Entire home

Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR

Unwind with an evening cocktail at your private Carpe Diem bar or savor local flavors from your fully-equipped kitchen.

Photo gallery for Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR

Property grounds
5 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Pool
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 10297 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Beach view
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR

El Gran Castillo de Arena, the "Great Sandcastle", with its thoughtful design, beautiful décor, location, and overall commitment to excellence, is regarded as one of Belize's finest beachfront villas.

This private home is located just 4.5 miles north of San Pedro Town in the sought-after Mata Grande area, the closest location on Ambergris Caye to the fun and famous Secret Beach. With its 3 separate living areas within the home, it is perfect for your multi-family vacation with large areas to gather and private spaces to unwind and relax as well. We know these days you may have to work as well so we have 60Mb Fiber.

It has been said by past guests that our best feature, hands down, is our caretaker, William. He and his loyal and friendly dogs, Tonester and Lady, live behind the house on the property. He is here to assist you with anything you need. Marvin is William's assistant; he takes great pride in keeping the grounds and beach looking immaculate!

The 'Sunset Tower' is the third-floor patio with a 360-degree view of paradise. Rejuvenate your body after soaking up the Caribbean sun with a refreshing plunge in the 4' deep dip pool. The patio furniture and tables, along with the shaded pergola, offer a fantastic spot for dining while viewing the beautiful turquoise Caribbean waters or breathtaking sunsets.

The upstairs master suite features a spacious air-conditioned great room with soaring ceilings. It is tastefully decorated with an earthy Mayan theme in rich jewel tones with comfortable rattan furniture and locally carved mahogany tables. The beautifully designed, fully-equipped kitchen has a dining and breakfast bar area that seats up to 10. There is plenty of room for the whole gang to gather. The master bedroom with a king bed has an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom has a king bed that can be converted into two twins for versatility. There is also a second full bathroom in the upstairs unit.

The downstairs suite features a fully equipped kitchen, a living area, two bedrooms featuring split kings for vesatiloity and a bathroom. The dining table, along with the breakfast bar, provides seating for seven.

The hideaway suite connected to the south side of the house features lofty ceilings, a living/dining area, kitchenette, a large bedroom with a queen bed, and a full bath.

As soon as you book, we will provide you with our constantly updated Mobile Guest Guide. Our Mobile Guest Guide is loaded with information, including listings for numerous restaurants, bars, and activities. Our Mobile Guest Guide is integrated with GMaps making it easy to find your way around town. Each listing is linked to TripAdvisor; we’ve even linked the menus to many of the restaurants. The Guide is also searchable, so you can easily find the nearest Seafood or even Vegetarian options. We offer full concierge services and can arrange everything for you so that all you need to think about is having fun. So, just let us know, and we’ll book all your tours, in-country flights, and arrange golf cart rentals with no add on booking fees.

All towels, linens, iron/ironing board, and a hairdryer are provided for your convenience. A washer/dryer is also available for use with a 7-night stay or longer.

Enjoy direct access to the beach right out the door. Across the white sandy beach lies your private pier with a thatched palapa and swim deck. The dock is perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, or trying your luck at reeling in your fish dinner.

On the beach is your own private thatch-roof palapa to keep you cool and shaded while sipping your favorite libation at the "Carpe Diem" bar. A warm-water shower to rinse off after your day's excursions is conveniently located right outside your front door. Situated in the tropically landscaped backyard is a BBQ grill to cook that fresh catch of the day.

Included are bicycles, kayaks, snorkel gear, beach games, beach toys, baby needs and much more. CAS5

Property manager

Sunrise Property Management

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Shared/communal pool

Internet

  • Free WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • Games
  • Video library
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Furnished balcony/patio
  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Dock

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near the ocean
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water sports equipment
  • Bicycle on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Casino nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 3200 sq ft (297 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

2166-208771

About the neighborhood

Map
San Pedro - North, Belize District

What's nearby

  • Mexico Rocks - 4 min drive
  • Secret Beach - 14 min drive
  • Boca del Rio - 21 min drive
  • Belize Chocolate Company - 26 min drive
  • San Pedro Belize Express Dock - 26 min drive

Getting around

  • San Pedro (SPR-John Greif II) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cool Beans - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Palapa Bar & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Coco Loco's Beach Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sandbar - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Rain Restaurant & Rooftop Lounge - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR located?

