Notes from the host
Rustic Oceanfront Home with Dock Near Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve
COMING TO ISLAND:
TROPICAL PARADISE POINT is a government approved GOLD STANDARD property.
After arriving in Belize at Goldson Int Airport you will need to take either a flight with Tropic or Mayan Air (25 minutes - $172 US round trip - or Water Taxi - San Pedro Express or Ocean Ferry - 90 minutes $40 US round trip and a $50 cab fare one way to boat dock from Airport. Both modes provide a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea in which you will be enjoying throughout your stay at Paradise Point.
Upon arrival into San Pedro, William, my property manager and native Belizean, will greet you. He will be your point of contact for the duration of your stay and is available to arrange all activities on and off the island. William is a government certified Tour Guide and owns Junglewaterbelize tours. Prior to your arrival he will have already arranged for you to secure a golf cart ( $35-45 US/day). At that time he will take you for a quick tour through Front, Middle and Back streets to familiarize you with the local restaurants, grocers, doctors office, pharmacies or any other locations you may need during your stay. You will then be on your way South to Paradise Point. Upon your departure he will check your golf cart in for you and help you with your bags to the Airport and any other last minute services your might need.
THE SPACE
Paradise Point is located approximately 5 miles South of the Town of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Belize. This is one of the safest areas on the island with a privatized, full-time 24/7 patrol and police sub-station. William lives less than an 1/8 of a mile away should you need him 24/7. Houses are sparse South as opposed to very close and congested with zero lot lines up North. That is why I located South. The roads are a reminder of old school Belize island charm. Some paved, some not however they are in the process of paving all roads South - 6 miles of which they are at mile 3 right now. My home is located on 115 feet of prime Caribbean beach front with a 250' foot dock and Palapa.
My three story home and viewing decks represent over 3,500 sq ft. My home has expansive decks on the 2nd and 3rd floors. There is cable TV with 120 channels and high speed internet and Wifi (fastest on island).
The first floor has an outdoor beach shower/lavatory and washer/dryer set-up. The lower level also has a cozy efficiency consisting of a full kitchen, separate bedroom (twin beds) and full bath. It only has 4 steps to enter so may be used in conjunction with a family who is renting the entire house as a 4 bedroom and one of the members needs easier access. The bottom floor bedroom space does not connect internally to the second floor which is accessed through the second floor outside stairs.
The second floor is the main living area with two bedrooms both with Queen beds and a full bath in between The main living area has a foldout Queen couch and Queen futon in the Great room should an additional sleeping area be needed. The kitchen is fully stocked with every item you will need during your stay. All utensils, plates, glasses, appliances including a fresh water cooler and of course a blender for that "frozen concoction that helps you go on" (JB).
Local craftsman hand made the large mahogany table and chairs that seats 6 along with 3 chair back stools at the bar. I also have a flat screen TV and a multitude of CD movies as well as numerous books and games tucked away should you just want to relax and stay home. Also on second floor there is a 33' by 15' covered porch (almost 500 sq ft) with two hammocks and multiple chairs for viewing the beautiful Caribbean and all of the natural habitat.
The third floor is truly a remarkable space. The only one of its kind on the Southern part of the Island. The Master bedroom is a 29' by 14' - over 400 sq ft. The entire SE wall is nothing but glass for unparalleled spectacular views. Even more amazing and one of a kind on the Island is a 33' by 20' (over 600 sq ft) deck off the Master with a full length native Palapa awning covering a portion of the glass wall (doesn't obstruct view) and allows sufficient shade for viewing the beautiful Caribbean during the heat of the day. The views from this vantage point are spectacular and unmatched. You are elevated over 50' at this point where your Master bedroom is. Simply look out from your hand crafted King size bed and see spectacular morning views. From this view you can also see Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Government Marine Reserve. In addition the quaint little island of Caye Caulker is in view and a quick water taxi ride out of San Pedro (highly recommend you visit)
On the third floor you have two additional decks - one off the master and the other in the hallway off stairs - for viewing the natural habitat while drinking your morning beverage of choice. Beautiful white and pink birds are bountiful in the natural habitat behind my home. Not sure of the species maybe flamingos. Also from this area you can see the Marco Gonzales Mayan site. This is a 5 minute walk from Paradise Point. One of the many perks of living down South in the nature preserve.
