Vacation Rentals by Owner

I'VE BEEN BELIZED

Guest: James Aaron (New York City)
Date of Stay: 01/28/12 Review Submitted: 02/14/12

It's true what I was told... The pictures of the house on their website look amazing but do not compare to what is experienced -- from the dock, through the entranceway and into every room and design detail. In two words: smart-zen! First of all, from NYC I could not believe how quickly we arrived. A non-stop flight is now available - just about 4 hours. From there, everything was arranged: we were taken to a boat taxi service 10 minutes away - which is also part of a great restaurant. We ate a tasty meal then taken across the clear and gorgeous "turquoise highway" to the island. By the time you approach the Casa Rana dock you are "in the tropical dream". We were immediately greeted by Diana - such a welcoming energy and delight. We were shown the house and within minutes, unpacked and relaxing with our feet in the coral white sand. We could hardly believe we were in the cold city a few hours prior. The days that followed were lavishly easy - lots of smiles all the time. Sitting on the dock with one of their great choices of books, catching fish, social cooking in the excellent kitchen. I was also impressed with their DVD collection to finish off the night. The beds were like giant marshmallows! As for the activities - it was hard to believe that the 2nd largest coral reef was a few yards from our pier. The snorkeling was fantastic -- warm waters, seeing all the iridescent fishes, rays and star fish. The town was charming to visit and replenish the kitchen, yet it was hard to leave the house to be honest. We were truly on "island time." We already booked another trip.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Belize Navidad

Guest: Pam and Alex (Meadow Vista, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/22/11 Review Submitted: 01/08/12

For the first time in our lives, we spent Christmas and New Years Eve away from home in this magical vacation paradise. The house was perfect for our family of four. The upstairs bedrooms are both master suites with views of the Carribean from each bed. It is dreamy to wake up and view the emerald water through the swaying palms. The kitchen is fully stocked and was well equiped for our family of 4 self proclaimed chefs! We enjoyed eating in the dining room almost every night. Our favorite activity was hopping in the Casa Rana Kayaks, paddling 15 minutes out to Mexico Rocks to snorkel. I would recommend either bringing your own snorkel gear or renting it for your entire stay. Richard and Diana are the most professional hosts you'll find. They were available to connect us to all of the adventures the island has to offer with pick up from the Casa Rana private dock. They assisted us in booking the best snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and dining excursions. They made sure that we had fresh lobster, conch, and snapper knowing how much we love to cook and eat! They managed to respect our privacy but appeared magically when we needed them. Everything about this property and its management is first rate. I would recommend it for your next holiday vacation without hesitation.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Heaven!!

Guest: Deb (Lisle,IL)
Date of Stay: 12/14/11 Review Submitted: 01/13/12

We had the pleasure of staying at Casa Rana December 14-21, 2011. The house is absolutely beautiful and very comfortable. It is very easy to cook in the kitchen. The views are fantastic and I recommend getting up for at least one sunrise. We did not have the pleasure of being there when Richard was there but Dianna was wonderful. I have to use a wheelchair and she made sure we could wheel from the dock to the house by laying boards down. She was there for every need and was an expert on activities and making them happen. I highly suggest that anyone staying there take advantage of ordering food from their recommended source. It was great getting there and having it al ready put away in the kitchen. The kids dove using White Sands/Elbert and had a wonderful experience. The only negative is transportation to dinner if you want to go out. The water taxi is expensive. We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend Casa Rana.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

UnBelizeable!!

Guest: Brad & Mary (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 09/30/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

We spent the first week of October at Casa Rana. October is the slow season for Belize and that’s just the way we like it. You will be hard pressed to find a more beautiful house in a more perfect location. When you pull up to your private dock your breath will be taken away. The home is beautiful inside and out. The grounds are well kept. And the views are spectacular. The furnishings in Casa Rana are high end and very comfortable. As others have written, the snorkeling is world class and it’s literally right outside your front door. If you need anything, Diana is always available. Her knowledge of the island is very helpful. We enjoyed our evening talks with her while watching the tranquil waters of the “Emerald Highway”. Richard and Diana have an information packet they send you which is very useful. I highly recommend the Scuba shop they use, White Sands Diving. Elbert and his staff are great. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise escape, this is the place to recharge your soul. Without hesitation we highly recommend Richard and Diana’s beautiful home, Casa Rana. Brad & Mary

