Sometimes you want to go where nobody knows your name, and a tiny private island where you can stay incognito for a while might be just what’s called for.
Enter Cayo Espanto: Not even a speck on the map, this exclusive, all-inclusive resort sits 3 miles off the coast of San Pedro, on the peninsula of Belize.
With just seven dwellings that dot the edges of the tiny island — ranging from cozy one bedrooms to an overwater bungalow with glass floor — its maximum capacity is only 18 guests.
If you’re a celeb, you’ll arrive by helicopter from Belize City, otherwise by boat from San Pedro, a short half-hour plane ride from the capital, pulling up to your own private dock — no lobby check-in needed, since there isn’t one.
The casas’ decor is the epitome of barefoot elegance, with cement floors, louvered shutters, outdoor showers, hammocks and, in most cases, your own little beach and infinity plunge pool.
But you won’t be a stranger to five-star service. A personal houseman is always on call via walkie-talkie to deliver that emergency pitcher of margaritas.
In what turns out to be an elegant twist, there’s no restaurant here, or any other communal premises, for that matter. After consulting with you about the day’s customizable menu each morning, dining is catered and served on your deck or in surprise locations around the island — say under the palms with tiki torches, or on the lawn by a fire pit.
And it’s the food here that’s truly exceptional.
Belizean chef Richard Gillette has been with the company since 2005 and was recently appointed executive chef. He’s pulling in accolades for his fusion of local Belizean specialties, fresh seafood, local produce and world flavors, helping the resort to top the lists for Caribbean food on foodie and travel sites.
Having honed his skills in other local luxury resorts across Belize, Gillette’s team of five talented chefs craft delectable dishes that arrive as if by magic to your table. Standouts are the cashew crusted snapper with charred corn quinoa, and the crab claw platter — not to mention desserts like pina colada cake, and key lime tart with a shot of margarita sorbet.
Since a stroll round the island would take about two minutes, you’ll be looking at seafaring sports and activities to work off the cocktails and good food. Kayak or paddle around the mangroves, take a snorkeling trip to swim with the nurse sharks nearby, try some fly fishing, visit the barrier reef at Ambergris Caye or scuba dive in the mysterious Great Blue Hole. The resort’s luxury yacht can also be hired for bespoke adventures. You can also sail by that island on the horizon; Blackadore Caye and its owned by Leonardo di Caprio.
Day trips to Xunantunich via small plane can also be arranged to see Mayan ruins, with 26 temples and palaces, followed by tubing through underground river caves. Should you tire of not being recognized, the resort’s water taxi offers a shuttle to San Pedro where shopping and nightlife awaits.
But better to enjoy the splendid isolation with an in-room massage or facial instead.
Rates from $2,095 for two, all-inclusive; APrivateIsland.com
