Wake Up In Personalized Comfort

One of the biggest perks of actually living in a tropical destination like Ambergris Caye is that you get to wake up in paradise, and you still have all the comforts of home nearby. You can wake up in your own comfortable bed, dine on your favorite cereal and sip on freshly brewed coffee. Of course, as you do these relatively mundane tasks, you can take in a breathtaking view of the ocean, and you’ll enjoy warm temperatures with just a hint of a refreshing sea breeze.

Get Active at the Fitness Club

When you’re actually living on the island, you will want to keep active on Ambergris Caye. One of the best ways to so do is at the San Pedro Fitness Club, which is part of the Grand Baymen property. You can swim in the island’s largest pool, workout in the contemporary fitness center or even join in with group fitness classes throughout the day.

Meet With Friends and Socialize

When planning a move to a new country, many people are concerned that they will have to leave their social life behind. Thankfully, there are plenty of social activities on Ambergris Caye. You might chat with friends who are just visiting by the pool, or you could discover that your condo neighbors are a retired couple with a love for the same movies as you. There are activities for families with children that are scheduled on the island throughout the year, and there are countless opportunities to make friends.

Dining and Nightlife on Ambergris Caye

Since the cost of living on Ambergris Caye is so low, residents can easily afford to go out for dinner for the same price as a basic meal would cost back home. You can dine at beachfront restaurants offering international fare, or you can enjoy traditional seafood specialties from local eateries.

Ambergris Caye is an incredible vacation spot, but it is also a nice place to call home. A typical day there is different for everyone, but this sample gives you an idea of what you can look forward to.

Day Trips to Mexico

If you want to head to Mexico for a few hours, you can do so thanks to the direct boat service that travels from the pier to the town of Chetumal, Mexico. Chetumal is home to incredible attractions, and it can be fun to see a whole new country on your vacation. Be sure to check out the traditional fishing village called Calderitas, the Museum of Mayan Culture and the Mayan archaeological site of Oxtankah. If you have time, walk the Boulevard Bahía that runs along the coast and admire the beautiful views of the coastline.

Deep-Sea Fishing Charters

Ambergris Caye is a great destination for anglers, and some of the most fun can be had on deep-sea fishing expeditions. Staff at the Exotic Caye or the Grand Baymen can recommend local boats and guides, and most charters will include all the fishing equipment you need to hook snapper, grouper and even marlin.

Snorkeling and Scuba-Diving Adventures

With amazing coral reefs and impressive underwater marine life, it makes sense to try snorkeling or scuba diving at least once during your stay in Ambergris Caye. Rather than staying close to the shoreline, book a charter and travel to spectacular spots like the Hol Chan Marine Preserve or Shark-Ray Alley.

Romantic Sunset Cruises

Although there are countless spots on the island where you can enjoy a secluded moment with a loved one, there is something especially romantic about being on the water. Hire a private charter in Ambergris Caye from the pier to bring you along the coast, enjoy the sunset or have a romantic picnic on a secluded nearby beach.

Using the Ambergris Caye Resort Pier and Marina is a smart way to make the most of your trip. Click here to read more about the fun excursions you can take from the area.

What are the Health Care Options on Ambergris Caye?

A big concern for retirees is the health care system in Belize and the medical facilities on the island of Ambergris Caye. As a permanent resident under the international retiree program in Belize, you will be able to enjoy low-cost health care, but you can also use your North American or European health insurance on the island. Ambergris Caye is home to two pharmacies and several clinics, and there is emergency transport to the mainland, should that ever be necessary.

Is the Cost of Living Really That Affordable in Belize?

Even if you have some kind of pension or Social Security benefits that kick in at retirement, you may not have enough money to enjoy the kind of life that you want. The cost of living in Belize is incredibly affordable, making it ideal for retirees. Real estate is surprisingly affordable, and you will love just how far your monthly budget goes in terms of outdoor recreation and dining in local island restaurants.

Will I Be Able to Stay in Touch With My Family?

A big concern for retirees is communication with friends and family back home. That is not an issue at all on the modern island of Ambergris Caye. Wireless Internet and long-distance calls are readily available and affordable.

How Can I Stay Fit and Active on Ambergris Caye?

