The Most Idyllic Real Estate Deal in Belize

Monday, January 25, 2010

Dear Reader,

Belize is a country of amazing natural beauty. From its Caribbean shores to its jungle interior, Belize is a nature-lover’s paradise. Her barrier reef is second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. On the mainland, unspoiled coast is backed by lush tropical forests and Mayan ruins. The people are the friendliest and quirkiest of any country on my beat. English-speaking and welcoming, it’s easy to integrate with the local community. They don’t care much for rules here. You can mind your own business in Belize with no unwelcome intrusion into your affairs by her government.

I’m bullish on Orchid Bay—a real estate development in the Corozal District, tucked along the shore of the Chetumal Bay.

The picturesque seaside fishing village of Corozal is minutes away. Here you’ll find breakers, breeze, and fragrant canopies of poinciana trees adorning its central park.

Five years ago, when I first visited Orchid Bay, heavy machinery was cutting roads. The complex system of underground drainage and services was taking shape. Everything was going underground.

The developer had a grand vision to build a community. By community, he meant a real community…where there’s always a friendly neighbor if you run out of sugar or just want some company while you kick back in the waterfront clubhouse.

“New Urbanism??? is the technical term for this school of architecture. It’s seen as a rebellion against the sprawling suburbs that were built in the U.S. A “New Urbanist??? community is designed to foster a sense of community. Central plazas and communal areas attract and keep neighbors together. Typically these are walkable communities…you won’t need a car.

Orchid Bay is the most idyllic and innovative resort community ever conceived in the tranquil, tropical nation of Belize. Orchid Bay, true to her “New Urbanist??? ideals promises to be a vibrant and exciting community—a close-knit neighborhood where old and new friends alike can gather at the planned town center for small talk and great times.

At Orchid Bay, the master plan calls for a mix of homes sites, casitas, and condos. Today, the project is real. The vision I heard is today becoming a reality. The first residents have moved into the casitas (all but one of the casitas have sold)...houses are under construction and the site for the first condo building is being cleared.

These condos will take Orchid Bay to the next level. The plans call for four three-story buildings, each with two units per floor totaling 24 units. The Eastern two buildings will come first. A swimming pool is all that will separate residents from the beach. Restaurants and shopping will be a short stroll away.

Each unit will have two terraces, a spacious living area, two large bedrooms, and views of the ocean. Each unit has a total of 1,060 square feet interior space. The private terraces are an additional 340 square feet. The third floor will have vaulted ceilings and a 180-square-foot loft.

This is a photo of the beach in front of the condo buildings:

The condos will range in price from $249,000 to $319,000 (of course, Real Estate Trend Alert members get a discount—up to $20,000 off). This represents great value…even for Belize. The folks at Orchid Bay offer value. That’s why they continue to move forward at a time when other projects are struggling. Their pricing realistically reflects that cash is tight for their U.S. buyers.

The best way to see if Orchid Bay…and Belize…is right for you, is to take a “chill weekend”. These are trips, subsidized by Orchid Bay, and a perfect opportunity for you to experience the country for yourself. The next chill weekend runs Feb. 26-28. Learn more about it here.

Ronan McMahon