Villa Placencia

We returned from our honeymoon a few weeks ago and it has taken a while to determine just what to write about our experience on Gladden. First, let me say that no matter how great the description is of this paradise, it does NOT do the experience justice, and no words I can add would make that any better. Yes, the photos are amazing, but not nearly as breathtaking as it is in person. And you think you know what personal service is, but until you experience it at Gladden, you haven’t really had complete personal service at a resort before.

We were excited to book our honeymoon at Gladden. We had high expectations for Gladden based on the website and reviews, but nothing could have prepared us for our actual visit. We were looking for a once in a lifetime experience, somewhere we wouldn’t spend a “normal” vacation (and we travel a LOT), and something not everyone has done. Gladden provided this and so much more!

From the moment we landed in Belize, we had custom service. We had a guide from baggage claim to our helicopter, with a stop in the middle to rest at a cute little café while awaiting the helicopter. We then flew over the famous Blue Hole. It’s an awe-inspiring sight from the sky, and our pilot flew in several angles so that both my husband and I could experience it in full.

Arriving at the island, it’s amazing to see just how isolated you will be. It’s breathtaking from the air and really does look like paradise. We were promptly greeted by the friendly faces of the staff. Adam (perfect host), Annika (best chef ever), Jammie (great masseuse), and Zack (groundskeeper extraordinaire) were delightful. They truly wanted us to enjoy our honeymoon, but to also fall in love with Gladden and Belize. As a surprise for my husband, I had asked Adam if he would mind putting a couple of photos of us up around the place before we got there. He had the pictures displayed perfectly! My husband was surprised and delighted – it really did make the island feel more like “home”. He had also picked up a nice bottle of rum for my husband – his favorite! Daily, they would ask us what we would like to do for that day (or even the next) and helped us plan out our time. We wanted to spend as much time as we could enjoying the island, but also take a few day trips.

You can tell that the owners and staff of Gladden Island care about your vacation as much as you do. They do everything in their power to make it stress free and memorable.

We were so excited to get to Gladden. We had made the arrangements several months in advance, and it all seemed so perfect that we were counting the days until we left. We were not disappointed.

I'll start by saying that I'd read all the prior visitors' glowing comments, so it's hard to know what to add, but at the risk of being repetitious, I'll glow too.

The isolation, peace and tranquility of the location is rare and wonderful. Couple that with the privacy afforded by the staff staying near, but not with, made for complete relaxation.

The architecture and design of the villa is a thing of rare beauty. No need to argue about form or function being more important- both are fully realized. The quality of the furnishings, the flow of the layout, the spacious bathrooms were all very welcoming.

The staff took excellent care of us. Annika, Adam, Gabby and Zack were friendly and professional at all times. They must have asked us a zillion times what more they could do. Annika's meal planning and cooking were outstanding- we had much delicious food and wine- and they made it all appear effortless- to us anyway! And Gabby is a very talented masseuse!

I recommend Gladden highly to anyone craving this kind of off the grid private experience- there is no compromise on luxury. We're looking forward to going back soon.

5 stars aren't enough to rate our vacation at Gladden. From the moment we were greeted at the airport to our private helicopter ride over gorgeous Caribbean waters and Belize's famous blue hole and finally landing at Gladden greeted by your wonderful staff, we can't thank you enough for one of the best vacations Ever! The level of service that Adam, Annika and the entire staff provided was unsurpassed! Their enthusiasm, sense of humor, kindness, beautifully prepared meals, expertise, knowledge of Belize and travel in general was not only inspiring, but what made our stay on the island so unique and memorable. Thank you again! Looking forward to a return trip in 2019.

This was the most wonderful vacation experience we could have ever dreamed of. The beauty of the island with the ability to snorkel or paddle board right from your own personal beach was amazing! Additionally the staff was amazing and attentive. From the outstanding personal meals to the spa style massages, we truly did not want for anything! A destination and experience must!!