Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by Precious Richardson

Belize Wedding Resort Scouting: Why Alaia Was the Perfect Fit

Part 2: From Possibility to Perfect: What Sealed the Deal on Alaia Belize

 

Want to see what this scouting trip looked like? 

Take a look behind the scenes of our destination wedding scouting trip in Belize:

We can’t suggest a Belize wedding resort scouting trip enough. Planning a destination wedding isn’t about choosing the prettiest place on Pinterest. It’s about finding the one that feels right. Pictures can’t convey the full experience or truly capture the essence of the destination. For this couple, Belize had already captured their hearts. The next step? A scouting trip with venue scouting to turn ideas into a real plan.

Choosing Belize Over Everywhere Else

They weren’t the all-inclusive resort type. They envisioned something immersive, a place where their guests could experience the destination, not just the hotel. Belize had the small-town charm, the cultural depth, and the kind of authenticity they were looking for.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, with its walkable streets and laid-back beach vibe, felt worlds away from the usual mega-resort experience. So we packed our bags and flew down to explore it firsthand.

Arriving in San Pedro

After flying into Belize City and taking a short domestic hopper flight to San Pedro, you feel it instantly.  The pace slows, the air warms, and you realize this isn’t a typical tourist spot. It’s something else.

For destination wedding planning, especially when group logistics are involved, this step matters. We coordinated hopper flights with Maya Air for the couple’s guests, and I always recommend scouting your route ahead of time. Timing, transfers, and even something as simple as airport flow all shape the experience.

If you’re considering a water taxi/ferry transfer from Belize City to San Pedro for your wedding guests, you may want to reconsider the experience you’d be offering them. It’s about a 30-minute transfer (depending on traffic) from Philip Goldson International Airport to the water taxi terminals. Once you purchase your fare and board the next departure, the route is about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is not typically direct. That’s adding over 2 hours of travel. We all know travel days can go either way. Minimizing stress for your guests can make a big difference in how your wedding week begins.

Resort Visits: What We Looked For

We toured multiple resorts: Las Terrazas, Victoria House, and, of course, Alaia Belize. Each offered something different. Victoria House was a personal favorite: tranquil, elevated, and rich in detail. But ultimately, this wasn’t about my favorites.

It was about what felt right for them.

Las Terrazas: A Charming Escape for Intimate Destination Weddings

Las Terrazas is ideal for couples envisioning a relaxed, intimate wedding experience. Based on our site inspection, it’s best suited for wedding groups of up to 60 guests. With its laid-back Belizean ambiance and welcoming staff, this resort delivers charm from the moment guests arrive. A boat transfer sets the tone, complete with a signature rum punch (with or without the rum, your choice!), creating a warm and memorable welcome.

The property offers beach-centered event options, along with the flexibility to host near or around the pool. Framed tents are available for weather backups, and the resort’s cozy size helps maintain a sense of connection throughout the wedding day. It’s a perfect fit for those wanting something personal, peaceful, and unmistakably Belizean.

Victoria House: Elevated, Elegant, and Effortlessly Romantic

Victoria House is a gem for couples dreaming of a luxury experience without losing the character of Belize. This hotel can easily host a wedding for 100 guests. While intimate in layout, it offers space. The grounds are lush and manicured, with architecture that feels timeless rather than trendy, making it an ideal wedding venue. Every corner of the property whispers romance, from the tranquil beachfront to the colonial-inspired villas.

This hotel’s attentive service and refined atmosphere make it a strong fit for couples who want elegance without pretension. While I personally found it to be a favorite, especially for couples seeking privacy and an upscale feel, what ultimately matters is how the space aligns with your story.

If your style leans sophisticated and you’re envisioning an intimate, elevated wedding in Belize, Victoria House should absolutely be at the top of your list!

Alaia Belize: Where Modern Comfort Meets the Heart of Belize

Alaia Belize strikes a rare balance. On the Reef House side, the original section of the property, you’ll find renovated villas that blend the aesthetic character of Belize with the comforts expected by today’s North American traveler. The suites are modern in function, but the feel is pure Belize: laid-back, welcoming, and full of charm.

That’s the side this couple fell in love with. It felt rooted and real. We were able to block nearly the entire Reef side, allowing their guests to share a common space and create a sense of community throughout the wedding week.

While the Vista building (the high-rise) offers sweeping views and additional amenities, the Reef side doesn’t sacrifice on service or convenience. It’s a short stroll away from Vista and has restaurant and spa services within the area, giving guests everything they need within steps of their suite

This setup offered the best of both worlds: modern comforts and immersive charm. Alaia gave them the space, style, and atmosphere they were looking for. This combination is hard to beat.

That’s the magic of scouting. You can’t always see that from a website or brochure. You have to walk the property, feel the energy, and imagine your guests there.

The Power of the Right Fit

It wasn’t the newest or trendiest space, and that’s what made it perfect. The original villas at Alaia gave us the flexibility, privacy, and atmosphere the couple had imagined all along for their wedding day. It wasn’t about impressing their guests with glitz. It was about creating a space where connection could happen in a space that everyone would love.

We took note of event flow, guest mobility, backup plans for weather, beach access, and more during the planning process. All those details start to take shape once you’ve found your place.

More Than Just a Venue

This trip wasn’t just about Belize wedding resort scouting and venue selection;  it was about shaping the foundation for everything to follow. The scouting process gave the couple clarity, confidence, and momentum. They could picture it. And once they could picture it, we could build it and handle everything that was to come!

 

In Part 3, we’ll walk through the travel logistics — what guests need to know about flying into Belize, what to avoid, and how to keep things seamless from airport to resort.

Check back for Part 3: Traveling to Alaia Belize: What to Expect and How to Get There with Ease