Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: Is Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Q: Where is Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR located?

Nestled on the beach, this San Pedro holiday home is just steps away from Belize Barrier Reef and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Mexico Rocks is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away.

10/10 Excellent

Karla S.

28 Apr 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical Getaway

This was a unique property as it was 3 homes in 1 and everyone could have some privacy! We all enjoyed and William was the best he helped with reservations cab ride getting us fresh caught fish! Marcus took great care of the property very enjoyable.

Stayed 16 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

DORIS S.

22 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous!

The house was amazing. Gorgeous views! Terry Lee and the property managers - William and Marvin were so accommodating and assisted us with travel and everything around the house. Definitely recommend!

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason J.

24 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

Amazing property right in the beach. Everything about the place was amazing.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gegetta B.

24 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous!!

Property is amazing. William and Marvin took great care of us and we did not see another property on the island that compared for location and amenities. Perfect for our family with separated spaces all in one home! Spectacular beach area with equipment to make the most of the water. Would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Austin D.

1 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gran Castillo

Location and amenities were awesome! William is amazing and was always super helpful and friendly. Can’t wait to go back

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly P.

29 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Trip 2023!

Great time stellar views! William & Marvin we’re awesome!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B., USA

26 Apr 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

April Vacation

We just got home from our stay at El Gran Castille de Arena and we already want to be back there. Everything about this place was incredible- the location, the amenities, the caretaker William (and his dogs)- everything! We're already talking about our return trip and I really can't imagine staying anyplace else.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

2 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Terrific House

We and our family (total of 10) were able to vacation in a beautiful, very well-attended and cared for property. It was paradise. The property allows for privacy when wanted and for togetherness when wanted.

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

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10/10 Excellent

16 Jun 2024

Beautiful and relaxing

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had the best time couldn't have asked for anything better. The house was perfect for our group. William was a great host and went above and beyond for us.we will definitely book this place again.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne R., Media, Pennsylvania, USA

17 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday celebration -The best!

The entire experience from reserving the house, having all my questions answered quickly by Simon and his staff to staying in a beautiful clean home with spectacular views! The beach was cleaned daily by William and Marvin and a great restaurant next door! We had all our tours pick us up at our dock! Truly and amazing experience!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tania M.

11 Jun 2025

Wonderful vacation home!!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a great time at El Gran Castillo celebrating a 50th birthday. The home had 3 living quarters, each with their own kitchen, and it worked out perfect for our group of 7. The view was amazing, the staff were always friendly and helpful with whatever we needed. At one point we had a issues with a couple AC and property management had it addressed immediately. It felt like home to us. No one left this vacation unhappy with the house, beds were comfortable and showers had good pressure. I would absolutely recommend this place.One thing to keep in mind is the house is located north of town. It took use about 40 minutes to get to the center of San Pedro and it wasn't high tourist season at the time. I think water taxi is the way to go if you want to go somewhere or get into town. Secret Beach was about 20 minutes away by golf cart. Honestly cannot say enough good about our visit, the house just made it feel like we were home.

10/10 Excellent

beth m., Greensboro, NC

30 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise - You have to stay here!

El Gran Castillo de Arena is amazing! The home is beautiful, well equipped for all of your needs, and extremely clean. The reservation staff and caretakers, William and Marvin, are awesome! They made our trip so special, were always there to assist us, and made sure we had the best time possible on our trip. I can't wait to return!

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

12 Mar 2017

Another wonderful stay at Castilla De Arena!

This is the second family trip to Ambergris Caye, and both times we stayed at Castilla De Arena. The house is perfect for large families looking for a relaxing beach vacation with convenient access to restaurants and water sports in a beautiful setting. The caretaker, William is always available to assist with any needs, and Carolyn, the owner, is super responsive and great to work with. We can't wait to book another family trip to this beautiful island and stay here again!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2017

10/10 Excellent

Alicia M.

6 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boys Trip

The boys had an absolutely amazing time! The house and caretakers were wonderful. The guide provided helped answer all our questions. The excursion we booked through the house was perfect. My husband fell in love with the area and accommodations. Thank you for a great Trip!

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

William D.

2 Feb 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location, Amazing Hospitality!!

Eight of us stayed at the property and we will be back for sure. The location was what you would think of a tropical paradise with the sun rising off the dock every morning! The island is nice, the reefs are full of life, not like some of other tourist places. Everyone is friendly and being right next to Johns Escape, we felt like we had a hotel bar. The staff on site was beyond accommodating, William was great, and for anyone visiting, ask William to give his coconut presentation! It was a great trip!

Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2023

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10/10 Excellent

John P.

28 Dec 2022

Awesome getaway !!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Everything was great. William was on top of everything. The man can cook too !!!

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie B.

16 Dec 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Belize it!!!!

William and Marvin (caretakers) were amazing. They both made sure we were entertained with hermit crab races, water toys and volleyball. Their coconut presentation was so cool!!! William is an amazing chef!!!!

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

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10/10 Excellent

Dawn R.

22 Jul 2024

Amazing property!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a great experience all around! The house and property were beautiful. The on-site staff went above and beyond and the surrounding waters are gorgeous. Great spot for snorkeling just off the dock. The national bird of San Pedro is the mosquitoe, but you survive with lots of bug spray and itch cream. The dogs are a hoot too.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

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10/10 Excellent

Deric K.

17 Dec 2023

Absolutely perfect!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Pulling up the house and property are better than advertised. William and Marvin were always available for anything we needed. We are huge dog lovers so having them on the property was the icing on the cake.

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Renee C., Jackson

21 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and Roomy

Our group of six had a wonderful stay and very much enjoyed the property and amenities. We were extremely comfortable and able to make great meals, enjoy the awesome rooftop pool area, corn hole, kayaks, and lounge on the pier. William and Marvin were very attentive to our needs and helpful with information. They made our stay very enjoyable and loved the hermit crab ninja warrior race on our last day! The only issue we had with the property was the single-bedroom unit had a very funky smell so none of us were able to stay in the unit.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gina H.

12 Feb 2024

Fabulous Place

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We were a group of five couples. This home fit us perfectly. It has the most beautiful view. Sunrise was magical. Simon the main contact, is fantastic in getting all your needs set up before you get there. The two caretakers are amazing and will help with all your needs during your stay. Loved it and will book again. The only downside to this place is the beds are super hard.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amy N.

1 Jan 2024

Wonderful house on the beach

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The house was clean, convenient and was great for our family of 6 with plenty of personal space. William and Marvin were incredibly helpful and we LOVED the dogs. The rooftop pool was great for a dip. We used the paddle boards and kayaks too. I would recommend renting a golf cart to get around and flying in on the small plane. The Tropical Escape nextdoor was a pleasant surprise with good food and yummy cocktails. Don’t forget to pack the bug spray and suntan lotion!

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jayson P.

6 Jan 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

50th Birthday

Our first trip to Belize was amazing, mostly due to the accommodations and hospitality of the property management. The house was awesome, with plenty of room for our party of 8. We had 4 couples and each had their own space. William and Marvin were especially helpful and attentive. William even made us a couple souvenirs to take home and helped commemorate my 50th birthday with a piece of engraved mahogany. Restaurant and bar next door are a nice bonus as the road getting into town is rough. Food and drinks were great. We were content to just stay at the house and kayak to the reef ourselves. Another nice bonus was the fireworks show the hotel next door put on to celebrate the new year. Fishing excursions picked us up at our dock and made it very easy. Sunrise Property Management was extremely responsive and helpful in booking our excursions as well as coordinating our arrival and departure transportation as we had several adjustments to our flights. Their quick response made us feel at ease with our first trip to the island. We will definitely be back.

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

elizabeth s.

28 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Unbelizable adventure

The property was just as described, has all the extras an active group would like. The weather during our stay (rain & wind) was not ideal for most of the water activities. We enjoyed the pool and spent a lot of time at the tropical escape bar and grill just next door. On site property manager and his assistant were very helpful and attentive. Probably the biggest drawback is the location, while close to the Secret Beach, it is a four plus mile drive from town. Roads are poor and there is a big opportunity in transportation alternatives. Best way to describe it is as a high adventure vacation…this property is best served by an active group of vacationers!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ward B.

21 Feb 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Palapa Heaven

We could not have been more pleased with El Gran Castillo de Arena! The location was fantastic (peaceful, yet convenient). The set up was ideal (we had three couples and each had private spaces plus a great common area to gather). The house was immaculate, well equipped and well maintained. The setting and the grounds were amazing (beautiful sand and water, with multiple palapas, each with their own feel and ambiance, plus the roof top pool for a quick dip). William (on-property manager) and Marvin made sure that we had everything that we needed (from kayaks to hammocks) and anticipated things before we knew we needed them! Simon (property management company) patiently answered all of our pre-visit questions and helped us schedule all of our local transportation and Elena helped us with booking excursions. We could not have asked for anything more!

Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR

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