NEW YEARS!!

Why limit yourself to only one night of celebrations!!! Here at Grand Caribe Belize we're making it a weekend long celebration. So grab your family and come join us on the 1st and 2nd of January 2011 for our BBQ Beach Party! With yummy drinks from Footprints Bar and Grill and delicious BBQ of ribs, chicken, burger, hotdogs and much more you'll want to come for the two days.  Enjoy the largest pool on the island and the best beach too! There's space for everyone! 

There will be no entrance fee but to use the facilities you must buy at Footprints Bar and Grill, no outside food or drink.

See you then!

Belizean Culture: What other lifestyle could there be?



Grand Caribe Beach

The culture of Belize is not defined by a strict set of characteristics but rather a plethora of values, beliefs, ethics and traditions which Belizeans find something in common. The classic case of "everyone knows someone whose..." These characteristics can be seen as either negative or positive. A popular example would be "Belizean Timing," which does not apply to everyone, professionals are professionals but it is the rule of thumb. If a Belizean plans an event for 7pm, then they invite their guests for at least 6pm hoping they'll arrive at 7pm, knowing that most won't come until 8pm. This amongst other choice characteristics are the basis of Belizean Culture. 

This unique culture is further magnified by the smallness of the country and its matching population. The theory of "5 degrees of separation" quite possibly can be broken down to two or three. Every Belizean growing up could go home and say "I'm going to Sam's house", and have his/her father say "Sam? John Smith's boy from Regent St?" and the mother saying "I went to school with his mother" or better yet Grandma pipes in with "Sam Smith? I dated his grandfather!"  I dare you to go to any small town such as San Pedro and pull out the name of your most recent Belizean acquaintance and someone in your vicinity will say "Yeah I know him/her" with some anecdote such as  "works at Grand Caribe" or "that's my neighbour" or "that's my cousin;" after all as we all know in a small town its 2 degrees to family. 



Laid-Back is the way to be



This culture is so laid-back by tradition that we don't even bother to learn street names. After all, the streets in San Pedro are not referred to by their names but rather by front, middle, and back; and the other streets simply don't exist by any name at all. Instead we give directions by using landmarks and people's homes. Hence, to get to Grand Caribe from the airport you go straight, turn right when you buck the end, then turn left (that's front street), then go until you see Belize Bank now turn left again, then turn the first right  (that's middle street) now just GO...until you pass the bridge and continue to GO until you see the big buildings.  Simple right. And that's how you get everywhere here.

Ready to be filled
with an array of treats



Belizeans are proud of these qualities, the limited degrees of separation, bad timing, a skewed sense of location and the laid-back quality of life (after all this is the Caribbean)or at the very least their laid-back personalities take everything with a grain of salt and a sense of humour. They are also just as proud of their individual cultures, as they are of their unifying one. Belize is unique, given that it is nestled between Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean their are many individual cultures which people hold onto. Yet a Mayan, a Creole, a Garifuna, and a Mestizo can all get together, have a Belikin, and have good conversation despite their individual roots because of their shared Belizean heritage. Each will be able to speak Ketchi, English, Garinagu and Spanish respectively but when together will speak Kriol,and these are only the most dominant and oldest ethnicities. Nowadays every group has a sprinkling of second generation Chinese, East Indian, Arab or Menonite.

With such an array of backgrounds, food is a lovely mosaic of tastes and smells. Tea time (from British colonial days) can be found in any home. A Belizean home will smell differently everyday. Mon-Thurs is ever changing but Fri-Sun its a given that 90% of the population will eat at least one of three meals, Chinese fry chicken, street vendor BBQ or Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken dinner. Visitors can choose to eat from just about any ethnicity; especially now, with expats from all over the world opening up restaurants. 

Grand Caribe Grounds

So come to Belize where the sand, sea and surf invite you to immerse yourself into the surrounding culture. See our cultural characteristics as positives and loose your sense of timing, location, and problems and become a laid-back Belizean even if just for a while. After all, Belizeans tend to live for the day and eat and drink and party to their merry hearts content, because on an island in the Caribbean Sea, what other lifestyle could there be?   

You didn't hear it from us....

