Updated
2025-02-27T19:37:19Z
- Last year, I traveled to Belize for two nights at the all-inclusive Thatch Caye resort.
- The resort sits on its own private island, and we stayed in a premier overwater bungalow.
- The stay exceeded expectations — we sipped endless piña coladas and went diving in clear waters.
Belize's coarse sand dug into the back of my legs as I sat on a beach and considered the four days behind me.
My friend and I had just spent the last few days in a budget hotel, hopping around Caye Caulker, Belize. We spent our mornings tracking down affordable scuba-diving excursions and our evenings looking for cheap happy-hour deals.
It was paradise, but it was paradise on a budget.
Ahead of us was the exact opposite: a luxury private island escape.
Planted on the beach, we were waiting for a boat to take us to Thatch Caye — an all-inclusive resort on a private island.
Shortly before sunset, a boat owned by Thatch Caye picked up me, my friend, and six other guests. Squinting in the distance, all we could see was a blur of green in the middle of the ocean.
Thatch Caye is an all-inclusive resort for just 30 guests. A private boat ride to and from the island to Dangriga, Belize, is included.
About 25 minutes later, thatched roofs came into view. We had arrived.
The island's workers welcomed us with fresh watermelon juice and a shot of cherry-soaked rum.
With watermelon juice in hand, we were given a short tour of the island and handed a key to our overwater bungalow.
The staff gave a quick overview of the island, and then we all split off and headed to our accommodations.
For two nights, we were staying in a premier overwater bungalow with its own private deck.
The island has five premier overwater bungalows. Thatch Caye requires a minimum stay of two nights. After the nightly bungalow rate, all-inclusive fees, taxes, and a resort fee, a stay this February would cost about $1,010 a night for two people.
Business Insider received a media rate for a two-night stay.
A worker carted our luggage and led the way down a sandy path to our temporary home.
After our tour, one of the island's workers escorted us to our bungalow.
A quick walk took us to a long, narrow walkway leading to the ocean and our bungalow.
A wooden walkway led to the front door of the bungalow.
We opened the door and stepped in. Greeting us were two comfy beds — a major upgrade from the basic full-sized bed we had spent the past four nights in.
Guests can choose between two twin beds or a king-size bed in their room.
Below each bed was storage for our luggage, which allowed our room to stay decluttered for the two nights.
The room lacked a closet, so we used the storage underneath our beds for our belongings.
The room had air conditioning and two lounge chairs. Three windows gave us direct views of the ocean.
Our room also had drinkable water, a safe, and two reusable water bottles.
Attached to the room was a small bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink.
The bathroom shower had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
While the room was cool and spacious, the bungalow's main appeal was outside.
The wooden walkway continued out to a deck.
Surrounding the majority of the building was a private deck.
The deck provided 180-degree views of the ocean.
We had a hammock, where we spent each night stargazing, and two chairs for lounging.
The deck had plenty of space to stretch out and relax.
While our bungalow didn't have direct access to the water, we could gaze down at Belize's aquatic life swimming below.
The shallow waters below let us view aquatic plants and animals.
Between the breeze blowing through the thatched roof and the ocean below, it was as if we were immersed in our own little sound machine.
The palm fronds blew in the wind and drowned out any nearby noises.
While leaving our little bungalow was hard, Thatch Caye had more to offer than a good night's rest.
The small island was filled with activities such as snorkeling, drinking, volleyball, and other lawn games.
There was a beach where guests could use complimentary snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and a sailboat.
Our resort fee allowed us to access a handful of paddleboards and kayaks.
The small island had a dive shop, where guests could embark on daily diving and snorkeling excursions, and its own spa.
Guests can book excursions such as scuba diving and spa treatments for an additional cost.
Sprinkled across the island are other outdoor activities, such as a volleyball court and cornhole.
The island also had a giant Jenga set.
In the island's main lounge, guests can access a bar, WiFi, and a small shop stocked with sunscreen, snacks, and shirts.
The only place with a phone and WiFi is inside the Coco Lounge. However, I did have cell service across the entire island.
At the epicenter of the resort is a large thatched canopy.
Underneath the pavilion was seating and a bar.
Here, bartenders mix piña coladas, mojitos, and other tropical drinks while guests relax on hammocks over the water.
Island visitors can also snorkel around the area and spot aquatic life, including stingrays, starfish, and nurse sharks.
Guests can also hop on a water trampoline and swing over crystal-clear waters.
We spent our afternoons snorkeling, looking for starfish and stingrays.
For each meal, guests dine at a communal table.
Thirty place mats line the table, and everyone eats together each night at 7 p.m.
The on-site chef cooked our dinners, which featured steak, lobster, snapper, and chicken.
The island had an ideal balance of relaxation and adventure. We spent our mornings scuba diving, afternoons snorkeling and paddleboarding, and evenings relaxing with tropical cocktails.
The all-inclusive fee also covered drinks and food during our stay.
I left Thatch Caye with my bungalow dreams fulfilled.
If anything, my stay at Thatch Caye only stoked my interest in overwater bungalows.
