The property was just as described, has all the extras an active group would like. The weather during our stay (rain & wind) was not ideal for most of the water activities. We enjoyed the pool and spent a lot of time at the tropical escape bar and grill just next door. On site property manager and his assistant were very helpful and attentive. Probably the biggest drawback is the location, while close to the Secret Beach, it is a four plus mile drive from town. Roads are poor and there is a big opportunity in transportation alternatives. Best way to describe it is as a high adventure vacation…this property is best served by an active group of vacationers!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The house was clean, convenient and was great for our family of 6 with plenty of personal space. William and Marvin were incredibly helpful and we LOVED the dogs. The rooftop pool was great for a dip. We used the paddle boards and kayaks too. I would recommend renting a golf cart to get around and flying in on the small plane. The Tropical Escape nextdoor was a pleasant surprise with good food and yummy cocktails. Don’t forget to pack the bug spray and suntan lotion!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Pulling up the house and property are better than advertised. William and Marvin were always available for anything we needed. We are huge dog lovers so having them on the property was the icing on the cake.

Location and amenities were awesome! William is amazing and was always super helpful and friendly. Can’t wait to go back

The boys had an absolutely amazing time! The house and caretakers were wonderful. The guide provided helped answer all our questions. The excursion we booked through the house was perfect. My husband fell in love with the area and accommodations. Thank you for a great Trip!

Seven of us had a very comfortable week-long stay at this idyllic, spacious and modern beachfront villa. There were more than enough beds to accommodate everyone, on multiple floors each with their own kitchens and bathrooms. Oh, and the best feature is the rooftop pool!!! We pre-ordered some food to have on hand for our arrival, arranged golf carts and even scheduled some tours all through the Sunrise Vacations management team. Talk about convenient! Not to mention there is a lovely bar & restaurant just next door, if you don't feel like cooking. Secret beach is just on the other side of the island, and it's a quick ride into town for shopping, dining or whatever excursions you'd like to take. The property comes with an on-site caretaker and a groundskeeper, and their concierge-like service cannot be matched. They were so helpful and kind, that it felt like we'd made new friends by the time we departed. Can't wait to visit again!

Great time stellar views! William & Marvin we’re awesome!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: El Gran Castillo was a fantastic home for our group of 9. The layout was perfect for all of us to meet together but also gave us plenty of privacy for each of our families when desired. Can't begin to say enough wonderful things about William and Marvin, the caretakers - both were so nice and helpful. Simon, at Sunrise Management was awesome as well. He really helped us negotiate our comings and goings and quickly responded to all my questions. Loved being right there on the water where we could paddle out to the reef and snorkel on our own. Our group of both kids and adults had a fabulous time there.

We and our family (total of 10) were able to vacation in a beautiful, very well-attended and cared for property. It was paradise. The property allows for privacy when wanted and for togetherness when wanted.

Eight of us stayed at the property and we will be back for sure. The location was what you would think of a tropical paradise with the sun rising off the dock every morning! The island is nice, the reefs are full of life, not like some of other tourist places. Everyone is friendly and being right next to Johns Escape, we felt like we had a hotel bar. The staff on site was beyond accommodating, William was great, and for anyone visiting, ask William to give his coconut presentation! It was a great trip!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Everything was great. William was on top of everything. The man can cook too !!!

William and Marvin (caretakers) were amazing. They both made sure we were entertained with hermit crab races, water toys and volleyball. Their coconut presentation was so cool!!! William is an amazing chef!!!!

We really loved the house, especially the various nice outdoor spaces. The pool/deck, dock and beach bar were all great. The views of the sea and the reef were extraordinary, as were the sunrise & sunset. The swimming / snorkeling isn't great and the water is often pretty murky by the beach and the dock. But, we loved using the SUPs and kayaks. Also loved watch the many rays swimming around and jumping and also saw a pod of dolphins go by very near the dock. The house definitely has everything one could need and the caretakers (William and Marvin) were very helpful, yet not intrusive. William did a great information session on the coconuts and also barbequed my fish and lobsters that I caught. The house and grounds are very clean. You can certainly tell the difference between the condition of the beach at El Gran Castillo -vs- some other properties along the beach that had lots of washed up trash. It was also VERY convenient to have the restaurant John's Escape next door(named after John Mcaffee who used to own the property and lived in the house next door...see Netflix for lots more info on that). We had a few good meals from there, got side dishes to go with my fish and lobster and bough cases of beer from them. Highly recommended! Simon at Sunrise was a great property manager, made everything go very smoothly with the flights, golf cart, etc and booked a great fishing trip for me. Overall, it was a fantastic stay. It was just two of us, but the property certainly would be great for a much larger group. There are 3 separate living areas, but the prime one with great views from inside and out is on the upper level.