This question is a basic one, but there are dozens of potential answers. Many retirees start their day with a walk on the 3-mile stretch of privately owned beach that is a part of the Grand Baymen community. Golf, snorkeling and swimming are also great suggestions, or you could take a group fitness class in the impressive San Pedro Fitness Club, which is also part of the Grand Baymen property.

It’s smart to ask questions about retirement. Whether you are concerned about income and want to live in an affordable destination, love the tropical climate or just want a relaxed atmosphere, click here to learn more about the retirement properties available on Ambergris Caye, Belize.

A Unique Geographic Area and History

Placencia is actually a long peninsula that has seen numerous settlements over the ages. The current village is very small with only about 750 permanent residents. The local geography is as diverse as the many groups of people that originally made their home in the area. While one side of the peninsula sticks out into the Caribbean, the other side hosts a sheltered lagoon.

Abundant Natural Wildlife

Like the rest of Belize, Placencia is known for exotic animals. Placencia Lagoon is a huge nursery for many kinds of rays, and its calm water is regularly inhabited by dolphins and manatees. There are also mangrove forests, wetlands and expansive beds of tall sea grass. Naturally, fishing is popular here, and people catch barracuda and other species on a routine basis. You can also see whale sharks on the seaward side or visit the many wildlife sanctuaries and reserves in the surrounding region.

One very popular destination, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, is a day away, but it’s home to a jaguar forest preserve, hundreds of bird species and a dozen self-guided trails. There are numerous Mayan ruins on the nearby mainland as well.

Cool Beaches and Awesome Cultural Tourism

Placencia’s Maya Beach is about 1.5 miles long, and it bears homes, resorts, restaurants, bars and an art gallery. You can also visit the nearby historic Seine Bight Garifuna settlement and take in some of the local culture.

Placencia’s Lobster Fest, Easter Week in the spring and the Placencia Peninsula Arts Festival are great ways to enjoy traditional Belizean customs all year long. Also keep in mind that no matter how you decide to spend your Placencia trip, you can always take things in at your own pace via boat or canoe.

Placencia is one of those places where time seems to freeze. It’s home to many of the typical tourist attractions you might expect from a tropical nation like Belize, but it’s also well-known for its quaint atmosphere and proximity to attractions like Mayan archeological sites. Although Placencia Peninsula was historically home to little more than fishing communities, it has developed unique modern amusements of its own, including whale shark-watching and dolphin tours. In addition to art galleries, traditional historical settlements and yearly local festivals, there are multiple natural reserves and eco-tourism excursions to take in, so make sure you don’t forget to stop by Placencia at some point during your next Belize trip.

Whether you are thinking about investing in Ambergris Caye, moving there permanently, retiring or just coming on a short vacation, you will probably be drawn to the Grand Baymen community and the Exotic Caye Beach Resort.

While Grand Baymen is the destination for those who want to live in Belize, the Exotic Caye Beach Resort is a short-term vacation accommodation choice. Luckily, these two properties share many of their amenities, so travelers get twice as much enjoyment. Here are some of the top amenities and facilities available to residents and visitors on Ambergris Caye.

Stay Active at the San Pedro Fitness Club

There really can be no question that the most popular amenity offered is the San Pedro Fitness Club. Whether you want to swim, join in with a group fitness class, play tennis or just relax by the pool, this is the perfect destination for you. The San Pedro Fitness Club is actually home to the island’s largest swimming pool, which means that there is always a lane free for swimming.

Outdoor Recreation and Equipment Rental

If a quick dip in the pool isn’t enough excitement for you, head right out onto the private beach and try something a little more thrilling. The Exotic Caye Beach Resort can rent you sea kayaks, set you up with windsurfing lessons or even rent you all the necessary supplies to go snorkeling right off the coast. If you want to escape from the resort and visit some of the top attractions and scenic destinations on Ambergris Caye, staff can help book your tours and diving expeditions right from the comfort of the hotel property.

Dining, Drinking and Dancing Galore

Whether you want to spend your vacation indulging in gourmet cuisine or you just want something quick to eat before your next adventure, you can find it all on the Grand Baymen and Exotic Caye Beach Resort properties. At Ms. Sarah’s Cafe, you can enjoy a light and healthy breakfast with fresh fruit, and at the Iguana Grill you can indulge in some local and international favorites for dinner. Kick back with a cocktail at sunset or even some time on the dance floor at the fun and lively Crazy Canucks Beach Bar.

