Escape To: Matachica Resort and Spa, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Please allow me the pleasure of introducing you to one of the chicest and most intentionally-designed boutique getaways in the Caribbean (and one that's also now firmly at the top my bucket list), the Matachica Resort and Spa on Ambergris Caye, Belize.
If you've ever had the good fortune to visit Ambergris Caye, then I'm sure that you will agree there's 1 word to describe it: magical. I first set foot on the breathtaking Belizian coast in 2003 - back when Ambergris Caye was still kind of a secret and the path to get there was a lot less worn. It was all about shoestring budgets and backpacker accommodations back then and while I have very happy memories of my stay at Ruby's Guest House - I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm feeling a little desperate to go back and experience the eco-luxury that Matachica has to offer.
I discovered this stunning retreat last month when I was thumbing through the January edition of Canadian House & Home Magazine. It was the 2020 Design Trends issue and it featured an article about Montreal twins, Dexter and Byron Peart (founders of WANT Les Essentiels), who left 20 years in the world of fashion behind to explore other, more purpose-lead pursuits. Fueled by the belief that modern design should have both beauty and sustainability in equal measure, the brothers had the opportunity to test their concept when they were hired by fellow Montrealer, Daniel Lighter, to revamp Matachica resort.
Located on a long stretch of white sand beach on the island's Eastern Coast, Matachica is comprised of a collection of luxury, thatched-roof villas and casitas, each individually designed to reflect their tropical surroundings. For the Pearts, redesigning the resort "with purpose" meant going beyond paying homage to the natural beauty of the island. With sustainability and craftsmanship top of mind in their design, they used locally sourced materials and traditional artisan crafts from around Latin America to bring their vision to life.
Whimsicle murals of native plants and animals by Montreal-based illustrator Cécile Gariépy in the stunning casitas.
Matachica’s serene and technology-free property (rooms are WiFi-, phone- and television-free) allows guests to disconnect in order to reconnect with nature.
The same thoughtful design details that are found in the villas and casitas have been carried though to the resort’s communal spaces as well. Handcrafted ceramic planters, throws and cushions, hand-woven baskets and exotic flowers adorn the breezy lounge and bar.
Lobby Bar and Lounge
One of my favourite additions to Matachita’s redesign is this incredible light installation. Designed by ACdO and woven by hand by master artisans in Columbia, these stunning pendant lights are made from PET plastic bottles that were destined to pollute land and sea.
Danny's Tree Bar - newly built around an old tree on the property, the bar was constructed using locally sourced wood and bamboo.
Stunning architecture, thoughtful design, white sand beaches and access to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, make Matachica a truely unique Belizean beach experience.
