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Belize’s Unique Villas at Cayo Espanto

By Rita Cook

If you are looking for a destination that still promises days full of tranquility with little or no interruption, a limited number of tourists and no overrun cities then Belize is the place for you.  Belize is easy to enjoy with a simple spirit happiest to remain a bit unknown so that the crystalline waters never cloud and friendly people never forget how to make your vacation unforgettable.

Indeed, Belize is the place to be nowadays for those in the know who appreciate getting the most for their money.  Located in Central America, thoughts of Guerrilla warfare and drug trafficking are non-existent in this little piece of heaven.  In fact, the main tourist stop, Belize City has an easy to navigate airport and direct flights from many cities in the United States.

Belize once belonged to Britain, but is now quite independent and a British Commonwealth member.  For the past five years this little country has seen a steady increase in popularity and notoriety and not only is Belize City popular there are other smaller towns in Belize that have also gotten the tourist bug one such place being San Pedro. 

It is here in San Pedro that you can take a boat to the very private resort Cayo Espanto a property that is situated on a private island with only five, very exclusive villas.  The best part about Cayo Espanto however, is that all the villas have marvelous views, plunge pools facing the ocean and hammocks in case you want to spend the entire day or the entire trip just lounging.

Cayo Espanto is the best reason I know to visit Belize.  The resort is truly one of the most amazing experiences in villa vacations that you will find anywhere in the world.  True, it will take several plane exchanges, a short taxi ride and a power boat to get there, but when you arrive it will all be worth it.  Even if you aren’t interested in romance, a family can rent a villa with two rooms or, for real privacy you can rent the island for a few days or a week. 

If choosing to stay at Cayo Espanto then plan at least a week at this resort.  Take a break the first few days by spending time in your villa.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner is delivered to your room and snacks are available all day as well as a selection of DVDs, cocktails, cigars, water sports equipment and the list goes on.  Your house boy will visit you as often or as little as you like with a discreet greeting before he enters your villa.  

By the third day you will want to go into town and do some shopping, the boat is at your disposal for delivery and pickup.  If that is not exciting enough for you however, day trips can be arranged as diverse as fly fishing, scuba diving or even a trip to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai. 

For the scuba diving experience remember that Belize is situated not more than 20 minutes from the second largest barrier reef in the world. Some of the more popular dive spots are Ambergris Caye/Caye Caulker or even the Central Main Reef.  For snorkeling Cayo Espanto offers guests a trip to Hol Chan, located in Belize’s National Marine Park and said to be one of the best snorkeling spots in the world as well.  Cayo Espanto will pack up a nice lunch for you if your plans include an all day activity and when you return to your villa in the afternoon you can even ask to have dinner served on the beach among torch light and soft music.

To get to Cayo Espanto you must first fly into Belize City and then on to San Pedro via a smaller airplane.  It is in this little town you can spend a few minutes or a few hours.  Shopping is reasonable and there are several streets that sale just about everything from alcohol to souvenirs to bathing suits to cultural art pieces.  Take your time in the town and enjoy the local flavor of an afternoon or a just a tall, cold beer.  When you’re ready the folks at Cayo Espanto will be back to pick you up to take you back to your own private island in the sun.

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