Private Caribbean island getaway, first class luxury resorts offering private cabana, diving, fishing, snorkeling. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/belizeseaclub/hotel/378/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 5 Sep 2008 01:47:57 EST Departing from the Southern town of Dangriga, a 45 minute South easterly boat ride on the aqua-turquoise Caribbean Sea brings you to a chain of mangrove islets called the Cockney Range. The southern most of these is home to the Belize Sea Club Resort and Marina. The western Caribbean Sea borders the part of the island facing the mainland and an offshore lagoon borders the part facing the Great Barrier Reef. The Belize Sea Club Resort and Marina plans to develop a private island into an upscale island resort. Upon completion it will consist of 6 duplex cabanas, an over-the-wave palmetto villa, a restaurant and bar, and a multi-purpose court and will offer overnight camping, birding, snorkeling, fishing, diving and sailing trips - not to mention privacy and tranquility. The coastal town of Dangriga is a 15 minute plane ride or 3 hour bus ride south of Belize City. Once in Dangriga a 45 minute boat ride gets you to the private island getaway of Cockney Caye on the Southern tip of the Blue Ground range, home to Belize Sea Club Resort and Marina. Belize Sea Club promises you a unique experience. Your first image of the island is a series of indistinguishable mounds rising above the horizon. As you draw nearer, this turns into a mixed silhouette of mangrove and coconut trees. Gradually the vision sharpens with the detail of vivid green leaves swaying gently in the warm Caribbean breeze against a backdrop of blue sky and clear aqua ocean. Dotted among this image are several thatched structures which will be your home during your stay. From the pier, the view is spectacular. A few miles to the east is the Caribbean Sea cresting on the Belize Barrier Reef. Across the island is a quiet, teal-colored lagoon which separates Coral Caye from its' neighbor. Far to the west, on the horizon the peaks and valleys of the Cockscomb range of the Maya Mountain make a beautiful backdrop for the setting sun. Above you the pelicans circle lazily very watchful for the next meal. It's time to drop your tensions and your stresses allowing the waves to carry them out to sea. There is a sense of peacefulness that washes over you, suspending time; but you're now on a schedule of doing what you want, when you want so it really doesn't matter. You can take off that watch now. Time to drop your bags at your new home. Inside you will find clean, comfortable beds and a private bathroom. Several windows give you a view of the Sea as well as natural ventilation for the room. AMENITIES: The coastal town of Dangriga is a 15 minute plane ride or 3 hour bus ride south of Belize City. Once in Dangriga a 45 minute boat ride gets you to the private island getaway of Cockney Caye on the Southern tip of the Blue Ground range, home to Belize Sea Club Resort and Marina. Belize Sea Club promises you a unique experience. Your first image of the island is a series of indistinguishable mounds rising above the horizon. As you draw nearer, this turns into a mixed silhouette of mangrove and coconut trees. Gradually the vision sharpens with the detail of vivid green leaves swaying gently in the warm Caribbean breeze against a backdrop of blue sky and clear aqua ocean. Dotted among this image are several thatched structures which will be your home during your stay. From the pier, the view is spectacular. A few miles to the east is the Caribbean Sea cresting on the Belize Barrier Reef. Across the island is a quiet, teal-colored lagoon which separates Coral Caye from its' neighbor. Far to the west, on the horizon the peaks and valleys of the Cockscomb range of the Maya Mountain make a beautiful backdrop for the setting sun. Above you the pelicans circle lazily very watchful for the next meal. It's time to drop your tensions and your stresses allowing the waves to carry them out to sea. There is a sense of peacefulness that washes over you, suspending time; but you're now on a schedule of doing what you want, when you want so it really doesn't matter. You can take off that watch now. Time to drop your bags at your new home. Inside you will find clean, comfortable beds and a private bathroom. Several windows give you a view of the Sea as well as natural ventilation for the room. ACTIVITIES: But there's more to explore! So head to the Mariner's Mirage Restaurant. Constructed over the sea, the Mariner's Mirage is the place to get a drink, kick back and relax or exchange greetings with the bartender and other guests while lying in a hammock. And, if you get hungry, that delicious odor is fresh seafood being barbecued on the grill out back. Maybe later, you'd like to join the captain to catch dinner? Explore the rest of the island via a well-maintained foot path lined with conch shells and you can't miss the effort that is being put into restoring and preserving the mangrove vegetation that is the primary component of this unique environment. The trees extend their arms, inviting you to be a kid again. The path continues toward the north end of the island and to an area set aside for the construction of a series of cabanas over the water and facing the inner lagoon. The veranda on these cabanas will be a perfect place from which to observe the 25-27 feet lagoon. From here you can catch a glimpse of colorful fish or sting rays nesting in nature's marine nursery below. It's easy to imagine the completed luxury cabana with its bamboo and palmetto exterior and wood interior, private bath with hot and cold shower. The western side of the island is also interesting with a variety of shells washed on shore and coral formations just off it. Perfect for a sunbathing , a swim or snorkel. But, now it's time for lunch - Lunch gives you the opportunity to savor the distinct taste of Belizean rice and beans cooked with coconut milk on an outdoor hearth and accompanied by fresh-grilled seafood. Yummy! Of course, such a meal experience is incomplete without an afternoon siesta in one of the hammocks. As you yawn, you remember that the real adventure -- the Coral Reef, diving, snorkeling, fishing, exploring the lagoon, sailing -- is yet to come. At the close of the day, whether you choose to enjoy it from the end of the pier, the bar/lounge or the cabana, you will be struck by the beauty of a star-studded night made even more spectacular by its contrast against a dark sky. The Caribbean's rhythmic waves drown out the silence and the gentle breeze embraces your exposed arms and legs, convincing you to surrender to a restful night of sleep. Won't you join us for this once in a lifetime experience on this private island getaway? DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/belizeseaclub/hotel/378/3/ Fri, 5 Sep 2008 01:47:57 EST