Designer Luxury Oceanfront Home

We split our Belize vacation into two - 5 days in the jungle river tubing, cave exploring, horseback riding, and visiting Mayan ruins - followed by 6 days of beach paradise at Casa Rana. It was perfectly timed as we were suitably tired and ready for relaxation by the time we got to Ambergris. Diana welcomed us at the private dock and introduced us to the gorgeous house. It was even more beautiful than what the pictures indicate on the website. It was very spacious for just my husband and I but we loved having all the amenities of the house, including the very comfortable media room (with large DVD collection), amazing master bedroom with view over the sea, the very well-equipped kitchen, plunge pool, dining room with fantastic mood lighting, reading nook, and my very favorite - private dock where we could just sit and watch the dolphins, rays, and fish swim around. Diana has put so much love into building this house as you can see from all the little touches and special designs throughout Casa Rana. It was immensely peaceful to wake up every day to our own little quiet haven where we could thoroughly enjoy the beauty of nature's creations in a luxurious setting. We were focused mainly on relaxing so didn't do too many activities, although did enjoy snorkeling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley (organized through White Sands Dive Shop), dinner at Portofino (they will do free pick up and drop off by boat), kayaking out for 5 minutes to Mexico Rocks and snorkeling there, and swimming around the dock to see Diana's little "aquarium" in the rocks around the dock. We bought groceries in San Pedro town right after landing at the airport and did another shopping trip in town during our stay but otherwise, enjoyed how secluded we were in a self-sufficient environment far away from the noise of town and large resorts. Both Richard and Diana were incredibly helpful and friendly while giving us as much privacy as we needed. Highly recommended for couples looking for a romantic getaway or families/groups looking for a high-end self-catering beach vacation in an amazingly beautiful location. Would definitely come back here again!

My family of 8 (my husband, our 2 daughters, their husbands and 2 grandsons ages 9 & 10) have taken in an island vacation together now for several years. This was our first trip to Casa Rana and I must say that without a doubt it was the most awesome, relaxing and rejuvenating trip ever! The owners Diana & Richard were so very helpful in our planning. Tropic Ferry met us at the airport, took care of all of our luggage and delivered us to the pier at Casa Rana where we were met by Diana. We truly stepped off the boat and into paradise! There are not enough perfect words to describe Casa Rana. From the large bedrooms each with their own private bath, to the fully equipped kitchen, to the hammock nestle under the palm trees, everything was perfect! Diana's flare for decorating made the house mesmerizing. We had pre-ordered groceries which had already been delivered and the beverages already chilled waiting for us. My grandsons loved snorkeling right from the pier. They had brought their collapsible fishing rods and enjoyed fishing also right from the pier at Casa Rana. Diana personally arranged any and all excursions anyone wanted to do. Some went to the Myan Ruins, one went diving, we all went on a catamaran snorkeling excursion which included Shark and Ray Alley. Totally worth every penny. Even though I was on vacation, I got up most every morning to watch the sunrise. I have some the most beautiful pictures ever! If I got tired later, I would just take a nap in the hammock under the palm trees. Diana was available to answer any and all questions. She made us feel so welcomed. Casa Rana is the perfect location if you want a vacation to do nothing at all but rest and relax. It is also perfect if you want some extra fun with all the excursions available. Two of my group wanted massages, which Diana arranged to be done at Casa Rana. The massage table was set up at the end of the pier, perfect spot. I went for long walks along the beach where my grandsons had a ball finding conch shells. In the past we have stayed at big island resorts where there are lots of people all around all the time. At Casa Rana, there is no having to worry about reserving beach chairs in morning or finding a spot near the pool or having to wait in line to check in or out, or having to wait in lines at restaurants. Casa Rana is ideal for those wanting a paradise vacation without all the hassles. My one and only complaint is that it didn't last long enough.

One thing needs to be stressed for those choosing between multiple venues on Ambergris Caye - THIS. IS. THE. SPOT. The house is a masterpiece in every way. From design, to the beautiful beach and personal dock, to the luxurious top-tier mattresses in every bedroom (which was very important for picky sleepers like ourselves). The design of the house is unparalleled - and yes, the pictures barely do the house justice. Walking through the front door for the first time will instantly take your breath away and put a smile on your face. The plunge pool is perfect for a quick salty wash-off, or a nice dip in between laying out on the dock or patio. Our favorite highlights were the wonderful Diana (and her lovely pup Hydro) who is more than eager to make sure that every facet of your trip will be as wonderful as possible. With a day-in-advance notice, she can take you wherever you need to get to on her personal boat. The house chef, Sylvia, is HIGHLY recommended, and her dishes were unrivaled during our trip and made in the convenience of our own kitchens. The bedrooms/bathrooms are beautiful, and the AC units in each room cool it down in a matter of minutes once inside. A trip to Rojo for sunset drinks and dinner is highly recommend, as is using White Sands for their diving expertise. We also highly recommend the Zipline/Cave-Tubing Day Trip - a truly unique and thrilling experience. Having your groceries' pre-ordered and stocked in your fridge is a must, but be careful not to over-order. Most importantly, we come from a bustling city where everything is normally planned in advance, and at the expert advice of Richard and Diana, it's important to get on "Belize Time", and allow your plans to take shape as late as the day before. The weather was beautiful - high 80's the entire week, with a nice wind throughout (which is a life-saver). Only one or two quick rain-showers, and one beautiful nighttime thunderstorm that we enjoyed staying up to watch. In conclusion, the house has all the space for double the 4 people in our party, if not more. Richard and Diana go to great lengths to be as involved as possible, reaching out before your stay, and staying in touch while graciously aside as your trip unfolds. You won't find a better home with more high-quality amenities than at Casa Rana.

The boat ride from the airport is about an hour to the house, there are mosquitos, and other than that - we dare you not to fall in love with the magnificent Casa Rana.