If you happen to’ve ever dreamed of escaping to your personal personal island—the place somebody remembers your favourite drink, units up paddleboards earlier than you even ask, and serves each meal within the privateness of your oceanfront villa—then enable me to introduce you to Cayo Espanto in Belize. It’s a non-public island resort simply off the coast of Ambergris Caye, and sure, it’s each bit as jaw-droppingly good because it sounds.
I not too long ago spent three nights there in Villa Aurora, one of many island’s beautiful two-bedroom villas, and I can confidently say it’s the form of place that spoils you for all times. You’ll by no means have a look at a “beachfront suite” the identical method once more.
Welcome to Island Perfection
Cayo Espanto is the definition of “barefoot luxurious.” The island is tiny—solely seven villas—however each single one is true on the water with its personal personal plunge pool, private dock, and houseman who appears to have Jedi-level instinct.
Our houseman greeted us the second we arrived by boat, welcoming us with chilled towels, Aperol spritzes, and a mountain of chips, salsa, and guacamole (which simply so occurs to be my love language).
Earlier than you even set foot on the island, the staff at Cayo Espanto sends an consumption type that covers every part from dietary preferences to favourite snacks and drinks. They usually take it critically. Like, “your-guacamole-is-already-being-smashed-as-you-dock” critically.
Each element is tailor-made to you, which is why this place is so unimaginable for households with youngsters—everybody will get precisely what they love, no negotiations required.
Our Villa: Aurora in Each Sense
We stayed in Villa Aurora, a spacious two-bedroom retreat that sits proper subsequent to the Caribbean Sea. Every bed room opens immediately onto the deck, the place the turquoise water virtually begs you to dive in. There’s a non-public pool, loads of outside seating, and a hammock completely positioned for afternoon naps or pretending you’re answering emails.
Inside, the villa is ethereal and stylish, with Belizean wooden particulars, crisp white linens, and a toilet large enough to make you take into account dwelling there completely. The open design lets within the ocean breeze and the sound of waves lapping beneath.
If you happen to’re touring with teenagers, the two-bedroom format is right—everybody has their very own area (and their very own lavatory, which is mainly the definition of peace on earth).
Eating: Customized Perfection
Right here’s the factor about eating at Cayo Espanto: you’ll by no means see a buffet line or hear the phrases “restricted menu.” Each single meal is custom-made only for you.
Earlier than every meal, our chef would current a menu that includes a number of entrée selections. Every little thing was superbly plated and absurdly contemporary—particularly the seafood, which tasted prefer it had been caught simply hours earlier than.
Due to the November climate, we dined completely on our villa’s patio, however beneath regular circumstances, they’ll fortunately arrange your meal on the dock, seaside, and even beneath the celebrities on the seaside. We did see a seaside arrange one evening for somebody’s fortieth anniversary. We by no means actually noticed any of the opposite folks on the island, however I feel there have been 3 or 4 others there.
My favourite breakfast was the conventional Belizean breakfast—eggs, refried beans, fry jacks (wonderful fried dough), and contemporary tropical fruit. Lunches typically included ceviche, grilled fish, or salads bursting with native components. And dinners? Assume lobster tail, coconut shrimp, and melt-in-your-mouth desserts.
Oh, and don’t skip afternoon tea—a each day ritual that feels splendidly civilized, even if you happen to’re nonetheless in your swimsuit. Tea is often an assortment of teas, finger sandwiches, and cookies. All of that was nice however the subsequent day I opted for my tea to be an Aperol Spritz and chips and salsa.
Journey Awaits: Paddleboarding, Snorkeling, and Extra
Sure, Cayo Espanto is opulent, however it’s additionally filled with alternatives for journey—making it a great stability for households who like slightly exercise with their pampering.
I spent my mornings paddleboarding across the island, watching stingrays glide beneath the floor and pelicans dive for his or her breakfast. There’s additionally a water trampoline, which is far more enjoyable than it sounds (and doubles as a surprisingly good exercise).
