Karen T. Bartlett
Here’s the scenario: Our 14-passenger Cessna lands on San Pedro Island in Belize, disgorging a mix of fishermen and divers bound for Ambergris Cay and adventurers headed into the Belizean jungle. A young gentleman in khaki and sky blue stands out from the waiting crowd, holding a discreet card with our names. He’s our escort into a three-day unabashed fantasy island moment in time. Soon, we’re skimming across impossibly clear aquamarine waters aboard our private boat toward Cayo Espanto, a tiny palm-fringed atoll floating at the edge of the second-longest coral reef in the world. We skirt the little island, which displays sultry hints of Caribbean villas tucked between jungle and sand, like a peek at a Victorian lady’s ankles.
German, our boat captain (also the island’s dive master) expertly choreographs his approach to our villa for the maximum oooh/aaah response. Lined up at the end of our private dock to greet you (like it’s done at Downton Abbey) are guest services specialist Erika, personal chef Richard, massage therapists Esmeralda and Dianelly, and our dedicated housemen, Obed and Kevin, who will attend to our every need and desire, starting with perfectly chilled glasses of the signature welcome beverage, Espanto Wave.
I recently read an article describing Cayo Espanto as a “best place in the world to spend Thanksgiving without your family.” Okay, point taken. It’s honeymoon material for sure. But indulge me, please, as I present my counterpoint: 11 reasons why its one of the best places in the world to spend Thanksgiving with your family. Especially if you have school-age kids who will be grown up in the blink of an eye. It’s also a grandparents/kids bonding fantasy: all adventure and luxury, where all you have to do is unpack.
1. Seven private villas. That’s it. No club, no restaurant, no gift shop. Our villa, Casa Olita, comes with its own secluded beach, dock, hammock deck, walled garden with outdoor shower, and disappearing walls to catch the trade winds and panoramic sea views. Perfect for families are the two-story villas: Casa Aurora, 2,100 square feet and the island’s largest personal pool; and the grand villa, Casa Estrella, at 2,500 square feet.
Oh, and no kitchens. Seriously, you do not want a kitchen. Before arrival, the culinary team already knows every family member’s food cravings and restrictions. Your butler’s pantry will magically replenish itself with only your fave snacks (and a few surprises). Chef Richard checks in with you twice daily with menu suggestions curated for each of you.
2. Your wish is their command. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon pizza or fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, an excursion to the Mayan ruins, or kayaks and a picnic basket for your paddle to that desert island in the distance, your personal housemen magically make it happen. They set up your lunches and dinners in picturesque spots in and around your villa; each time a different experience. And your every wish is a note or walkie-talkie away from fulfillment.
3. Sharks and angelfish. The 185-mile Belize Barrier Reef is home to more than 500 species of tropical fish, over 75 species of hard and soft coral, the spectacular Ice Age era Blue Hole, and (my favorites) the curious giant rays and gentle nurse sharks in the Hoi Chan Marine Reserve. Dive guide German takes you there. Put on your snorkel and jump right in!
4. Bonfire. The kids won’t forget their birthday (or Thanksgiving, or no-occasion) feast set up just for them by the light of a crackling bonfire.
5. Pirate treasure. A whispered word to your housemen, and an old rum bottle will float up to the water’s edge. Inside: a weathered pirate map. X marks the spot for the buried treasure chest filled with eye patches, jewels, and ancient coins.
6. Games and beach toys. Want a float? Board games? Trampoline? Paddleboards? Jet Skis for the teens or pool toys for the little ones? Done.
7. No dressing up. Your housemen dress for dinner, but you don’t. Unless you feel like it.
8. Deep jungle adventures. How about a boat ride to the mainland to catch a Mayan ruins tour, with zip lining and cave tubing? Done.
9. Family fishing experience. You can fly fish right off your dock. For a family day of reef, flats, or deep-sea fishing, your Cayo Espanto guide knows the best spots.
10. Two hours, six minutes. That’s the flying time from Miami to Belize City, saving two days of travel and a bucket of money compared with flights to that “other” barrier reef in Australia.
11. Reserve the whole island. I’m not saying it’s in my personal budget, but to whom it may concern: imagine the family reunion of a lifetime if your clan pools their resources to rent all seven villas. Just saying.
Visit aprivateisland.com.
Travel Editor KAREN T. BARTLETT explores Florida and the world in search of unique family experiences for all tastes and budgets.