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
I like the peace and solitude offered at my beach home and as mentioned the multitude of natural species of animals. Meet Big Buck - Iguana (harmless) on my property. He won't move for you so take note. Every morning you wake up to a multitude of birds beginning their daily flight and adventure. Walk out to the end of dock and see speckled rays, nurse sharks and a vast array of native fish and turtles. Maybe even the beautiful woodpecker who pecked a golf ball size hole in the outside pier post. And if that wasn't enough she now raises her future baby "peckers' in the tall post on my dock. There are also a family of Osprey"s that reside on the top of my Palapa and are constantly "fishing" for food off my dock post. They will greet you all hours of the day on your way to the end of the dock as well as a vast array of gulls that are constantly skimming a mere foot at 20 mph above the Caribbean looking for sustenance.
GUEST ACTIVITIES
At Paradise Point there are many activities you can engage in without leaving the premise. I have a newly constructed POOL with expansive deck. At the end of the 250' dock there is a swimming and sunning platform with a covered Palapa area that includes seating, a swing rope chair and lounge chairs. Off the dock you can snorkel; I provide mask, fins and snorkels, or fish (gear provided), float on inner tubes and Kayak (3) or Paddle board (2) to the 2nd largest barrier reef in North America. Snorkeling to the "mini blue hole" about 40' deep and beaming with sea life is just minutes off the end of the dock at a direction of 11 o'clock. In the sand covered backyard you can make a day of enjoying the various yard activities: badminton, volleyball, frisbee, soccer and football. I also have a charcoal grill should you want to make a real beach barbecue out of your catch of the day.
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and is centered around the town of San Pedro. The town is very unique with small shops of every variety selling their natural handmade wares. There are a multitude of first class restaurants offering every meal imaginable - especially seafood; giant lobster and shrimp burritos, succulent pupusa's and shrimp tostadas as well as variations of "chicken and beans and rice". This Island is truly a throwback in time and a real escape from the fast pace hustle bustle of city life. You can go catamaran sailing, enjoy a day at the spa, dive, snorkel, fish etc. Outside the island of Ambergris Caye you can take a trip to the mainland where you can zip Line through the Rain forest, cave tube and visit various Mayan ruins. The Lamani Ruin which is accessible from the Island is an unbelievable experience. As mentioned before, William will arrange all of these island activities effortlessly for you. He is a government certified tour guide and 5 star rated by Trip Advisors.
GETTING AROUND
Okay. Travel. The roads vary in consistency from Cobblestone (in town) to a mixture of hard-packed sand streets - Old Island style roads down to my house. If they have just been graded they are fine, if not, then it can be slightly bumpy. However the roads are presently being paved to the end - 6 miles and are presently at the 3 mile marker.
The main mode of transportation is a golf cart which William will arrange for you upon your arrival into San Pedro. It takes about 25 min to town by golf cart, 40 min by bike or about an hour walk if your so inclined. There is also cab service at about $40 Us one way. Within walking distance is the the Playa Del Sol restaurant and bar. Excellent live music and food. A mile up the road Stax Sunset Lounge and Cafe and Somewhere South is also available as well as two very nice restaurants, The Black Orchid, a high end restaurant and bar and Lone Star a Tex Mex casual restaurant and bar just 2.5 miles from Paradise Point. Also in this same location is a grocery store for all your shopping needs.
OTHER items of Interest: Be sure to take advantage of the "duty free" alcohol ( 4 bottles each). You can get any and all of the brands you would want for about $20 US. It is a lot more expensive to buy on the island.
