White Sands Cove Resort

White Sands Cove is a beachy jungle resort on the sea -- without the actual beach. The grounds are a mix of grass and sandy pathways surrounded by blossoming hibiscus flowers and palm trees loaded with coconuts (which the resort will pick and serve to guests upon request). Condos are housed in tan two-story stucco buildings that overlook the resort’s sleek, well-maintained pool and thatch-roofed restaurant. The resort’s blue-toned lobby does double duty as a gift shop that sells local spices, paintings, and Guatemalan handicrafts. The resort manager’s dogs can be found lazing around the property in the Belizean heat, adding to the casual, homelike vibe. In an effort to promote sustainability, the resort grows much of its own produce and they have their own water-filtration system and practice composting. Those seeking a beach may want to give this property a pass, though, as there's only a sea wall and jetty, so it's not the kind of place to walk right into the water. Couples are far and away the most frequent guests here, but a few families and groups of friends make their way here as well, drawn by the apartment layouts of the condos. 

White Sands Cove is located on the north shore of Ambergris Caye and a 15-minute taxi ride from San Pedro Town, which is full of shops, grocery stores, tourist offices, and many bars and restaurants. Many restaurants are also walkable from the resort and include Spanish tapas, Caribbean, and international cuisines -- all are a five-minute walk away. The island’s barrier reef is a 15-minute paddle offshore, and is a highlight for snorkelers and divers. Golf carts are a popular alternative for navigating the island. There’s no beach on the property (although swimming from the pier is possible) and Secret Beach, the closest public beach is a bumpy 45-minute golf cart ride from the property. San Pedro Airport is a 30-minute golf cart ride away or 20-minute taxi ride from White Sands Cove. 

Condos at White Sands Cove are a mix of privately owned one- and two-bedroom suites with ocean, pool, or garden views. Interiors differ a bit from room to room. Some are done in a Caribbean modern aesthetic, with hardwood mahogany furniture and contemporary paintings of island life, while others have more dated Florida-chic interiors. These condos include bamboo furniture and pillows with palm-frond patterns in lime, gray, and blue tones. 

Bedrooms are more functional than fabulous and have high ceilings, queen or king beds with mahogany headboards, flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning. Unfortunately there's no air-conditioning in living rooms. Most kitchens have granite countertops and tile backslashes. They're stocked with refrigerators, electric ranges, ovens, coffeemakers, microwaves, toasters, Fiestaware dishes, and pots and pans. In certain older condos some of the refrigerators and ranges have rust and corrosion. Dish soap and sponges are also standard. 

Bathroom’s have either tile or granite-countered vanities are mostly modern, glass brick and tile walk-in showers. However, some bathrooms have only curtained walk-in showers. All units have small balconies or porches (often part of the walkway that leads to the room) with Adirondack-style chairs. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and some rooms have DVD players. 

The heart of White Sands Cove is its sleek ocean-view swimming pool surrounded by hardwood lounge chairs with plush striped cushions. Nearby are a pair of thatch-roofed huts with ornately knit hammocks and breezy ocean views. Sadly, there’s no beach at the hotel, and swimming off the resort’s pier is the best alternative. Keep in mind, though, that sea grass and boat traffic can both be issues here. Kayaks and bicycles are free for guests, and snorkeling equipment and golf carts are available to rent (for a fee). 

White Sands Bar and Grill serves up a reasonably-priced and tasty international and Belizean cuisine with ingredients grown in the resort’s garden and locally sourced. The bar has daytime drink specials and all arriving guests receive the hotel’s signature rum punch cocktail. Free coffee is available in the morning, but unfortunately the resort doesn't serve breakfast at all.

In the hotel lobby, there’s a book, DVD, and game-borrowing library and a gift shop selling Guatemalan handicrafts, local art, and fresh spices. Local calls are free from the lobby and the hotel concierge can arrange spa services, guided diving and snorkeling trips, tours, local flights, and taxis. Parking is free at White Sands Cove, as is Wi-Fi.