Casa Al Mar: The Tranquil Home Base for the Perfect Belizean Family Adventure
Arriving in Paradise
Getting to Casa Al Mar was a breeze. Since there was only one direct flight from LAX, we landed in Belize City at 6 PM. Immigration and customs were quick, and Casa Al Mar’s staff greeted us at the airport, handling everything from luggage to transfers. After a short drive to a small marina, we boarded a boat, and in just 15–20 minutes, we arrived at our private island retreat.
Stepping off the boat, our first impression was space. The three-story villa felt enormous, with plenty of rooms and bathrooms—enough for our two older kids to pick their own. Each room had a hammock, which, to our surprise, became their go-to sleeping spot. Before we could even unpack, our housekeepers delivered a delicious meal, freshly prepared by our two private chefs, setting the tone for the exceptional service we’d experience throughout our stay.
A Private Island Made for Families
Casa Al Mar is a dream for families. The layout allows everyone to spread out, with communal spaces for gathering and private spots for quiet moments. The two private docks were perfect for early morning coffee or evening sunsets.
The all-inclusive setup was seamless—coffee and tea greeted us each morning, followed by breakfast, lunch, an afternoon appetizer with drinks, and an incredible dinner with dessert. While other homes are scattered across the caye, the island felt completely private, making it easy to unwind.
Unforgettable Activities for All Ages
Our days were packed with adventure. With a dedicated scuba dive instructor and boat captain, we had the freedom to explore on our schedule. Here’s what made our trip truly special:
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- Scuba Diving as a Family – Our first-ever dive as a family of four! While Olivia stayed back with the housekeepers (who doubled as amazing babysitters), we had a breathtaking experience underwater.
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- Handline Fishing & Fresh Catches – We caught snapper, and the chefs prepared it for us—one of the freshest, most satisfying meals of the trip.
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- Swimming with Nurse Sharks & Stingrays – At Shark Ray Alley, Olivia was excited to hop in, but after five minutes, she was over it! Luckily, the staff took her back on the boat, dried her off, and kept her entertained while we continued.
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- Kayaking the Mangroves – A peaceful exploration of the backside of St. George’s Caye, searching for manatees.
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- Caye Caulker & Feeding Tarpon – A highlight for the kids was feeding massive tarpon by hand—an experience we won’t forget.
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- Private Beach BBQ on a Secluded Island – The team set up tents, a grill, and prepared BBQ chicken right on the beach while we soaked in the crystal-clear waters.
Built-in Babysitting = Total Flexibility
One of the biggest perks? The two housekeepers also served as babysitters. Whether Olivia stayed back at the resort or joined us on adventures, they were there to help. Having this flexibility meant our older kids never felt limited by their younger sibling, and we got to enjoy activities without worry.
Relaxation & Sunset Perfection
Each evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we settled into hammocks or loungers on the dock with a handcrafted appetizer and mocktails, courtesy of the staff. The warm breeze off the ocean made for the perfect end to each adventure-filled day.
What Surprised Us Most? The Staff
We expected luxury, but what truly blew us away was the incredible team. With two housekeepers, two chefs, a dive instructor, a boat captain, a resort manager, and a maintenance crew, every detail was handled with care. They adjusted itineraries to our preferences, catered to dietary requests, played with Olivia, and genuinely became part of our family. Leaving them was the hardest part of the trip.
Tips for Future Visitors
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- Plan ahead – Share dietary restrictions and activity preferences before arrival to help the staff tailor your experience.
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- Consider the best time to visit – The dry season (January–April) offers the best weather, with calm seas and warm temperatures.
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- Bring a bigger group – While our family of five had an incredible time, we realized Casa Al Mar is ideal for a larger family gathering or trip with friends.
Final Thoughts
Casa Al Mar isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled hospitality. Whether you’re diving into Belize’s barrier reef, savoring fresh-cooked meals, or simply swaying in a hammock under a golden sunset, this private island retreat is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable family memories.
If you’re looking for a secluded, all-inclusive paradise with five-star service and a home-like feel, Casa Al Mar is it. We’re already dreaming of our next trip back—hopefully with even more family and friends in tow!
