Peter Luppi, general manager, says “an escape to luxury vacation destination Royal Belize is no ordinary vacation, even as luxury vacations go. Why? Warm azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see, palm fronds rustling in a gentle Caribbean breeze, meals prepared by a personal chef, warm but discreet personal attention from staff overseen by a personal concierge … and not another soul in sight, because this island is dedicated to one guest party at a time.”
Open since Spring 2010, occupying an entire islet located nine miles off the coast of Belize, Royal Belize is a completely private tropical island. Luppi discovered the island in 2001. A specialist in creating premier properties for jetsetters, he began developing it in 2002 at the urging of a number of clients. Soon the single cabin for the owners’ use became two, then three as their friends fell in love with the exhilaration of waking up to a sunrise on their own private island.
In early 2010, the decision was made to transform the island into Royal Belize: still exclusive, still private, still bespoke … but available to those few discerning adventurers who fully appreciate its special character. Mr. Luppi—experienced in the hospitality industry, a gourmand, and an expert regarding Belize—happily agreed to stay on and has been ensuring the satisfaction of Royal Belize guests ever since.
Royal Belize now claims three luxurious and comfortable villa residences: Casa Valentina, located on its own romantic island-within-an-island; Casa Catalina, with its outdoor bedroom and private palapa; and the Villa Alba, with its front and rear decks and room for an extra queen bed in the living room. The accommodations are decorated with an eclectic mix of European, Asian, and local hand-made furnishings and artwork, blended together to provide a unique and relaxing atmosphere. Each features spectacular views, air-conditioned bedrooms, king-sized beds, custom-stocked refrigerators, plush armchairs, tea tables, vanities, personal stereos, WiFi, and more.
There are plenty of other places on the island to gather with family and friends as well: pristine sand dotted with small palapas, as well as the Grand Palapa, and it’s open-air lounging and dining area sheltered by a huge thatched roof. Meals may be taken there, on the pier, en suite, or anywhere else a guest chooses.
Personal chefs are selected from a roster to cater to each party’s tastes and dietary requirements, as determined prior to arrival. Meals are prepared using only the freshest ingredients–fish is a popular choice, of course, and an excellent one, but virtually any desire will be satisfied by the dedicated management and staff of Royal Belize. All beverages–wine, spirits, and otherwise–are included in the rate.
Many guests choose never to leave their private island, whiling away their dream vacation basking in the sun, reveling in the peaceful surroundings, swimming, riding the WaveRunner, paddling a kayak, or immersing themselves in a fully-loaded iPod Touch with video library whilst sipping rum cocktails flavored with Belizean fruit. A masseuse can even be delivered to a guest’s casita on request.
For those tempted by the other treasures of Belize, however, Mr. Luppi is on hand to arrange a variety of trips. Among the options: a helicopter hop to the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, the largest in Belize, where the plateau of an ancient pyramid provides stunning views to be savored with a gourmet picnic lunch. Another: a chauffeured van ride to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve, where easy hiking and abundant jungle beauty offer extravagant opportunities for adventure. For the mellower guest, a cruise down nearby Sittee River takes visitors past low-hanging coconuts on the way to Butterflies Spa on the beach. Guests of Royal Belize will return from their explorations ready to re-immerse themselves in the privacy, relaxation, comfort, and stunning scenery of their very own tropical island.
Royal Belize, 501-610-1701, vip@royalbelize.com, www.PrivateVacationIsland.com