Intimate Boutique Resort combines an authentic island paradise with a barefoot-luxury retreat.
AMBERGRIS CAYE SAN PEDRO TOWN, BELIZE – Imagine having a secluded, oceanfront island escape virtually all to yourself while enjoying exquisitely designed accommodations, personalized service and the latest high-touch/high-tech amenities. That is the promise behind the newly opened, El Secreto, an intimate, tropical-style resort retreat located on Ambergris Caye, 11 miles from San Pedro Town, Belize.
Celebrating its official opening this week, El Secreto offers guests a truly sophisticated, barefoot-luxury experience in an authentic, natural island setting. With only 13 luxuriously-appointed, free-standing thatched roof villas, guests can enjoy the feeling of being on a secluded island oasis tucked away within the resort’s own private beachfront enclave.
Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, and dotted by piers which support the boats that provide the area’s primary method of transportation, Ambergris Caye creates an idyllic setting thanks to its own lush and natural beauty. Upon arrival to San Pedro Town, the El Secreto experience begins as guests are greeted and transported to the property via private 30-minute boat ride before being warmly welcomed by resort staff at El Secreto’s own private pier. Once there, guests are quickly pampered with a signature cocktail and chilled scented towel before stepping onto the resort’s white-sand shores.
With careful attention given to every detail of the resort’s design and service while remaining eco-sensitive and staying true to the region’s authenticity and culture, El Secreto combines the exotic style of the South Pacific, with the relaxed-nature of the Caribbean. A true, modern-day paradise unlike any other in the region, El Secreto is a showcase for the area’s natural splendor with large palapas creating outdoor gathering spaces that leave guests mesmerized by the open-air views of the surrounding beach, palms and tranquil waters.
Equally stunning is the resort’s pool deck with inviting areas to lounge both in and outside of the water, all while being pampered with personalized attention and service including complimentary fruit, five-minute power massages, and specially-prepared drinks made to order with hand-picked coconuts from the resort’s surrounding palms.
Within each of the resort’s villas, guests find their own private escape. Three Sea Villas are located just steps from the ocean; four Tropical Villas offer lush garden views; and five Lake Villas surround the resort’s salt water lake. All villas feature contemporary and locally-inspired fixtures with all carpentry designed and handcrafted by local artisans using a variety of hard woods native to the region for the window frames, closets, deck floors, and interior furnishings.
Additional interior and exterior villa finishes include king-size bed, flat-screen LCD television, marble bathroom, indoor hot tub, private outdoor Jacuzzi with tastefully enclosed outdoor shower, outdoor deck with hammock, Melita coffee and tea maker, iPod docking station, mini-bar, and air-conditioning. Guests will also have access to a full pillow menu and enjoy Malin + Goetz bath amenities, Vivenda Egyptian cotton linens and complimentary WiFi. For the tech-savvy traveler, an “intelligent” in-room system allows guests to control the villa’s air conditioning and lighting to their own preferred settings using their iPad or iPhone.
In addition to providing full accommodations, El Secreto’s IKAL Spa Villa, offers a private double massage cabin, steam room, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi, and a fresh water pool. Spa services at the resort – provided in the spa villa, throughout the property’s beach cabanas, and at either of two thatched roof spa towers – feature Thalmer & Fisiosphere products and an extensive menu of facial and full body ritual treatments that encourage balance, health and harmony, such as IKAL’s signature Bamboo and Hot Sea Shell massages.
Dining options at El Secreto are equally memorable and designed to promote overall health and wellness within a casual open-air resort environment. El Secreto Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offers a regionally-inspired menu of culinary fare using organic ingredients grown at the resort’s own vegetable and herb gardens. Becoming fast favorites among guests are the Mahi Mahi Ceviche, a variety of scallops, salmon and beef Carpaccio options, the locally-inspired Curried Shrimp, and a delectable Lobster Bisque. Meanwhile, the resort’s poolside Sand Bar provides guests with an alternative food and beverage option for lunch and light appetizers, including a refreshing Gazpacho.
Guests will also enjoy a series of complimentary resort amenities on a daily basis including continental breakfast; yoga and meditation sessions on the resort’s private pier; bicycle rentals; non-motorized water sports including sailing and kayaking; and shuttle boat service to/from San Pedro Town.
Surrounded by lilting palm trees, a private beach, and some of the area’s most notable natural wonders, including the magnificent Blue Hole, located only 52 nautical miles (or two hours) from San Pedro, guests of El Secreto can enjoy an array of authentic and exotic island activities, as well as access to some of Belize’s historical and natural points of interest. Available activities and excursions include scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, cave tubing, cycling and bird watching. The resort’s concierge and excursion planner can also arrange for guests to take part in Mayan Civilization, Jungle Adventure, Helicopter tours, and outings to nearby Caye Caulker. Specifically for the scuba aficionado, tours to Glover’s Reef, Turneffe Islands, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the Blue Hole can also be organized.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
