AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Where to stay for ~$300 a day

My husband and I are in our 30s and looking for a place to stay in Ambergris Caye for a week in May 2007(~$300/day). We do not have children and generally do not like resorts - as many are Americanized and we leave the US for a change of scenery. We are bringing my husband's parents on this trip - but they don't get out much so I am sure they will enjoy anything we chose. Because they are coming, however, I am not sure that I want to be isolated at a "honeymooners dream". Drinking will definitley be on the agenda so a pool bar is a plus. We have spent about 40 hours researching the island via the net and think we have narrowed our search to 3 places:
The villas at Banyon Bay
White Sands Cove
Xanadu
Captain Morgans??? (Looks cool but I have read mixed reviews)
We would love any feedback about how these places (or others) may fit our travel style.
Your input is appreciated!

u have plently of options if ur looking at ~$300 a day!!!

if u want something secluded the north end is good for that! All the above that u mentioned are beautiful places!! the resorts here aren't like other countries... there are no all-inclusives so nothing really to worry about the "resort" thing in that respect! I know for sure that Banyan Bay is beautiful inside and out... it's more of a condo feel to it...

Portofino-no contest

White Sands, Portofino or Capricorn (which has new owners and has had some wonderful improvements.)

You can't go wrong with Banyon Bay. If I was bringing my dad, that's where we would stay! Very large bathrooms and the bedrooms are spacious. Nice pool and beach( for sunning or walking). Have stayed there before and we are staying there again in May. Love it. I think you would be comfortable bringing your parents there. PM me if you have a question I could help answer.

J DOG

Thanks for the feedback but Portofino is $400 a night for 4 people.

There are some fabulous condos north of the cut for rent less than $300 a day. Where I work they rent for $225 (in season), 2-br, 2-bath, full kitchen, cable, ac in bedrooms, on the beach, pool and pool bar. No restaurant on property, but you have many to choose from north and south. There are more in area and further north to choose from. PM me for more info, also am sure others on board know of condos for rent up here.

You said it your self said no isolated honey moon dreams , shame !!While Portofino ,is top of class here it is a gem of resort great for a couple that want to be together at a 5 star place owner managment on property super service great food all there.. ,having said that you are bringing mom and pop and do not want to spend that $400 thought it was less??for your vacation the choice is claer stay south not north no water taxi ,times to think about ,and capricorn way to small,capt morgans time share people may be a ??? white sands new owners are making it happen, but still north ??.Look at three good ones in no order all good , Xanadu, nice place .. banana beach ,Always a good bet, has it all and good food service two pools and in price range ,Banyon bay very nice, some time share people but done with class you will not even know there there and nice beach and food right there .Or if you like Small first class bed and breakfeast again changes in latude , neat place well run.And all these are all south ,no Isolation for mom and dad a win /win. All a taxi ride or walk from town the bars the food ,no time tables.hope this helped as I tried to listen what you where saying ,go live the dream and enjoy...

Thank you for Captain Jeff for listening to our request! I will post when we decide - thanks again!

Rent two one bedroom condos at Belizean Shores. They have up and downs that are connected via the stairwell. Beautiful gounds, pool bar? You'll have to see it to believe it. Swim up or walk up. Fits the budget too. We had 21 family members staying there for our daughter's wedding two years ago and have been back twice since, most recently Nov 06 with son and his wife. Grandchild expected August 07, do the math.

I have a gorgeous new condo north of Costa Maya and Portafino for $225/day. The condo is one of three, the others are not ready yet. No pool or bar yet, but you can walk to a bar and leave your parents at home.

Check out Miramar:

http://www.miramarvillas.com/index.html

7-nt package in May: $1,890 including tax

PM me if you would like more info.

How far from town is it?

About 2.5 mi. Just south of Sunset Beach. Check your PM.

We booked White Sands Cove for a week - then Chaa Creek treetop suites for two nights in the jungle - thanks for your help everyone!

I second Wonder Woman's recommendation! (Yes, this is where I live full time - Villas @ Del Rio). There are 10 units here, all individually owned by a great bunch of people who come here on a regular basis but rent out between times. We are l/4 mile north of the bridge - which means when your golf cart breaks down you can take a taxi to the bridge and walk the rest of the way. LOL I'm old and fat and never wear shoes and have actually been able to do this a number of times.

The short term rentals are managed by a great guy - Roger! Here is the web site for his service. //www.ambergriscaye.com/ambergrisvacationrentals/index.html

Does nobody listen here or read here any more !!!!!!!!!. they just booked. !!! Superturnip,good for you ,give us a trip report please ,New owners are there at white sands and the word they are doing great things out there,so please share all with us .Go live the dream and enjoy....

CJ - Have a bad night??

Hey Captain Jack - you crack me up as you seem to be the only person that does fully read these posts .
I will definitely post our trip report when we return - but it won't be until June 2007. On a side note - can anyone help us choose between Chaa Creek, Hidden Valley, and Blancaneux Lodge? We will be finishing our trip with a few days in the jungle and want to live it up!
Thanks

Funny, Superturnip - his name is Capt. Jeff - not Jack!
From everything I've seen, Blancaneux is amazing - not decorated in Belizian style, but beautiful, remote and perfect attention to detail.

Ha! Sorry Captain Jeff - guess I got busted not paying attention like most of the people on this forum!!

law ,not had a bad night ,just think scuba lady was not reading ,what super said and wanted in a place to stay and said they booked already . She only wanted to talk about where she lives ,now!!!! she posted after they said they booked already ..Not cool.and she is a very nice person as I know her well.

Actually, Blancaneaux is pretty Belizean styled. It's the other FFC property, Turtle Inn in Placencia, that has all furnishings brought in from Thailand.

Cpat Jeff! Now who's not reading?!? :p I didn't ask if you had a bad night - that was our buddy klc!

Ok everybody - lets be happy - I'm just trying to plan a vacation with some great help from the people on this site!
Thanks everyone !