Hi. I'm planning a January 2004 family vacation for 7 adults. I had narrowed down to a villa (Calm Caye Villa)on the north end of the island, but then discovered Banana Beach on the south end. They have a suite that would cost us less and provide easy access to everything. Some in my group will want to be active every day, and others will be happy reading a book by the pool for the week. Any recommendations? Pros and Cons of north versus south? Thanks!

I admit I've only stayed at Banana Beach and if I didn't like it I wouldn't have returned going on my 4th time in April. I like the south end as it's not quite as 'busy' and still close to everything. The staff at BB is wonderful, the rooms are great and beautifully decorated and I think it would be perfect for what you said about some of your group being active and some preferring to stay around and read a book.
I'm not sure where on the north end Calm Caye Villa is but I understand that if it's on the other side of the cut it's difficult to go anywhere after the ferry shuts down.
And let's admit it "less money is better" and more money for other stuff. You definately will not get less in the sense of service or quality at Banana Beach. Good luck and have a great time.

Ditto to everything Kathy said. Have only stayed at BB and it's central to everything that I needed. Rooms are INCREDIBLE. People that work their are like family. Hope that convinces you.

Message to Kathy, think I will be there at the same time in April/May. Looking forward to meeting ya.

Becky,
Will be there April 21-May 6th.....look forward to meeting you too...take care and be safe.

Calm Caye Villa is the one to book. BB is very nice, but compared to Calm CAye Villa, it can't compete. Calm Caye is a nice big 3 br, 4 bath house - decorated by artists and filled with all the goodies you could imagine ...... your own kayak, stereo, satellite tv - the kitchen even has an ice-cream maker.
BB has a narrow beach, shared with lots of other guests ...... Calm Caye has a one-acre site with a very broad beach - there are only 5 accommodations sharing the pool, the big beach, gardens ......... it's a winner. Laginape provisioning will deliver cases of beer/ fine imported wines and virtually every other kind of food-stuff you might wish prior to your arrival. Walking distance to great restaurants, and just a short paddle in your own kayak out to the reef where you can snorkel on your own (no need to wait for a throng of tourists to fill a boat). It's great - book it.

God knows, I'm committed to Paradise Resort Hotel, but this Calm Caye place sounds good. I saw Banana Beach this year, but wasn't impressed...too crowded. I'm committed to PRH, but tell me more on this other place for friends who want that kind of environment. It souneds quite nice.

I have stayed on Ambergris Caye twice, once at Banana Beach and once at Royal Palm villas. Both were great, but I highly reccomend BB. The rooms are high quality, the setting is quaint and authentic, and the pool is amazing. It is a nice stroll along the beach to San Pedro, but far enough away to be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the island.