A Villa in Belize: Ideal for a family-plus-friends vacation

For me, the saying “the more, the merrier” applies to my most memorable get-aways. And I can’t imagine a more luxurious vacation than to be to be surrounded by both family and friends.

As the owner of a hotel public relations agency, I am always researching the latest travel trends and destinations. And one new trend is vacationing with both friends and family in a home-away-from-home environment. And one of my favorite spots for these larger group trips is Belize and the villas on Ambergris Caye, one of the most sought after and chicest islands of the in Belize. For a recent trip, we had 10 sleeping at the spacious Villa at La Perla del Caribe (five from our family, two adult friends, and our three teenage kids each brought a friend). It was a congenial group.

Not only is Belize a bargain compared to pricier Caribbean resorts, it is stunningly beautiful, safe and increasingly popular as a vacation destination with unspoiled landscape and breathtaking vistas. Most villas are situated for a feel of total privacy and no more than 100 steps from the beach. Turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are on view from the villa’s upper level deck – an experience you will never have at more popular Caribbean hotels and resorts.

While a villa in Belize more economical than multiple rooms for a large group at hotel resorts, the most luxurious aspect of this style of vacation is the home setting that a villa provides which allows for so many bonding experiences for our family and friends, usually over an amazing and lovingly prepared meal.

One day in particular, almost everyone in our group went out deep-sea fishing (I stayed behind fearing sea sickness, and enjoyed being alone, wandering around the area taking pictures and reading my book on the exceedingly comfortable lounges on the roof of the villa, with panoramic views of the Sea and lagoons).  Those who ventured forth had great fun catching numerous snapper, which the captain of the fishing boat filleted for us so we could cook at the villas that same night.

Dinner was a group affair, with teenage boys helping my husband cook the self-caught fish simply in olive oil and lemon with a dash of salt and pepper, and easy side dishes of grilled peppers and couscous.  Dinner was blissful. All of us dined on the deck under a canopy of stars (which we felt we could reach out and touch them), with that cozy feeling that we were the only people alive in the world.  The advantage of a villa is that everyone can pitch in and help with dinner and then dine together, cementing our bonds of love and friendship.

When not preparing our own meals as a group, we usually wandered down the beach to another set of villas called Matachica with the lovely restaurant, Mambo. The award-winning restaurant is considered one of the best in Belize where the chefs prepare exquisite contemporary dishes and a variety of homemade pastas and breads and fresh spices and herbs daily. [Dining note: “With Matachica Beach Resort and its Mambo Cuisine Restaurant, Belize is making a quantum leap in becoming known for its cuisine.” – Conde Nast Magazine UK Edition)

While my love of unique boutique hotels throughout the world will never waiver as I promote and support so many of my amazing clients for my hotel public relations agency, when it is time to get away with family and friends, I will be looking for another amazing villa for that home-away-from-home setting to make even more memories.

Much luxe,
Lorraine Abelow
President and Founder, Abelow Public Relations
www.abelowpr.com