"A World Heritage Site"

aahh…

So, why is Ambergris Caye the perfect location? LA ISLA BONITA as affectionately called… The pace is slower, the islanders savor, the joys of a simpler     lifestyle and nature's beauty is always  over-whelming.

General Real Estate info:
Since we are a member of the commonwealth, we offer you all the shelter of being under our Belize flag while still offering a tropical island, relaxed lifestyle and a year round of fabulous weather. Imagine a place where the average daytime temperature is 82ºF….. aahh! Now, let me tell you a little about "my" island….

Ambergris Caye (La Isla Bonita) is a coral island with its desirable east side of a narrow sandy beach ridge. Ambergris Caye offers out island views no matter where you are or where you look! Since the island is just 26 miles long, we are an easy island to negotiate. We drive on golf carts. However, with speed limits outside town at just 25 miles per hour, it's difficult to make a wrong turn! The east side of the island boasts the Caribbean Sea. While the west side of the island has the Corozal/Chetumal Bay in its "front yard".

The entire island is divided up into areas with estate names which date back to old families and their plantation names many years ago.

The airstrip is at the southern part of the island and beyond the airstrip and north or the "cut" (San Pedro River) is sparsely populated. The north side of the island is known for its lushness, ever-present trade winds, and stunning island views. The landscape is covered with colorful hibiscus bushes, Jamaican tall coconuts trees, native fruit trees (sea grape, coco plum, etc. ) and herbs.

The East coast of the island is known for its white coral sand coastline, its parallel Barrier Reef (A World Heritage Site) marrying our coastline at Robles near Reef Point (Rocky Point). The historic part of San Pedro is the only village on the entire islands with other settlements surrounding its outskirts. This is the Yachting hub of the island. After a while, each visitor and local will tell you their favorite part of Ambergris Caye and why they love it only there. For such a small island, the terrain, landscape, views, etc. are similar but all breathtaking.

Ambergris Caye has many dive sites and the beaches are small and scattered around the island. And indeed, it is spectacular! All pure white.

Ambergris Caye was recently rated by Modern Maturity Magazine, a publication of AARP (Association of American Retired People) as the #9 Best Places to retire outside of USA. And indeed, it is spectacular! All the beaches are pure white coral sand fringed with coconut palm trees opening to crystal clear waters. There are beach bars, restaurants, lounges, etc. Most hotels offer reef snorkeling and beach barbecues "with catch of the day" and to sleepy "Hol Chan Marine Reserve" and "Shark and Ray Alley" where the sea grass bottom encourages GREAT snorkeling; the plentiful coconut palm trees encourage napping and the great restaurants right on the beach encourage long, lazy Sunday brunches. You'll soon discover your favorite beach.
The population on Ambergris Caye is a floating 10,000 inhabitants of a mixture of different ethnic groups, faces and cultures. We are a cosmopolitan population enjoying each other's diversity in background, language, foods, music and culture. We have many cultural activities on the island from local, calypso music to classical music in open air ,art shops, and carnival festivals, Costa Maya Festival, World Famoso “Chicken Drop” and many fund raising activities. The Lions Club International, Red Cross, Belize Tourism Industry Association. Hola! Ambergris Caye Committee and many others are well represented and encourage new members.

Property is owned by fee simple/absolute; that is you own, not lease your land. Ambergris Caye offers many housing alternatives, from purchase of a building site for future development, condominium and villa living in beach side complexes or smaller more residential complexes nestled on the beaches, to small and average homes offering the privacy of single family living on a simple scale. Once you choose "your" favorite side of the island, we can show you everything on the market and have access to these listings. We will assist you with everything from engaging an attorney, architect, builder, insurance agent, house keeper, property manager, etc. We're here to ease your way into this Western Caribbean Paradise!

