Project Background
Itz’ana Resort & Residences is a boutique 20-acre beachfront resort and residential community on the Placencia Peninsula along Belize’s Caribbean coast.
A ground-up development on one of Central America’s last untouched coastlines, it brought together architecture, hospitality, and residential living within a single destination — the first project of its kind in Belize.
Proven led the development from site acquisition through concept, design, construction, and opening, managing the full lifecycle from raw beachfront land to an operating luxury resort with a sold-out residential program.
Location: Placencia, Belize
Site: 20 acres with 650 feet of beachfront
Units: 20 Hotel Keys and 86 Residences (1-5 Bed)
Amenities: 4 F&B outlets, Spa, Marina
Architecture: Roberto de Oliveira Castro
Interior Design: Samuel Amoia Associates
Opening date: December 2018
Involvement: 2014-2018
The design intent drew on Belize's colonial architectural heritage, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens by Boston-based architect Roberto de Oliveira Castro. Interiors by New York designer Samuel Amoia introduced custom furnishings handcrafted by Central American artisans — an approach that earned early recognition from Architectural Digest and Vogue before the resort had opened.
Sustainability was integral to the development: rainwater harvesting, locally sourced construction materials, solar-ready residences, and an organic garden supplying the resort's sea-to-table restaurant.
The resort has since established itself as one of Belize's most recognised independent luxury properties.
"Envisioned by Irish brothers and developers Colin and Ronan Hannan, Itz'ana is a game-changing 20-acre beach resort and residential community."
— ROBB REPORT
“Carbon-friendly Itz’ana Resort and Residences brings a new level of luxury to Belize”
— NEW YORK TIMES
