Ka’ana Resort Review

Tucked into the lush Cayo District of western Belize, Ka’ana Resort delivers personalised service, farm-to-table dining, and immersive local experiences with polished ease. This refined, boutique oasis, and designated Small Luxury Hotel of the World, beautifully blends five-star comfort with jungle soul. Just minutes from ancient Maya ruins and other adventures, the sublime hideaway offers a sophisticated home base for explorers. The handful of villas and suites, surrounded by verdant gardens, are the epitome of understated elegance. 

Conceived as a luxurious gateway to Belize’s culturally rich and adventure-laden interior, Ka’ana Resort was founded as an opportunity to bring world-class hospitality to an often-overlooked corner of Central America. Inspired by the region’s deep Maya heritage and natural beauty, Ka’ana is a place where travellers can experience the wild magic of Belize without sacrificing comfort or style. The name “Ka’ana means “heavenly place” in the ancient Maya language, and it reflects the resort’s mission to offer an inspirational sense-of-place escape that fuses local authenticity with relaxed sophistication. From handcrafted furnishings made by Belizean artisans to immersive cultural excursions and organic ingredients sourced from its on-site garden, every aspect of Ka’ana is thoughtful and authentic.

Rooms and Suites

Each of the 17 suites and villas features luxe amenities such as a stocked mini-bar, robes, coffee and tea service, turn-down treats, and large TV screens that guests can connect to their own services (like Netflix.) The varying room styles include: 

Balam Suites: Named after the Mayan word for “jaguar,” these five suites offer 300 sq. ft. of space with a queen bed, private entrance, and outdoor seating overlooking the pool or gardens.  

Casita Suites: Positioned along a tropical garden pathway, the Casita Suites provide 400 sq. ft. of interior space, with a private outdoor garden and soaking tub and rain shower. Choose between one king or two queen beds. 

Master Suites: These 700 sq. ft. accommodations include a California king bed, private front and back decks, an enclosed garden, a private plunge pool, and an outdoor shower. This was my accommodation, reached via the tropical plant-lined pathway with the sound of birdsong. Private and quiet, verdant and discreet, it was peaceful here, profoundly so. My stay provided a sense of calm that was a bit elusive in the more well-trod coastal region of San Pedro, where I had just been. Leaving the barefoot ease of that seaside village, I wasn’t entirely convinced about the merits of heading inland to the jungle. But once at Ka’ana, I understood the appeal.  

One-Bedroom Private Pool Villa: Spanning 1,250 sq. ft., this villa is perfect for romantic getaways. It features a separate bedroom with a California king bed, private plunge pool, outdoor shower, garden, and terrace. Guests also enjoy personalised services, including a personal butler and private dining options.  

Two-Bedroom Private Pool Villa: At 2,500 sq. ft., this villa is ideal for families or groups. It includes a master bedroom with a king bed and a guest room with either two twin beds or another king bed. Amenities include a private living area, plunge pool, outdoor shower, gardens, and outdoor living and dining spaces, all complemented by dedicated staff services. ​

Food & Drink

The resort’s signature dining venue is La Ceiba Restaurant, featuring a farmhouse-inspired, open design and an intimate setting. The cuisine is regionally inspired, seasonally curated, and exceptionally well-executed. Highlighted are fresh ingredients sourced directly from Ka’ana’s two-acre organic garden and local farms. Standouts included a spicy ceviche made from locally caught fish, fresh tamales, and the outstanding dishes served family style during the resort’s occasional BBQ Night, for which I was lucky to be present. Tables were set under a canopy of twinkling string lights, scattered across a grassy clearing warmed by small bonfires and tiki torches. The menu of jerk chicken, grilled sausages, charred sweet corn, sautéed vegetables, rice, beans, and green salad was complemented by local Belikin beer and mojitos. The vibe, enhanced by a soundtrack of reggae covers, captured everything that makes Ka’ana feel special. Afterwards, dessert consisted of one of the resort’s complimentary rituals: s’more making at the firepits. 

Complementing La Ceiba is The Wallace, Ka’ana’s jungle-chic bar offering craft cocktails and small plates in a relaxed setting. It’s a favourite spot for guests to unwind with a signature drink after their jungle adventures, especially during the daily happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM when cocktails are half-price.

Breakfast time for me was particularly enchanting. Each morning, I sat on the main lobby terrace with my order of French press coffee, enjoying the sounds and sights of the jungle environment. I followed with house-made granola, fresh fruit and yoghurt, and a made-to-order smoothie. (Choose from coconut water, almond milk, oat milk, banana, strawberry, pineapple, and other fresh fruits to craft your one-of-a-kind treat.)

Facilities

The Ka’ana pool is the spot to unwind after a day of jungle exploration. Framed by lush greenery and with cushioned loungers, it’s a private garden hideaway that’s quiet, serene, and sun-dappled just enough to tempt an afternoon nap between dips.

Steps away, the resort’s spa offers a compact but curated menu of treatments. There’s Swedish and deep tissue, of course, but also regionally inspired therapies like the traditional Maya abdominal massage, said to aid digestion and energy flow. The focus here is on natural healing and local ingredients, with thoughtful touches like after-treatment kombucha and open-air treatment spaces that let the sounds of the jungle do their part. It’s all very unforced, and very restorative.

Adventure Abounds

Days at Ka’ana can be as active or relaxed as one desires. The resort functions as a launch point for some of Belize’s most compelling inland experiences. From here, you can venture to ancient Maya ruins like Xunantunich or Caracol, or go cave tubing, hiking, or zip-lining through the forest canopy. There’s canoeing down the Macal River, birdwatching in the early morning mist, or horseback riding through jungle trails that end at hidden waterfalls. The resort’s in-house adventure concierge can line-up private guides and insider access based on your interests. 

Final Thoughts

Ka’ana service is gracious, anticipatory, and personal. The jungle has its own rhythm, and Ka’ana captures it beautifully. It’s a place where the days unfold softly, where the details matter, and where you’re gently reminded that true luxury isn’t about opulence—it’s about intention, and quiet, and care. Staff members greeted me by name, remembered my coffee order, and offered helpful suggestions for both excursions and downtime. By the time I packed my bags, I couldn’t believe I had once hesitated to leave the coast. For those seeking a departure from the conventional beach vacation, Ka’ana presents a compelling alternative of tranquility and refined comfort.