Typically, land is about 1/3 to 1/2 acre with R-1 the lowest density residential zoning requirement. R-1 allows for a single family dwelling per half acre (unless) certain areas deed restrict otherwise. Large undeveloped beach front acreage on the north side is unusual and costs are currently between $4,500-$5,5000US per front foot and in some areas to US$7,500 per front foot. A 1/2 acre beach front parcel with great water views at Bracilete Caye on Ambergris Caye starts at about US$129,000 and can cost up to over US$235,000. Depending on location and amenities these prices vary higher on the east side of Ambergris Caye with prices exceeding US$5,500 per front foot. A typical vacation home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, lots of glass windows for views & large verandas. The average cost to build that type of residence starts at about US$250,000 and can exceed US$350,000. Homes and undeveloped parcels are diminishing and therefore costly. The average beach front condominium or villa with a total of 1,320 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths sells for an average of US$277,720.00. This figure was taken from an average square foot of 25 units in 25 different locations on the island and divided by their average square foot re-sale price. The average re-sale price of a beach front condominium or beach side villa exceeds US$210.00 per square foot.

Island architects will give you more specific design and building information, but I'll offer you an overview. Homes are built from a variety of materials with masonry (either poured concrete or filled and reinforced block) being the most utilized. Roofs are very important, as we use them to collect our water, which is run by drain pipe to the storage under the house called a cistern. Think of it as a big swimming pool under the house about 15-20,000 gallons worth. Cost to build is about US$1.50 per gallon. Roof materials can be either pre-finished aluminum in color, maxi-tile or concrete. A typical roof style is a hip roof with the pitch assisting in water collection.

Remember, no need for "cellars" here so storage is at a premium. Of course, we don't have nor need heating systems and no need for those snow blowers We have building codes which will dictate everything from size of septic system to the roof beam size.

Our homes are built to take advantage of nature's air conditioning… our ever present prevailing trade winds. Paddle fans are the most many homes need to stir the air and cool you off! Most bathrooms have showers only since water is so precious. No soaking tub for us! Spanish or Mexican ceramic tile is the choice for most floors for coolness and ease of maintenance. Other flooring choices are exotic Belizean hardwoods. Furniture tends to be light and informal. Most furniture is of exotic hardwoods. You probably don't want to ship down Mr. Jack's great dark cherry sideboard until you design and choose your "island style". Outside living space is the most important feature, so weather resistant furniture is important. Materials fade in our bright sun, so choose carefully. You'll have large outdoor "verandas" which are usually roofed but otherwise open to fresh air. You'll live in the fresh cool air because flying bugs don't bother you. If you're in a breezy location you can enjoy dining "al fresco" under the stars in the dead of winter. How about that?!!

Everyone asks…just how much is it to live in our Garden of Eden? Restaurant food is average. Accommodation and housing rentals are average. In other words… it is not cheap to live here but the trade off's are wonderful…low property taxes, "year round" perfect weather, no winter clothes, no heating costs, and world class views from every inch of our island.

Do we get "island fever"? Sure we do! So, plan on several day trips to neighboring Chetumal, Merida, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or Cozumel-Mexico, Rio Dulce-Guatemala, Roatan-Honduras, or San Ignacio in Belize at the Maya Mountains for your "mainland-side fix".

Many people feel that after 2-3 years on the island, you'll find that you miss the states less and less. Leave the mall shopping, driving at 75 M.P.H. and cold weather to the times you choose to visit the states.

With Shopping via catalog and Internet, we hardly miss a thing anymore.

The friendship of those we serve is the foundation of our success.
The most we can ask from you is your referral to a friend.

Spindrift Building • P.O. Box 110 • San Pedro Town • Ambergris Caye • Belize
Tel: 011-501-602-2126 • Fax: 011-501-226-3549
Email: triton@btl.net • Website: www.triton-properties.com

We look forward to assisting you in your search for an island home or property. Bienvenidos! Come join us in Ambergris Caye - LA ISLA BONITA, Belize - Our Garden of Eden.

The preceding is copyright material by the author, Lincoln Eiley and may not be reproduced in total or part without expressed prior permission from the author.

Copyright© Material 2008