One of many highlights of the journey was a snorkeling tour to Hol Chan Marine Park, only a brief boat experience away. It’s certainly one of Belize’s most well-known snorkeling spots, and for good cause—crystal-clear water, colourful coral reefs, and extra marine life than you possibly can think about. We swam alongside sea turtles, nurse sharks, and faculties of shimmering fish. Teenagers will completely find it irresistible. (That is an extra price.)
Again on the island, you possibly can get pleasure from non-motorized water sports activities like crusing, kayaking, and extra paddleboarding—all included in your keep.
Spa Bliss on Island Time
In any case that journey (or, you understand, lounging), we indulged in a therapeutic massage proper at our villa. The sound of light waves blended with the comfortable ocean breeze made it one of the enjoyable therapies I’ve ever had.
For households, Cayo Espanto’s spa choices may be tailored for all ages. Teenagers can get pleasure from lighter therapies like facials or foot massages, whereas dad and mom go for deep-tissue bliss. It’s the proper strategy to wind down after a day of solar and saltwater.
A Non-public Island That Welcomes Households
Whereas Cayo Espanto is usually marketed as a {couples}’ escape (and it’s undoubtedly romantic), it’s additionally surprisingly well-equipped for households. When children keep, the employees goes out of their strategy to make it magical.
Our houseman defined that for youthful friends, they supply sand toys, manage film nights on an enormous inflatable display, and even train children easy methods to sail. That’s proper—your youngster can be taught to navigate a ship whilst you sip wine on the deck. Parenting win.
Teenagers, in the meantime, will love the liberty and journey that comes with island life—snorkeling, exploring by kayak, and perhaps even unplugging for just a few hours (miracles do occur). The wifi on the island was nice so in the event that they don’t wish to unplug that’s not a difficulty.
Sustainability and Consolation within the Tropics
Cayo Espanto operates with sustainability in thoughts. All freshwater on the island comes from an on-site Reverse Osmosis Therapy system, offering protected ingesting water with out wasteful imports.
And whilst you’re within the tropics (learn: mosquitoes occur), the resort has a mosquito misting system that retains pesky bugs at bay utilizing an extract from chrysanthemums. It’s utterly protected for people, efficient for bugs, and mainly enables you to get pleasure from sundown with out turning into a snack. Nevertheless, it’s not 100% so pack lots of bug spray.
Additionally they have nets for the mattress at evening so that you don’t get mosquito bites whilst you sleep.
The Service: Past Distinctive
If luxurious is outlined by consideration to element, then Cayo Espanto has mastered it. Each employees member—from the boat captain to the cooks to our unimaginable houseman—appeared genuinely invested in making our keep unforgettable.
Want extra ice? It seems. Need breakfast half-hour later so you possibly can sleep in? Achieved. Point out that you simply love Aperol spritzes as soon as? They’re ready for you at sundown.
This degree of service makes it good for multi-generational household journeys too. Grandparents, teenagers, and fogeys alike will really feel cared for with out having to coordinate a factor.
Charges and Realities
Luxurious like this comes at a value, however for what’s included, it’s surprisingly all-encompassing. Charges cowl your personal villa, three gourmand meals each day, snacks, drinks (besides wine, Champagne, and cordials), and non-motorized water sports activities.
The resort usually requires a four-night minimal keep, although exceptions can generally be made. Over the vacations, a seven-night minimal applies (and if you happen to’re planning to remain by Christmas and New 12 months’s, make it 14).
With solely a handful of villas and a most of 18 friends on your complete island, privateness and exclusivity are assured.
Closing Ideas: Belize, however Make It Non-public
Cayo Espanto is a type of uncommon locations that manages to be each luxurious and deeply private. It’s the form of place the place you possibly can utterly disconnect—no crowded seashores, no noisy neighbors, simply the ocean, the sky, and impeccable service.
Whether or not you’re planning a household journey with youngsters, a romantic getaway, or perhaps a multi-generational celebration, this island checks each field. It’s journey and leisure wrapped in a single beautiful Caribbean bundle.
As for me, I’m nonetheless dreaming about paddleboarding at dawn, consuming fry jacks on the patio, and pretending Villa Aurora was my everlasting deal with. As a result of when you’ve had a style of Cayo Espanto, there’s no going again to abnormal holidays.