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful house.....but isolated

Guest: dennis w.
Date of Stay: 09/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

This house is beautiful inside and out. When we booked our vacation we didn't realize it was so isolated from everything. There is only one restaurant within walking distance. It is approx. a 20 min. boat ride into San Padro. Diana will take you into San Padro once a day in her boat but she will only take up to 6 people at a time. You also have to give her 24 hr. notice. We never took the water taxi but I understand it is expensive. There is air conditioning in the bedrooms only, which you are only allowed to run when in the room. We went at a hot time of the year so it was very uncomfortable. Last but not least, the beach entry is saw grass. If being in a remote area this would be the perfect place. Just not our groups type of vacation.

Owner response: I would like to resond with the flollowing comments: 1. This was a party of nine people in two separate homes, and we do not have a license to carry that many people in our boat. 2. The water taxi is the main means of transportation on the island; how wonderful !.....but you never found out how much it was. 3. We ask our guests to 'not run the air conditioners when no one is in the room'. Wouldn't it be sensible to turn them off when you leave, and back on when you return, since it only takes 5 minutes to get the rooms cold? We are sorry you were disappointed, however we do appreciate that you stayed with us. Respectfully, Richard

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The Alaska Crew - First Time Experiences for All..

Guest: J & J (Alaska)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/12/11

Four of us came down from Alaska - exhausted and ready for warmth, relaxation and lots of fun. Well we found it - we spent 14 days in one of the most beautiful homes I have ever been in. It was not only beautiful to the eye but it touched your inner self. Diana is a such wonderfully interesting lady who made our trip so special. She was there when you needed her and then she was gone - although our crew tracked her down and made her spend hours telling us about the country and her own life and travels. Diving and snorkeling are great - you are picked up at the dock and brought back when you are finished. Diana has all the contacts and she will set you up with a great time that you will never forget. Belize is beautiful, people are wonderful and there are lots of things to do or you can just hang out and do nothing but enjoy the view. My husband and I especially enjoyed the dock and chairs - what a wonderful place to get back in touch with each other and forget all the problems you had when you arrived.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Where to begin....

Guest: Lumpy (Steamboat Springs, CO)
Date of Stay: 03/31/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

From the first time I was in contact with Richard to the day we left with Diana, our experience was professional, courteous, helpful and friendly. The furnishings in the house are all top notch and comfortable. The linens and towels were all first class. The kitchen was well stocked with whatever appliance you may need for your stay. The photos of the house don't even come close to doing the property justice. It doesn't matter if your coming with the family or just wanting a romantic adult vacation this house accomodates any type of vacation. The media room has all the latest and classic movies if you want to stay in for the evening. The private dock allows for you to make yourself a cocktail, and just sit and relax without the worry of strangers intruding on your peace. The winds in March blow pretty hard sometimes and the BBQ area is relatively protected from them. So, you can sit outside and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner or just cocktails without the wind. We invited Diana to join us one evening and the three of us sat well into the late evening talking and enjoying wine together. We had dinner at Rojo one evening (HIGHLY recommend!!!) The atmosphere and food is second to none. My husband and I used the kayaks on a daily basis, it's an experience also not to be missed. Being able to snorkle without going out on an excursion with a bunch of strangers was appealing to me. We saw everything you see with an outfitter without spending the money! We especially enjoyed being out of reach from town with the privacy, but just close enough to town to enjoy it for the day. The provision company had all of our groceries in the refrigerator when we arrived, so we had cold beverages ready and waiting! I highly recommend this service, you will end up spending just as much on your own and using valuable vacation time doing it. Make sure you bring your own provisions to save time and money. I brought items like Stevia, coffee, tea, packets of mayo, mustard and ketchup. Make sure you bring bug spray if you plan on being on the sand for an extended time. My husband and I brought Nalgene bottles, made rum and coke in them and then sat at the end of the dock all evening drinking, laughing and watching the sea. Thank you Diana and Richard for making our vacation one we will never forget.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful, Beautiful Home

Guest: Gary, Mary, Bill & Sara (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

My husband and I along with two friends spent a wonderful, relaxing week at Casa Rana. It is a beautiful home and so very comfortable. Pictures do not do this beautiful home justice. One of the owners, Diana, met us when we arrived. She took us grocery shopping, and to pick up all those other necessities (i.e. beer, wine, gin you get the idea). Diana was a WONDERFUL hostess, nurse and felt like a friend when we left. We would most definitely recommend Casa Rana to anyone. You will certainly will not be disappointed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A work of art

