What is Ka'ana Resort?

Ka'ana Resort is a Selected hotel located in San Ignacio, Belize. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Ka'ana Resort have?

Ka'ana Resort has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Ka'ana Resort located?

Ka'ana Resort is located in San Ignacio, Belize, in the North America region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Ka'ana Resort?

You can view more details and booking information for Ka'ana Resort through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Ka'ana Resort | Selected in San Ignacio, Belize

Name: Ka'ana Resort
Address: San Ignacio, North America, Belize
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Ka'ana Resort

Ka'ana Resort, a Michelin Key Selected property in San Ignacio, Belize, is widely lauded as a luxurious and intimate jungle escape, offering a blend of sophisticated comfort and authentic Belizean experiences.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Ka'ana Resort consistently receives "wonderful" to "superb" ratings from guests, with an average score of 9.0 on some platforms. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a peaceful, immaculate, and unforgettable retreat. Many highlight the feeling of being pampered and experiencing a unique blend of rainforest immersion and high-end amenities.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Ka'ana Resort. The exceptional service and staff are frequently mentioned as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the luxurious experience. The resort's beautifully manicured grounds and gardens create a tranquil and serene atmosphere, with paths winding through lush tropical foliage.

The farm-to-table dining concept, utilizing ingredients from their on-site organic garden, is a major draw. The resort's design seamlessly blends modern luxury with traditional Belizean charm and earth tones, integrating into the surrounding jungle landscape. Finally, Ka'ana is renowned for its curated adventure excursions, providing guests with easy access to Mayan ruins, caves, and rainforest activities.

Room Quality

Ka'ana Resort offers a variety of spacious and comfortable accommodations, including hacienda-style suites, casitas, and private pool villas. Rooms are designed with high ceilings and locally crafted textiles and sturdy hardwood furniture, reflecting the natural environment. Guests appreciate the air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and the thoughtful touches like organic soaps and turn-down service with a surprise snack. Many accommodations feature private outdoor terraces or balconies overlooking tropical gardens, and the Master Suites offer outdoor showers. The private villas elevate the experience further with their own plunge pools and secluded gardens.

Dining Experience

The La Ceiba Restaurant is a highlight, celebrated for its gourmet Belizean and international cuisine. A significant portion of the fresh, seasonal ingredients are sourced directly from the resort's two-acre organic garden. Guests have raved about dishes such as the pork chop and fry jacks. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with options for private dining by the pool, on the terrace, or in the wine cellar. The Wallace Bar offers signature cocktails and delectable bites in a jungle-casual atmosphere, often accompanied by a fireside setting. Complimentary continental breakfast is included with some stays.

Service & Staff

The service at Ka'ana Resort is consistently described as "outstanding" and "top-notch". Staff members are noted for being incredibly helpful, kind, friendly, and attentive, often remembering guests by name and making them feel like VIPs. Guests report that the staff goes above and beyond, with a "no" not being in their vocabulary, ensuring every request is met.

Location & Accessibility

Ka'ana Resort is nestled in the heart of the Maya Mountains in the Cayo District, just outside San Ignacio. This location provides a true rainforest experience while offering convenient access to numerous attractions. It's a short drive to prominent Mayan ruins like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. The resort also facilitates excursions to nearby national parks, caves (like for cave tubing), and rainforest activities such as zip-lining. While not walkable to San Ignacio town, taxis are readily available, and the resort arranges transportation, including roundtrip airport shuttles from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), which is approximately a two-hour drive away.

Value & Pricing

As a luxury boutique resort and a Michelin Key Selected property, Ka'ana Resort's pricing reflects its high-end offerings and exceptional service. While considered expensive by some, guests generally feel it is worth the cost for the unique and pampering experience. Prices can vary by room type and season; for example, Balam Suites start around $297.11 per night, Casitas around $400 per night, and villas around $800 per night. A 10% service charge and 9% hotel tax are typically applied to rates.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. There have been mentions of potential road noise, though efforts to mitigate this with additional planting are hoped for. One reviewer suggested that the standard Balam rooms could be made more inviting compared to the more luxurious casitas or villas. Additionally, the resort's pool is not heated, and there is no dedicated gym or exercise facility on site, which might be a drawback for some guests.