Royal Belize: A Private Tropical Three-Villa Retreat

Some visitors to this exclusive three-villa islet off the coast of Belize – where only one guest party is in residence at a time -- are simply seduced by the sights, sounds, and scents of paradise, preferring to while away their time enjoying the ministrations of a masseuse in the shade of a palm tree or their private chef's culinary creations under the Big Palapa. Fully loaded iPads and iPod Touches, WiFi, and cellphone service are available for those who can't resist their fixes, but for those who fancy a bit more vacation stimulation, there are plenty of options here in paradise.

Landside, there's equipment available for beach games like volleyball, badminton, soccer, bocce balls, horseshoes and football. The dedicated concierge is happy to set things up just as guests prefer. Casual fishing from the big dock is likely to yield some bonefish, and Royal Belize has the equipment for that too. Serious fishermen can be accommodated with a day trip off-island, of course.

Binoculars are available for bird watching; guests may well spot not only pelicans and sandpipers but delicate jeweled hummingbirds and majestic frigates. Pelicans and frigates even nest in the mangrove patch at the north end of the island. It's worth keeping an eye on the sea as well; spotted eagle rays have been known to put on quite a show jumping as high as six feet in the air, and dolphins and manatees sometimes wander by.

The water is fine, being warm and perfectly clear year-round. Swimming is always on, of course, but there's much more, courtesy of Royal Belize. The WaveRunner is always fun – the concierge will set it up on request – as is water skiing behind the resort's 32-foot dive boat. A kayak trip around the island is a good way to work off some of the energy generated by seaside dining treats prepared by the guest party's personal chef. For an extra charge, sunning, dining, and sailing can be savored on the deck of a luxurious 50 foot catamaran charter.

The surrounding sea is full of treasures below the waves as well as above, especially for those who slow down, relax, and take in the swarms of life below the waves through their masks – they need only ask their concierge for equipment and a quick lesson on the island's snorkeling sweet spots. While there are no towering corals – the nearby Great Barrier Reef steals the show there – snorkelers will find barracuda, spats, snapper, starfish, conch, sea urchins, and anemones galore.

Providing the ideal blend of relaxation and invigoration, with tropical island activities right at hand, Royal Belize immerses guests in a unique and unforgettable private vacation experience, far from the madding crowd.

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