Cayo Espanto

Island · Belize

Cayo Espanto

Island · Belize

5

Belize

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Cayo Espanto by Photo courtesy of Cayo Espanto
Cayo Espanto by Photo courtesy of Cayo Espanto
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Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
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Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
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Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null
Cayo Espanto by null

Highlights

Cayo Espanto is a dreamy private island resort in Belize, featuring seven exclusive villas, exceptional service, and stunning Caribbean views perfect for luxury seekers.  

Featured in Food & Wine
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Last updated

Jul 9, 2025

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@afar

"A private island paradise known for diving and fishing, with all-inclusive luxurious villas and personalized service." - Devorah Lev-Tov, Laura Begley Bloom

The 14 Luxury Private Island Resorts to Book Right Now - AFAR
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@travelleisure

"Cayo Espanto is a private island resort with seven villas, each with dock and butler service. The resort offers customized experiences like snorkeling tours and private picnics, tailored to pregnancy cravings or dietary preferences." - Travel + Leisure Editors

25 Best Babymoon Destinations Around the World
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@foodandwine

"Cayo Espanto is a serene four-acre private island resort with seven luxurious villas. The resort is known for its exceptional food and beverage offerings, with a menu curated by Belize-born chef Richard Gillett, featuring fresh seafood and local flavors. Meals are served at any hour via walkie-talkie or designated staff, and can be set up at various locations around the island, including private docks and beaches. The villas offer rustic yet luxurious designs with private platforms, infinity plunge pools, and open walls for immersion in natural surroundings. Each dining experience is tailored and unique, with no on-site restaurant or bar, making every meal a series of beautifully executed local dishes." - Maria Yagoda

Cayo Espanto Private Island Resort Has New Exec Chef
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@afar

"Luxurious Island Lodging Cayo Espanto is one of those fantasy vacation spots, the kind that one might think exists only in daydreams. But this private island actually is the stuff of dreams, with powdery sand and private beaches lapped by the clear Caribbean waters, doting service, and plenty to do—or not. Cayo Espanto, one of Belize's hundreds of cays (off-shore islands), sits three miles off the coast of another Belizean island, San Pedro, and can boast what few other properties can: a location right along the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Each of the seven villas occupies its own private slice of the cay, and an excess of amenities is included: airport pick-up service, boat transfers to and from the island, personal butler service, three customized meals per day, snacks and drinks, and all non-motorized activities, including the use of kayaks and a sailboat. Villas are painted in tropical hues and are exceedingly comfortable, with windows that open right up to ocean views. Some have private infinity-edge plunge pools."

The Perfect Week in Belize
View Postcard for Cayo Espanto
@afar

"Luxurious Island Lodging Cayo Espanto is one of those fantasy vacation spots, the kind that one might think exists only in daydreams. But this private island actually is the stuff of dreams, with powdery sand and private beaches lapped by the clear Caribbean waters, doting service, and plenty to do—or not. Cayo Espanto, one of Belize's hundreds of cays (off-shore islands), sits three miles off the coast of another Belizean island, San Pedro, and can boast what few other properties can: a location right along the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Each of the seven villas occupies its own private slice of the cay, and an excess of amenities is included: airport pick-up service, boat transfers to and from the island, personal butler service, three customized meals per day, snacks and drinks, and all non-motorized activities, including the use of kayaks and a sailboat. Villas are painted in tropical hues and are exceedingly comfortable, with windows that open right up to ocean views. Some have private infinity-edge plunge pools."

The Best Hotels in Belize
View Postcard for Cayo Espanto

Toronto Real Estate Agent - Karen Law

Google
Enjoyed a wonderful five night/six day stay at Cayo Espanto 🏝 It is a remarkable island to stay at and if you prefer a very private experience, you will absolutely love it here. There is zero mingling and no interaction with other guests. In fact, you might not even see other guests on the island during your entire stay. There is no main communal dining area: all of your meals, drinks and snacks are brought right to your private villa which helps make the experience so private; and I was very comfortable wearing my bathrobe for all meals (we were informed most guests do that rather than getting dressed for meals). Our villa had two exclusive housemen who always set up different dining settings on our deck and beach area making it a very memorable experience (tiki torches, lanterns, drawing hearts and the like in the sand near our table were all gestures that we were well thought out that contribute to a lovely ambiance). Our housemen, Jesus and Mundo, were always on call for absolutely anything to help us during our stay. Jesus in particular was phenomenal. Erika was also amazing in her correspondence prior to our arrival, helping to arrange spa treatments and excursions; Erika was extremely quick, efficient and professional in all our correspondence. I would highly recommend the helicopter as a way to transfer from Belize City to Cayo Espanto: it is so much more efficient than taking a plane between Belize City and San Pedro then a boat ride to the island. Plus, it's always lovely to enjoy an aerial perspective of the turquoise blue waters and the islands. The water is what keeps me coming back to Belize: no other place in the world has tropical water this clear and with shallow reefs quite like this, in my experience. The staff at Cayo Espanto take great care of everything: even upon our arrival at Belize City and our departure as well, Emilio was amazing help getting us through the right line ups, helping us complete the necessary forms etc. As a head's up, here are a couple of side notes: the wines are at an additional price however the great news is that the wines are all very well priced. Also, the plumbing in the bathrooms could use a slight reno although I would not deduct any stars off at all since my expectations are adjusted for this type of island setting (e.g. the water pressure is low for the shower, there is not really cold nor hot shower water - the shower water is a consistent lukewarm which I was fine with since it was very humid during our stay last week in June 2022. Also, their flush toilets don't take toilet paper. Again, this is more of a head's up and certainly not something I saw as a drawback). Oh, and for an island, the wi-fi internet and cell reception was great! Overall, a wonderful stay, beautiful memories and I would certainly recommend Cayo Espanto!

