Some old Belize hands still do call it Placentia.

I was back there about 10 days ago. Stayed again at Robert's Grove, which was wonderful as usual. (Also stayed at Robert's Caye, which is their newest addition -- four "Bora Bora" style cabanas partly over water or a little spit of sand 40 minutes out -- they've also upgraded their cabins at Ranguana Caye.)

This trip I also stayed at Zeboz, up next to Calico Jack's. Zeboz says they'll eventually have 144 units! Biggest swimming pool in Belize -- a giant. Supposedly another big hotel is going in on Plantation land. Maybe so.

I've stayed at 10 or 12 places on the peninsula over the years, and I guess Robert's Grove, Turtle Inn and Kitty's are my favorites.

But there are a lot of good places in all price ranges. On the budget end, Cozy Corners is pretty nice, as are Trade Winds, Ranguana and others. In the mid-range, besides Kitty's (which is looking fantastic these days), Mariposa is nice, and for self-catering Barnacle Bill's in Maya Beach is a deal.

I think the road is actually going to be paved, come spring, which will make a huge difference.

Still lots of places for sale. Besides all the building lots, Rum Point, Luba Hati (currently closed), Manatee, Maya Breeze, Singing Sands, Kitty's and a number of others. Somebody said Green Parrot was on the market again. Nautical Inn is under new management.

It's a lot tougher to make money in the hotel business in Placencia than in San Pedro.

--Lan Sluder

I have heard property in Placencia is running about $2200.00/ft. Is that true? Once that road is paved, that price will go up but I don't expect the Tourist business to exceed San Pedro til San Pedro finally reaches "saturation".

Last yr I stayed at Singing Sands up the peninsula...Its a very nice place to stay,and very quiet! Sad to see its up for sale...whoever buys please dont change anything!

Try Barnicle Bills, not far from Singing Sands, ran by great people which is more than I can say for Singing Sands.