When we first visited Belize about ten years ago, my wife and I fell in love with the people and the Maya culture. This passion led us to making “Casa Ixchel” (Maya goddess, pronounced ee-SHELL) our island home.
On the second story landing, you are greeted by a wooden Maya profile and our screen door carved with representations of the Maya gods of sun, moon, land, water and wind. Our main door simply says “Welcome”.
The open floor plan begins with a fully-equipped kitchen, native mahogany cabinetry and custom granite countertops and bar---and continues to the dining area with locally-made mahogany dining table and chairs. A metal palm-leaf screen separates the dining area from the spacious great room---furnished with wicker queen-size sleeper sofa, entertainment center, occasional tables, credenza, chairs and hassock (all made right here in San Pedro by Hummingbird’s).
French doors open onto the lanai, the beach breeze and the Belizean sunrise. A glass-topped table and propane grill make al fresco dining a “must”. Directly below lie landscaped grounds, tiled fresh-water pool area, beach and 300 ft. private pier with palapa, perfect for snorkeling and fishing.
From the lanai, a second set of French doors opens into the large master bedroom: king-sized bed, luggage bench, two chests and a comfy chair, all mahogany and wicker. The unbelievably huge master bath offers a Jacuzzi spa tub, separate shower, double sinks and more custom granite. There is even room for another Hummingbird chair and mirrored dresser.
The guest bedroom---with its white furniture, en suite full bath, queen-sized bed---is painted a light, tranquil green, suggesting an environment in tune with nature and the beach. The flooring consists of coral-pink Mexican tile throughout.
The décor of our entire condo/home reflects our love affair with Belize. Paintings by Belizean artists and native-themed art dominate our walls, embellished with whimsical frogs and geckos. One of our favorite paintings depicts our namesake “Ixchel” and her husband “Iztamna”, who are, in many accounts, the “mother” and “father” of Maya culture.
Of course, you can find nature’s beauty and bounty everywhere on “La Isla Bonita”. The turquoise waters, white sands and lush flora are available to all. So, why should you choose to stay with us?
Initially, we bought “Casa Ixchel” to share with family and friends. We decorated it and appointed it with that in mind. Then, we decided to make it available to others. Therefore, we are honored to share the blessings of our house with you: Ixchel and Iztamna…Bruce and Brenda…welcome you.
(Location, location, location: “Casa Ixchel”, one of Tranquility Beach Club’s nine units, is located 1.4 miles south of lively San Pedro, so privacy and relaxation reign. Easily accessible by taxi, boat, or golf cart, these condos have onsite 24-hour maintenance and security (thank you, Mr. Armando!), a small restaurant across the road (Lone Star Grill and Cantina) and, farther down, a little market (Marin’s Mini) for necessities.)