Welcome to Shadow Sands Villa! A 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom modern beachfront villa on a private island with private chef included.
Shadow Sands Villa is a breathtaking study in modern luxury — a brand new 6,500 square foot, 3-story architectural masterpiece set on two oceanfront lots on Placencia Caye, just 2 minutes from the heart of Placencia Village. With 160 feet of private beach along the calm Caribbean Sea, a stunning freshwater pool overlooking the ocean, and floor-to-ceiling glass throughout that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living, Shadow Sands is one of the most impressive private villas in Belize.
All five air-conditioned bedrooms face the beach and Caribbean Sea, each with large private patios, en-suite bathrooms — some with both indoor and outdoor showers — and a minimalist aesthetic that lets the natural beauty do the talking. Walk across the elevated dock entrance into the open-plan living room, dining room, and gourmet kitchen, all framed by dramatic floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Each bedroom is positioned along an open-air hallway for maximum privacy — no shared walls, just your own private sanctuary steps from the sea.
Flowing from the main interior, a large covered outdoor living area overlooks the pool and Caribbean Sea, complete with a bar, landscaped courtyard, stainless steel gas grill, and lounge seating. A connected covered outdoor dining area creates the perfect setting to take in sweeping views of the Maya Mountains and magical sunsets over the water. Up on the second floor, a huge covered open-air living room features a walk-around bar, flat-screen smart TV, pool table, and comfortable lounge furniture — the ideal spot to catch the trade wind breeze and watch the sunset. The third-floor rooftop terrace tops it all off with 360-degree panoramic views of the Caribbean, Placencia Caye, and Placencia Village.
Shadow Sands Villa is a certified Gold Standard Property by the Belize Tourism Board and managed by Gecko Vacation Rentals.
**CHEF SERVICE**
Your stay includes complimentary private chef service for stays of 4 nights or more — one full chef day for every two nights stayed. Each chef day includes 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) prepared fresh for your group. For example: a 6-night stay includes 3 chef days; an 8-night stay includes 4 chef days. You will only need to reimburse the chef directly for the cost of groceries. Nothing is marked up, and the chef will provide you with an invoice, payment instructions, and copies of all receipts. Food costs typically run $45–$50 per person per day based on the preset menu. Need the chef more often? Additional chef days can be added for $125 per day.
Grocery stocking service is also included with your stay. There is a provisions list of basic groceries, snack items and beverages you can fill out if you wish to have those items stocked at the house when you arrive. The chef will purchase your groceries, and you only reimburse the items bought.
(+) Want to take it a step further? Enhance your chef service with our All-Inclusive Food Package for $75 per person per chef service day. The package covers all 3 meals, a fruit bowl, limited non-alcoholic beverages, and one lobster meal (in season) — with no additional grocery reimbursement required. Alcohol packages are also available. Ask our team for full details when booking.
**CONCIERGE SERVICE**
Concierge service is included with your stay. Your dedicated Gecko concierge is available to assist with all pre-arrival arrangements and will reach out after your reservation is confirmed to begin planning your trip. From coordinating your transfers and arranging airport pick-up to booking excursions, spa services, and onsite entertainment, your concierge is here to ensure you get the most out of every day in Belize without lifting a finger.
**MAX OCCUPANCY**
10 guests
**ACCOMMODATIONS**
Bedroom 1 — 1 King bed, private en-suite with outdoor shower
Bedroom 2 — 1 King bed, private en-suite with outdoor shower
Bedroom 3 — 1 King bed, private en-suite
Bedroom 4 — 1 King bed, private en-suite
Bedroom 5 — 1 King bed, private en-suite
A pack-and-play crib and portable highchair are available upon request.
ISLAND BOAT SERVICE
Shadow Sands Villa is nestled on Placencia Caye, a private island just 2 minutes from Placencia Village. Your reservation includes a dedicated boat and captain who will shuttle your group to and from the mainland whenever you need — at no additional cost. The villa shuttle boat operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., running every hour with on-demand service every 30 minutes upon request.
