Shaka Caye Island Resort is situated in a mesmerising location, nestled amidst the natural beauty of its surroundings. Located on a pristine private island off the coast of mainland Belize, the resort offers a captivating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lush tropical foliage, Shaka Caye Resort offers a serene and idyllic setting. Whether you choose to relax by the beach, explore the vibrant marine life through snorkelling or diving excursions, or simply soak in the breathtaking views, this location provides a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and tranquillity seekers alike.

Location and How to Get There 

Shaka Caye Island Resort is conveniently situated within easy reach of Belize’s international airport, making it a convenient destination for travellers. Located in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea, it offers a secluded island experience while still being accessible from mainland Belize. Guests can enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquillity and seclusion of the resort, coupled with the convenience of being a short distance away from the airport and the vibrant attractions and cultural treasures that Belize has to offer.

After providing our flight details to the front desk ahead of our trip, we were warmly welcomed at the airport by a polite and proficient driver who accompanied us to the marina. From there, we embarked on a delightful 30-minute boat journey to the island resort. The boat cruised along picturesque canals adorned with mangroves, and we were even fortunate enough to spot manatees. One aspect that truly impressed me was when they took our lunch preferences as soon as we boarded the boat, ensuring that a delicious meal awaited us upon our arrival.

Check in process

The check-in experience at Shaka Caye was incredibly smooth and hassle-free. Upon disembarking from the boat, we were warmly welcomed with a cool, refreshing towel and a delightful fruit punch. The resort staff graciously provided a brief orientation, allowing us to familiarise ourselves with the surroundings during which time we had the delightful option to enhance our fruit punch with a splash of alcohol before being guided to the restaurant for a delicious lunch. The entire experience was stress-free and left us feeling well taken care of.

Suites / Villas 

Shaka Caye Island Resort presents an exclusive array of private villa suites, ranging from island view suites to two-bedroom presidential villas. Each villa is meticulously designed and furnished, featuring contemporary bedrooms and bathrooms adorned with luxurious marble finishes, while the spacious sitting areas, both indoors and outdoors, offer a perfect spot to unwind. The villas are equipped with modern amenities, including mini fridges and coffee-making facilities, ensuring convenience and satisfaction throughout your stay.

I had the privilege of experiencing two distinct villas during my stay at Shaka Caye. Firstly, I resided in the one-bedroom island view suite, and later, I had the pleasure of staying in the two-bedroom, two-bathroom oceanfront suite. The latter provided truly unparalleled vistas of the pristine, crystal-clear waters below, accompanied by a refreshing sea breeze on the elevated deck. This particular suite is an excellent choice for families or couples travelling together, as it offers ample space and breathtaking views. Each suite is equipped with a mini refrigerator containing a variety of bottled sodas, a pitcher of fresh water, and a selection of crisps. Additionally, the kitchenette in each suite is furnished with coffee-making facilities, ensuring a delightful morning ritual. The bathrooms were stocked with luxurious amenities, including spa-worthy shampoo, conditioner, body wash, makeup remover, and shower caps. Every detail was carefully considered, leaving no aspect overlooked.

Food and Drink 

Shaka Caye sets itself apart from typical all-inclusive resorts. Instead of pre-made drinks, they craft each beverage to order, utilising local liquors that are included in the package. From refreshing rum punch to classic mojitos, there’s a drink to suit everyone’s taste. 

The daily changing food menu offers multiple options, and the staff readily accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice. As someone with celiac disease requiring a gluten-free diet, I was amazed by the exceptional effort the staff made to ensure I didn’t miss out. Even during the three-course dinners, they prepared delicious dishes specifically tailored to my needs. For breakfast, two choices are available, incorporating a variety of elements such as hot items like eggs, sausage, and fruits. 

Lunch offers two options as well, with delectable choices like crispy fresh shrimp, tacos made with handmade tortillas, and a traditional Belizean stew. Dinner is a delightful three-course affair, starting with a soup, salad, or even a mouthwatering avocado toast. The main course presents two options featuring fish, pork, or chicken, accompanied by a variety of enticing side dishes. Dessert is also included, treating guests to a range of irresistible options, including banana foster, coconut flan, and decadent chocolate cake. 

In the late afternoon, the bar area serves snacks, ensuring that hunger is never a concern during your stay. Rest assured, you will never go hungry at Shaka Caye!

Facilities 

Despite being situated on a remote island, Shaka Caye exceeded my expectations with its impressive range of facilities. The resort boasts a spa where guests can indulge in massages and various rejuvenating treatments. Additionally, they offer a wide selection of sporting equipment and beach toys, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear. An attentive detail was the provision of abundant beach floats, guaranteeing that every guest could relish the tranquil pleasure of floating in the pristine, crystal-clear waters just a stone’s throw away from the beach—an undeniably blissful experience.

 Surprisingly, the entire resort is equipped with WiFi, a rarity on private islands. Furthermore, they have a media room furnished with a large TV and a variety of games for entertainment. In the process of being constructed is a gym, which will undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to the resort’s amenities. Along the beachfront, there is an abundance of loungers, palapas, and shaded tables, ensuring that guests can comfortably relax without any struggle for sunbeds.

Activities 

In addition to the leisurely beach lounging and water toy adventures, Shaka Caye offers a plethora of activities to enrich your stay. Whether you’re interested in snorkelling tours, fishing trips, or embarking on world-class scuba diving excursions, there’s an activity suited for everyone’s preferences. One experience that stood out for me was the sunset sail organised by the team. They arranged a private boat for me, complete with a delightful bottle of chilled wine and a selection of snacks. We embarked on a serene cruise around the neighbouring cayes, basking in the mesmerising sunset on the horizon—an indescribable moment that truly felt like a dream come true.

Service

The staff at Shaka Caye were truly exceptional, exceeding all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced as part of the family, and their dedication to ensuring our satisfaction was unwavering. Even before setting foot on the island, the online reservations team displayed remarkable responsiveness and accommodation, promptly addressing my inquiries and requests sent prior to our arrival. They went above and beyond to ensure that all our needs were met, swiftly arranging a private boat tour as soon as I expressed interest. Remarkably, the staff was well-informed about my celiac disease and gluten-free dietary requirements. They consistently anticipated my needs, offering alternative menu options without me even having to ask. Despite the laid-back atmosphere of the resort, the staff’s level of efficiency, professionalism, and warm hospitality was unparalleled.

Closing Remarks

Nestled amidst the captivating natural beauty of its surroundings, Shaka Caye Resort offers a mesmerising escape from everyday life. Located on a pristine private island off the coast of mainland Belize, this tranquil retreat provides a serene and idyllic setting. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lush tropical foliage, the resort offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and tranquillity seekers. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, explore vibrant marine life through snorkelling or diving excursions, or simply soak in the breathtaking views, Shaka Caye Resort ensures a truly memorable stay. Book your unforgettable getaway at Shaka Caye Resort and indulge in the captivating allure of this secluded paradise.

Ready to book Shaka Caye Island Resort? Click here!

You can find out more about my stay on my “Shaka Caye” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

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