Hyatt Hotels Plans Expansion into Belize

Hyatt Hotels has announced its expansion into a new Caribbean country with the planned addition of The Placencia Resort in Belize to its portfolio. 

Working with Maya Rio Development, the resort will undergo a $10 million transformation set to be completed by late 2025, when it will become a Destination by Hyatt property. 

“We’re excited to welcome guests to a new destination within the Hyatt portfolio and allow them to explore the breadth and beauty of Belize and what The Placencia Resort has to offer,” said David Kuperberg, head of development for Dream Hotels, Hyatt. “These plans for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Belize reinforces our thoughtful brand growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, and we remain dedicated to meeting our guests where they want to be.” 

After extensive renovations, The Placencia Resort will have 90 upgraded guest rooms, suites, and beachfront villas. It will also feature enhanced public spaces, a new three-meal restaurant, indoor/outdoor event space, and an overwater signature bar and restaurant. 

The Placencia Resort is home to Belize’s largest swimming pool and offers guests beach access with complimentary watersports, including kayaking and paddleboarding. Guests also get complimentary bicycles to ride around the resort or into Placencia Village. 

In addition, the resort has an activities team that hosts a weekly adventure schedule, allowing guests to explore all Belize has to offer, from fishing expeditions and private boat charters to bespoke island immersions, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The resort’s concierge team can also send guests on guided day tours to Mayan archeological sites, caves, and jungle regions. 

“The Placencia Resort’s collaboration with Hyatt will allow us to offer our guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Belize,” said Dyke Rogers, co-owner of Maya Rio Development. “We are thrilled to join the Destination by Hyatt portfolio next year, further enhancing our guests’ experiences with access to World of Hyatt benefits once we officially join the portfolio.”   

Once The Placencia Resort joins Hyatt in late 2025, World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem points for experiences at the property. The first Hyatt-branded Belize resort is part of a larger expansion for Hyatt into the Caribbean market. The company has several hotels opening by the end of 2024, including Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo, Dreams Grand Island in Cancun, Hyatt Centric San José Escazú in Costa Rica, and Hyatt Regency Panama City.