As more tropical countries re-open their borders, a number of private rentals have also started welcoming new guests. If you miss the sea, sun and sand, but want to still play it safe, maybe a private island might fit the bill. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, or hanging out with friends, here are a few options to check out. Belize has quite a few private islands scattered just off the Atlantic ocean, which can be easily accessed by boat (and it some cases a helicopter if you have the extra cash to burn).
The great thing is that you do not have to be a millionaire to afford a week at these islands. Depending on your choice and the size of your party, the cost per person works out to be very affordable.
1) Little Harvest Caye
Little Harvest Caye is a private island just off the coast of Placencia Peninsula in Southern Belize. The very green-friendly stay features a main living area featuring a bar and kitchen area, with 5 separate suites, with a combined capacity to serve up to 14 guests. There is also an on-island team (staying in a separate house) in charge of housekeeping, catering and other island-related activities. While most of the amenities and transfers costs are included in the package, guests will have to pay separately for food and drinks.
2) The Enclaved Island
The Enclaved Island is another private island in Belize. The property adjoins the Placencia Caye, and has capacity for up to 18 adults and 10 children. There are two main living areas and 7 beachfront bedrooms. Like the above properties, there are on-island staff members to help with the preparation of meals, concierge services and cleaning.
Your Caribbean dream vacation begins at the Enclave. Plenty of room for a large family, conference, wedding party, or a group of friends in this luxurious 7-bedroom, 7.5 bath beachfront island with media room, game room, and private pool. We have developed a resort-style private island home with first class amenities. With your private chef, concierge, and daily maid service all you have to do is put up your feet and relax.
3) Gladden Caye Private Island
20 miles of the east coast of Belize is the very secluded Gladden Caye Private Island Resort. This villa is geared towards couples (up to 4 guests) who want the ultimate in peace and quiet. The resort’s staff members reside on an adjacent island and offer all the expected services including cooking, cleaning and concierge. Spa facilities, snorkeling, scuba diving, and transfer to and from the island are also included in the price.
A swirl of turquoise and aquamarine lagoons cradle Gladden, an island fringed with coral and white sand in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. This island jewel harbors your own private sanctuary, a casually elegant villa designed for just one couple, with the all-inclusive service of a luxury resort. There is a second master suite should you wish to share Gladden with friends or family. Our staff resides unseen on the smaller island behind Gladden, ready to respond to any request at a moment’s notice. A “privacy meter” indicates if a member of the team is on the main island for any reason, because we want our guests to feel free to be themselves. There are no other neighbors – it’s just you and the views.
4) Kanu Private Island
If you aren’t feeling the couples vibe from the above property, Kanu Private Island provides accommodations for up to 20 people (combination of adults and children). The beach property features five 1,000 square foot villas, with a central area featuring a living room, kitchen, fresh-water swimming pool and bar (with a swim up area from the pool). Like the other Belize properties above, the island features in-house chefs which prepare meals, but still respect your privacy by staying on adjacent islands. The island is located just 15 minutes off the Placencia Peninsula.
5) Little Peter Oasis
Located less than 6 miles from the Belize City coast line, the 3 acre Little Peter Oasis property features a semi-overwater bungalow style villa which can accommodate up to 4 people. It’s ideal for families, couples or a small group of friends, and the rental rate includes 3 meals per day prepared by an on-site chef, along with local alcoholic drinks of choice, and caretaker service to handle to other ancillary needs. Unlike regular villas have a pool, Little Peter Oasis has its own 30-foot deep private lagoon. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are paddle boarding, snorkeling and fishing activities which you can do further out into the ocean.
6) Royal Belize
The Royal Belize is a luxury private island located less than 10 miles from the coastal town of Dangriga. Featuring a three villas, the island can accommodate between 10 to 16 people (including children). The ‘Big House’ has three private suites, while the other two villas have their own individual suites. There is also a bunkhouse. As part of the all-inclusive deal, guests will be able to tailor their dining experience, and get access to a range of snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and local alcoholic drinks. Guests will be supported by a team of seven staff members (including the island manager, chef, housing keeping and a licensed boat captain). Airport transfer is also included in the package. Like above, there are a number of activities to take part in including jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, among others.
7) Cayo Espanto
Cayo Espanto is a luxury 4-acre private island located a few minutes of the coast of San Pedro, featuring six beach-front villas and an overwater bungalow. Unlike the other islands above, the villas and bungalow can be rented by different parties, but the entire island can be booked by one party, accommodating up to 18 guests.
Regardless of booking type, the all-inclusive rates include a host of features from start to finish. The rated include:
Personal Butler Service, 3 tailored meals per day; guest’s favorite snacks; rack bar drinks, beer, sodas, fruit juice, bottled water (drinks exclude wine, dessert wine, champagne and cordials); San Pedro Airport Greeting; Cayo Espanto offers a scheduled, daytime, boat launch to/from San Pedro daily and all non-motorized activities (this includes the use of sea kayaks and sail boat).
8) Coral Caye
If you’re looking for a simpler island experience and simply want to enjoy the sea, sun and sand without having to spend on too many extra amenities, Coral Caye might just be the best bet. The 2 acre island located 8 miles from Placencia and Turtle Inn features two cottages (on for couples and another for larger families), as well as a ‘Great House’ which acts as a common area. Rates include round trip boat transfers between Turtle Inn dock and Coral Caye, all meals, private chef and personal attendant. The houses include essentials for activities such as fishing, snorkeling and picnics. Additional tours can be booked separately via the Family Coppola Hideaways Vacation Planners office.
[Featured Photo: Gladden Caye Private Island/Vrbo]