By sharing amenities, both the Grand Baymen and the Exotic Caye Beach Resort are able to offer more to their guests. Click here to learn more about the fabulous amenities and facilities available on Ambergris Caye.

The Grand Baymen community and the Exotic Caye Beach Resort are two exceptional properties that sit side by side on Ambergris Caye. Whether you are a permanent resident or a visitor at the hotel, you can enjoy the amenities that they offer their guests. The San Pedro Fitness Club offers a pool, a gym and plenty of group fitness classes. Guests can also rent sports equipment, and there is no question that the bars and restaurants are excellent.

Best Pool on Ambergris Caye

Although the beach may be the most popular place to go swimming on the island, diving into the refreshing water of a cool pool can be a fantastic way to chill out on a hot day. One of the top Ambergris Caye amenities is the giant pool that is located on the Grand Baymen property. Accessible to both permanent Grand Baymen residents and visitors at the Exotic Caye Beach Resort, this pool holds a staggering 250,000 gallons of water at a time. Swim in the lap lanes, splash in the children’s pool or just cool off under the sun.

Best Fitness Facility on Ambergris Caye

Although relaxation might mean napping under the shade of a palm tree, some individuals want to stay active even in the Caribbean. The best way to do so is by finding a fitness facility that boasts modern equipment, personal trainers with extensive experience and air conditioning to keep you cool as you work out. If you are looking for the best option across the board, look no further than the San Pedro Fitness Club. Members and property guests can take group yoga classes, play tennis and stay fit with ease.

Top Dining Options on Ambergris Caye

Although there are a number of dining options on the island, serious foodies will want to pick somewhere to eat that boasts excellent preparation and fresh local ingredients. At Grand Baymen properties, you can enjoy homemade breakfasts overlooking the water, affordable gourmet seafood dinners and lively cocktails and dancing at Canuck’s Beach Bar.

To make the most of any stay on the island, you will want to seek out the top Ambergris Caye amenities. Click here to learn about top place to stay on the island both short and long-term.

No matter how beautiful a destination like Ambergris Caye might be, visitors and potential long-term residents should keep an eye out for the best amenities on the island. Thankfully, Grand Baymen offers just about anything you might need for a relaxing and comfortable stay in this tropical paradise. Guests love swimming in the island’s largest pool, and there is no end to the fitness opportunities at the San Pedro Fitness Club. Of course, dining is always a priority, and you can indulge in beachfront meals and fun nightlife any day of the week.

There’s plenty to see and do in Belize’s largest district, so you’ll never find yourself bored during your visit. Of course, that also makes it hard to settle on a single activity or area. This quick guide will help you plan your trip to Cayo.

Check out Belmopan

Belmopan, the capital city of Belize, is a well-developed area, yet it never lost its casual air. Known as the Garden City, this sculpted social hub is welcoming and friendly.

One of the biggest attractions in Belmopan is the Belize Archaeology Museum. It’s one of the only places in the world to take in three millenia of Mayan history in the form of real-life anthropological discoveries, modern exhibits and cool educational features.

Belmopan hasn’t always been the capital, and it’s not as large as Belize City on the coast. As such there’s plenty of affordable travel between the two. The open air market next to the bus terminal and the government buildings is a great place to stop in and get a bite to eat as you walk around.

Settle Around San Ignacio

Near San Ignacio, the capital of Cayo District, you’ll find multiple Mayan ruins, including Caracol, Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. This is also a good place to reach Guatemala if you want to see the famous ruins at Tikal. Many sign on with tour guides, but you can also rent a car or hike and observe the ancient settlements at your own pace.

In addition to the pyramidal Mayan ruins you’re most likely familiar with, there’s also an interesting archeological site in the area called Actun Tunichil Muknal. Also known as Xibalba, or the Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher, this large complex of caves is full of ancient Mayan stoneware in addition to several fossilized skeletons. Some of the cave formations here are natural while others were actually modified by the Mayan people in order to create altars and ceremonial areas.

