The English-speaking Caribbean Island with a Tiny Price Tag

Friday, May 15, 2009

Dear Reader,

I’m writing from my office in the city…but I’m thinking about my favorite Caribbean island. The coconut palms dotted along the white-sand beach, the crystal-clear water lapping the shore…a picturesque fishing village or two…and a laid-back pace of life.

My Spanish is pretty good, but I don’t need it on this island—everyone speaks English.

I’m thinking of Ambergris Caye off the coast of Belize.

In the 90s, it was virtually unknown outside the divers who were attracted by the massive barrier reef and world-class emerald waters. Fox filmed Temptation Island here in 2000…and then everyone knew how to get here.

This used to be an island of beach bums and friendly vagabonds…divers and backpackers. But now it’s one of the most popular destinations in Belize, and trendy Ambergris has attracted a more upscale traveler (and second-home buyer).

The resorts are fashionable, it’s easy to find a million-dollar house, and even a small condo can cost $300,000. But if you know where to look, you can buy your own island retreat for a lot less—as little as $99,000 for an apartment just three blocks from the beach.

Despite the big changes, Ambergris retains its small-island charm. San Pedro, the biggest town, still has brightly-painted wooden houses, packed sand streets, and golf carts as the main transport. The shops are still mostly mom-and-pop stores. The restaurants are quaint. The opportunities for dining, dancing, and enjoying music are endless. And it’s still somewhere I want to escape to.

If you want to check out Ambergris, those $99,000 apartments are one of the highlights of the Ambergris three-day Chill Weekend. On this trip, you’ll get all of your questions answered about living on Ambergris, buying property, and the business culture here. All your food, accommodation, cocktail parties…even a snorkeling tour over the Belize Barrier Reef…is included. Normally a trip like this would be expensive…but you get the Chill Weekend for just $299.

Margaret Summerfield