Cayo Espanto

WOW OVER THE TOP LUXURY!!! How can we ever do another vacation after staying at Cayo Espanto! We stayed 4 nights with our teen girls ages 13 and 15. We were spoiled with the stunning private room. The most incredible meals and service! You can just do nothing and be spoiled or be adventurous! We chose both. We did 2 days of luxury at Sea, one diving day and one day of tubing for the girls. Each adventure was just picture perfect and exciting! The diving is so warm and clear. The snorkeling is just like being in a live aquarium. All the dive masters and boat guides are just the best of the best and so much fun! We hope we can return someday soon! It was incredible in every way!!!!

From the moment we were taken to our helicopter for our flight over the Blue Hole to the moment we left, I could not have asked for a better stay. The food was outstanding and the portions were more than I could eat! Each day Chef would visit and present multiple options for dinner and we always found something we liked. Our Anniversary dinner was incredible. Larry and Mondo set up our table under the palms and we had a private serenade. We had the perfect balance of attention and solitude. We opted for the Day of Luxury on the Sarah Kate with Geronimo and Max. They fished for lobster and conch that they prepared fresh for lunch. We were able to see the nurse sharks and rays as part of our trip. Our last nigh we asked for dinner and a movie. Larry and Mondo had a screen set up at the end of our dock and we watched Jurassic Park while eating our meal. They even brought us popcorn to snack on. I am already planning our return visit.

This was our honeymoon destination for 2 weeks staying in Villa Estrella July - Aug 2023. To be very clear this review is in no way a reflection on the staff who took very good care of us the entire time. Considering the money we paid for this vacation I can not give 3 stars after what we experienced. We booked here for a few specific reasons - looking for peace and quiet, isolation and the ability to enjoy the water sports (Hobie sailing, Kayaking and paddle boarding) as advertised on the website and in reviews and we were really looking forward to being able to use all the toys. There were supposed to be 2 Hobie Waves available. When we arrived 1 Hobie had ripped its trampoline and was unusable and sails on both boats were shredded by the wind and in very bad shape with incorrect ropes being used on all parts of the rig. The staff tried their best but could only work with what was available to them. The state of the paddle boards was dire - Kayaks had no seats that could support as straps had frayed and broken off and the Kayaks were short of the usual trimmings like handles, bungee cord and plugs and paddles were equally poor - I spoke to Erika, who worked her magic and somehow the next day there was a brand new original sail for the Hobie and a brand new 2 seater scrambler kayak with new seats and 2 new paddles out side our door. The second Hobie was never seen again so we were never able to race as planned. The water around the island has sea lice (maybe this is seasonal - but it was present during our visit) so walking in the shallow water resulted in being bitten - This happened very time I took a kayak out. The water was so shallow we were unable to swim and again this was not made clear on the web site. Prior to our arrival we were asked to complete a preference sheet where we clearly outlined our desire to participate in all the activities listed above. At no time did anyone inform us that there would be a problem with swimming and that there was no snorkelling in the near vicinity. It is also not outlined in the website otherwise we would have not selected this destination to begin with. We can appreciate that guest who stay for 3 or 4 nights are happy to just unwind in the their sun loungers and hanging out in the plunge pool and chill. 2.5 days prior to our departure from the island - construction work started on the villa right next to us (taking up a long wooden dock and the entire roof of the villa) and we complained about the consistent noise but it continued for the rest of our stay. We did speak to management and were offered a day trip off island at no cost which was not what we wanted to do as we had already done the excursion we wanted to do. We were aware that the island was to close soon after our departure to carry out some repair work but they obviously thought no problem starting while guest were still there - again this is not what we signed up for so another disappointment. With regards the Vi

