort.

For a couple wanting a straightforward base with outdoor space, a Seabreeze Beach Bungalow keeps things compact, while the larger beach casitas give you more room to spread out after a day in swimwear and sandals. The Seafront Beach Casita is the one to look at when being close to the water matters more than saving every last step. All these options are designed for two adults and use a super-king bed.

Travelling as three adults changes the sensible choice: the Beach Casita with two king-size beds is the relevant option. At the other end of the scale, the Seafront Luxury Villa accommodates up to four adults and has two bathrooms, making it better suited to a small group that does not want to queue for the shower. The Seafront Luxury Suite stays a couples' option, with a separate bathroom and more space than the bungalow.

Air conditioning is joined by a fan, so you can cool the room properly or keep the air moving without turning the place into a refrigerated cabinet. Depending on the accommodation, you may have a balcony, patio or terrace, with some options also offering sea views, a dining area, seating area, hot tub, bath or plunge pool. A private entrance, tiled floors and a mosquito net add practical touches; bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, a hairdryer and a wardrobe take care of the less exciting but still useful details.

Two restaurants give you a choice without requiring a trip into San Pedro every time hunger arrives. The traditional restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner, while continental breakfast is available in the morning. There is also a breakfast-to-go option, which suits an early start rather better than a leisurely ceremony involving three kinds of pastry.

A bar and a pool bar cover the liquid side of the day, with the latter particularly handy when you have relocated to a lounger and have no intention of moving far. The food is described as traditional, but the available details do not specify a wider cuisine style or a particular signature dish. The useful point is the spread of meal occasions: breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner are all part of the set-up.

The infinity pool is the obvious place to spend an afternoon when you want water without putting your head under it. Sun loungers, beach chairs and umbrellas are available around the leisure areas, while the private beach and garden offer a change of surface from pool deck to sand. Water sports facilities are on site, and snorkelling is available for a shorter look at the surroundings.

A free bicycle service gives you a practical way to explore beyond the property, rather than treating every outing as a taxi decision. The fitness centre is there for anyone who still has energy to spend, although after a full day in the water, the more persuasive option may be the hot tub or Jacuzzi.

The spa and wellness facilities cover full-body, back, neck, head and couples' massages, along with body treatments, body scrubs, body wraps, facial treatments and beauty services. That gives you a proper menu for recovery, whether your shoulders need attention or you simply want to book something that involves lying down and not carrying equipment.

San Pedro Airport is about 5 miles away. An airport shuttle is available, and the property also offers airport transfers; arrange the service with the hotel before travelling. Private parking is available on site, with no reservation required, and WiFi covers all areas.

Check-in runs from 3 pm to 9 pm, and you should give the property your expected arrival time. Check-out is between 10.30 am and 11 am. The minimum check-in age is 18, children are not allowed, and pets are not allowed. Payment is by cash, and the booking requires a one-night deposit to confirm the stay.

A concierge service and tour desk can help organise activities away from the resort, while laundry and ironing services are available for a separate charge. The accommodation is entirely on the ground floor, and safety deposit boxes are available for valuables.