Nestled on the beach, this San Pedro vacation home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Belize Barrier Reef and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Mexico Rocks. Secret Beach and San Pedro Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Beachfront. Close to Secret Beach. Kayaks. Bikes. Pool. Paddleboards. 5BDR Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 87 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 87 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 87 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 87 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 87 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gegetta B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous!!
Property is amazing. William and Marvin took great care of us and we did not see another property on the island that compared for location and amenities. Perfect for our family with separated spaces all in one home! Spectacular beach area with equipment to make the most of the water. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
Amazing property right in the beach. Everything about the place was amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful and relaxing
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had the best time couldn't have asked for anything better. The house was perfect for our group. William was a great host and went above and beyond for us.we will definitely book this place again.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Austin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gran Castillo
Location and amenities were awesome! William is amazing and was always super helpful and friendly. Can’t wait to go back
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerry L., Tempe

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great service, caretakers on property were outstanding
Relaxed, secluded just enough....excellent time, services requested were always on time.......
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dawn R.

Amazing property!
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a great experience all around! The house and property were beautiful. The on-site staff went above and beyond and the surrounding waters are gorgeous. Great spot for snorkeling just off the dock. The national bird of San Pedro is the mosquitoe, but you survive with lots of bug spray and itch cream. The dogs are a hoot too.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne R., Media, Pennsylvania, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birthday celebration -The best!
The entire experience from reserving the house, having all my questions answered quickly by Simon and his staff to staying in a beautiful clean home with spectacular views! The beach was cleaned daily by William and Marvin and a great restaurant next door! We had all our tours pick us up at our dock! Truly and amazing experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls Trip 2023!
Great time stellar views! William & Marvin we’re awesome!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B., USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
April Vacation
We just got home from our stay at El Gran Castille de Arena and we already want to be back there. Everything about this place was incredible- the location, the amenities, the caretaker William (and his dogs)- everything! We're already talking about our return trip and I really can't imagine staying anyplace else.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Terrific House
We and our family (total of 10) were able to vacation in a beautiful, very well-attended and cared for property. It was paradise. The property allows for privacy when wanted and for togetherness when wanted.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alicia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Boys Trip
The boys had an absolutely amazing time! The house and caretakers were wonderful. The guide provided helped answer all our questions. The excursion we booked through the house was perfect. My husband fell in love with the area and accommodations. Thank you for a great Trip!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

beth m., Greensboro, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise - You have to stay here!
El Gran Castillo de Arena is amazing! The home is beautiful, well equipped for all of your needs, and extremely clean. The reservation staff and caretakers, William and Marvin, are awesome! They made our trip so special, were always there to assist us, and made sure we had the best time possible on our trip. I can't wait to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Another wonderful stay at Castilla De Arena!
This is the second family trip to Ambergris Caye, and both times we stayed at Castilla De Arena. The house is perfect for large families looking for a relaxing beach vacation with convenient access to restaurants and water sports in a beautiful setting. The caretaker, William is always available to assist with any needs, and Carolyn, the owner, is super responsive and great to work with. We can't wait to book another family trip to this beautiful island and stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2017
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Deric K.

Absolutely perfect!
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Pulling up the house and property are better than advertised. William and Marvin were always available for anything we needed. We are huge dog lovers so having them on the property was the icing on the cake.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

William D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location, Amazing Hospitality!!
Eight of us stayed at the property and we will be back for sure. The location was what you would think of a tropical paradise with the sun rising off the dock every morning! The island is nice, the reefs are full of life, not like some of other tourist places. Everyone is friendly and being right next to Johns Escape, we felt like we had a hotel bar. The staff on site was beyond accommodating, William was great, and for anyone visiting, ask William to give his coconut presentation! It was a great trip!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John P.

Awesome getaway !!
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Everything was great. William was on top of everything. The man can cook too !!!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Belize it!!!!
William and Marvin (caretakers) were amazing. They both made sure we were entertained with hermit crab races, water toys and volleyball. Their coconut presentation was so cool!!! William is an amazing chef!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gina H.

Fabulous Place
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We were a group of five couples. This home fit us perfectly. It has the most beautiful view. Sunrise was magical. Simon the main contact, is fantastic in getting all your needs set up before you get there. The two caretakers are amazing and will help with all your needs during your stay. Loved it and will book again. The only downside to this place is the beds are super hard.

