Either place would be a good choice, although we liked Casa Caracol's living room/kitchen area to hang out together. We stayed in July 06. There is a beach "road," but the beach area is lovely. Unfortunately, I didn't charge my camera batteries, so I only got one picture of the beach area during a storm. I think the picture below it is of Patojo's dock.
http://s95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/Cakelee/Phil is a gracious host (once you get past the British humor?
), and he checks in on guests periodically, so that sounds like a good service for your group. And, unless it has changed, Casa Caracol guests get to swim at the Tides.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
