Rent a Private Belize Island? It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Imagine  

by Larry Waight

Folks bitten by the rental bug won’t find the idea of renting a private island for a getaway to be illogical. These folks lease cars because ownership demands too much responsibility. Some rent furnishings because the idea of moving truckloads of stuff from place to place is an inconvenience. Renting storage space, tools and equipment is commonplace, so maybe the idea of renting an entire Belize Island for a group getaway doesn’t seem farfetched – especially for those seeking a unique escape that won’t cost a fortune. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s one private island resort in Belize ready to rent out: Ray Caye Island Resort.

Why a private island?

You and your guests have the entirety of the parcel of land filled with tropical greenery amid gentle, rolling surf all to yourselves. No putting up with pesky strangers interrupting your idyllic escape. For travelers who remain edgy about Covid, an island is the quintessential social distancing destination and the amount of privacy you and your party enjoy is sublime. Must you spend time attending to repetitious tasks left behind? Not at Ray Caye Island Resort where a small, discreet staff sees every need of rental parties 24/7.

Sound awesome? It is. Sit down. Grab a coffee. Make it a beer. Don’t be surprised if the urge to pack and round up your posse strikes by the time you finish reading these 10 convincing reasons to move forward with your plans.

1. Ray Caye Island Resort was rebranded in 2020. 
dasha Ray Caye grand reopening belize women

Ray Caye Island Resort relaunched with a grand reopening in February 2020, previously known as Hatchet Caye.

Now, it’s a luxe, intimate resort where romance, discretion, and intimacy are the order of the day for guests weary of putting up with crowds, noise, and distractions. The entire island consists of only 20 suites, room enough for you and up to 49 of your favorite people.

2. It’s less than an hour from Placencia.

Lady Danielle leaves Placencia Peninsula for Ray Caye.

Getting buy-in from folks with whom you intend to share this island experience is easy and since the island takes only an hour to reach from the Placencia peninsula, the distance pairs mainland convenience with peace and tranquility, giving guests plenty of access to sites, experiences, and attractions.

3. An island fund pre-pays your shared adventure.

Calculate $7,000 per day for 25 people (just $280 per person) or go for the $9,000 at $360 per person per day. The less expensive option allows the occasional outsider to visit the property for day-tripping. The latter gives your party full exclusivity. If you don’t need this much of Ray Caye, you can also book half of it while enjoying the same benefits.

4. Access to Belize’s Great Barrier Reef and myriad aquatic sporting opportunities is guaranteed.
silk cayes belize drone beach

A beautiful approach to the Silk Cayes in Southern Belize. Photo by Duarte Dellarole

All manner of individual and group experiences are available, including self-guided, on-island, and guided activities and tours. Share the island’s tour menu with members of your party and watch their reactions!

5. Luxe digs on Ray Caye include every modern convenience.

That includes free Wi-Fi to air conditioning and modern bathrooms. The resort’s waterfront restaurant, the Lionfish Bar & Grill, will be all yours if you rent the island, so meeting with the chef to create the menu that best suits your guests will be part of the fun of customizing your stay.

6. Schedule intimate get-togethers at the villa you’ve dubbed group headquarters.

Use the fully equipped kitchen, plunge pool, and deck as your social gathering hub so everyone can share their adventures over coffee, glasses of wine, Belikin beers, and other refreshments provided by resort staff to create a unique holiday excursion.

7. Because Mother Nature did an artful job of creating the island, private hideaways away from the rest of your party are easy to find and claim.

The dozen tiny beaches surrounding the island give individuals and couples total privacy because each of these beach enclaves is tucked into tropical vegetation creating a haven of intimacy.

8. The full-service PADI dive shop on the island is no ordinary amenity.

The bright red and black logo designation of the Pirate Reef Dive Shop and Center doesn’t promise what it can’t deliver. Staff is on hand to dispense gear, guidance, instruction, and even certification. Other island resorts sometimes ask guests to bring their own gear, but not Ray Caye. Everything members of your party need to dive is cleaned and sanitized daily. Longer outings come with snacks, drinks, and more.

9. There are plenty of aquatic toys at the resort to keep everyone entertained.
sail Ray Caye girl

Photo courtesy Ray Caye

Even on days that no formal tours have been scheduled. Included among this comprehensive library are sea kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats and there is no charge to use these items throughout your stay on the island.

10. This island stay will cement your relationships in ways you can’t imagine.

Did you know that spending time alone with people you care about can benefit your health? Scientists say that group adventures improve physical and emotional bonds that can lead to longer lives. And you get to brag about renting an entire island for your getaway!

The planning is fun. You share snafus, feel safer in the company of folks you trust, and are likely to discover that this exotic getaway opportunity changed the way you think about yourself and those closest to you. This year, reach for the vacation stars on an island that delivers the ultimate splurge and rent Ray Caye, this private island in Belize! 

All images courtesy Ray Caye Island Resort/Duarte Dellarole.

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