8/10 Good

elizabeth s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Unbelizable adventure
The property was just as described, has all the extras an active group would like. The weather during our stay (rain & wind) was not ideal for most of the water activities. We enjoyed the pool and spent a lot of time at the tropical escape bar and grill just next door. On site property manager and his assistant were very helpful and attentive. Probably the biggest drawback is the location, while close to the Secret Beach, it is a four plus mile drive from town. Roads are poor and there is a big opportunity in transportation alternatives. Best way to describe it is as a high adventure vacation…this property is best served by an active group of vacationers!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amy N.

Wonderful house on the beach
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The house was clean, convenient and was great for our family of 6 with plenty of personal space. William and Marvin were incredibly helpful and we LOVED the dogs. The rooftop pool was great for a dip. We used the paddle boards and kayaks too. I would recommend renting a golf cart to get around and flying in on the small plane. The Tropical Escape nextdoor was a pleasant surprise with good food and yummy cocktails. Don’t forget to pack the bug spray and suntan lotion!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ward B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Palapa Heaven
We could not have been more pleased with El Gran Castillo de Arena! The location was fantastic (peaceful, yet convenient). The set up was ideal (we had three couples and each had private spaces plus a great common area to gather). The house was immaculate, well equipped and well maintained. The setting and the grounds were amazing (beautiful sand and water, with multiple palapas, each with their own feel and ambiance, plus the roof top pool for a quick dip). William (on-property manager) and Marvin made sure that we had everything that we needed (from kayaks to hammocks) and anticipated things before we knew we needed them! Simon (property management company) patiently answered all of our pre-visit questions and helped us schedule all of our local transportation and Elena helped us with booking excursions. We could not have asked for anything more!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Renee C., Jackson

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and Roomy
Our group of six had a wonderful stay and very much enjoyed the property and amenities. We were extremely comfortable and able to make great meals, enjoy the awesome rooftop pool area, corn hole, kayaks, and lounge on the pier. William and Marvin were very attentive to our needs and helpful with information. They made our stay very enjoyable and loved the hermit crab ninja warrior race on our last day! The only issue we had with the property was the single-bedroom unit had a very funky smell so none of us were able to stay in the unit.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gwen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Much Love for the Grand Sand Castle
Seven of us had a very comfortable week-long stay at this idyllic, spacious and modern beachfront villa. There were more than enough beds to accommodate everyone, on multiple floors each with their own kitchens and bathrooms. Oh, and the best feature is the rooftop pool!!! We pre-ordered some food to have on hand for our arrival, arranged golf carts and even scheduled some tours all through the Sunrise Vacations management team. Talk about convenient! Not to mention there is a lovely bar & restaurant just next door, if you don't feel like cooking. Secret beach is just on the other side of the island, and it's a quick ride into town for shopping, dining or whatever excursions you'd like to take. The property comes with an on-site caretaker and a groundskeeper, and their concierge-like service cannot be matched. They were so helpful and kind, that it felt like we'd made new friends by the time we departed. Can't wait to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jan P.

Ambergris Caye gem
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: El Gran Castillo was a fantastic home for our group of 9. The layout was perfect for all of us to meet together but also gave us plenty of privacy for each of our families when desired. Can't begin to say enough wonderful things about William and Marvin, the caretakers - both were so nice and helpful. Simon, at Sunrise Management was awesome as well. He really helped us negotiate our comings and goings and quickly responded to all my questions. Loved being right there on the water where we could paddle out to the reef and snorkel on our own. Our group of both kids and adults had a fabulous time there.

10/10 Excellent

Melissa V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Week
Our family had a great week relaxing, playing, and enjoying the sunshine! Simon and Elena were very responsive to questions and flexible when adjustments to excursions were needed. William and Marvin were very accommodating and personable! It was great to get to know them and learn more about their culture and the island. The house was immaculate, beds were comfortable, and had enough space for our group. We were able to snorkel, dive, fish, and kayak. There was a dolphin who would swim by the pier a couple of times a day! Chef Alex prepared a few meals for us at the house and we went to a few restaurants. We drove golf carts to "Secret Beach" which was beautiful with shallow water and incredible views. It wasn't really our scene, but I'm glad we went! It was a wonderful week! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022