My 6 night stay at this incredible property in October of 2023, allowed me to sample some of the many experiences that make this island retreat a true sanctuary.
From the moment I stepped into the FBO airport, and was greeted by Janice – whose warmth set the tone for the entire island experience – I knew that Ambergris Cay was unlike any other. 18 mins later, after soaring across turquoise waters in one of the resort’s three planes, the welcoming committee that greeted my traveling companions and I on the Ambergris Cay INTERNATIONAL Airport runaway (yes, you read that right – fly private and clear customs right on Ambergris Cay!) included Clemente, our designated Butler for our time on island.
A quick golf cart ride (golf carts are included with your stay) along rugged and winding roads led to our home base, the stunning Villa Aurora – a 4-bedroom oceanfront villa set on the hillside overlooking Columbus Beach, complete with beautiful French doors that lead out to the deck and private pool, sun loungers and outdoor dining area. Aurora is one of the 8 island villas currently in the resort’s portfolio (but be on the lookout for some truly wow additions in 2024), along with 10 (soon to be 20) spacious and bright Beachfront Bungalows (perfect for couples), that line the shores of Monck Beach.
The incredible butler, Clemente (accessible via WhatsApp at all times) had our fridge pre-stocked with alcohol, wine and soft drinks (that were replenished daily), and welcomed my traveling companions and I to our island home with the most incredible “light” lunch spread. Ambergris Cay takes all-inclusive to an all-new level with creative menus that delighted us at every meal. Whether you dine in the villa, at one of the two restaurants on island, or in a unique “pop up” location (we enjoyed a chef’s table sushi experience on the yoga pavilion terrace!), the culinary experience, is a true art form at Ambergris Cay.
At Calico and Club House, the food is elevated by the talents of the phenomenal wait staff – Miguel, Pedro, Victor, Evelyn, Jose, Francinia, and Giancarlos (who also shares his marvelous talents on the saxophone at the occasional sunset dinner), to name a few. Every meal was a treat, and presiding over his culinary kingdom is Chef Sebastian who has brought years of experience from around the world, to each item on the menu – I strongly recommend the Cornmeal Porridge and the Pizza!
Ashanti, and her megawatt smile, Ambergris Cay’s resident yogi, kept our days in balance, starting with morning yoga at the Fitness Pavilion, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the island. We then hopped on our e-bikes for an island exploration, where we discovered natural water cisterns, Loyalist ruins from the 18th and 19th centuries, and evidence of Caribbean piracy! Before returning our e-bikes, we challenged one another to a race down the international runway *Special permission was acquired from the Airport Management* because where else in the world can one do that!
Our island enchantment continued with Adrine and Delmis, the massage artisans who sprinkled a little magic into moments of blissful relaxation.
Another first for all of us, was Bonefishing on the island’s lagoon with Cameron, an avid fisherman who was clearly in his happy place standing ankle deep in the warm waters with a fishing pole in his hand. Bonefish are found in clear tropical waters and can be very elusive – alas we were not successful and had no bites on the line, but we had a great time trying, and we did spot a baby shark (doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo) and a small barracuda.
Jerome, the resort’s pro, is the epitome of human sunshine, and he introduced most of us to the sport of PickleBall, turning us all into “champions” within an hour – truly a miracle worker. He’s also a fantastic tennis player – the island has both pickle and tennis courts for guests to use.
Our hosts for the Sunset Cruise (complete with a champagne toast and a rainbow backdrop), Captain Darell and his Co-Captain John also kept us dancing to the sounds of Soca (music genre) as we sped across the water to Little Ambergris Cay. Our destination, the iconic Hangover Bar, a floating TikiBar moored alongside a deserted island where we waded through crystal clear water and lounged on pristine white sand. The Hangover Bar is manned by Jose, the rum master! It’s an unmissable excursion, leaving one private island, to visit their private island – what could be better? Add in the Beach BBQ lunch a few times a week, and I’m officially never leaving.
At Ambergris Cay, the true heartbeat of hospitality is this team of dedicated individuals, along with so many others, who transform each guest’s visit into an unforgettable journey. And a special shout out to the island’s resident population of Rock Iguanas who add a dose of safari style to this Caribbean experience!
And as we all eagerly await our return to the Cay, it’s not just the allure of this beautifully rugged and remote island that beckons; it’s the anticipation of reuniting with the community that has made Ambergris Cay not just a place to visit but a home away from home for all of her guests.
