AmbergrisCaye.com Home
Posted By: Marty cool story about Ramons - 12/07/02 12:01 AM
What Helped Create Ramon's Village...
A Stingray?

Ramon Nunez got into the resort business literally by accident. A
fisherman by trade, he was stung by a stingray, which is not
aggressive, although injury can occur when a swimmer or diver
accidentally steps on one. (see more on stingrays at the end of
this article). Ramon ended up in the hospital for three months,
lost his job (nearly his leg), and found himself with no means of
supporting his family.

The accident led to another opportunity, however, with Ramon hired on
as a fishing guide at a hotel. He worked there nine years, soaking
in hotel management experience, and becoming popular with guests.
"Then I got the opportunity to manage Ramon's, but the hardest thing
I've ever had to do was say goodbye to Jerry McDermott (who hired
Ramon after his accident). He was like a guardian angel to me."

Ramon has managed Ramon's since 1981, when it was initially a 10-room
rustic inn called Ramon's Reef Resort. Owner Richard Headrick
purchased the property in 1987. Impressed with Ramon's charisma,
Headrick insisted Ramon continue as manager, and renamed the resort
Ramon's Village. "The reason I'm in the hotel business is because I
like people," Ramon says.

Today, Ramon's Village is a fixture in San Pedro. With over 60
thatched roof cabanas hidden beneath coconut palms and lush tropical
foliage on the beachfront of the Caribbean. Guests can choose from
Honeymoon Suites, Presidential and International Suites, Beachfront,
Seaside and Gardenview rooms. "It's hard to classify our guests,
because there are so many types. We have families, honeymooners,
divers, groups, fishermen, business people, says Einer Gomez,
assistant manager at Ramon's. "The thing is that we have
accommodations that appeal to all of them." Just across the street
from Ramon's Village is Steve & Becky's Cute Little Hotel, named in
honor of Steven Sherwin, resort director, and his wife. The
brightly-colored, British-colonial style cabins are a cute and
complimentarily contrast to the tropical cabanas at Ramon's. Guests
at Steve & Becky's have full use of the amenities at Ramon's,
including beach and pier access and pool usage.

The pool at Ramon's, incidentally, is no ordinary cement pond.
nicknamed "the pool of Belize," there is nothing else like it on the
island, or in the rest of the country. It is over 80 feet long,
designed with irregular curves, creating coves and peninsulas, with
a feel of a jungle lagoon. One secluded end of the pool, called
"lover's cove," is actually a jacuzzi. Seating ledges are located
in the pool, allowing guests to sit and enjoy a cool tropical
beverage from the world famous Purple Parrot, rated by singer Jimmy
Buffett as among his top 10 favorite outdoor bars.

Ramon's Village boasts its own superb restaurant, and pier that
extends over 420 feet from the beach. Ramon's Village Resort is a
PADI Gold Palm IDC Resort facility, with a Dive Center among
Belize's largest and most respected.

Stingrays like shallow water, and usually lie just underneath a thin
layer of sand. They will usually swim away if they sense you're
coming. The best way to help stingrays sense you're coming, experts
say, is to swish your feet along the sand as you enter the ocean,
and not step with up-and-down motion you use on dry land. And when
you're diving and swimming, keep your feet clear of the bottom.
Chances are pretty good that you won't get stung. If fate is
against you, most stingray stings result in minor wounds, but still
seek first aid immediately for any sting.
Posted By: SanHam Re: cool story about Ramons - 12/07/02 12:18 AM
Marty,

I love your anedotes and news event stories about belize. They keep those of us who can't get back quick enough informed about whats going on.
Posted By: rickcheri Re: cool story about Ramons - 12/07/02 10:53 AM
Too cool Marty, Thanks,
Rick smile cool cool laugh
Posted By: Grace Re: cool story about Ramons - 12/08/02 04:59 AM
I was there while they first started building the pool, then came back when it was finished. I agree...it's the best pool on the island, and myabe the best pool/bar I've ever been to....damn, I miss it. What's happening New Year's?
Posted By: Abelizer Re: cool story about Ramons - 12/09/02 11:24 PM
I just returned from my honeymoon in Oct. and was fortunate to meet Ramon. What a neat person and beautiful place. I cannot wait to return. Although I may not be able to afford Ramon's again I will definately visit.
© Ambergris Caye Belize Message Board