Our group of six had a wonderful stay and very much enjoyed the property and amenities. We were extremely comfortable and able to make great meals, enjoy the awesome rooftop pool area, corn hole, kayaks, and lounge on the pier. William and Marvin were very attentive to our needs and helpful with information. They made our stay very enjoyable and loved the hermit crab ninja warrior race on our last day! The only issue we had with the property was the single-bedroom unit had a very funky smell so none of us were able to stay in the unit.

Relaxed, secluded just enough....excellent time, services requested were always on time.......

This property exceeded our expectations in many ways. Stunningly beautiful views. Exceptional accommodations with countless amenities. The interior design of the house fit the needs of our party (3 generations) perfectly. The exterior design of the house is striking while at the same time subtle so it does not disrupt the beautiful natural surroundings. The location is great - we had everything we needed onsite, but for the occasions we wanted to venture beyond the property it is quick and convenient to get to restaurants, attractions and downtown. The on-site team, William and Marvin, are fantastic hosts who helped provide a very comfortable stay and helped create many very special moments throughout our stay. Simon and the rest of the team with Sunrise Property Management is the most thorough, professional, knowledgeable and service-oriented group we have ever worked with over many years of VRBO stays. Excellent communication and so proactive to prepare us for our international travel and plans for our visit well before arrival, and ready to help with anything (excursions, transportation) throughout our entire trip. This property deserves more than 5 stars. We give it ALL the stars!!!

We just got home from our stay at El Gran Castille de Arena and we already want to be back there. Everything about this place was incredible- the location, the amenities, the caretaker William (and his dogs)- everything! We're already talking about our return trip and I really can't imagine staying anyplace else.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had 8 adults here on a birthday vacation. There were so many extras booked from so many different people and they were all handled beautifully. The house is immaculate and has incredible views. It was amazing to have the house manager William on site for anything we needed, he truly goes above and beyond; just a gem. The two balconies provide amazing views. Each floor has a kitchen including the studio space. Next door is a full service bar that serves good and breakfast. Kayaks and bikes to use. Also I recommend you have the spa services come out and do a massage on the pier, truly amazing. Have your coffee and watch the sting rays jump from the water or just have the local pups nuzzle your toes. Honestly would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: I really want to thank Sunrise Property Management and especially William and Marvin for making our already amazing stay in Belize even better. William and Marvin were amazing always there for any needs the property was clean and ready for our group with everything we needed. William went over and above helping us with tickets for the ferry, as well as many suggestions for great food and activities. The guys put on a great coconut display and treated us to an amazing crab race. If you stay in Belize you gotta stay here!

Our rental experience with this property was fantastic from start to finish. The management group was in frequent contact with us to coordinate our arrival and provide updates to the Covid policies in Belize. They also helped us schedule our on site spa day which was a huge hit with our party! The house was beautiful and offers a great floor plan for multiple families as each area has its own kitchen and living area to allow for individual down time. Finally, the views from the rooftop pool area are breath taking!

Our rental experience with this property was fantastic from start to finish. The management group was in frequent contact with us to coordinate our arrival and provide updates to the Covid policies in Belize. They also helped us schedule our on site spa day which was a huge hit with our party! The house was beautiful and offers a great floor plan for multiple families as each area has its own kitchen and living area to allow for individual down time. Finally, the views from the rooftop pool area are breath taking!

Everything was perfect! I rented this house and another one almost next door for our family and friends to stay at for our beach wedding. The property management company and Simon were outstanding to work with! And, the staff at the house, William and Marvin were awesome!!! Everyone went above and beyond to help set up for the wedding, literally building a wedding venue on the beach! I can’t say enough about the generosity of the Belizean people, William and Marvin in particular!

Our family had a great week relaxing, playing, and enjoying the sunshine! Simon and Elena were very responsive to questions and flexible when adjustments to excursions were needed. William and Marvin were very accommodating and personable! It was great to get to know them and learn more about their culture and the island. The house was immaculate, beds were comfortable, and had enough space for our group. We were able to snorkel, dive, fish, and kayak. There was a dolphin who would swim by the pier a couple of times a day! Chef Alex prepared a few meals for us at the house and we went to a few restaurants. We drove golf carts to "Secret Beach" which was beautiful with shallow water and incredible views. It wasn't really our scene, but I'm glad we went! It was a wonderful week! Would definitely stay here again!

El Gran Castillo de Arena is amazing! The home is beautiful, well equipped for all of your needs, and extremely clean. The reservation staff and caretakers, William and Marvin, are awesome! They made our trip so special, were always there to assist us, and made sure we had the best time possible on our trip. I can't wait to return!