Sometimes you just need to hear it from someone else! We have had great reviews on TripAdvisor, here is the most recent, take a look and then check out our page on TripAdivsor and read some more:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g291961-d1821157-r88465445-Grand_Caribe_Belize_Resort_and_Condominiums-Ambergris_Caye_Belize_Cayes.html

 

 

“Exceeded Expectations...Beautiful escape.”

Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums

simmons2220   2 contributions

Potomac, Maryland

Nov 28, 2010 | Trip type: Family

• 

The Grand Caribe looks to me to be the best, and most underrated spot in Ambergris Caye. It might be overlooked and underrated in tripadvisor because it is north of the bridge, but let me tell you what you get for being a few minutes outside San Pedro:
-You get to choose when you are in the charm and dust of San Pedro.
-You get to choose when to be around the imbibing party folk.
-You get the best pool on the island.
-You get peace and quiet when you want it, with easy access to the fun of San Pedro.
-You get the best secluded beach on the island.
-You get the best housing value on the island, with great service. Having your own sparkling new kitchen is huge, especially when traveling with teenagers.
-The maid service is fabulous...they do the dishes and your personal laundry every day along with the usual cleaning (for free, by the way...no extra charge for laundry like at a hotel).
-You have a great dock and are just a short boat ride or golf cart ride into the shops and food vendors and restaurants in San Pedro.
-You get a great staff, especially Eli who gets whatever you want done.

If you haven't been to Belize before, don't expect it to have the infrastructure of Grand Cayman. But the diving and the snorkeling is fabulous along and outside the barrier reef. And it truly is a place with lots of personality.

So that is the good stuff. My only negative is that the road between the hotel and San Pedro is not well maintained and is a bumpy ride in your golf cart. I understand that Grand Caribe is working on that problem.

P.S. Eli at Grand Caribe hooked us up with Island Divers for an introductory scuba dive with an instructor named Neftali. We ended up doing five dives over three days and got our open water scuba certification. If you are interested in diving, ask for Nef at Island Divers. He was amazing.

• My ratings for this hotel
  • Value
  • Rooms
  • Location
  • Cleanliness
  • Service
  • Sleep Quality

• Date of stay November 2010
• Visit was for Leisure
• Traveled with Family with Teenagers
• Member since December 03, 2009

• Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Don't limit your stay

Grand Caribe Belize, Resort and Condominiums can accommodate a stay of any length of time, so don't limit yourself. Most traditional hotels only accommodate stays for short term visits and are not equipped for stays of over a week.
The units at Grand Caribe are fully equipped and built with permanent residents in mind, therefore; they have all the conveniences and amenities of a home. The kitchens have every appliance and tool necessary to cook up a storm. Not to mention comfortable indoor and outdoor living space is the standard at Grand Caribe. And since they are so comfy, they make the occasional rainy day (more likely on a long stay) bearable. You'll feel like you went and bought yourself an island condo.

The convenience of our concierge and front desk staff make any stay that much better than at any regular rental. Here you can start your stay with a provisions package and a golf cart waiting for you when you arrive. Book tours with the concierge and have friendly housekeeping do the laundry and cleaning for you. Need a babysitter?, that too can be arranged. And in addition to an on-site restaurant, a personal chef, to cook your meals in your unit and buy groceries, can be provided.

All these luxury amenities can only be available in a luxury resort setting, not in a vacation rental home where there is no one to help guide your stay so it can be as comfortable and as relaxing as possible. We want your stay to feel like you have just walked into the perfect setting for an island home. And if you come and you fall in love with Grand Caribe (which we know you will) AND decide to own your own island home that's possible too. Take a look at our sales page:

http://www.grandcaribebelize.com/ambergris-caye-real-estate 

For more information about long term stays, whether for a month or six or more...

contact us at reservations@grandcaribebelize.com

FOOTPRINTS BAR AND GRILL: NEW SPECIALS Nov.25-Dec 5!

