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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 340 sq m

Popular amenities

Pool

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Placencia, Stann Creek District

Placencia Peninsula1 min walk
Maya Beach9 min drive
Placencia Beach29 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

We had a wonderful time during our stay. It was everything we were hoping for since it was our first visit to Belize. We...

Karen N.

Mar 11, 2024

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Common spaces

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen

Balcony

About this property

La Vida Casita - Cozy beachfront bungalow steps from the beach.

La Vida Casita, a delightful beachfront cabana, sits just steps from the Caribbean Sea on the Placencia Peninsula. This cozy casita is an ideal escape for friends or romantic couples with a taste for adventure. We offer a perfect balance between easy access to Placencia Village and Maya Beach via a short golf cart or car ride while maintaining a serene distance from the bustling tourist spots, ensuring your private beach oasis awaits.

The 450-square-foot casita is expertly crafted from Belizean hardwoods sourced from the Maya Mountains, located 20 miles west of our property. Innovative design features have been seamlessly integrated to enhance indoor and outdoor living experience. A fully furnished kitchenette awaits those wanting to create authentic Belizean dishes. The casita comfortably accommodates two guests with a queen bed, and a handcrafted futon can sleep a third person. For added comfort, air conditioning is available for those times when the trade winds may not keep you cool. With the Caribbean Sea just outside your French doors, your stay here promises a private and serene sanctuary, making your Belize trip truly exceptional.

At La Vida Casita, we aim to ensure your experience aligns with your expectations. We provide complimentary access to a tandem kayak and bicycles. Right off our beach, you'll find impressive coral heads perfect for honing your snorkeling skills before venturing to the Cayes. Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted to find snapper, snook, jacks, grunts, and Spanish mackerel steps away from the front door, while tarpon and other species can be found across the road in the lagoon. There is a 75-foot pier right off the beach for fishing, swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the Caribbean sun.

Our location is conveniently positioned, a brief 5-minute drive north of Maya Beach and just 30 minutes north of Placencia Village. Many tour operators offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services at La Vida. We highly recommend our guests consider renting a car to explore the region or a golf cart for convenient exploration of the peninsula.

Property manager

Brad & Gaylyn Shelton

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Barbecue grill

Ocean view

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

This property uses solar energy

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Placencia

Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Caribbean Way, a neighbourhood in Placencia. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Maya Beach and Placencia Beach. Inky's Mini Golf and Blue Marlin Dock are also worth visiting.

Placencia, Stann Creek District

What's nearby

Placencia Peninsula - 1 min walk
Maya Beach - 9 min drive
Placencia Beach - 29 min drive
Silk Caye Beach - 30 min drive
Hopkins Village Beach - 46 min drive

Getting around

Placencia (PLJ) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

‪Inky’s 19th Hole Restaurant - ‬17 min drive
‪1981 restaurant - ‬17 min drive
‪Maya Beach Hotel Bistro - ‬10 min drive
‪Capriccio Resturant at Placencia - ‬5 min drive
‪16 Degrees - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is La Vida Casita - Cozy beachfront bungalow steps from the beach. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at La Vida Casita - Cozy beachfront bungalow steps from the beach.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at La Vida Casita - Cozy beachfront bungalow steps from the beach.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is La Vida Casita - Cozy beachfront bungalow steps from the beach. located?

Located in Caribbean Way, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Placencia Peninsula and within 9 miles (15 km) of Maya Beach and Inky's Mini Golf. Placencia Beach and Silk Caye Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Michael Z.

7 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr. Z

Great location, wonderful stay.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen N., Colchester, IL

11 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful !

We had a wonderful time during our stay. It was everything we were hoping for since it was our first visit to Belize. We would definitely stay here again!!

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen N., Colchester, IL

2 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

We loved our stay at La Vida. We wanted a week away from our cold winter and this was perfect!

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason C.

24 Feb 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Place

Amazing place.

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole A.

23 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience.

We loved the bungalow! It was perfect for our needs.

Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Willliam D.

15 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful place to relax!

We loved our stay so much that we booked the beach house again for next year!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Angela M., spirit lake

31 Dec 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Cute casita. But unaware others would be renting on site at the same time.

Check in fairly easy. The property manager did not show up when we arrived for check in, but that’s a non issue as was easy to get inside the casita. What we were confused with was who all the people in the larger home on the property were, we were not informed or read anywhere in the listing that this was a possibility, or mention of another home on the property. Although the pictures show another home, that can be deceiving, and I think should be clear and clarified for those looking for privacy. The handbook in the house says not to drink any water, so I reached out for clarification and was told that the cold water in the kitchen faucet is drinkable. Maybe an update to that portion would be helpful, as well as where the bicycles, snorkel gear, etc is for use. This could avoid multiple messaging back and forth of questions when we would like to be in and out and not need to bother anyone. (Only offering as a suggestion) The area of the casita is as described, we had many back and forth outings with our rental car, and a good beach session at the house.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lois S.

