As ‘safecations’ slowly take root as the newest travel trend, more luxury hotels and private island resorts are taking seclusion to a whole new lavish level, offering property buyouts for the ultimate private experience. As travel begins to arouse from a deep slumber, destinations like Belize that boast sea, sun and seclusion have become major draws. Private islands and luxury resorts set in remote locales seem tailor-made for socially distanced vacations. And what safer way to do so than a total takeover? Renting a private island may have seemed like an extreme luxury in the past, however moving forward, it will be seen as a wise choice by many.
For those still looking to travel, buyouts seem like a ticket to a worry-free holiday. Beyond solitude, buyouts also offer the luxury of abundant space for extended families to come together. But don’t be mistaken, hotel buyouts are nothing new—hotels typically offer them for weddings, corporate retreats, and other big events. But now, small luxurious hotels may start to see requests for buyouts from families who want to vacation together without being exposed to other guests. Luckily, there are some fantastic options coast to coast and beyond in Belize.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Running W Restaurant
Known as the ‘the only jungle in town’, the hillside location of San Ignacio Resort Hotel on the Macal River in Belize’s Cayo District is an urban escape of your tropical dreams. Centrally located in its namesake town, it’s not often you find a luxury hotel with 17 acres of Belizean rainforest and an on-site iguana conservation project – all while being a short 10-minute walk to the restaurants, bars and shops of San Ignacio. Not to mention, there’s a casino next door. Onsite, 22 well-appointed guest rooms and 5 suites include complimentary wifi, daily purified water, coffee, tea, bathrobes, safety deposit box, flat screen cable television, A/C, and a nightly turn-down service.
But, guests can experience a new era of luxury for the ultimate group or incentive travel with a ‘resort buyout’. Transform the entire property into your own, where every guest leaves with a truly VIP experience.
More information on San Ignacio Resort Hotel here.
Coral Caye
Dine beachside at Coral Caye.
Sandy floors in Coral Caye's tropical-hued cottages are barefoot perfect.
Enjoy privacy in the exclusive-use private island of Coral Caye, a Coppola Hideaway.
Kickback, and relax. Photo courtesy Coppola Hideaways
As a sister property to Placencia’s Turtle Inn just 8 miles offshore, Coral Caye is an exclusive-use private island with show-stopping accommodations; each villa boasting direct waterfront. Two dwellings and its Great House are the only buildings on the island; both can accommodate from two to ten guests starting at US$2,000 per night. Choose between its Coral Cottage, their newest dwelling ideal for a couple or young family, or Seahorse Cottage, ideal for extended families or additional friends. There’s a new menu every day, and the property encourages a mix of pure seclusion and active journeys, whether you’ve ‘gone fishing‘ or exploring the second-largest reef system in the world.
More information on Coral Caye here.
The Ellysian
The rooftop restaurant at The Ellysian: Muna. Photo courtesy Duarte Dellarole
Lounging in Placencia. Photo by Duarte Dellarole Photography
Renting The Ellysian for a hotel takeover allows you to fully book their 13 beachfront rooms in Placencia, Belize. Of course, this gives you and all your loved ones plenty of space to stay and play. Wake to the sound of waves, sip cocktails by the poolside bar or spend your days in the water on the paddle boards or kayaking. Up to 40 guests in their Total Takeover resort buyout can access 6 Beachfront Studios and 6 Beach Suites, plus an infinity pool, pool bar, Muna restaurant, and more. Not to mention, the lead traveler’s accommodation is complimentary based on a minimum of 10 pre-booked and prepaid rooms. Take advantage of a 30% discount based on a minimum of 10 pre-booked and prepaid rooms for a 3-night minimum.
More information on The Ellysian here.
Ray Caye Island Resort
This could be your morning view at Ray Caye.
Caribbean cuisine shines bright at Ray Caye's Lionfish Grill.
A view unlike anywhere else at Ray Caye Island Resort.
Enter Ray Caye, an eco-off-the-grid haven limited to 20 rooms with less than 50 guests on the island at any given time. The vibe? Pure aquatic paradise with a twist. Onsite, guests can choose from the island’s eateries: The Lionfish Bar & Grill, Catch 831 and La Bodega. Rent the entire island, exclusively for your party, for US$9,000 per night. Just 7 acres in size, you couldn’t get lost if you tried. Yet, Ray Caye is designed for privacy and intimacy. Not to mention, unspoiled access to the Belize Barrier Reef, at any given time.
More information on Ray Caye here.
Ka’ana Resort
Retreat to white linens in a Master Suite at Ka'ana Resort.
La Cieba at Ka'ana. Photo by Robert Poole
The Wallace Bar at Ka'ana Resort
An intimate cooking class, set-up right on site. © Ka'ana Resort
Near the border of Guatemala in the Maya Mountains of Belize, Ka’ana Resort’s tropical gardens and atmospheric casitas form a green oasis of tranquility. Though with a resort buyout, you’ll have full access to the equally-beautiful 17 rooms of Ka’ana; beautiful hacienda-style casitas and buildings complete each interior’s natural materials, a private patio, local art and high ceilings. Leave the planning and pampering to Ka’ana with transfers, breakfasts in bed, private picnics and so much more. Or, simply bask in wellness with The Spa at Ka’ana, or dining at The Wallace Bar and La Ceiba Restaurant. So while the world is in isolation, you can retreat to a private paradise and book the entire resort for a minimum of three nights stay, starting at US$7,999 per night.
More information on Ka’ana Resort here.
A Muy’Ono Resort – Royal Belize
A true, all-inclusive, private island luxury experience awaits at Royal Belize - with no worries or stress.
Royal Belize, a private island resort.
Royal Belize, a Muy'Ono Resort.
Make your dream of staying on a beautiful private island with just your friends and family a reality in Belize. Enjoy an all-inclusive experience on the exclusive-stay only private island Royal Belize. In Belize, you can call this 7.5-acre private island your own off the coast of Dangriga with Royal Belize, a private island resort. Found along the second largest coral reef in the world, this resort uniquely caters to one buyout party at a time in five luxury suites. In fact, your own island manager, private chef, housekeeping, concierge, and boat captain are ready to customize your island experience. Rent the entire island, exclusively for your party, starting at US$6,900 per night.
More information on Royal Belize here.
