My husband and I are looking for mid-range accomodations on Ambergris Caye in August. We would like to be within a reasonable walking distance (10-15 minutes) from San Pedro, but don't really want to be right in town. An ocean view is preferable. Caribbean Villas was one of my picks, but is booked for what we want. Right now, I'm considering Coral Bay Villas. I'd love to hear opinions about Coral Bay, or any other hotels that you think might fit what I'm looking for. It can be so hard to decide based on websites, and nothing quite compares to advice from people who have walked down the beach and observed some of these places. Thanks in advance!

Banyan Bay?

Xanadu is beautiful. My son and I stayed in the 2 bedroom oceanfront, and I swear I wanted to live there. Still do. They have fully equipped kitchens, a gorgeous pool, very nice personable management, bikes, golf carts to rent, restaurants within walking distance (and they accept your sandy bare feet), and gorgeous blue waters and warm breezes. The convenience store is just a short walk away.

Xanadu Resrt #1 for me

check all reviews on your properties

www.tripadvisor.com Bellize

Xanadu is a great choice as is sun Breeze Hotel, Banana Beach and Mata Rocks, among many others.

We stayed at Ramons, but liked the looks of Sun Breeze. It is a good location re proximity to town. That was important to us.

I liked the Sun Breeze & thought it was in a good location.

First of all, I own at Coral Bay, so, I am biased.

Xanadu and Banyan Bay are lovely properties. I've not been in the condos at Xanadu, but Banyan Bay's are awesome. They are nicer than the ones at Coral Bay, they're also at least three times the price.

Coral Bay's condos are very clean, very well equipped, and there's an awesome staff. Free bikes, free kayak.

However, I'm not sure they're going to be open in August. There's been talk of putting in a pool, not sure what the final decision has been.

Banana Beach and Mata Rocks are another 3/4 mile down the beach. If you plan on walking to town, that can be quite a distance.

Before we bought, we always stayed at Belizean Reef. Quite a bit closer to town, but very large, nicely furnished condos. Like Coral Bay, no pool. If you want a pool, and don't mind being closer to town, look at the Palms. Both of the above properties are very close to Ramon's, which is on a very nice swimming beach.

Sun Breeze is in the same area, I've never seen the rooms, but, you can get a full one bedroom condo for about the same price. I like the extra room, even if I don't plan on cooking.

Hi Jean,
While flying back from Costa Rica last Thursday, we flew right over Ambergris. I thought about you and wondered if you were there! Of course, that flight always goes over Belize, but this time I knew just what to look for. It was cool. I could see "the cut" and everything.

How are things going? We bought our property in Costa Rica in June and are going to being some preliminary building (foundation and a wall) in October. Will do a little each summer until full retirement in 2012. Seems like a long time away, doesn't it?

We are off to Mexico for a week this Saturday, and returning to CR for a long weekend in mid August. Say hello to B. for us. We had so much fun with you guys. I think of that little ex-pat bar often. You know the one.

Hi Shillmac,

How was your trip? It must be exciting to start building your house.

No trips to Belize for us until we head down in January. It seems far away, but I'm pretty content here in the summer.

Key West in November gives me something to look forward to.

Oh that's right, your gardening. I remember now! We haven't been home ENOUGH this summer, and I hardly feel like a resident in our little town anymore between teaching in another state during the school year and being in Costa Rica most of the summer (or with the granddaughters).

Hope to get to KW one of these days. Right now, we're trying to figure out when we can get to Florida, Tampa area, to visit our daughter. We'll be with her all next week in Mexico, but it's fun to visit her there. So much in Florida I'd like to do--Everglades, etc.

Are you growing lots of veggies?

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I looked at Xanadu, but they are booked for a wedding during our trip. Coral Bay offered me an amazing discount, which I couldn't pass up, so we'll be staying there in just two short weeks.

I may post this on a separate thread also, but I have a follow up question that you all might be able to answer. Our last night on Ambergris Caye is our second wedding anniversary, and I'm trying to come up with something special we can do to celebrate. Does anyone have recommendations for a restaurant with unique atmosphere, or something memorable that I could arrange for the evening? Any thoughts are appreciated!

Bookmarking.

I'm thrilled that you're staying at Coral Bay. They really are nice condos, and the staff is excellent. Nice distance from town as well.

For a special dinner, I'd spend the money for the water taxi and head to Rojo Lounge. Lovely spot, and the food is wonderful.

For you who may need this information. Here is a site for a local Travel Market Place. You can fins all the information and services you need here: http://ambergriscayetravelforum.freeforums.org

I know that you have already decided where to stay but I wanted to put in my 2 cents worth.

Got back last week from staying at The Palms for a week. It was great!! A couple of minutes walk to town but very, very quiet. It is right next door to Ramon's so using their dock for the man made reef was easy. Very close to a lot of great places to eat. We loved it there and it is right on the beach too.