The resort itself was very nice. The condo we rented was 2 bed/2 bath, nice kitchen, laundry just outside. Pool was nice, no problems with mosquitoes but it was really windy, satellite TV from US and Canada. Internet in the office was slow, it was better to use the WiFi, but you have to be close to the office. We were the only people at the resort except for 1 day. It seems this is the off season, high season is November to May I believe. The staff did a good job. The condo was cleaned each day, the food we had at the resort was really good, although we only ate a couple times there. I recommend skipping breakfast and lunch, only because its expensive....but EVERYTHING in Ambergris is expensive, not so much ripping tourists but EVERYTHING has to be shipped from the mainland. We went to the grocery in San Pedro and got some a few things to eat on our own. We brought breakfast stuff from home and made sandwiches and spaghetti for lunch/dinner a couple of times. I would recommend eating dinner at least once at the resort. I had the pork chops which were perfect....you should try them. The staff was very informative about any questions you have. A few people live at the resort and its too bad the owners of the property didn't build them a nice place to live in. They pretty much hide them in a small shack behind the property. We spent one day just at the resort laying around the pool and in the hammock, it was very relaxing and I recommend everyone do the same. Getting to the resort you fly into Belize City (Ladyville actually), Goldson Intl Airport. Its kinda a 3rd world 1960's looking airport but Immigration and Customs is relatively quick and painless. Bring a pen on the flight so you can fill out the required forms, the airline has NO pens to loan. From there you can take a 2 hour boat ride (not recommended) or a 15 minute plane ride with Tropic Air to San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye. Its worth the money for the flight. At the San Pedro airport Blue Reef will have a taxi waiting for the 30 second ride to the dock where a small boat will take you to the resort, about a 20 minute ride. You will see on your first day when you try to schedule activities that another problem with the resort is that its 9 miles out from San Pedro. The tour/dive shop operators only pick up about 5 miles out so its on you to get to San Pedro, which is another issue. To get to and from San Pedro via Coastal XPress Water Taxi is $28 US per person and its a rather uncomfortable and crowed ride on a small boat. Also, depending on the time of day there may be alot of stops along the way which can turn the 20 minute ride into a 45 minutes ride. I found that really cut into my budget and I would have spent more money if I didn't have that expense every day. Another issue is that the last boat leaves San Pedro at 8:30 PM so if you want to stay out late thats not possible with the water taxi. A private boat will cost much more. San Pedro itself was not bad. It reminded me at times of parts of Mexico or time I spent in Kosovo, kinda like a 3rd world country at times. The town has 3 main streets, very few vehicles, most people get around on golf carts. We rented a cart one day just to see what was in town, but its possible to just walk if you don't mind the heat or have any physical problems or any small children with you. We went to Super Buy, purple building on Middle Street to get some groceries. We went to Green House market, green building on Middle Street to get some meat/cold cuts. Linos on Middle street was recommended for meat but we didn't go there. Pan Dulce bakery, next to Linos, was recommended but we went later in the day and things looked rather old. As for dining, Calliente on the beach was not bad, portions small and kinda pricey. Food was OK but won't recommend or go back. Smiling Gringos on First Street was pricey and food not so good, don't go there! Elvi's, lime green building on Middle street was recommended and very good. I got the traditional Rice/Beans/Stew Chicken which was excellent, try it for sure! El Patio, on a side street, was also recommeded and very good, i had the Seafood Skewer which was also excellent. Blue Water Grille on the beach was recommended and was also good. Its mostly American fare, I had the Turkey Pita which was very tasty. Wild Mango's which is next to Blue Water Grill is also recommended but we didn't go there. We also wanted to try Fido's but didn't have a chance. For ice cream you must go to Manelly's on First Street, its really good, only problem is its small and cramped and lots of kids playing video games inside, its better to get it and go. We did a spa/massage one day at Black Orchid, near the airport. It was the least expensive indoor spa and was worth it...totally relaxed afterwards. There are cheaper outdoor massage places but its too hot/humid for an outdoor massage for sure. On Ambergris any activities will be water activities. Snorkeling/diving, fishing, etc. We spent one day at Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley snorkeling/diving with Amigos Del Mar, which was recommended.. You get to pet Nurse Sharks and Stingrays (no barbs). The Blue Hole is recommended for divers but its gonna be an all day affair so we skipped it. Any other tours advertised, Cave Tubing, Mayan Ruins, etc., are all back on the mainland, (Belize City), which makes it costly because of the flight to and from. It also makes it a whole day adventure so we skipped those activities as well. For souvenirs, get something made of Brazilian woods, or a handbag, or some jewelry, and definitely a bottle of hot sauce. Conch shells may be a problem as I was asked about that when leaving and travel guides recommend you don't take any home with you. Get ALL souvenirs at the airport before going home, the airport has WAY cheaper prices than ANYONE on Ambergris Caye and you can pack you stuff in you check in luggage before going through Customs back in the US. It was really an enjoyable trip. My only issue was that everything was expensive. Probably won't ever go back but I can recommend it. A cruise ship to Mexico or the Bahamas would be much cheaper and you can do the same things, although seclusion is not one of them. Tourism is a new industry in Belize and its evident with customer service. Nothing is really quick or efficient there and sometimes there are screw ups with no explanations. However, EVERYONE was VERY friendly and spoke English well. You can use your Visa/Mastercard almost anywhere, just call the card company before leaving the US so your charges are not declined. Even the street hustlers were friendly. Just say "No, thanks" and they move on without bothering you any further.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
