The pool and bar at Kanantik Resort

So onward to Day #2 at the Kanantik Resort, and our journey to adventure with the Sanctuary Belize folks. Last night we enjoyed cocktails by the pool, many discussions among ourselves as well with representatives of Sanctuary. I found that most of the couples attending this four day event were there for the same reason my wife and I were there. We wanted to see if this was going to be a viable investment for our future, either to relocate to and live full time in retirement, to build and rent out as an investment, or to live part time and rent out when not there. We all seemed to have the same attitude about seeing everything for ourselves after reading the forums and doing our due diligence with research. Was this going to be that large community of Expats within the folds of security in this exclusive property, which would become our new home.

Breakfast room at Kanantik

Now let me backtrack a bit before continuing the adventure. Kanantik Resort, where you get to stay while here for the four day touring adventure, is IMO a 5 Star Resort. The Casitas where you stay are beautiful large huts, made of bamboo, open and beautiful. Air conditioned, walk in stone shower, large closet with safe. The large windows open to oceanfront views along with the constantly manicured grounds. The salt water pool and bar are hard to leave, the breakfast room with its massive high bamboo ceiling a delight. And during your entire stay, you will enjoy the specially prepared food and all bar drinks..for free. There is no final check out bill, what you paid to stay here for the tour, under $1000 per couple, is all you will pay. And let me tell you, the cost per room here at Kanantik is in neighborhood of $400 per night. So, as we enjoy breakfast the first morning, we get a project overview from David our host. He explains how the project has been moving along, how they have concentrated of finishing the marina first and why. You see, this marina at Sanctuary is now the only insured marina in the Caribbean. It has the best protection against storms of any port, and will become a major attraction for the boating community. This is a big deal, especially if looking at this for an investment.

View of the Marina at Sanctuary

As we are all eager to actually see and walk about Sanctuary Belize, as well as walk our lots for those of us that have reserved them ahead of visiting, off we went to the boat. Even though we could have been driven on land to Sanctuary, Taking the 15 minute boat ride up the coast and into the cove to experience the major project of this marina was well worth it. As we approached the dock, anticipation was high, and as we jumped off the deck onto the dock, in the distance I could see the homes being built. How exciting.

At Sanctuary Belize, boarding transportation

We were divided into groups and driven on a tour of the property in 4 wheel drive off road utility vehicles. We were shown the homes being built on the water, including a couple being lived in, along with where shops and the medical building will be located. The off to see our respective lots. As the total building lots in the different areas will total approximately 1500, let me tell you prices range between $140,000-1.5 million per lot. Waterfront, Equestrian, Savanna or Waterway lots are all about one acre in size.

Wife and I in front of our lot

After viewing my new friend Pedro’s lot near the marina, we proceeded to the area called Sapodilla Ridge, and lot # 87, the lot I had reserved unseen (for $5000). As we drove down the road looking at the stakes with lot numbers, I could see my wife Marsha’s face smiling, because the lots were very wooded, unlike the bare property near the marina. We wanted trees around our home for aesthetics, as well as to tame summer sun. When we arrived at our lot. we both started jumping like kids. It’s a corner lot with some massive 80+ year old monster beautiful trees on it, along with mixed smaller trees and palms. There will only be one other home on a lot next to it, with a setback between us of 20 yards. As we walked in from the road with Chad our guide and his guy Pete (we will talk about my new buddy Pete later), Chad proceeded with his machete to clear a path along the lot line. When we got to the back of the property, we were ecstatic. You see, there will be a narrow belt of trees that will be thinned so that from our house we will have views of the Caribbean Ocean from our decks, and no homes ! We will be able to have an access path directly to the ocean from our house. Soo cool. We did have a chance to relax a bit and get out of the heat for lunch..for lunch and cocktails by the pool at the Marina Complex.

The pool at the Marina Complex

As we proceeded with the tour of the complex our questions were answered about water and sewer. There are several high capacity wells to feed properties, with lines already in place to the property lots. Each lot will be responsible for a septic installation, and have the option of installing an eco-friendly system developed by the “Sustainability Guy”.

The Bamboo House in construction

We then proceeded on a tour of some completed homes as well as homes still in construction. At present there are only a couple contractors building homes at Sanctuary, but as more lot owners seek to start construction, more will be incorporated.

Time to celebrate !!!

I have to say, there was a lot to take in the first day, with many questions answered, and new ones popping up. My wife an I were thrilled with our lot #87, and almost immediately decided we were going to purchase it, no matter what. Reason? As we were shown the lot by the Sanctuary representatives, we could hear in their voices the surprise at seeing exactly where the lot was situated, as well as it’s proximity to direct Caribbean access. We quickly realized that looking at the map of lot’s and prices of those lots, the ones on either side were priced at $400,000 for the acre. For some reason, ours was priced half that, and we had a signed agreement for that price pending our on site viewing and signature of acceptance. Where do I sign !! After all the vehicles met back at the dock for our boat ride back to Kanantik, we enjoyed the 15 minute ride, each with a cold beer in hand and a smile on most faces. We were all looking forward to getting back, changed and in the pool after a stop at the bar. Later we all joined for dinner and had a relaxing social there as well as by the pool, where we all talked about the day, our experiences, questions we had, and what we had found out individually. You see, we were all on that fence, would we jump back or over into new territory. Tomorrow was to be a great day, with the whole day spent on the private island, Sanctuary Caye. Owned by Sanctuary as well as all lot owners, this island, a half hour by boat was purchased as a private island for all to enjoy. Not very big, I believe its about a mile long in a horseshoe shape, will all sandy beaches. But more about that next time. Good Night all, Gary