SPECIALS

NOVEMBER 25^th TO DECEMBER 5^TH

NOVEMBER 25^TH

LUNCH                 ROAST TURKEY SERVED HAM, CREAM POTATO OR RICE, PUMPKIN, SWEET POTATO, GREEN BEANS, STUFFING AND CRANBERRY SAUCE                                                       $55.00

DINNER                SAME AS LUNCH

NOVEMBER 26^TH

LUNCH                 BLACK BEAN COEN SALAD WITH BLACKENED SHRIMP                                                     $30.00

DINNER                ROAST LEG OF LAMB SERVED WITH MINT SAUCE, GARLIC HERBED POTATO AND STEAM VEGETABLES                                                                                                                                       $60.00

NOVEMBER 27^TH

LUNCH                 LAMB BURGER SERVED WITH CREAMY PASTA SALAD                                                         $30.00

DINNER                PORK RIBS SERVED WITH GRILLED SWEET POTATO AND CORN ON THE COB          $48.00

NOVEMBER 28^TH

LUNCH                 RICE AND BEANS, STEWED CHICKEN, POTATO SALAD AND FRIED PLANTAINS       $22.00

DINNER                SAME AS LUNCH

NOVEMBER 29^TH

LUNCH                 TUNA MELT SERVED WITH FRIES AND COLESLAW                                                              $28.00

DINNER                CARIBBEAN SNAPPER SERVED WITH BELIKIN RICE AND STEAM VEG                          $42.00  

NOVEMBER 30^TH

LUNCH                 CHICKEN KEBAB SERVED WITH RICE AND COLESLAW                                                       $25.00

DINNER                GRILLED HERBED PORK CHOPS SERVED WITH ROASTED POTATO AND STEAM VEGETABLES                                                                                                                                            $42.00

DECEMBER 1^ST

LUNCH                 CONCH CHOWDER SERVED WITH WHITE RICE                                                                      $30.00

DINNER                BEEF STROGANOFF SERVED WITH ROSEMARY POTATO AND STEAM VEG                               $55.00

DECEMBER 2^ND

LUNCH                 CREOLE SHRIMP SERVED WITH COCONUT RICE                                                                   $30.00

DINNER                CHICKEN FLORENTINE WITH CURRY PECAN RICE WITH STEAM VEG                           $35.00

DECEMBER 3^RD

LUNCH                 STIR FRY BEEF SERVED WITH COCONUT RICE                                                                        $30.00

DINNER                STUFFED GROUPER WITH FOUR CHEESES SERVED WITH VEGETABLE RICE AND A GREEN SALAD                                                                                                                                                   $60.00

DECEMBER 4^TH

LUNCH                 COCONUT SHRIMP SERVED WITH RICE OR FRIES AND COLESLAW                                               $30.00

DINNER                SEAFOOD ALFREDO WITH GARLIC BREAD                                                                              $60.00

DECEMBER 5^TH

LUNCH                 RICE AND BEANS, STEWED CHICKEN, POTATO SALAD AND FRIED PLANTAINS       $22.00

DINNER                SAME AS LUNCH

Holiday Season! From Glistening snow to Glistening sand !

Hi all!!!

The Holiday Season is descending upon us!! Halloween is behind us, Canada has had its Thanksgiving, and the American Thanksgiving is only days away; not to mention Hockey games are in full swing!!!AND all the big stores and even the little ones have started to put up their Christmas delights on display!

So hurry and book your winter getaway! Because before you know it, its gonna be chilly, those toes will want some freedom and whats better than digging your toes in the sand and rinsing them off in the warm Caribbean Sea!!

Or how about a holiday getaway!! Or take a break from the white, or almost white winter, and try out some sun and sea this year! Or perhaps again!! Grand Caribe still has rooms available, especially for New Years!! So don't pack away all your summer clothes or go dig them back up again and get ready to come to Belize! Never got to wear those new fall sale shorts or that dress come show them off in the warmth of Ambergris Caye! 

Its a bustling time of year down here and you can feel free to be totally immersed in the festivities.As locals like little elves busy themselves preparing for the big days, with home and work repairs, and finishings, cooking up a few storms and having plenty of fun doing all of it. Just imagine Christmas lights on coconut trees, restaurants and bars and just about every house and business in town! Great food and drinks are plentiful all year round, but Christmas time is especially wonderful, the aroma of fresh baked goods in the air mixed with the salt breeze is even more enticing than coconut suntan lotion in the salt air! The kids are out of school and all excited with Santa Claus and the New Year! San Pedro is just absolutely lively with both local Belizeans coming from all the corners of Belize and new and returning tourist, eager to celebrate!So come and see what the fuss is all about!

