3.6 Acre Private Island Retreat
Belize is a wonderful untouched, raw gem, home to hundreds of islands that remain unspoiled in their natural state. One day many will be home to charming little boutique hotels and resorts and others will be private oases worthy of postcard status. Zama Caye is precisely that – a Garden of Eden-esque paradise unlike any other island in Belize, with many unique elements such as a natural white sand beach ideal for wallowing in the afternoon sun, waiting for the skies to become fiery red with imminent sunset. Zama was one of the few cayes that required no fill; it is naturally high and is home to rare species of trees and plants that are not commonly found on these coral-based islands. A few examples are:
– Ficus Benjamina (Fig family)
– Gumbo Limbo
– Noni trees
– Almond trees
– Yucatan fan palms
– Buttonwood
– Coconut palms
– Palmetto palms
All of these trees create a wonderful, exotic, tropical setting that is rivaled by few other islands in the region. The crescent shape of the island has sugar white sand beaches and calm, shallow, clear water on the leeward side (west-facing) perfect for a swim or simply relaxing and cooling off.
The windward side is home to abundant coral that are as robust and natural as one can find. The shoreline is blanketed with Coral Bern, which acts as a barrier that protects the caye during storms.
The property was tastefully developed by the current owners who run it as an exclusive day destination where guests enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and simply enjoying the relaxing paradise that is the Caribbean. The guests enjoy BBQ seafood such as lobster, fish, or pizza made in the brick pizza oven.
The owners have a 900 sq ft home that is tastefully designed and built with local materials and an international flavor. One can best define the finishings and feel as “Barefoot Luxury.” Other structures include staff housing, a chicken coop, bathrooms, storage, and an outdoor kitchen that includes a BBQ area and large brick pizza oven. All of this covers less than 10% of Zama. The rest is an open canvas for the next proprietor.
Zama Caye, also known as Scipio Caye, is located less than 6 miles from the Placencia peninsula, which is a tourist hotspot. Its close proximity to the mainland and the potential for power to be run from the mainland exist, making it a fantastic opportunity for a resort or retreat to be built. The caye serves for 1-day tourists that want to visit, offering catering services, snorkeling, and diving tours. The waters surrounding this caye are home to a variety of corals, fish species, and much more.
This caye is only 3.5 miles from Norwegian cruise lines’ Harvest Caye and a 10-minute boat ride to booming Placencia, Stann Creek. To the south, Monkey River is 20 minutes by boat and a great experience for nature lovers.