Ray Caye’s casual luxury in Belize might surprise you. Coast-to-coast of a country whose entire breadth can be discovered within a day, Belize holds luxe resorts and cozy enclaves for discerning travelers seeking paradise. Whether being out of office before looked like adventuring in vast swaths of wilderness, uncovering historical treasures, or simply enjoying a pina colada in hand, Ray Caye in Belize is the destination you didn’t know you needed. This year, lean into Ray Caye Island Resort, a bolthole in Belize promising plenty to discover while effortlessly emulating casual luxury. 

PTO + Plush Accommodations On A Private Island in Belize 

On the heels of National Plan For Vacation Day on January 31, this is your reminder: you deserve a vacation. Scratch that—a Caribbean vacation. On average, Americans had about 9.5 unused vacation days at the end of 2021. That’s a lot of time not used to reduce stress and prevent burnout, but it’s also a lot of time not spent making new memories. 

“But it’s a luxury private island resort in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. It’s probably ridiculous in price. How can I afford a week there?” 

Well, luxury is more affordable than you think—and the price is more than worth it. 

First things first, let’s sort out the PTO. Time it right, and a few days of scheduled paid time off can stretch into a week. In April 2023, take the four days before Good Friday off and you’ll automatically have yourself a 10-day break. Or, take the Monday before July 4th off, and you’ll have yourself a 4-day vacation. For a few days more, push it into seven days, and you’ve got yourself a $200/night deal at Ray Caye, Belize. That’s question number two sorted. 

With accommodations ranging from the posh reef-facing Honeymoon Villas—complete with a private all-glass-wall plunge pool and floor-to-ceiling glass windows to take in that view—to Oceanfront Cabanas and rooms within an Island House, there’s something to fit every budget. As arrivals dip ever so slightly in Belize’s rainy season from June through November, it’s a lot easier to secure vacancies and yes, even the possible deal. For an entire week on an exclusive private island with no more than 48 guests at any given time, you’ll be paying $200 per person per night in an Island House room. Add in your non-stop flight, which takes less than 2 hours from Miami, FL, and you can casually indulge in a luxury Belize vacation for $2,000 or less. 

Welcome to the wellness-boosting beach break you need

There are plenty of sun loungers scattered throughout the 7 square acres of coastlines, gardens, and pools-–with plenty to entertain yourself with. If your R&R includes recentering through intentional movement, Ray Caye boasts its own wellness center; think of a yoga deck, spa, and gym with all the amenities you need on vacation. Or, head outdoors (and offshore) with stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba scooter, Hobie cats, and bonus points…a saltwater slide. Adrenaline junkies can craft specialty diving tours at the on-site Pirate Reef Dive Shop and Center, prepared to equip you with everything you need from guidance and advice to instruction and certification. 

After all, planning a vacation isn’t the sole source of happiness: people experience an elevated mood up to eight weeks before their vacation. If there was ever an end-all cure for burnout, it would inevitably be Belize, macrodosed with a bolthole like Ray Caye Island Resort. So, what do two months from now look like for you? 

All images via Ray Caye Island Resort.