**GECKO SIGNATURE AMENITIES**
Full concierge service
Private chef service (every other day for stays of 4 nights or more)
Daily housekeeping
Guest laundry service
On-site caretaker and maintenance personnel (live in separate on-site staff quarters)
Dedicated villa shuttle boat and captain
One complimentary transfer to/from the Placencia airstrip on either check-in or check-out day
Grocery stocking service — have your kitchen stocked and ready before you arrive (cost of items not included)
Welcome snack on arrival
Freshwater pool & 160 feet of private beach
Shared pier
Pool table
Kayaks and paddleboards
Beach towels
High-speed Wi-Fi
Smart TVs
Soap, shampoo, and paper goods provided
**OPTIONAL ADD-ONS**
Looking to make your stay even more memorable? We offer a wide range of additional services to customize your experience. Add any of these when making your reservation or at a later date through your concierge:
Additional private chef days — $125 per day
All-Inclusive Food Package — $75 per person per chef service day
Golf cart rental (parked on mainland for use in Placencia Village) — 4-seater $325/week, 6-seater $450/week
Spa treatments — massages and beauty services delivered right to the villa
Excursions and adventures — snorkeling, fishing, cave tubing, Mayan ruins, and more
Romance packages — perfect for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries
Onsite entertainment
Alcoholic beverage packages
**NEARBY RESTAURANTS & ACTIVITIES**
One of the greatest advantages of Shadow Sands Villa is its location — just a 2-minute boat ride from Placencia Village, where restaurants, bars, and activities are all within easy walking distance from the village dock at the end of the famous Placencia Sidewalk.
**Dining**
Rumfish y Vino — fresh seafood and an extensive wine list, one of the village's most celebrated restaurants.
Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar — lively waterfront bar with great food, cold drinks, and live music.
Barefoot Beach Bar — classic beachside spot perfect for sunset cocktails and casual bites.
Tutti Frutti Gelato — beloved village institution for gelato and sweet treats.
Toucan Jacks Tiki Bar — casual tiki bar right on the beach.
Omar's Creole Grub — authentic local Belizean and Creole cuisine, a must-visit.
Yoli's Over Da Water Bar & Grill — unique over-water dining with great sunset views.
Anne's Kitchen — beloved local spot for fresh homemade Belizean cooking.
**Activities**
Seahorse Dive Shop — diving, snorkeling, and water sports in the village.
Excursions — snorkeling, sportfishing, cave tubing, ziplining, Mayan ruins, and more arranged through your concierge.
**ABOUT PLACENCIA**
Placencia, located in Southern Belize, is one of the country's most beloved destinations — and for good reason. Situated on a stunning 16-mile-long peninsula flanked by the Caribbean Sea on one side and a serene lagoon on the other, Placencia offers the perfect blend of laid-back Caribbean charm and easy access to adventure. Unlike the busier island destinations to the north, Placencia is relaxed, uncrowded, and refreshingly authentic. From here, you're perfectly positioned to explore ancient Mayan ruins, hidden waterfalls, zip lines, cave tubing, world-class snorkeling, and some of the best sportfishing in Central America. Back on the peninsula, you'll find great restaurants, local shops, beachside bars, and the famous Placencia sidewalk. It is the perfect place for an amazing Caribbean vacation!
**GETTING FROM THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO THE PROPERTY**
All international flights arrive and depart through Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From there, you have three options for getting to Placencia Caye. After confirming your reservation, your Gecko concierge will reach out to help coordinate your preferred transfer.
Option 1 — Flying: A 30-minute domestic flight from BZE to the Placencia airstrip costs $299 USD round trip per person. Upon landing, our team will pick you up and shuttle you by boat directly to the island. Our concierge will work with you to book the local flights as soon as you have your international flights ready.
Option 2 — Private Shuttle: A comfortable, direct shuttle from BZE takes just over 2 hours on a fully paved road. Cost is $650 USD round trip (tax included) for up to 3 passengers, plus $60 per additional person round trip (maximum 12 passengers). You will be dropped off at the pier and our boat captain will shuttle you across to the island. Our concierge will work with you to book the shuttle van as soon as you have your international flights ready.
Option 3 — Self-Drive: Prefer to explore at your own pace? Rent a car from the agency of your choice at BZE and drive to Placencia. Be sure to secure your rental online prior to your arrival. You will park on the mainland and our boat captain will shuttle you to the island. Your concierge will provide detailed directions upon booking.
**BOOKING FEES & CANCELLATION POLICY**
60 days or more prior to arrival: full refund less $150 booking fee
Less than 60 days prior to arrival: no refund
This policy applies to direct bookings only. Guests who book through third-party platforms or Homes & Villas by Marriott
