minnieinrichmond
Google
A pocket of awesomeness on Earth||I wanted a cabana on the beach and that is exactly what I got. A place to stay for 4 weeks , in a home from home environment and it was utter bliss . No five star needed . A Cabana, with air con, a bed , a shower , and a fridge . It is the only way to stay , in a place like Ambergris . Socialising like a local, hitching lifts in go carts , walking along the beach to restaurants , It was an amazing 4 week stay made all the better by Christina ( who runs the hotel ) and her trusted Assistant Grisella . Christina was a source of valuable information , having lived here for many years and nothing was too much trouble for her . She was an outstanding hostess who became a friend .||There is a daily cleaning service, change of towels , a laundry service , on site cafe providing americanos and juice . If he started making pizza’s it would be a winner ! ||There is a security guard from around 7-12 am every night . Christina makes sure security lets her know is anyone doesn’t come home . I thought this was fab as a solo traveller . Really reassuring to know that someone had my back. There are a couple of very friendly little dogs on site but you will find that dogs roam freely all over the island ! All very friendly! ||Hotel de Rio is located just north of the town . it is utterly charming , a place of tranquility and peace . Opposite tranquil waters and some of the best swimming locally , I really could ask for nothing more .|Like most of the beach , the beaches throughout AC have a problem with some form of harmless weed . There is an effort across the island to clean it up but it is fairly impossible . Therefore the best swimming is usually off a deck such as Hurricanes . There is also deck opposite the hotel - with steps leading into the sea and this is lovely ( and avoids the seaweed). ||In terms of restaurants and shops - see my comments below but it is no more than a 12 minute walk along the beach into the main town where there are plenty of restaurants and banks ! Separate reviews available !||The best for breakfast and their views are Treasure Chest and Estel’s . I used to hitch a lift on golf carts heading into town if I was feeling lazy ! Most locals will stop and give you a lift . The hotel also rents out golf carts but I didn’t really need one . Mario lives nearby and he gave me a lift for a reasonable 5 belizian dollars to anywhere I wanted to go at a specific time !||Handy facts|1.Turn left outside the hotel and left again and straight ahead you will see a bakery offering baked fresh goods daily.|2. Carry on past the bakery and there is a supermarket on the left and various fresh food stalls . They are clean and the food is cheap and tasty! The supermarket takes American Express .|3. The best , well stocked supermarket is just past Sandbar to the right of the hotel .|4. Wayo’s, Sandy Toes, Sandbar are the best restaurants within a 5 min walk . Sandbar does not take American Express .|5. The BEST masseuse , beautician is outside the hotel on the right next to Hurricanes . Her name is Sharlene ! She is amazing and a must . I enjoyed body scrubs, massages and a facial . |6. Sandbars deliver to the hotel - do great pizzas . It’s cash on delivery but if you ever fancy staying in, it’s handy. |7. Head to the right of Sandbar along the beach on a Saturday and Sunday , and you will find a street stall run by a lovely gent selling fresh ribs and chicken ! Delicious !|8. Head to The Purple Pelican for cocktails and the view but the food is awful! ||All in all , I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel ! It is fabulous - so ticking the box and meeting my every need. I wanted something simple with a local feel and that is what I got! Simply fabulous !