Lush, green and floating three miles off the coast of Belize, Cayo Espanto private island resort offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking privacy and personalized service. This intimate island property has earned multiple accolades, including recognition for its outstanding hotel restaurant.
© Cayo Espanto
Dining at Cayo Espanto is led by executive chef Patrick Houghton, who emphasizes local ingredients and crafts menus tailored to each guest’s preferences provided before arrival. Typical dishes reflect a balance of regional flavors and refined technique: almond-crusted local grouper served over blackened corn and plantain mash; a seafood pasta with hard-shell clams, green-lipped mussels and calamari sautéed in garlic and white wine with spinach and parsley; or char-grilled lamb chops with sautéed green beans, beet curls and Lyonnaise potatoes finished with a cherry-infused pinot sauce. The culinary team can also recommend and pair wines from the resort’s curated collection.
© Cayo Espanto
The resort also offers wellness and island activities. An on-site spa therapist provides facials, therapeutic treatments and massages, including signature experiences like the Coconut Ginger Glow—a sugar body polish followed by a warm coconut milk bath. For active guests, options range from bird-watching and private snorkeling excursions to scuba-diving charters and sport fishing trips. Guided day trips to mainland Belize are available for those who want to explore Mayan ruins, visit local spas or enjoy river expeditions.
Each of the seven five-star luxury villas comes with a personal butler and a private dock, making them ideal for private fishing lessons or launching water activities. Villa features vary by casa and may include private plunge pools, secluded walled gardens and infinity plunge pools, ensuring a range of intimate settings to suit different needs.
© Cayo Espanto
Accommodation options include an over-water bungalow and one- and two-bedroom casas. For larger groups, the entire island can be rented for private events or exclusive retreats, accommodating up to 18 guests—perfect for families, friends or corporate getaways seeking seclusion and luxury.