We really had a great time at El Gran Castillo de Arena. The house was immaculate and very comfortable for our group, which ranged in age from 8 to 78 years old. The beach area and hammocks were awesome, as was snorkeling off the docks. Although there is some seaweed, snorkeling from the end of the dock was really nice, lots of fish! We did some line fishing too, which our teenage boy really enjoyed. We even saw a ray and a nurse shark. William and Marvin were exceptional and helped with all our needs. William was able to get us fresh lobster (thankfully it was lobster season, so delicious!) and fresh fish the week we were there. He is also very caring and helped us get to a clinic when one of the boys fell on his wrist (all was okay!) Simon is also very extremely responsive and made booking our stay and excursions so easy. We did a couple of excursions and were graciously picked up and dropped off right from the dock. I loved the rooftop pool, it was so relaxing to go up there for a quick dip and sun bathing. Also, the star gazing was amazing! Overall, the house had all the right ingredients for a wonderful family vacation!

We really had a great time at El Gran Castillo de Arena. The house was immaculate and very comfortable for our group, which ranged in age from 8 to 78 years old. The beach area and hammocks were awesome, as was snorkeling off the docks. Although there is some seaweed, snorkeling from the end of the dock was really nice, lots of fish! We did some line fishing too, which our teenage boy really enjoyed. We even saw a ray and a nurse shark. William and Marvin were exceptional and helped with all our needs. William was able to get us fresh lobster (thankfully it was lobster season, so delicious!) and fresh fish the week we were there. He is also very caring and helped us get to a clinic when one of the boys fell on his wrist (all was okay!) Simon is also very extremely responsive and made booking our stay and excursions so easy. We did a couple of excursions and were graciously picked up and dropped off right from the dock. I loved the rooftop pool, it was so relaxing to go up there for a quick dip and sun bathing. Also, the star gazing was amazing! Overall, the house had all the right ingredients for a wonderful family vacation!

This was a great place for our girls get-away!! Being right on the beach was so relaxing. Carolyn and her staff were wonderful. This is on our "return to" list.

Great Property, Carolyn and her team were excellent. Fun time for all!

What an amazing Trip! We are group of nine friends in our 30’s on a No Kids Trip in early June. This place was amazing! Getting here: Carolyn was kind enough to make or assist in making almost all of the arrangements from how to get to the island, golf cart rentals, excursions etc. It was so easy and seamless you would think we were on an official tour. We flew Mayan airlines- a quick 15 minute flight from Belize City and you don’t even need to leave the international airport- just go through customs with your bags and boom you’re ready to board the next flight to the Island. El Castillo de Arena: The photos do not do this home justice! It is split up almost like three separate living spaces. We spent most of our time in the large second floor kitchen area and the rooftop pool. We were able to use the rental equipment such as kayaks, snorkels ad even coolers for the boat trips Carolyn helped us arrange. William and Marvin- the caretakers were amazing and so helpful and we enjoyed spending a little time getting to know them. In fact Marvin knocks on the door one morning with US$100- he found under the garden hose on the side of the house- it turns out it had fallen out of my brother’s pocket the day before. The gentleman selling tamales and burritos came down the beach every morning – super awesome! Nearby: There are plenty of bars and beaches a short- bumpy but very fun golf cart ride away. Be sure to bring a portable speaker to have tunes while you cruise the island- just don’t forget the bug spray. Every restaurant we went to had amazing food- the closer you get to the town center of San Pedro the less expensive it becomes. Everyone on the island is so friendly and take a lot of pride in their home and are happy to share all of their knowledge and love of Belize. We arranged tow boating days with Genie from Coral Reef divers- had an amazing time! Don’t miss the Catamaran sailing! I could go on and on about how wonderful our stay was. Thank you Carolyn for making El Castillo de Arena the obvious choice for us! Its really was an UnBelizeable experience.

Everything about the house was awesome!! William and Marvin met us on the dock the evening we arrived to help with our luggage. They are a true asset to this property. We can't say enough good things about them! They also have the cutest and well-behaved dogs (Soldier and Lady). There was plenty of room for all 11 of us. The house is air-conditioned throughout with nice ceiling fans to help circulate the air. The kitchen is well stocked. The pool was very refreshing but small. The rooftop has AMAZING views! It's a nice golf cart ride into town but beware of the mosquitoes! They are everywhere! Another thing I will add, is the restaurants close around 9 PM. You won't be disappointed with your stay here. We will be back to San Pedro - you better "Belize It."

Returned to our previous destination and were as happy as before. Love staying in this house. Its wonderful for many people with a fully stocked kitchen and rentals and the dock. William and Martin are also awesome and extremely helpful. Thank you!

We just returned after a great week... Carolyn was outstanding to work with along with Melvin and Marvin... My wife cried that she wasn’t able to take the dogs with her they are amazingly sweet! Very relaxing week... Thank you and we hope to come back soon.