SERENE BEACHFRONT RETREAT MINUTES FROM WEST BAY AND WEST END

My husband and I were married at xbalanque in early march 2012.  We initially fell in love with the geography and topography of the island.  It captures mountain, jungle, beach, flats, reef and deep ocean (2000' on the far side of the reef)  in a remarkably compact space.  Enamored of the island we began searching for accommodations.  We found xbalanque on homeaway and were thrilled by how perfect is seemed.  It was just the right size, offered the peace of privacy, the convenience of accessibility, abounding adventure opportunities and all of this packaged in what appeared to be five star luxury.  With  30 guests that were generously donating their vacation time and budgets to join us for our wedding, we felt  an enormous responsibility to ensure a stellar vacation.  Xbalanque seemed like our oyster, but was it too good to be true?  In our experience, marketing materials over promise and under deliver.  So, we scheduled a trip to visit xbalanque and hopefully confirm that this jewel of a spot was as it seemed on the Internet. 

From the moment we made contact with pasty, we were warmly embraced and our hopes for the place soared even higher.  Patsy was incredibly accommodating from the start and shared our excitement about the possibility of a wedding there.  As soon as we mentioned our reconnaissance trip she made arrangements to be there with us.  She helped us plan our trip and met us with a smile at the airport.  From the instant we landed to the moment we left, patsy and her local partners Marco and Delzie rolled out the red carpet for us. 

Arriving at xbalanque blew our minds.  The resort far exceeded our expectations, an entirely too rare phenomenon in these days of inflated advertising.  Channeling far east spa every space is a unique expression of Patsy's talent.  Fully designed and decorated by patsy, xbalanque is in perfect harmony with its environment and is an inviting escape from reality. We couldn't imagine a more ideal setting. 

The local connections that Marco and Delzie bring are invaluable.  From organizing fishing and diving trips with the convenience of dockside pick up to ordering the freshest seafood for a beach bake complete with fire dancers and local music, they can accommodate any request.  We quickly discovered the unmatched charm of not only the physical accomodations but also the customer service that xbalanque offers.  Our decision was a no-brainier, and we left the island eagerly anticipating the privilege of bringing ou

This boutique resort was so much more than could possibly be expected. From day one to the last day we enjoyed amazing things to do, more than perfect accommodations and a myriad of choices of what to do each day, although laying out at the infinity pool by the bar was a definite 'do' as well. WE snorkeled and dove going out on an exbalanque boat in the area reefs!!. We ran and walked the beach. I bought jewelry from a lady the owner knew and asked to come by to show us her wares. I had a pedicure in house, a massage in house; we had excellent gourmet dinners right at the resort. The food in house, (and there is a full kitchen in the room too!), was better than anything you could get out, even at the best resorts). Any trips we had help from the owners with transportation, or information provided so we could get transportation. Some of the guests went on fishing expeditions for which the area is noted for--on an xbalanque boat! We didn't have a chance to zip line or go to the Dolphin encounter. Definitely have to go back to do those two things. The flora and fauna on land...and in the water were the most spectacular we've ever had the pleasure to enjoy. No less spectacular was the service and detail AND intense attention by the owners to provide whatever we were looking for! The accommodations were exceptional--well air-conditioned rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms with separate zone air-conditioners, plush mattresses, full ocean views, even a wine-cooler, along with our own washer/dryers--all first-class. Am still amazed. Never been anywhere like Xbalanque resort.

We searched the rental by owner sites and were both intrigued by Xbalanque; partly because the accommodations (minimalist and modern) and partly because of the location (roughly have way between the main tourist towns of West Bay and West End). We also liked the idea of the chef and bartender being available on-site. Patsy Bracy, the owner, answered all our questions and made us feel comfortable in selecting her rental. The booking process was painless.

We stayed in the boutique hotel portion of their complex which shares the Xbalanque name with the neighboring beach house. The grounds are amazing with a stream running through to the beach, parrots, lighted lanterns in the trees, a stunning pool with water features, a private dock with hammocks and little decorative touches all over.

The property's location is fairly isolated, so if you are looking for peace and quite this it is a good place. While sunning on the beach, we got a kick out of watching just about every beach walker stop and star at the resort, it is just that stunning.

Water taxi service runs constantly during the daylight hours between West Bay and West End ($3 pp) and a taxi back at night can run $10-$20 depending on the driver.

The suites are beautifully decorated and outfitted with top of the line kitchen, bath and A/V accessories, if only our home was so nice. We had a second floor unit named Men (Mayan for Eagle). There is AC for each room, along with ceiling fans and all lines are provided, including beach towels. The large balcony had a dinning table and 2 loveseats. We liked eating breakfast on the balcony. Bed was comfy, plenty of storage for our clothes and gear.

The staff were great, the Bracy's were such wonderful hosts and the island was such a magical place, that we could not help but have one of the most memorable vacations. If Xbalanque looks like your kind of place (their website and pictures are accurate, if not understated), do not hesitate to visit. You won't regret it.