An Inside Look at Royal Belize, Private Island Luxury with a 1:1 Staff-to-Guest Ratio

Offering private island accommodations for up to 16 guests, Royal Belize has just added a new swimming pool to its menu of all-inclusive offerings for travelers visiting this island retreat, which promises to create lasting memories.

Operated by Muy’Ono Resorts, a collection of boutique luxury resorts throughout Belize, Royal Belize is situated on a 7.5-acre private island, 11 miles off the coast of Dangriga. Travelers typically access the resort via a 15-minute commuter flight from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, followed by a 25-minute private boat ride operated by Royal Belize staff.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted at the dock with a welcome cocktail and cooling towels before being escorted on a tour of the accommodations. There are three luxury villas: the Big House, which can be divided into three separate accommodations, each with its own private entrance; the Little House, the most secluded of the buildings, located near Sunset Dock; and Hibiscus House, which is adjacent to the newer Bunk House, offering six twin beds—ideal for younger travelers.

All villas feature spacious bathrooms, many with ocean-view windows for a serene shower experience, as well as oversized walk-in closets, refrigerators stocked with complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, luxurious bedding, sitting areas, and private decks on the beach.

Elsewhere on the island, guests can enjoy the Grand Palapa, an open-air lounge where the group gathers for meals and drinks from the bar. The new pool is just steps from this central area. Shaded hammocks, over-the-water hammocks, and lounging spaces are scattered throughout.

Royal Belize offers a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring personalized attention throughout the day. Depending on guest preference, the staff provides a plated breakfast and lunch, as well as a multi-course dinner each day (guests take turns ringing a gong signaling the start of each course) prepared by a private chef. Guests are also treated to sunset snacks and drinks for an evening toast. A private bartender is available to create signature cocktails with Belizean-made rum.

To end the day, a team member can set up a beach bonfire or arrange for guests to view resident nurse sharks near one of the island’s docks. Housekeeping staff freshens rooms and provides nightly turndown service, including a jar stocked with fresh cookies.

“We have our own personal concierge that handles the whole trip, so they will create the itinerary” customized to guest preferences for food and beverages, excursions, and other activities, “and also include little surprises along the way” to keep the experience special, said Maile Floyd, marketing director for Muy’Ono.

On a recent visit, a group with an affinity for the Belizean specialty fry jacks requested a cooking class to learn how to make them. “The staff is so amazing—they take care of you and love to entertain,” Floyd said.

Excursions vary by season and can include hunting for fresh lobster, crab, and conch followed by a chef-prepared meal; helicopter sightseeing; night snorkeling and barrier reef diving; sailing lessons; and mainland activities such as cave tubing and horseback riding to Belize’s ancient Mayan sites. Yoga classes and massage services can also be arranged in advance.

Another Muy’Ono property and semi-private island, Thatch Caye, is located less than two miles away, and “Sea to Tree” packages offer combined stays with Muy’Ono’s jungle properties, such as Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge.

Travel to Belize is convenient, with direct flight times of three hours or less from Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. The official language is English, and the Belizean dollar is equal to 50 cents U.S., making currency conversion simple.