Enjoy Natural Splendor

Other neat natural sights you might not expect to find in a tropical country include the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where you might cross paths with jaguars, Baird’s tapirs, white-nosed coati, and other large mammals in addition to the occasional Morelet’s crocodile. Numerous waterfalls, like the 150-foot Big Rock Falls on Privassion River, ensure that there are abundant photo ops everywhere you look.

Cayo District isn’t just Belize’s largest. It’s also one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations. The district is heavily populated with Mayan ruins that include familiar temple-pyramid complexes and hidden caves alike. There are also thick jungles and nature reserves where you can observe animals in their wild state. In addition, numerous urban hubs that make it easy to travel from one place to another and experience the local culture at museums, markets and festivals.

See the Cayo District for yourself when you book a Chill Weekend in Belize.

For many travelers, a vacation is a chance to completely relax, get away from the daily grind and indulge in gourmet food and more than a couple of cocktails. For others, no trip would be complete without a chance to stay active a little each day. Whether you happen to be staying for a quick getaway at the Exotic Caye Beach Resort or spending more time at the Grand Baymen, the onsite San Pedro Belize Fitness Club can be the perfect way to stay active. Here are some of the amenities available at the fitness club, ways to stay fit while on holiday and how to take advantage of the facilities.

Swim in the Island’s Largest Pool

One of the most relaxing ways to stay fit on Ambergris Caye is in the island’s largest pool. Part of the San Pedro Fitness Club, this pool holds more than a quarter-million gallons of water, and it is divided into lanes for children as well as serious swimmers.

Utilize the Modern Gym Equipment

For a more traditional workout, the San Pedro Fitness Club offers all of the modern gym equipment you might need. Whether you want to lift weights to maintain strength or take a walk on a treadmill and enjoy the air conditioning, you can do it all in this safe and supervised fitness facility.

Join in With Group Fitness Classes

If you struggle with motivation, a great option is to stay active with group fitness classes at the San Pedro Belize Fitness Club. You could chat with your friends over an aerobics class, or you might want to try group yoga with your new neighbors.

Work Up A Sweat on the Tennis Court

Sometimes, a little competition can making working out seem like a lot of fun. In the cooler evenings, the tennis courts at the fitness club are often busy with singles and doubles playing a game.

Try a New Outdoor Activity in Ambergris Caye

Of course, not every workout has to be structured or even in a traditional gym setting. When you are in Ambergris Caye, there are plenty of fun options for recreation that include swimming in the ocean, snorkeling or even taking walks on the beach.

The opportunities for staying fit and having fun on Ambergris Caye are limitless. Whether you love group fitness classes, swimming or even personal training, the San Pedro Fitness Club is your partner for keeping active.

An Ecological Wonderland

Because Toledo is the least developed of all the regions of Belize, the rainforest in this area is well-preserved. Nature is king in Toledo, and trails lead visitors through miles of pristine rainforest that are densely populated with flora and fauna that cannot be seen anywhere else. Walk along the trails and listen to the call of howler monkeys and rare birds while surrounded by the smell of the ancient rainforest.

An Adrenaline Junkie’s Paradise

Toledo is the perfect district for travelers seeking adventure. An extensive network of caves run through the area for people interested in exploring. Hike and bike trails run throughout the rainforest, although no map exists of the trails in the area so a guide is recommended. Fast-flowing rivers make for great kayaking. While on a hiking adventure or kayaking down one of the beautiful rivers, bring along camping gear and stop for a night in the rainforest.

The People of Belize

A visit to Toledo is the best way to experience the many cultures that make up Belize. Groups of traditional Mayan, Mennonites, Creole and others have all made their homes in this area. A visit to the Tumul K’in Center of Learning in Blue Creek Village is a great way to explore the history of the Mayan people in Belize. This heritage and cultural center works with natives and visitors alike to provide classes, guided tours and accommodations for tourists. Experience traditional living, dance, food and more with the knowledgeable staff.

One of the best ways to visit Toledo is to take the southern highway that runs along the coast from Belize City. Bus service is available. The capital of Punta Gorda also has a small airport and commuter planes from other areas in the region that make access easy. Whether you are looking for adventure, hoping to get a one-of-a-kind experience of the local life or want to see wildlife few others have seen, a visit to Toledo is the perfect opportunity for a unique Belizean vacation.