A swirl of turquoise and aquamarine lagoons cradle Gladden, an island fringed with coral and white sand in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. This island jewel harbors your own private sanctuary, a casually elegant villa designed for just one couple, with the all-inclusive service of a luxury resort. There is a second master suite should you wish to share Gladden with friends or family. Our staff resides unseen on the smaller island behind the guest island across the Gladden lagoon, ready to respond to any request at a moment’s notice. A “privacy meter” indicates if a member of the team is on the main island for any reason, because we want our guests to feel free to be themselves. There are no other neighbors – it’s just you and the views.
While you’re ensconced in our casually luxurious 3,000-square-foot villa, you’ll never spot a neighbor. But you will be greeted with stunning views from every room. Stand in the entryway and let your eyes wander across the swimming pool to the coral reef beyond. Slip into the master suite, a soothing enclave of dark woods complemented by wide windows overlooking the ocean. Climb to the roof terrace to soak up the sun and bask in the panorama of aquamarine lagoons as far as the eye can see.
Dine on local specialties prepared by a roster of guest chefs from celebrated kitchens around the world. Swim with whale sharks at nearby Gladden Spit, one of the few places where these gentle giants congregate each spring. Book a spa treatment or boat charter through your personal concierge.
While most private island experiences require jetting to the far reaches of the globe, Gladden Private Island delivers the natural beauty and tranquility of a Polynesian atoll with a minute travel time of less than four hours from Miami.