So leave the glistening snow and come and enjoy some glistening sand, sea and pool!!! Have a look at www.grandcaribebelize.com and let us know how we can make your Holiday and/or Winter getaway just that much more special!

Amenities,Attractions and Activities

The pier and beach of Grand Caribe

Amenities, attractions and activities are the 3 A's that make all the difference. Whats a nice room if there's nothing to do? This is certainly not a problem here at Grand Caribe!

Foot Prints swim-up bar and grill

To truly appreciate these 3 A's lets look at them one at a time. First up attractions! Grand Caribe has 500ft of beach, something to boast about down in these parts! A pier that creates not only an amazing view but a port for private /commercial/taxi/and tour boats, great for sunbathing, swimming in deeper water and a gazebo to hang out on or even have a party! Beautiful days on the beach and pier are a must! However, if the beach isn't enough; our set of pools , 1 large, 2 smaller with 2 jacuzzies should quench your thirst. The larger pool even has a handy swim up bar to literally quench your thirst. In addition, Foot Prints swim-up bar and grill is more than happy to cook up or blend up something tasty but if the swim-up bar isn't your preference you can choose where to eat; whether by the pool, on the beach, on the pier or inside your 'island home.'

One of our cozy units

Each unit at Grand Caribe is seen as an 'island home', somewhere  totally comfortable that has all the amenities of home. For families with younger children Grand Caribe provides portable cribs and babysitting services. For the chef of the house, the sunset and sunrise provisions package and a fully equipped kitchen. A particularly handy package for those with early tours, long stays or teenagers with bottomless pits. All this is without mentioning that they are all fully furnished with homey decor, A/Cs, and TVs with all the regular channels. So after  a long day of tours you can lounge on the couch and keep up with all your favorite shows. But perhaps the biggest amenity is the convenience and safety you have and feel.The safety of 24/7 security watch. The convenience of maid service and most of all a concierge who can assist you in attaining any additional amenity, help with all the various activities available, or even make your dream wedding, honeymoon or wedding renewal possible.

Wedding renewal in the gazebo on the pier

Yet even with all the on-site amenities and attractions; Grand Caribe has plenty of activities to keep you busy or relaxed. Just take a look at all the tours available whether inland, on land, in the water, on the water, or in your room its completely up to you. For the relaxed traveler perhaps some fishing, snorkeling, or even more rejuvenating a massage or spa day! The more adventurous soul could head to the mainland for zip-lining, horseback riding, Maya ruin climbing or go out to sea for some deep sea fishing or dive the blue hole. The sportier sort may do all that and more with para-sailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing and kayaking. And of course our concierge is happy to assist with transport to go exploring; golf carts and bikes can easily be arranged. That's only to mention a few, so just relax and let your imagination go wild and let us know how we can help make your vision of the perfect vacation come true here at Grand Caribe.

Airfare Sale to Belize this weekend!

La Isla Bonita

Grand Caribe chose its home carefully, settling on nothing less than the perfect mix that is found on the island of Ambergris Caye. Just one mile north of the town of San Pedro was its destined spot. Ambergris Caye proved itself to have all the qualities anyone could ask for, amazing views, close to the reef with four park and marine reserves, a rich history at a Mayan site and at only 15mins by air or approx. 1.5hrs by boat from the mainland, highly accessible.

Of these qualities the most noted would be the Barrier Reef, being the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere it protects the island, keeps the beach calm and is an adventure on its own for snorkelers, divers and fishermen alike. This site to be seen lines the entire 25mile coast of Ambergris Caye. Of these 25 miles, 1mile from San Pedro town, there is a special spot consisting of 5 acres with 500ft of pure beach that makes the home of Grand Caribe.  Its proximity to San Pedro Town allows its guests seclusion from the town but yet close enough to access easily.



San Pedro Town



San Pedro, once a fishing town, has maintained its small town roots while modernizing itself for its tourist visitors, with plenty of restaurants and tourist attractions. Yet more often than not its the small town itself that attracts these guests and keeps them coming back. Frequently visitors find themselves in the midst of a local wedding, quinceaños, or a local event such as a charity fashion show, or a high school football game. The hustle and bustle of the friendly laid-back locals makes the little town vibrant and colourful. And Grand Caribe's proximity allows its guests to be a part of all of San Pedro's local culture but also be able to escape to a quiet sandy beach.