JUST WOW! If you're looking for a honeymoon, babymoon, get-away, privacy, romance, or family trip - don't look further. Cayo Espanto has exceeded our expectations by years and years! My husband and I booked Casa Solana for our honeymoon trip and we had the pleasure of having Jesus and Jose take care of us for 6 days. They were extremely attentive, respectful, and super nice; making dreams come true each and every day! While Rosita and Erika managed our excursions, arrival and departure, Esmeralda gave us spa treatments to relax our bodies and minds. Chef Richard and team cooked us top notch breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, spoiling us with some of the the best dishes we've ever had. We also went on the 'Day at Sea with Luxury' trip where we snorkeled all morning the turquoise waters and caught our own lunch (conch and snapper) that Victor and Geronimo prepared for us on another private island that was arranged for us with a tent and sun beds with crystal clear blue waters surrounding us. After traveling to over 30 countries, this place blew our minds when it comes to service, attentiveness, food, and views. Cayo Espanto is one of the most special places we've ever stayed at! Thank you so so much Erika, Rosita, Jose and Jesus for making our honeymoon as special as the sunsets and stars at night, we will be back!

My husband and I went to Cayo Espanto to celebrate our anniversary and my birthday. We have traveled extensively and have been to many luxury resorts in the Caribbean. Hands down, Cayo Espanto was over the top! The level of service, the amenties, the food, the setting... all perfect. We stayed in Villa Olita and felt that it was the most private one on the island. Obed and Jose (our housemen) made sure that every single detail was exactly as we wanted. I asked Obed if there was a deserted beach he could take me to gather sea shells. Voila, he whisked us on the hobie cat to three different spots and even joined me in collecting shells! The level of privacy was superb. No one ever came to our villa with out first saying "hello" to alert us of their presence. The food was over the top. Chef Richard came every morning to discuss lunch. We were presented with three choices but if that did not please he would prepare anything we requested (we were always thrilled with the choices presented ). The first day I asked for a chocolate chip cookie and from that point on, every day, two warm cookies arrived without asking. Mid afternoon Richard would arrive again to discuss dinner. We never ate in the same spot twice. Obed and Jose set up tables and decorated the surrounding area with lights and tiki torches. Service was neither rushed or too slow. Just right. Our days were spent lolling on the dock looking at the bluest water you could imagine. We opted for a snorkeling trip one day and I have to admit that I was a bit aprehensive and started thinking of excuses..."the water is too cold" answered with "we have wet suits" etc. Our guides put me totally at ease and had me in the water (without a wet suit) in no time! The snorkeling was simply surreal..... sea turtles, barracuda, sting rays, nurse sharks, every kind of fish one could imagine, all in utter silence. The majesty of God's creation right before my eyes!! At the last minute we decided to go for the helicopter return to Belize City. It was expensive but so worth it. Cayo Espanto is the place to go to totally unplug from reality. If you need lots of activities you should come here and totally unplug and just be. Its important!!! It seemed to be the balm of gilead for us after a crazy year. We cannot wait to go back.

In a world where extraordinary customer service was never a priority and is virtually unheard of today, Cayo Espanto exceeds every expectation. I've had the out of my league privilege of visiting a number of luxury resorts multiple times and while the first visit to each was a WOW experience, the second invariably disappoints. I don't know if the service declines or the bar of expectation is set impossibly high, but Cayo Espanto singularly defies that record for me. The attentiveness of the staff and exacting attention to detail is consistently excellent. The island itself of course is a jewel and is a launch point for dozens of activities if you should deign to leave the comfort of paradise on earth. The staff will gladly set up your sailboat and launch you off if you like and warmly greet you with a cocktail on your return. The food is custom tailored for your preferences and is exquisite on every level. Fresh and varied, every single meal was a delight. They will give you large portions and a multi-course dinner -- word of warning, if you're not huge eaters you might end up feeling bloated so consider asking for smaller portions or sharing the main entree. There is a variety of wildlife on and around the island -- birds, lizards, and if you pay attention you'll see schools of small fish swimming very close to the water's edge, literally inches away. Their own staff took us on a private guided tour of the nearby reef as well as swimming with and among a school of nurse sharks. A bit intimidating to be surrounded by sharks but the staff was there to guide and keep us safe. Room tips: Casa Estrella is the biggest bungalow capable of accommodating two couples or a family and has two piers. Casa Solana however was our favorite as it is the most secluded and separated from the other units, and you have the best view of the sunset, right from the bedroom, deck, or infinity pool.

