I admit it. Many of the places I have been with my job are NOT for the budget traveler. But that doesn’t mean we all can’t dream a little, right?
Cayo Espanto…a private island resort on Ambergris Caye in Belize, is one of those dream-worthy places. This little island is home to seven small villas..one of them an over water bungalow…all secluded from each other.
My Bungalow at Cayo Espanto
You feel like you have the island to yourself – or you really can: rent the whole island for 18 of your BFFS - for $18,000 a night.
When I was there I never saw another guest except once when I was kayaking around the island. It is a quiet, beautiful place located on the seriously clear blue waters of the world’s second largest barrier reef. Our villa had it’s own private outdoor dipping pool.
There is plenty to do there….fishing…
Snorkeling..and scuba diving. The rays come right up to you!
There is a nice spa at Cayo – the treatments come to you. I had a relaxing outdoor massage with a tropical mud that was supposed to cleanse my skin.
We also took a short boat ride to a completely desolate island, where the staff made us a picnic lunch…including the best ceviche with freshly caught fish.
That’s only if you want complete/guaranteed privacy…. You truly do feel like you are the only ones at Cayo Espanto – which actually was a little hard to get used to . The staff was very discrete and left you alone, and we didn’t eat in a big dining room with other guests – the chef actually prepared a meal on our dock.
Belize is located on the Yucatan Peninsula…and has Mayan ruins nearby – if you can drag yourself away from paradise. It is a relatively poor country, and you see that making your way to Cayo Espanto…which may make it harder to shell out the $1000 and more a night that this relaxing retreat charges guests. The price does include meals and drinks…..On your radar? Airfare from most major east and west coast cities is around $500 round trip. Keep the kids at home this trip…
Have a great weekend!
