Type of luxury escape, destination or month

Blog 27/03/2020

One of our favourite destinations to reconnect

  • Adventure

    Adventure

  • Beach

    Beach

  • Discovery

    Discovery

  • Romance and Honeymoons

    Romance and Honeymoons

Sometimes, our ideal holiday is simply an opportunity to get away from the daily grind. It's about switching off our mobile phones, logging out of our email accounts and disconnecting from the hectic hustle and bustle of modern life - and reconnecting with the world in its most natural state. At Quintessentially Travel,one of our favourite spots for such an experience is Cayo Espanto, a private island resort located just off the coast of Belize.

This exquisite hideaway is one of Central America's best kept secrets. Surrounded on all sides by the azure allure of the Caribbean, the island is within easy reach of some of the best scuba diving spots to be found anywhere on the planet. Whether it's the crystal-clear waters themselves, the golden sands of the island's beaches, the lush greenery of the native trees or the vibrant plumage of the birds which inhabit them, Cayo Espanto's colourful palette provides the perfect backdrop to truly feel at one with the world we live in.

A private paradise

There are plenty of places around the globe which have been likened to heaven on Earth, but few slices of paradise come as pampered or as picturesque as Cayo Espanto. The resort is comprised of seven wooden standalone villas, each decorated with a vibrant verve and furnished with its own heated plunge pool – the optimum spot for a sunset cocktail. There are hammocks to kick back in, Yves Delorme linen to curl up in and a dedicated houseman on hand to meet your every desire. You’re in control of every single facet of the experience, from the contents of your kitchen cupboards to the playlist on your inhouse iPod.

The villas have been designed to combine sophistication and seclusion in a single luxuriously exclusive experience. With each individual lodge enjoying its own private beach area and sumptuous views of the ocean beyond, it’s entirely possible that you won’t even come across another guest for the duration of your stay. There’s nothing quite like bathing al fresco in your very own outdoor shower to make you feel at one with the Earth beneath your feet.


Exploring all that nature has to offer

If you can wrest yourself away from all that decadent indulgence, the area surrounding Cayo Espanto is simply teeming with opportunities to explore. Just 20 minutes in a motorboat will see you arrive at the world’s second largest barrier reef, home to countless colourful species of fish, coral and other enchanting marine life. The headline attraction is undoubtedly the Great Blue Hole, which is a cylindrical drop 400ft in depth and reachable via private charter. Once called “one of the best dive sites in the world” by famed marine explorer Jacques Cousteau, the Hole is just one of Belize’s scuba hotspots, with the aptly named Shark Ray Alley and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve other highlights not to be missed.

Aside from strapping on your scuba gear or snorkelling mask, the region is also hugely popular with fishing enthusiasts. With hundreds of bonefish inhabiting the shallow shores around your villa and your personal houseman an expert in spotting shoals from 50 paces, it couldn’t be easier to wade out up to your waist and catch yourself a whopper. Or, if you prefer your interactions with nature to be less hands-on, there are ample opportunities to spot unique avian specimens on a bird-watching tour. Stroll through mangroves and sight spoonbills, pelicans and toucans, to name but a few of the eye-catching waterfowl which call this part of the world home.

Desert island downtime

Of course, plenty of guests at Cayo Espanto come simply for the chance to recharge their batteries and reconnect with their inner chakra. For those in need of a little desert island downtime, this remote retreat is the perfect sanctuary to do so. The onsite massage therapist can deliver a range of spa treatments – including aromatherapy, facials, manicures, pedicures and more – all from the comfort of your own villa. With service like this at your beck and call, it’s no surprise that many guests on the island rarely stray beyond their own backyard.

Meanwhile, the onsite restaurant is similarly geared towards enhancing your enjoyment and catering to your convenience. The menu is tailored to suit your taste buds in advance of your arrival, with a daily rotation of delectable dishes guaranteed to keep you satisfied and satiated. All food and drink is available 24 hours a day and delivered to your location, wherever that may be – swinging in a hammock, dangling your toes in the sea at the end of your dock or even out on a boating expedition. Your word is Cayo Espanto’s command.


Quintessentially reconnecting

The ethos at this all-inclusive, hyper-luxurious boutique aligns closely with our own – delivering a bespoke experience that’s been specifically tailored to satisfy the desires of each individual guest. As such, it’s no wonder that this Central American hidden gem is one of our favourite spots for reconnecting, whatever that means to you. Whether you want to immerse yourself in all that nature has to offer or simply relax, recharge and focus your energies on reconnecting with yourself and your loved ones, Cayo Espanto is the ideal location to do so.

Indeed, it’s that very philosophy which we carry into each and every journey we create. After taking the time to understand exactly what constitutes your dream getaway, we then consult our network of travel experts, unearthing the finest resorts and most unique locations to truly turn your break into the trip of a lifetime. To find out more about how we can deliver an experience quite like no other, get in touch with the Quintessentially Travel team, today.

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