Mata Rocks Resort San Pedro

OMG! I can't believe I had not written a review about Mata Rocks yet! For those who know me, Belize is my favorite yearly destination and the only place I will stay is Mata Rocks. I've been fortunate to become friends with the owners, Liz and Terry, over the past couple of years. Both of them, as well as the rest of the staff, take excellent care of their guests, especially repeat customers! Although I could exchange my timeshare and stay somewhere else for basically nothing, I'd rather pay and stay with them each year.

I found them by accident my first trip down there when searching online for smaller, less hectic resorts, that still offered beachfront access. They are located south of the main part of San Pedro but it is still accessible by both beach and street walking (beach much faster) or cabs of course.

They only have 18 rooms I believe - 6 suites and 12 regular rooms. All rooms feature a mini fridge, cable TV, and new last year in 07 - wi-fi access! The junior suites feature a kitchenette which is nice. All rooms have a view and some have double beds.

Although no onsite dining, there is the restaurant next door at Banana Beach which has fabulous food, most especially their fresh ceviche! Mata Rocks has free continental breakfast and usually what we do is hit the grocery store a few blocks down and bring in lunch meats, etc for afternoon and then go into town for dinner.

Squirrel's Nest is the beach bar which is one of the best places to hang out - there is a TV and the sporting events are always on if available. Sherlynn and and Criselda are the two bartenders who you need to make best friends with - they will treat you right and take care of all your needs!

One of the elements I love most about Mata Rocks is that I always feel safe here - many people worry about resorts in other countries but Terry and Liz go to great lengths to employ and retain valuable employees. I've seen many of the same people all 3 years I've stayed with them and trust me, they recognize you year after year which is a nice feeling.

There is a freshwater pool onsite and obvious beach access. All tours can be booked through the bar or front office and they pick you up at the dock right at the hotel. Golf cart rentals are available across the street or next door through Banana Beach. Free use of bicycles for hotel guests as well. And if you want to get married there - they can arrange that...attended a wedding there two years ago and it was amazing!

Transportation from Belize City airport is a breeze. When you make reservations, let Liz know if you want her to handle your arrangements to the Caye. She always books our flights on Tropic Air and includes them in our total. In addition, they offer free taxi service back and forth to San Pedro airstrip.

Make sure to check rates when booking - they have special deals always going. One of the best is usually stay 6 nights and get the 7th free. They have other options like honeymoon and diving packages as well.

One of the things I've been told by other Belize travelers is the people who stay at Mata Rocks tend to be a unique and fun group...you get to know the other guests and sometimes form friendships like I did, which is what brings me back each year!