A Private Island Escape at Cayo Espanto

A private island escape at Belize’s Cayo Espanto is the perfect cure to months in quarantine. As I approached the dock to Cayo Espanto, the four-acre island resort, I was instantly in awe at how stunning and secluded this overwater bungalow experience was from afar. Just a seven-minute boat ride from San Pedro, located just off Belize’s Ambergris Caye, I arrived at the resort and instantly discovered why it’s a celebrity hideaway.

Unparalleled Luxury and Service

Synonymous with complete seclusion, Cayo Espanto offers the ultimate change of scenery—in the most lavish way possible. First, because they make every guest feel extra special upon arrival—no matter your celebrity status— as resort staff lined up to greet me at my villa’s private dock. Moreover, our personal butlers, also referred to as “housemen,” then provided us with a tour of the villa and helped us customize our visit to our individual and private needs.

The Rooms

Cayo Espanto is a 5-star private island resort only three miles away from San Pedro, yet it feels like another world. Once I’d heard that celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Bradley Cooper included this getaway on their travel lists, I was captivated. Each room comes with its private staff, including three chef-cooked meals served in your dining room. Consequently, this level of luxury naturally comes with a significant price tag.

Cayo Espanto consists of only seven villas and suites, all uniquely designed yet discreetly set apart from one another, which enhances its appeal—especially for those looking to socially distance. The only overwater bungalow is called “Casa Ventanas,” which, despite being the smallest and most affordable option at over $1,000 USD per night, offers an unparalleled experience with over 1,100 square feet of luxury.

With over 1,500 feet of privacy, the suite is not only intimate but extremely romantic. The downside to complete seclusion, however, is that there are very few other travelers or guests, which means there are no public dining or entertainment options. Everything is handled by your butler within the confines of your villa unless you decide to embark on excursions.

Connecting with Nature

If you’re looking to connect to the outside world, you are in luck. Amenities include Wi-Fi, TV, iPad, Bluetooth speakers, and a DVD player. As an added bonus, the villa was stocked with favorite spirits and beverages, and featured a hammock, private plunge pool overlooking pristine blue waters, and a glass floor to view the Caribbean Sea’s sea creatures.

Safety First

In light of the pandemic, Cayo Espanto has tailored the getaway experience to each guest’s preferences. The team has implemented numerous health and safety measures, such as ensuring proper mask usage and hand sanitization, health checks for employees, and private tours for each party during their stay.

The Activities

Although the resort is wonderfully secluded, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. With nearby access to experiences like world-class diving along the Belize Barrier Reef, snorkeling with stingrays and nurse sharks, or the option of all-day reef scuba diving or deep-sea fishing, every day is an adventure at Cayo Espanto. The resort also offers luxurious experiences, such as helicopter tours over the Great Blue Hole or private yacht fishing excursions.

One memorable experience was a snorkeling excursion at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. Despite initial nerves, it turned out to be one of the best days at Cayo Espanto, filled with breathtaking beauty at every stop. Accompanied by skilled instructors, I ventured into the waters to swim with stingrays and nurse sharks, creating unforgettable memories.

Another day involved kayaking and paddle boarding in the calm waters, topped off with a private massage in the comfort of my villa.

The Verdict

I was particularly impressed by the resort’s dedication to customizing my experience at Cayo Espanto. No detail was overlooked, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating vacation. While it was more secluded than I’d imagined, Cayo Espanto proved to be the perfect retreat worthy of any travel bucket list.