Located 3 km north of Placencia, just off the main road, this condo development stressing privacy is cloistered behind large carved wooden doors. In fact, no outsiders are permitted here other than guests of the guests. The operation gets along with just 20 staff members on-site.
Although the villas were constructed in 2006, the well-cultivated plantings here are mature. Arbors of bougainvillea frame the walkways and palm trees, and banana plants sway by the pools. The 400-ft private beachfront is lush with elephant ears and blooming hibiscus.
Guests place orders for all meals and receive delivery service in their villas or elsewhere on the grounds. The pricey menu gives an idea of how dining costs can add up quickly. A small palapa bar sits poolside, but other public facilities are scarce.
Guests congregate on the beach, on chaise longues by the two infinity-edge pools, or on the verandas of their villas. They have complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks and paddle boats, and a dock. They can also rent golf carts for getting around the premises. A conference facility handles small meetings. Ocean, river and land trips are contracted out to local companies.
Private entrances lead to the 19 rental villas, which are categorized as either oceanfront or ocean view. One- and two-bedroom units with the corresponding number of baths are in the mix (three have an additional loft area). Further distinctions of Luxury, Superior and Deluxe depend upon the quality of furnishings, but all are well-decorated with upscale wooden furniture, bamboo accents and local art. Screens, ceiling fans and air conditioning are in all, and so are cable TVs with DVD players, phones with international dialing, and wireless Internet access.
All Villas come with fully equipped kitchens and boast not only dishwashers but also washers and dryers—a truly rare luxury in Belize—and four-poster king or queen beds. Tiled baths feature hand-painted sinks. Housekeeping and room service are at the ready, and front-desk reception is open around the clock. All units are smoke-free.
For each additional person over 11 years old, the hotel adds US$25 to the room tariff, along with a room tax and service charge. A four-night minimum applies during peak periods. Packages for weddings and wellness retreats are available, and guests can combine a stay here with one of the jungle lodges.
This sophisticated getaway is in the same league with next-door neighbor Turtle Inn for style, and offers real substance, too. The prices at either will startle the faint of heart.
