The Resort and Rooms, The Ellysian

Located between the famous Placencia Sidewalk, the ‘narrowest main street in the world’ and the ocean sits The Ellysian, a bright white beacon of contemporary elegance surrounded by the quintessential colourful wooden structures, cabanas, boutiques and craft shops of the village.

The aesthetics are clean, minimalist, cool and fresh, adorned with artful touches and pops of warm colour through the hotel and 13 individual suites.

All on site amenities complete the experience, with an elegant pool besides the ocean, “The Trap” pool bar, roof top restaurant “Muna”, spa services, tour services and even a daily champagne service, making it a perfect haven from which to explore Placencia and Belize.

Located in the heart of the village of Placencia, the hotel comprises 6 ocean facing studio rooms and 6 village facing larger suites, plus a 3 bedroom executive penthouse.

The best way to reach the hotel is to fly to Placencia airstrip where the transfer time is 10 minutes by road, arranged on your behalf.

Amenities and services include nightly turndown, in room or beachside spa treatments, in room mini bar, beach toys (kayaks, paddle boards and bikes) and a ‘champagne hour’ by appointment.

Each of the Ellysian’s rooms, or as they refer to them as ‘her daughters’ are unique and decorated to enhance the sensory experience, a symbiotic relationship between art and function. Luxuries and comforts include deluxe cotton linens, en-suite oversized-bathrooms, hand-made local furnishings and inimitable artwork.

Beachfront Studios

These open and airy 1^st and 2^nd floor rooms features an over-sized bedroom with king bed, en-suite bathroom, floor to ceiling glass doors, and a well-appointed cabinet with luxury amenities. All of these studios overlook the tranquil Caribbean Sea and are completed with verandas with private sitting areas.

1 Bedroom Suites

Located on the first, second and third floors for garden, village or mountain views, the 1-Bedroom Beach Suites include either a king bed or 2 queen beds and are ideal for couples or small families who require the amenities of a larger space. This open and airy room features an over-sized bedroom, en-suite bathroom, living area, pullout sofa bed, floor to ceiling glass doors, and kitchenette; as well as a modernly designed landscaped outdoor space and al fresco sitting area.

Executive Penthouse

This modern and chic Penthouse has an abundance of open-air and furnishings handpicked by the First Lady of Belize, Kim Simplis Barrow. It features a master bedroom and an en-suite bathroom with striking views, plus a second and third bedroom offering a bespoke touches and charm. Its living room and mini kitchenette flow out unto a well-appointed over-sized veranda to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

All suites include:

• Air conditioning
• Over-sized en-suite bathroom
• Cable flat screen television
• Wardrobe
• Hair dryer
• Yoga mats
• In-room coffee
• Mini refrigerator (stocking optional)
• Large veranda
• Safety deposit box
• Complimentary WiFi

The on-site rooftop restaurant ‘Muna’ features bold flavours, unique tastes, and vibrant colours with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, the village, and the Maya Mountains beyond, open for breakfast and dinner. Don’t miss the snapper cakes – crisped to perfection and topped with a smoked habanero aioli, mango salsa and microgreens. Hungry from a day on the water? Go big with the cocoa & habanero rubbed pork chops, served with a homemade sorrel jam and garlic roasted sweet potatoes with braised chaya.

A trip to Placencia isn’t complete with checking out some of the fantastic culinary offerings, ranging from the local shack fast food bites to the international gourmet. Here is a short list of our favourites.

Located 20 minutes north on the peninsular, Maya Beach has won plenty of well deserved awards in a casual beach front bistro setting. Lobster brioche bread pudding? Shrimp stuffed squid? Or a classic fish n chips with a crisp sauvignon blanc? This place has it all!

In the centre of Placencia Village, Rumfish Y Vino is a gastro-bar offering in-house infused crafted cocktails, inventive smalls plates as well as a menu of great classic comfort foods that combine Belizean twists and international fusion fare. Hungry? The braised Short Rib Lasagna is to die for, as are the ‘mix n match’ tacos. AB’s favourite is the smoked mackerel dip, with yellow ginger, red onion, cilantro with crostini. And the ginger mojitos are a must!

For a true local ‘feet in the sand’ dining experience head to De Tatch Bar, on the beach in town. There are specials every day which include an abundance of local catch, combined with tropical Caribbean flavours….. and BBQ, when in Belize don’t miss the BBQ.

Pizza & Ice cream kind of day? Head to the plaza to Cha Chi’s for on point woodfired pizzas available by the slice, personal or extra large. Save room for “Tutti Frutti” Gelato, located next door where you will find dozens of inventive flavours made in house, served in a cup, cone or even over coffee.

Rates from $300 per night plus 9% hotel tax and 10% service charge.

2020 Special: Travel May 1st – December 20th, 2020 50% Off All Rooms

2021 Special: Travel January 6th – April 30th, 2021 20% Off All Rooms

Contact us for special promotions, exclusive AB perks and for tailor made packages designed just for you, it’s what we do!

Inquire for the ‘hotel takeover’ option and host a party!

Chris B, Texas, USA

My wife and I stayed for 10 nights and absolutely loved everything about The Ellysian. The staff was warm and welcoming, routinely going out of their way to help us with whatever we needed. The rooms were spacious and decorated in what I would call “posh caribbean” with dark wood finishes, a mini fridge, huge stand-up shower, and beautiful views of the bright blue sea.

Outside is soft sandy beaches and an infinity pool with plenty of seating at both. Lots of coconuts on the palms to enjoy fresh water, then fill with your favorite drink from the pool bar, which incidentally has the best bartenders (Miguel and Mario) and freshest drinks in town. There’s also a very nice bathroom outside right next to the pool area so you don’t have to go back upstairs to get rid of processed beer. We also booked an excursion package with them, which made it very easy to do ruins, caves, and snorkeling.

There’s a restaurant on the top floor with amazing 360° views and excellent food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also have the food brought to the pool, but you’ll miss out on the views.

Finally, you cannot beat the Ellysian’s location. It’s right on the sidewalk in the heart of the town of Placencia. No need to rent golf carts, take taxis, or have a rental car because you can literally walk anywhere in town in 10 minutes or less. My favorite nightspots (Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot) are three buildings away on the sidewalk or beach.

All things considered, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place in Placencia so I highly recommend staying here…you will not regret it!

Jeanette M, Washington DC, USA

A superlative experience: spacious, beautifully designed suites (the owner is a woman, and it shows in the design details); wonderful staff, friendly and beyond helpful; a stunningly gorgeous rooftop restaurant (the menu is locally sourced and delicious) and patio. Little extra touches make all the difference, like coming back each evening to find the suite tidied, water replenished and a scented candle with a kind note on the bed. Location is ideal. Easily one of the best hotels we have ever visited.