Does anyone ever stop to smell the proverbial roses? Or in this case, a draught of sweet, salty island breeze. ‘Caye Caulker Go Slow’, the island mantra, is a way of life that recognizes the value of slow living. It’s taking a moment to disconnect from our hectic, overly scheduled lives. Pausing to listen to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, making connections with others, having a guilt-free beer at noon with lunch, maybe savouring a leisurely cup of coffee in the middle of the afternoon.
Caye Caulker is one of several small Caribbean islands off the coast of Belize. With its soft, sandy pathways in place of roads, and golf carts and bicycles, in place of cars and trucks, the entire island radiates a refreshingly carefree approach to life. If this sounds exactly like what you need right now, we put together a list of some of our favourite places on the island to help you rest, relax, and recharge your spirit.
Weezies
Convenient location, with easy access to restaurants and stores. Two blocks inland, Weezies consists of modern guestrooms and five stand-alone garden cottages. Striking local artwork, hardwoods, and fanciful tropical themes add to the cosy feel and charm of this island pied-à-terre. Located on the eastern edge of Caye Caulker, Weezies also offers spectacular views of the Belize barrier reef.
Blu Zen
A modern 25 unit, boutique resort in North Caye Caulker, perfect for family or group travel. Located along the beach, Blu Zen also serves up spectacular views of the Belize Barrier Reef. Each condo consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen as well as a living and dining space. Blu Zen offers guests the option of pre-ordering groceries and having them stocked and waiting. Another delicious perk of staying at Blu Zen is the famous blended Thai Cuisine – Lotus Restaurant and poolside bar on-site.
Island Magic
Island Magic Beach Resort is a family-owned boutique resort that consists of 20 cosy sea view rooms. Just south of the village, this resort is a great choice for someone that craves a little more vitamin ‘sea.’ Centrally located and within walking distance of the main activity centres, there’s a lot more beach and serenity to be found. With its own beachside restaurant and bar on-site, happy hour can be whenever you want it to be.
Happy Destiny
On the North Caye Caulker, you’ll find Happy Destiny Cabanas and Cottages. Like Blue Zen, it is slightly removed from the centre of the village but close enough to access restaurants, bars and shops easily. Happy Destiny offers guests the opportunity to rent single units or the entire property. Fully fenced and gated, each cabana offers full baths, kitchenettes or full kitchens, bedrooms, day-beds, panoramic views of the island from the upper deck, a grill, built-in bar, copious amounts of hammocks and more.
Tropical Paradise
Tropical Paradise Hotel and Restaurant is a budget-friendly small hotel, conveniently near the main thoroughfares of the island. Bright, cosy, seaview cabanas line the shore. Here you’ll find traditional rooms, private suites and cabanas as well as clean and comfortable dorm-style accommodations. The addition of an on-site restaurant makes this a spectacular value for money option for budget-conscious travellers.
‘Caye Caulker Go Slow’ is and will always be a gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses every now and again, to embrace being fully present in our lives. And in a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, Caye Caulker with all its sweet and simple charms offers visitors the opportunity to rediscover the joy of living in the moment.
