Cayo Espanto, Belize: Life As It Should Be!

I have never been happier to FINALLY publish a travel blog post. Belize is now open for travel and I’m sharing our trip to Cayo Espanto with you. Pete and I were there in early March but you know what happened after that… Let me share with you why we love this little private island retreat that puts the ‘luxury’ in luxury travel!

Cayo Espanto started welcoming guests again on October 1, 2020, aligning with the country’s reopening of the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. If you are worried about what that means in this Covid-19 world we live in – don’t. The resort has announced that they are following proper protocol by ensuring proper use of face masks and hand sanitization by all employees of the resort, increased frequency in cleanings of all areas of the private resort, providing guests with disinfectant, hand sanitizer and hand wipes in each villa and arranging of private tours, including aboard yacht or helicopter. Please note that all of our pictures were before the pandemic hit and that’s why you will not see anyone with face masks on.

I wouldn’t worry one bit about traveling to Cayo Espanto. In normal times, you are social distancing from everyone else anyway. The small resort is an award-winning private island ideally located in the calm waters of the Western Caribbean, three miles off coast of San Pedro, Belize. Each of the resort’s five-star accommodations, which includes one over-the-water bungalow, offers the ultimate in attentive service with private butler and personal chef, while at the same time embodying the fantasy of having the entire island to yourself. Guests can fly fish right outside their door, opt for scuba diving or snorkeling excursions at the second largest barrier reef in the world. Home to a helipad and private yacht, travelers can choose to exclusively explore all that Belize has to offer via unique vantage points from land, sea and air transportation.

Pete and I have been to Cayo Espanto several times before and I will tell you it’s where we truly disconnect and relax. You do everything in your private villa. All meals are served there. There are no restaurants, stores or anything to take away from your peaceful time gazing at the sea. The chef will come to your villa daily to tell you of the delicious food offerings. If you have any food allergies, the staff will know because you fill out a guest survey weeks before your arrival. There’s a mini fridge in your villa and they will stock it with your favorite beverages. Your houseman and his assistant cater to your every need. It’s truly paradise!

You have your choice of seven villas when making your reservations and they are all spectacular. This time, we stayed in Casa Manana and loved feeling the cool ocean breeze when our villa was fully open. All prices include food, beverage and non-motorized activities. Pete always goes scuba diving (additional cost) when we are there and in fact, he has had the same dive master every time. His name is German and they see lots of fish, a barracuda, a huge sea turtle and even some nurse sharks while out on their diving excursion. I just love to stay on the island and relax, have a message and take a nap in the hammock while reading a good book.

Personalized service, award-winning hospitality and a secluded setting have made the private island the ultimate option for sophisticated travelers. Every detail is carefully thought out to create the best experience customized to preferences stipulated by each guest. Concierge services extend to assisting throughout the guest journey to the island, including a private 15-minute boat ride from San Pedro, Belize directly to each visitor’s own exclusive villa.

Cayo Espanto Travel Tips

Getting there: From Dallas you will fly to Belize City, Belize. Cayo Espanto can arrange your short island hopper flight (15 minute flight) from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. A Cayo Espanto staff member will pick you up and you will travel to the dock via taxi. From there, it’s a short boat ride (5 minutes) over to the private island of Cayo Espanto. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter from Belize City directly to Cayo Espanto as they have a helipad.

Arrival: When your boat pulls up to the dock at Cayo Espanto, you will notice that everyone is lined up. They are there to welcome you! This is where you will receive your first Espanto Wave. It’s a delicious frozen cocktail that is included so order as many as you want to. They are perfect while enjoying the Caribbean sun!

What to pack: Casual clothes, swimsuits, sandals, cover-ups, sunscreen, hat and not much else. Your villa will have sunscreen and bug spray in case you need it but honestly, I’ve never seen any bugs there. They also stock luxury soaps and such in your room. Since all dining is private in your own villa, you can actually eat in your pajamas or robe if you want to.

Extra perk: The people of Belize are so kind and lovely. We almost feel like they are family at this point. The staff is exceptional at leaving you alone yet knowing when you might need something. All communication is done though a walkie talkie to your houseman.They even line up on the dock for a send off and pack you a lunch for your trip home.

We highly recommend booking a trip to Cayo Espanto. It’s the perfect luxury getaway and each one of our visits has been exceptional! If you need more information, please visit www.aprivateisland.com or call 888-666-4282 to make your reservation.

This is life as it should be! xoxo – Tanya

P.S. Since we took this trip in March, everything listed in my packing list below will be on SALE! Good time to snag some resort pieces.

photo: Pete Foster