20 Nov 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Cassida on the beach!

The property was very nicely finished and presented just as advertised. Lucas met us at the home and graciously offered any assistance we needed getting settled in. It is a perfect property for a couple’s get-away.

Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe C.

30 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxation and fun

La Vida casita was just the perfect size for my wife and I. We really enjoyed having the kayaks and snorkel equipment available. Also we really enjoyed the Segway scooters. What a nice way to get around town! Thanks for sharing your place with us

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelley A.

12 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded all expectations...

Incredible property in a quieter part of the "isthmus." Excellent view. The shaded dock was lovely place to drink my morning coffee, take in the view and unwind. There's a two-burner cooktop, a toaster oven, a microwave, etc., so grabbing some market essentials and eating in was a breeze. The Casita is a short drive to many excursions, restaurants, and attractions. It's well-maintained by Lucas, Verdon, etc., and the communication was easy. I wish there was a "required to-do" list upon check out so I could meet expectations, but I did my best. The folks staying in the larger house were lovely as well, so I definitely lucked out in that regard. I have already recommended this property to my friends and co-workers. AND I will definitely be back.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

19 Apr 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection!

This place is exactly as it is pictured! If you are considering booking, quit thinking about it and do it! You won't regret it. We loved everything about the Casita and the grounds. My favorite spot was floating in the pool with a view of the beach. We also enjoyed evenings on the dock. It was so peaceful and relaxing, we did not want to leave. Lucas is an amazing host. He always took time to visit with us and answer any questions we had. I can't wait to go again.

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janelle L., Edmonds, WA

28 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tropical Getaway

The private location right on the beach is great spot for a couples getaway. The bungalow is beautiful, the palapa on the pier totally relaxing, and the pool hit the spot. Lucas, on-site property manager, was friendly and helpful. Quick to reply to texts. Overall awesome stay

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn P.

11 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful 40th anniversary stay!

What a wonderful gem! ! My husband and I found La Viva Belize on VRBO in 2021 but had to cancel in 2022 due to COVID. We rescheduled for 2023 and it a was 8 days of utter bliss! Imagine waking up on a wonderfully comfortable bed and sipping french press coffee on the verandah while watching the sun rise over the water. After a fresh fruit and omlet breakfast made in our well outfitted kitchen we either wandered to the hammock on the beach or floating in the pool on lounge chairs. We loved the quiet! The pool is shared with a 2 bdrm cottage. We got on great with our neighbours when we happened to cross paths. Occassional we'd go out on the pier but the "Easter winds" were starting and the sheltered pool was more to our liking. Cocktails appeared around 10 a.m. and around 12:30 we'd start talking about lunch. We rented a car in Belize City which was helpful in accessing restaurants 5-25 minutes away. Our favorite lunch spots were Jaguar Bowling Lanes for great pizza, Malula Bar & , Grill, a beachside pub and the Green Parrot. We'd either pick up food for dinner or venture out again in the evening to the Green Parrot or Habenaros Mexican Cafe & Bar with great sunsets! Brad and Luke were great and very responsive to any questions. Highly recommend this comfortable, spotless Casita on the beach for two!

Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

7 Feb 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

UnBelizeable!

The location is terrific. Just far enough away from the business of the peninsula and close enough to easily travel to Placencia, or go north to Hopkins and the Maya Adventure Park. Since we were the only ones on the property it felt like our own private resort. I especially enjoyed the pier and hammocking under the palm trees. The kayak takes on water, as Lucas said, but as a paddle instructor I say it should not be taken out. He provided a new paddleboard, which is fun in calmer waters. We met the neighbors, who were willing to loan our their kayaks. One of those took on water as well, making it difficult to paddle after an hour out. Please be aware of the wind and current, which will drift you quickly down the shoreline if you are not paying attention. Only one working PFD(life jacket) is available- fyi. I would like to see more added for safety. Everything else was functioning and clean. I'd definitely come back in a heartbeat! Only down side to our trip was the biting sand flies, who aren't seen and then later on spots appear on your skin. We learned later from a local that they come out more in the golden hours (morning and evening). She also said " When you come to Belize you get two stamps...One in your passport and one on your body!" The drinking water is only from the kitchen faucet when it's turned all the way to the left. This was different than the instructions given. Also, the Hungry Gecko in Maya Beach is no longer in business. These need to be updated in the book at the house. Overall it was funtastic and better than expected!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hollie W.

29 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful beach retreat!

