AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Where to Stay... The Final Four

My wife and I are planning a trip to AC for next March. We are trying to finalize our decision on where to stay. After weeks of research on this site as well as others, we have narrowed it to the following:
Victoria House
Captain Morgans
Villas at Banyan Bay
Caribe Island Resort

Our priorities in what we looking for, in order of importance, are:
1. Nice beach (we don't dive, we do snorkel some, but mainly we want a nice clean beach where we can enjoy the water, atmosphere etc. No sea walls.)
2. Rooms with kitchens, or kitchenettes of some kind. I think VH is the only one that does not meet this criteria.
3. Nice pool.
4. Good restaurant and BAR on the premises.
5. Nice service and accommodations.
5. Nice for couples.

A couple of other things we have wondered about...

Is CM too commercial since Tempation Island.
Caribe Island seems almost too good to be true for the price. Is there something we have missed about this place?

So, what does everyone think. Where should we stay. Your input will help make our decision on the Final Four!!!!

I think WendyC is pushing her own place and her own little piece of Belize ... too bad she has to put down other businesses and Ambergris Caye. Marty is a nice guy, so he won't, but a lot of other Web site operators would kick Wendy off the board.

As to your question, I think any of the four you've chosen would probably fill your bill. I've stayed at only two of them, Captain Morgan's and Victoria House, but I've visited and toured the other two several times.

I personally would rate the four places in this order, but they're all pretty close:

1) Victoria House (but the units here vary from deluxe to somewhat ordinary)
2) Banyan Bay (all the units are nice two-bedroom units)
3) Captain Morgan's (some condo units, some cabanas)
4) Caribe Island (a variety of units)

Actually, Victoria House does have suites with kitchens, but those are only the owners suites, which are quite expensive.

As to the beaches, I'd probably give Mar de Tumbo at Banyan Bay the top nod, but no one beach stands out. I'd personally give the beach at Captain Morgan's the lowest rating, but others might differ.

All have pools. Not sure that one or another would be better for couples.

--Lan Sluder

potis: I can only tell you about Caribe Island. Wife and I liked the place so well that we ended up purchasing a unit.
They have studio, one and three bedroom units. All with cooking facilities, room A/C and cable TV.
The beach is fine but swimming in the ocean is done from the end of the pier. Snorking off the pier there is not much to see. Best to boat to one or all of the many snorkle spots.
Love the pool and bar area. Resturant is great for breakfast & lunch and will work for dinner but is not gourmet.
You can book all your activites from dive shop if so inclined. And become involved in a beach volleyball game with other guest and local folks.
Do not mean to make this sound like an advertisment, just trying to be helpful.
As Lan mentioned any of your choiises would fill your requirments. You can not really go weong with any of the resorts.
Enjoy!

TC

I'd add Banana Beach to the list. Nice rooms and wide double doors that open to the balcony. No restaraunt but in 2 minutes you're at Tropica or the one south (can't remember the name). Banana beach has an 14" tall protection wall (wall??) about 50' long on only one side. Captain Morgan's is beautiful one of the nicest beaches. It's isolated. If you want to go to town you have to use transportation. If that' no problem mon, do it. Maybe at Morgan;s will you find something to snorkle for. the reef comes in significantly closer down there.