From the minute you step foot on the island, you are waited on hand and foot. Cool, refreshing towels and an Espanto Wave from your housemen accompany you to your villa. We stayed in Casa Brisa for our 10th anniversary and could not have been happier. Carlos and Dorian were always on hand anytime we needed anything. Erika and Rosita were so helpful arranging the helicopter (if you can, DO IT) to the island and our activities. We did the resort scuba dive with Pablo as our instructor and Geronimo (the best!) taking us to the reef. I felt safe and comfortable and really enjoyed my first dive. The next day Geronimo and Carlos took us out snorkeling, fishing, and prepared a private beach lunch for us in a secluded spot. The wine was cold and the fish was so fresh! We really enjoyed spending time with both of them. Before each meal you are presented with 3 menu options based on your pre-trip survey and we were blown away by everything! Fresh fruit and juice before your breakfast selection. Dinner was four courses and by the last night, we only ordered two - it was simply too much food and we are active, hungry people. Carlos and Dorian set up beautiful tables in different spots each evening with elaborate sand sculptures! As for the insect situation, I brought lemon eucalyptus oil and sprayed it on liberally every day and only had a few mosquito bites. Your villa is open during the day but with the breeze it never felt warm (I was concerned) and at night, the AC worked very well. I wouldn't recommend CE for families with small kids, there is nothing for them to do and it would disturb the other guests. This resort is a haven for couples. Overall - an absolutely delightful anniversary trip that exceeded all expectations. We look forward to another trip as soon as we can!

As we sailed along the crystal clear waters of Belize, the warm bath-temperature water splashing on my wife and me we asked our Housemen if any celebrities stayed on the island just making conversation. His response was charming, stating he was with two right now. My wife and I aren't famous, but the staff of Cayo Espanto certainly treated us like we were. Every interaction we had with the island personnel was an exercise in sublime customer service. From the moment we arrived at the airport and cleared customs the island staff took care of everything, walking us through the process, greeting us at the dock, and preparing a snack for us prior to our arrival. Jesus and Kevin were our housemen and they were both delightful, kind, and outgoing. When explaining the non-motorized water equipment they had for the island, I was interested in the Hobie Cat, but I did not know how to sail. Jesus took us out sailing one day and showed me how to do it. It was a memory to last a lifetime. Anything we needed or wanted Jesus and Kevin were a call away, and we were their number one priority throughout the whole stay. It felt like there was nothing more important to them than our call. It certainly takes a special kind of person to render the kind of service they do. The villa we stayed in was Casa Solana, and it was gorgeous. It was also likely one of the most private on the island (in my opinion). With a fully-booked resort, I think we caught a glance of guests on three occasions throughout the entirety of our week-long stay. This is an impressive feat for an island that takes me two and a half minutes to walk from end to end at a saunter. Casa Solana boasts a beautiful infinity pool which is best for relaxing in, and it also has a large wrap-around deck with a hammock and lounge chairs. The bed in Casa Solana is extremely comfortable. I did not have any trouble sleeping throughout my stay even with a bad sunburn on evenings three and four.

We decided last minute to take a trip to Belize. Found Cayo Espanto online and the booking process was easy. Getting there is a bit more tricky (via small plane and short boat ride or straight with helicopter $$$). We had an amazing time on the private Island. What a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people. The weather wasn’t the greatest over our 4 day stay, but this trip will go down as one of the best in our travel history. Having most of their team members welcome us right at our villa the moment we arrived was the first great touch out of many. A special thanks to Erika and Rosita for helping us getting everything organized, well done. Lady (cleaning) did a great job, we didn’t even realize she was there most of the time. Very discreet and detailed. A big thank you also to Chef Richard and his staff in the kitchen, the food was amazing, and they always accommodated our wishes. Getting a fried fish prepared on our last evening with only short notice goes to show how the guys go the extra mile for their visitors. Jesus and Flavio, our house butlers, did an amazing job, were always available. We couldn’t wait to call them at 7.15 to get the day started and we made sure they didn’t get bored throughout the day 😊 No matter what we wanted, they had it figured out, a big thank you for being our “friends” during our stay. Both Villas I(since we booked last minute we had to switch from one to the other) are in exceptional condition and the views from each of them are out of this world. No question, we will go back soon