John Leeman

Google
We went here for 5 days/4 nights and had the most incredible time. As soon as we stepped off our flight we had a dedicated houseman with us serving all our needs/wants. Obed and Jose took care of us our entire stay. They scheduled spa treatments, food, snorkeling, heated our plunge pool....the list goes on and on. The staff is incredible. I think it is a 3 to 1 ration on the island. The other positive thing here is the privacy. There are only seven villas on the island and the only time you see another guest is if they are using the kayaks or sail boat (free to use). The meals were 5 star all the way. They serve you hefty portions so be ready to leave a few pounds heavier than you arrived. We are already planning how we can go back. This is a place we want to visit as often as possible. A+ Cayto Espanto. Incredible job!

Penny Eckel

Google
We stayed for a week at Cayo Espanto and had the most wonderful and luxurious stay imaginable. Jesus and Flavio took excellent care of us. If you go here, you will experience an unparalleled level of personal service. Amazing food, amazing people, stunning views, and delicious food and drinks. Do the Day at Sea excursion if you visit. We are currently booking our return trip. :)

Tom Scrivener

Google
Service is 6 stars. The best I have experienced. Location quiet and beautiful. Great for a couple or couples. 7 minute boat ride to action.

Grant Wilkerson

Google
Cayo Espanto is a truly magical getaway. I spent 3 incredible nights there for the last days of my honeymoon. The sheer beauty of this place is magical --- the water is shallow for hundreds of yards out into the ocean. Casa Solana - provides you with a full 180 degree view of the ocean from your bedroom and deck. The service - Kurt and Jesus were our housemen. The folks working for you on the island are highly trained in hospitality and service delivery. We had cleaning service multiple times a day. A walkie-talkie is given so you can call the housemen to bring you whatever you need. They were incredibly consistant, kind and attended to all needs. Culinary - The food is exquisite and some of the best prepared food I have had in my life. The chef has been on the island for 15+ years and there is GOOD reason for that. Additional special things ---- complete privacy. You will not see another guest or anyone other than the guest services team and chef. The dinners outside our villa were incredibly romantic. The surrounding water is incredibly beautiful due to the shallowness. This is a 5-star resort with 10-star service. Can't wait to come back one day. Thank you again, Cayo Espanto!

Melanie Powers

Google
It actually hurt my heart to leave this place. Nothing I can write, nor any picture that I can post will do this place justice. The island itself is breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. We stayed in Casa Solana, which is the newest and faces the sunset. We loved our villa and it was the perfect setting for a honeymoon. You are in a bed that feels like a cloud and looking at crystal clear water framed by palm trees blowing in a fragrant ocean breeze. It looks like something out of an ad and you can hardly believe it is real. The plunge pool is heaven for the very same reason. It is the perfect balance between unspoiled nature and luxury. I remember reading reviews and worrying about the surrounding water. It seems funny to me that I even questioned the water after being there. Nothing bit me, so I'm not sure what other reviews were talking about. It is a real ocean, so it has animals that call it home. It was crystal clear and the perfect temperature. Absolute perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, wading and fishing. There are fish swimming around but trust me when I tell you that you will want to save the snorkeling/diving for Hol Chan. The true soul of Cayo tho, is the beautiful staff. They are some of the the most incredible people you will meet. We absolutely fell in love with our housemen, Jesus and Jose. They were incredible and put so much heart into every little detail. They made us laugh and smile and seemed to anticipate our every need. Don't worry about privacy. As honeymooners, we needed some special time together and Jesus and Jose just made it more magical by bringing us whatever our hearts desired at the perfect time. Our dinner table every night was a work of art. The lovely Erika handled our guest service requests and helped coordinate activities. She always had a beautiful smile her face and did her job to perfection. Then there is the food. Wow!!! I'm going to have a difficult time going back to reality after being spoiled with the most incredible meals. I'm always worried as a vegetarian that my meals won't have the same flair as my meat eating husband's. Not the case here. The quality of the the produce is unreal and I have never had more creative and flavorful meals using tofu. My husband could not stop talking about the fresh seafood in his meals. Housekeeping were like invisible fairies that kept our villa perfect for us when we were weren't looking. Then there are the excursions. We absolutely adored Carlos and Max. My husband caught his own lunch, we snorkeled and then had a beachfront picnic on a private beach. It was so much fun, we booked another trip the next day to Hol Chan which included shark ray alley and the conch shell graveyard. I'm not even going to try to describe how incredibly beautiful and special that was. Again, the water is beautiful around the island, but do yourself a favor and book some excursions. We also had a couples massage by Barbara and Miranda. Again, absolute perfection. My skin felt amazing and I could barely walk after being so relaxed after my massage. I could go on and on, but nothing will come close to describing how magical this place is. I could hardly look at the staff when leaving because I don't like to cry… but I'm tearing up even as I type this because of how amazing this place is and more importantly how special the staff is to us. We are going back in six months and bringing other family members. Thank you again Cayo Espanto for making our honeymoon the most magical and memorable experience e ever. We hope life blesses each and every one of you. See you soon!

Alexa Delpriora

Google
BEST PLACE EVER!!!! Casa Solana was absolutely incredible and Jesus and Ronny were absolutely incredible. We can’t wait to book our next trip here! Truly no words to describe the experience you will have at Cayo Espanto so all I have to say is, BOOK IT!

Kamal Hotchandani

Google
Magical place. Service was on another level. Our house manager Obed was the highlight of the stay. The food is super fresh and gourmet. Will deforest return