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The Inn at Robert's Grove—Placencia, Belize


Placencia, Belize

One of the longest–running luxury resorts in Belize has continued to slip down the rankings after several ownership changes and then the pandemic years. We are leaving our review posted, but the resort is in need of renovations so check the current reviews from other guests for current conditions.

The Inn at Robert's Grove

We arrived at Robert's Grove Beach Resort by plane with Tropic Air. My preference would have been to go by boat were my boat large enough to make it from mainland USA to Robert's Grove and stay in the nearby full–service marina, but as it was it was still an incredibly enjoyable visit.

The resort is just a short drive from the Placencia airport. We were met by the friendly staff and handed the customary tropical welcome drink.

We were shown to our spacious second-story room, with a view of the grounds, the fountain, the swimming pools and the beach. It had a spacious wrap–around deck with hammocks, chairs and table — everything necessary for us to enjoy laid–back, outdoors living. The rooms were beautifully appointed with Belizean hardwood furniture and decorated with fine regional art.

The Inn at Robert's Grove room
© The Inn at Robert's Grove

Our room had high ceilings and king-sized beds. All have large private baths, air conditioning, ceiling fans, terracotta tiled floors, and individual terraces, plus amenities such as cable television, clunky room safes, Wi–Fi, and mini–fridges. The cottages that were available during our stay are no longer part of the resort, sold off to a neighboring developer. There are family suites though that have bunk beds in one room.

This was one of the first upscale resorts to open along the length of the narrow Placencia Peninsula back in the late ‘90s, in the same pioneer era as Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn. Since then, a lot more tourists have discovered this region and the new luxury resorts opened in recent years are much nicer and more ambitious than Robert's Grove, which is now looking rather cramped and tired in comparison.

personal deck Inn at Robert's Grove

This is especially true when comparing it to Itz'ana, which is just a short stroll away via the beach. The resort lies between the Garifuna village of Seine Bight — well worth your while getting to know this unique culture—and the tourist town of Placencia with its small shops and excellent restaurants.

In front of the resort is a pier with a seating under a thatched roof, though during the editor's most recent visit there was no staff service. There are two dining outlets on site: the main covered but open-air restaurant by the beach that serves all three meals, plus a Mexican restaurant across the road that's next to the Marina, open for lunch and dinner.

Pier at Inn at Robert's Grove

The swimming pool complex with a view of the water under palm trees is the most attractive aspect of the resort, surrounded by colorful lounge chairs. There's another lounging spot facing the water just outside the main restaurant. There you can order a local rum and light up a cigar while looking out at the calm lapping waves.

There's also a spa on site and the staffers can rent out watersports equipment or arrange local excursions. You can host your meetings at the resort's private conference room, which can accommodate up to 70 people.

The Marina comfortably accommodates over 30 vessels (yachts up to 75 feet) and features docks, boardwalks, and full hook–ups including electricity, water and Wi–Fi access. On–site amenities also include showers and laundry service. Didn't come in your own boat? You can travel the seas onboard the Placencia Princess for their Reggae Sunset Cruise.

luxury resorts belize Robert's Grove

The marina is just short walk from the main resort, where you can dine at the resort's casual restaurant, the Habanero Mexican, which is especially nice for sunset cocktails and appetizers overlooking the Placencia Lagoon. The night we dined at the Habanero there was a well–done Mexican buffet, mariachi music, and dancing.

Robert's Grove Beach Resort's ideal location allows guests to be surrounded by Belize's best attractions: the barrier reef, tropical rainforests, and Mayan ruins. Guests and especially families can choose from a vast array of Belize's most sought–after activities, including diving tours, fly fishing trips, and many more thrilling adventures.

This property still has a lot going for it, especially the beachfront location and pool. Just be advised that any reviews and photos of Robert's Grove from the pre-pandemic days present a rosier picture than guests are finding these days: the property clearly needs another cash injection to take care of deferred maintenance and still-reduced staff levels. We're keeping our review here in hopes that conditions turn around, but at present it's not truly a luxury property on par with the others we have reviewed in detail.

Web Address: www.robertsgrove.com or check rates online here.
Total Number of Rooms: 44 rooms
Published rates: $210 to $390 including taxes and breakfast

Original review by John Lamkin, updates by Timothy Scott. Photos by Scott except room shot courtesy of the resort.