Scenes from Caribbean Beach Cabanas

Part Two: Pursuing paradise in Placencia Village, Belize

Normally, whenever I’m vacationing in one location for more than a few days, I begin to get restless at wherever I’m staying regardless of how much the destination has to offer in amenities and activities.  So, it’s perhaps the greatest compliment I can give Caribbean Beach Cabanas in Placencia Village, Belize, that I rarely felt like I needed to leave the resort. 

Caribbean Beach Cabanas somehow provides the perfect combination of pampering with peace and quiet, so much so that I can’t wait to book our return trip.   

I mentioned in the last blog post how welcoming the staff made us feel upon our arrival.  Not only was the check-in process at the bar (including complimentary rum punch) seamless, but the little touches from the personal tour of the facilities to the greeting on the welcome board puts you at ease. 

I had booked La Casa, the last cabana left at the resort.  The building is actually shared with another suite upstairs, but the only time we heard noise above us was when the staff was cleaning midday.  La Casa also happens to be the closest suite to the entrance and outside bar, which certainly came in handy while we were there.  

From our porch area, we were also able to see the majority of the resort.  With only eight rooms between the entrance and the beach, Caribbean Beach Cabanas is quaint, cozy and never bustling with too much activity.   

Inside, La Casa had every amenity you could ask for, from a separate living room area with satellite TV …

… to a full kitchen (albeit without dishwasher).

The bedroom was an entirely enclosed room to itself … 

… with a full bath connected to it. 

The only oddity about the unit was having to step up to an elevated toilet in the bathroom. 

It was no surprise to later learn La Casa is actually the largest suite at the resort. 

By the second morning, we had developed a daily relaxation routine of sorts.  Our day typically started with complimentary coffee on the front “porch” with background music supplied by the abundance of birds in the area.

Soon after, we would suit up and head to the resort’s private beach. 

With proper caution for falling coconuts, we’d find a free pair of hammocks tied to the palm trees … 

… and simply enjoy the views and appreciate where we were. 

In the afternoon, we’d usually return to get in that mid-day nap.

I’m one of those people who normally can’t sleep without a fan, but after this trip I’d argue beach breezes and crashing waves work even better. 

After beach time, we’d wash off the sand and move to the pool, which just happened to be right outside our suite.  The in-water seating overlooking the covered grill area behind the pool was particularly enjoyable, especially with a drink in hand.  

And the deck seating was the perfect place to dry off …

… and finish that aforementioned drink.  The bartender on duty went above and beyond (and several rounds with a noncooperative blender) to make Punky a perfect pina colada. 

And while we didn’t take advantage of them, I should note Caribbean Beach Cabanas provides free use of kayaks and paddleboards for more active beach goers, as well as bicycles for exploring the village.   

One day, we strayed from our routine and splurged for “breakfast in bed” to be delivered to our room.  I ordered the breakfast tacos, Punky got the breakfast burrito and the pastry and local fruit was complimentary.  This turned out to be a wonderful mistake.  The portions were so massive that, thanks to our refrigerator and microwave, we ate on a single breakfast for three days. 

I should also note how the entire staff at Caribbean Beach Cabanas goes the extra mile to serve its guests.  We had ordered a Bloody Mary and mimosa to go with our breakfast.  The Bloody Mary came with breakfast and was delicious.  The mimosa did not, as the resort was out of champagne.  We would have been fine ordering another drink, but instead one of the CBC staff went into the village to purchase champagne at one of the small grocery stores nearby to complete our order.  Not only did we get our mimosa but a second complimentary one as well to make up for the extra wait. 

Caribbean Beach Cabanas felt like paradise found from the moment we arrived until the moment we took the shuttle back to the Placencia Airport.  And the staff there are a big reason why.  Punky and I can’t wait to go back.

But next time we’d really like to book the Luna cabana.  It is, after all, the closest to the beach.