Sharie, I just looked at Xanadu and that looks incredible!! I have a question about the beach, is it all rocks at the waters edge? You mentioned walking to Banyan Bay to play in their water and looking at the pics of Xanadu it looks as if their beach front can be challenging for kids to play in? Is it far to Banyan Beach, and are the beaches private? Do you have to be a guest to play at each beach?

They had a terrific map of the island on their site. That makes things a lot clearer for me. I was looking for something like that and hadn't been able to find it! I see the bridge that jean talks about, so with the map I can better understand things.

I also like that on Xanadu's website they show all their tours they help with. We really want to do the cave tubing and zip line and they have 1 tour that offers both!!! Exciting! Let me know about the beach! Thanks so much!!

Hey, I'm from Washington too! :) The beach out in front of Xanadu is soft white sand (except when you step on a hermit crab), there is seagrass in the water and a dock you can snorkel off of. The best zero entry is Banyan Bay. We would walk barefoot to the restaurant there. It's the second property next to Xanadu, very close. I have a picture I wanted to add but I dont know how to attach it. Look on tripadvisor.com and you can look at peoples photos of the properties you're interested in. That will give you a better idea what the beach looks exactly like and what the rooms look like. ;)

Thanks so much Sharie. I contacted Xanadu, and of course the beach front rooms are sold out, but they have 2 garden view rooms available. One is a little more than i wanted to spend, about $50 more a night, but.... I will check tripadvisor.
We are in Eastern WA (Spokane). :)

There is a sea wall in front of Xanadu. Swimming is from the dock. Banyan Bay is about 1/4 or so mile away. Not far at all.

Also, Caribbean Villas is very close the other direction. They don't have as nice a beach, but for young children to wade in, it's very nice. Also, CV has a pleasant small beach bar.

All beaches are public, you can plop down a towel and swim where ever you want. Loungers are another matter, and I'm guessing every resort has their own policies.

I have never stayed at Xanadu, but, have, on occasion cut through the property on my way to the grocery store. I find the far back units to be kind of dark, only because there is so much jungly vegetatio back there.

If you can deal with a smaller pool, the loft rooms at Caribbean Villas are nice. They aren't as nice as Banyan Bay, and probably Xanadu, but I think they're a bit cheaper. Lots of room, lots of beds.

Virtually any of the resorts will arrange any tours that you want, as well as golf carts and the like. However, if you venture into town and book yourselves, you can often save at least 10%, sometimes more.

The beachfront are the best. You can sit on the couch and look out the panoramic windows and see the palm trees, beach and ocean - its gorgeous, not that you'll be sitting on the couch all day... lol

I'm over the mountains (Seattle) :)

I just wanted to pop in and say thanks to everyone for their help. I booked our room with Banyan Bay. We are getting soooo excited! I can hardly wait!!

Have fun!

Have a great time!

What is the name of the airline from Belize International Airport to Ambergris Caye? How do you make reservations?

There are two airlines, we almost always fly Tropic.

http://www.tropicair.com/

You can reserve on line.

We flew Tropic Air as well. Maya Air is the other regional carrier. Our hotel booked our flights for us.

Sounds great - have a wonderful trip!

Here's Maya Regional's website: http://www.mayaregional.com/

Good to know Jean, as I have us booked with Tropic Air. :) Getting close now, well it's still not until April, but we are so excited! This will be our kids first "real" trip...outside of the US.

We are wanting to go somewhere over Christmas break this year, maybe you guys can help with suggestion for that trip too? LOL I want warm, beach....thinking maybe Aruba? Suggestions? You guys have been great!

Check out Tulemar Bungalows and Buena Vista Villas in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.