Guest: Karen (Elm Grove, WI)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

Casa Rana is a true luxury rental property that is set in paradise. We have rented many homes through VRBO, and we have never been disappointed, but this one was by far the best. Every detail of this home is special. Also, the owner's knowledge of the island was especially helpful as we chose restaurants and excursions. We had a very special vacation with memories to last a lifetime.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Perfect House in the Best Location on Ambergris Caye

Guest: rcda (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 01/21/11

We stayed at Casa Rana with another couple for a wonderful week in November. We spent time walking for miles along the white sand, kayaking 5 minutes out to Mexico Rocks for the most amazing snorkelling, fishing and catching dinner at the end of the dock (Thanks for all your help Diana!) Diana transported us along the Emerald Highway in her boat anytime we needed supplies, provided us with information on restaurants, shopping and shared her knowledge about Belize. The house is better than all the pictures, completely equipped with everything you could ever want. We highly recommend staying at Casa Rana - you will love it!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

"BEING" aka Casa Rana

Guest: JESSEDOG (Ithaca, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

Needless to say, it is a shock to the system to leave Casa Rana and return to the Northeast (via Atlanta airport) all in the same day. I'll have to think about how to de-sensitize a it more slowly next time. Anyway, where to begin? Such a peaceful, nurturing, calming place is Casa Rana. Maybe this is why I felt compelled to do little else other than sit, stare, feel, watch, listen, notice, and "be". The sounds of the palm trees totally immersed me in their soft, swinging, whispering motion. The colors of the water, the colors of the interior of the house and the outside blended into a warmth, a vibrancy that can probably never be matched. I loved the peace/energy/flow of the house as you walked through it at different times of the day, and the light that accompanied each passing hour. I immediately was drawn to the photographs on the wall going up the stairs, and also the large mural/painting over the living room couch. The women, their balance, their posture, their body language... And then the media room - what a great spot, and Rich, as I told Diana, I will never forget watching "This Is It" in that room with that system. Can you please send me the info on it (I only know it was a Sony) - Was it a 52" screen? I am putting it on my Christmas list for the next 10 years. So, many, many thanks for an incredible, beautiful week. And Diana, it was so special to get to know you - we felt so comfortable in your home with you as our guide, teacher, and friend. I think it was really just so nice. We hope we can return. I will remember our little trips into town - that was cool to bop around with a "local" - and, of course, my babysitter as I snorkeled around your front yard! Peace, and thanks to both of you, Chris and Mike

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Cindy Burch (Waxahachie, Texas )
Date of Stay: 03/02/10 Review Submitted: 03/02/10

We recently spent 8 wonderful days at Casa Rana. Owners, Richard & Diana are a joy to work with. Richard answered all of our questions quickly and helped us plan a great family vacation. Diana met us at the San Pedro airstrip and transferred us by boat to their secluded paradise on the north shore of Ambergris Caye. The feng shui villa was more beautiful than the pictures convey, with all the amenities you need for a memorable getaway. Each of the bedrooms are extremely large with private baths and huge walk-in showers with glass basins. The bedding is top notch and the towels are thick and soft. We used their recommended provision company and arrived with the kitchen fully stocked, beer chilled and all of our groceries put away. We loved having the White Sands Dive Shop pick us up on Casa Rana's private dock, taking us out for some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. We also enjoyed Sri Lanka, Diana's sweet island dog who does her part to make you feel at home. We have been to Belize several times and always stayed south of San Pedro, where getting around on golf carts and bikes makes for easier access. However, staying on the north end is simply beautiful and although remote, Diana took us to town in the Casa Rana boat anytime we wanted, and in the evenings we would take the water taxi to restaurants nearby. We highly recommend Casa Rana and certainly look forward to returning.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/01/10

We stayed at Casa Rana in January and had an absolutely lovely time. Everything about the property is as stated. It was well furnished, the owners and the property managers were very attentive, and all of the amenities were first rate. I highly recommend Casa Rana to those who are looking for a relaxing, private escape away from the main hub of San Pedro. We were some of the first guests to stay at this newly built house and I'm sure the guest book will fill with glowing comments soon. Reserve now before it becomes too well publicized!

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