So whether you choose to one day revel in peace and tranquility because at one mile north across the Boca del Rio bridge where no cars are allowed and limited access is granted, visitors are guaranteed a worry free vacation; and in the next moment be immersed in another culture. Guests are free to change their moods as frequently as they care to do so. For example, A person can go snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve in the morning, lunch at Footprints bar and grill here at Grand Caribe, sun at the pool all afternoon, have a sunset bike ride along the beach, followed by dinner and dancing in town; and its all possible in one day from Grand Caribe on the "Isla Bonita." So come by and see what its like to have many vacations in one.




Grand Caribe

This jewel is no secret!

Belize was coined the slogan "Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret," by the Belize Tourism Board, however, the secret is out. Its out and Belize is stealing the hearts of people from all over the world. A little jewel in more ways than one. Belize is only 180mls long X approx. 68mls wide; yet it has all the attractions a person could ask for in the tropics. Zip lining through the rainforest, discovering the history of the Mayas, diving the blue hole and snorkeling the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world are just a few of the different adventures Belize has to offer, in order to appeal to any adventurer.



The Beach at Grand Caribe



However, in addition to all that action is Belize's amazing ability to simply relax and refresh its guests. Sunning, swimming, fishing and walks on the beach are only a few ways in which Belize's guests are rejuvenated. Perhaps it has to do with how very young the country is. Only having gained its independence in 1981 from Great Britain, Belize is very much a typical 29yr old, moving forward towards a bright future full of energy and ambition.

Yet as it grows and moves forward everyday, the population remains relatively small. This unique feature allows for it to preserve and conserve its naturally beautiful flora and fauna. And as Belize makes steady progress , it remains true to its relaxed roots, creating a place with all the necessary and luxurious amenities in a setting that remains to be a break from both the big city life and the highly touristic vacation spots.

An ideal place to live, vacation or retire; Belize stands out from the rest (both from its Caribbean and Central American neighbors). This little jewel is certainly multifaceted. Its culture and relaxed lifestyle shines alongside preservation, conservation, adventure, natural beauty, tropical climate and friendly people. And Grand Caribe is proud to be one of the facets of Belize making it shine just that much brighter.

Life at Grand Caribe

The view is amazing!Set on the west side of the Caribbean Sea, neatly tucked away in Central America is Belize, and its quaint, comfortable, and relaxed island of Ambergris Caye. Just north of the town of San Pedro is Grand Caribe and is it grand! The perfect paradox of luxury set in nature.

Grand Caribe is the perfect beginning and ending to all adventures. A comfortable space to leave (if you choose to) and return to after any activity, whether it be; swimming, diving, snorkelling or simply sunning with the company of a margarita (all equally hard work around these parts). Whatever you may desire to fulfill your needs, Grand Caribe is the place. You can wake up with the sunrise, and sit on the veranda enjoying a coffee from the fully equipped kitchen, and watch as the sun slowly caresses the sea on its way up through the sky, making the view of the dark blue waves crashing into white as they break against the reef and turn aqua blue, more visible and vibrant with every moment that passes by. And as the sun makes its journey, you can't help but think of what the day may have in store for you. 

Now, if waking up with the sun isn't your style, or you kept the onsite Foot Prints pool side bar and grill open late; feel free to revel in the comfort of bed and leave the call of the fun and the sun for a later time.  Yet more often than not little pitter patter wake you up eager to start their day. And now, for one of the only hard decisions of your stay, leave the comfortable bed and make use of your sunrise package and all the beautiful appliances or stay 30mins more and let them enjoy some cable TV time. 
Whatever the scenario, you can't help but be renewed and excited for a new day of fun in the sun; knowing that no matter what you decide to do with the rest of your day, it will be just as amazing as the view. Whether you choose to swim in the pool or sea, kayak to the reef, snorkel or dive, venture to the mainland on a tour, or simply comb the beach for shells; just know that its all possible from Grand Caribe.

New Packages Available at Grand Caribe

Grand Caribe announces our Wedding, Honeymoon and Wedding Renewal packages! Log on to our web site (www.grandcaribebelize.com) and click on Packages! Make Grand Caribe your Special Occasion Destination!