Hotel at a Glance: Retreat at South Water Caye

Retreat at South Water Caye is a secluded island escape off the coast of Belize. On this private 12-acre hideaway, palm trees outnumber people and a white-sand beach gives way to a barrier reef and the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. This deal’s tour package lets guests experience the island life.

• Beneath the waves: Daily and nightly snorkeling excursions and a manatee-watching tour reveal local wildlife.
• Unlimited adventure: Guests get use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards throughout their stays.
• After the sun sets, the resort hosts bonfires and outdoor movie nights complete with s’mores and popcorn.
• Seaside cabanas have rustic wood shutters that let ocean breezes in, and a shared deck overlooking mangroves.
• Island eats: This deal includes all meals and snacks, plus a welcome drink (fees apply for additional alcohol).

South Water Caye, Belize: Islet on Top of Barrier-Reef and Marine-Reserve Attractions

South Water Caye, one of Belize’s many offshore islets, is the kind of place where people go to get off the grid. It’s privately owned, only three-quarters of a mile long, and just a quarter mile across at its widest point. The only structures on the island are a few resorts and a marine-biology lab with a student dorm, but there’s still plenty to do. South Water Caye is perched atop the Belize Barrier Reef, so you can step off the beach and snorkel amid schools of tropical fish. Jacques Cousteau once referred to the reef as “one of the four must-dive locations on this blue planet.”

The island also lies within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, a protected area that encompasses a range of coastal and marine habitats such as littoral forests, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The region is home to one of the world’s largest populations of West Indian manatees, as well as several turtle species. One highlight is an underwater cave named Hell Hole, which features fully formed stalactites and stalagmites. Another is the bird sanctuary at Man-O-War Caye, an expansive nesting site for the brown booby and magnificent frigatebird.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The closest international airport to the resort is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). Once you’ve arrived at BZE, you will then need to make your way to Dangriga (DGA), where free round-trip shuttle service is provided to the resort. The resort can assist you with booking a round-trip commuter flight from BZE to DGA for $195 per person.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another voucher? The voucher covers a stay for one or two people, depending on the option purchased. Additional occupants are not allowed.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your voucher or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Resort credit is not included with this voucher.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? There are no reservations required. There is no dress code on the island. For information regarding your dining options, please click here or call 800-618-5077.