Sand Castle Vista is sleek and striking—exactly as expected. On arrival, Tatiana walked us through what to expect (including the small luxuries like daily housekeeping and grounds maintenance!), doubling as our first representation of Gecko and Belizean hospitality: wide-armed and warm. At three stories, this chic coastal bolthole was complete with views of the Caribbean Sea, regardless of which room you wake up in, with the fairy-light stringed rooftop offering 360-degree vistas of the peninsula. Sure, the walkout verandas from each bedroom felt like a villa within a villa, but our grown-up group was giddy at the sight of four bunk beds central between upstairs’ two masters, which I’d imagine would make this perfectly set up for a multi-gen stay.
Airy and loft-style, this open-plan living space is both elegant and modern, but the real pull was just beyond the all-window water-facing wall: a glass-walled private pool (submerged bar stools included!), jacuzzi, water-sport toys, and of course, the Caribbean Sea. Perfectly set up for a week of play, the sea’s edge was the place to be; we even took full advantage by SUP boarding and kayaking at sunrise, with corn hole at sunset. It’s a stone’s throw from the action but feels like secluded havens far from the buzz of the Village, which I discovered was maybe an 8-minute walk to the strip/sidewalk after venturing out to a local cafe. Personal touches—from outdoor speakers and locally crafted Belizean wooden decor to included laundry service—create a feeling of exclusivity that sets Gecko’s Sand Castle Vista far apart from your typical vacation rental. Despite having neighbors, this was incredibly private.
Check in, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking that, eventually, there’s a check-out time.