We had a wonderful stay, just wish it was for longer. Lucas was there to great us and we saw him throughout our stay. He gave us recommendations on restaurants and places to explore. The pool was amazing to cool off and relax in. We had a rental car and recommend that over a golf cart to get down to Placencia. It is not down by the hustle and bustle. It was nice to be able to wake up to and come back to a quiet place after the days of exploring. There is a pier with loungers and chairs, which I believe is not shown in the listing and must be newer. Would absolutely stay here again!

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg H.

21 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property

My wife and I spent a few days at La Vida and loved every bit of our stay. We were recovering after a week with a group of 12 at another property in the area. The home is in a quiet and beautiful area. We rode the beach bikes everyday down to grab dinner. They were very accommodating and easy to work with when our travel plans changed a bit.

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rustin J.

1 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Adventure

The only issue my wife and I had was getting too much sun! Amazing location and an amazing time. 10/10

Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Corrie W.

31 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

10th wedding anniversary

My husband I spent both time in San Pedro and Palencia. We both agreed that Palencia is were it’s at! Our Vrbo was exactly as described. Plus, friendly neighborhoods, great dishes and the best scuba diving on the Belize barrier reef! We are sure to return!

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Morgan W., Detroit

9 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible

Incredible place! Super amazing atmosphere. beautiful casita. Highly recommend for single or couples.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dave S.

13 Apr 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

25th Anniversary Trip

We had a great time! Brad (owner) and Lucas (on site in Belize) were great! The Casita looks just like the photos and is fully equipped with everything you need. We enjoyed so many good restaurants during our stay. Bonefish, Rumfish Y Vino, Hobbs, Muna, Tipsy Tuna. The electric scooters were a lot of fun if you decide to rent those from Brad. We had a rental car and drove it from Belize City. We felt it was essential for getting around to restaurants and for groceries. You share the pool, bikes, property with whoever is renting the main house. We had fun connecting with the people who were renting the main house and didn’t get in each other’s way. Internet service was good. Netflix is the only streaming option that worked for us. Hulu, HBO Max didn’t work out of country for us. We shopped for groceries in Placencia or Maya beach at Publics. Sun & Sand Supermakert in Placencia was the only place we could find Pinot Grigio. The beaches at the property are not walkable. When we where there the water at the beach wasn’t a crystal clear Caribbean blue at any point. We had a great time snorkeling with Sea Horse Dive Shop to Laughing Bird Caye. We went hiking at Cockscomb on the Tiger Fern trail. A strenuous hike but the waterfalls at the end were very cool. The property adjacent to this one is an active construction site 7 days a week and they get started around 7am. We were largely successful in blocking out the hammering with a white noise sound machine and ear plugs. Had a great time and would highly recommend this property! It’s beautiful and well maintained. 2.5 hour drive from Belize Airport. Take the Humminbird highway route and not the Coastal Highway if you drive. It’s beautiful (for the middle part of your drive).

Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

14 Mar 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice property

Everything was as pictured. The property manager responded within minutes of any questions. The only negative was all the construction at the adjacent property. But, that is not the owners fault. I would definitely stay again.

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

1 Mar 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

You won't Belize it ❤️ 🌴

This property is un Belizable!! It was a wonderful stay in a welcoming community with all the amenities of home. Tiki toss is by the pool and is an added touch that shouldn't be over looked for some good old fashioned compitation. The grounds were kept up beautifully and enjoyed chatting with him in the early mornings when the previous nights permitted lol! Be sure to try the local rum. 😁 Relaxing in the hammock overlooking the beautiful ocean with pelicans catching there meals was absolutely excuiset! The access to the fresh coconuts on the trees on the property will truly make you feel like you are living the local life and will definitely refresh and revive you for the day ahead! I definitely recommend a car rental to be able to experience all Placencia has to offer everyone is extremely friendly and always willing to help. We made friends for life there including Lucas who checked in on us and any questions we had was able to answer. Brad was an amazing host and has done a wonderful job at preparing his property for guests! Can't wait to go back!!

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathy B., Dyersburg, Tennessee

28 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas break fun

We enjoyed our stay at this adorable home right on the water. Beach was combed for us, chairs to sit on, pool open for us, nice neighbors, well equipped kitchen and wifi. Our host was very helpful and accommodating. It was a short drive into placencia. We arrived at night so difficult to find in Belize with few street signs, but called host and he helped us find it, just know your mile marker when you come, and daylight! But that’s Belize! It was a great home base to explore a lot, close to rainforest with waterfall hikes, victoria peak, Hopkins and hummingbird highway with lots of places to stop. Great snorkeling right out of placencia to silk cayes or fishing in the other cayes offshore. Perfect place for a couple.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peg R.

23 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

All we imagined!

This private residence on the beach was the PERFECT getaway for our 25th anniversary! We spent time relaxing to the sound of lapping waves, reading under palm trees, watching the pelicans dive and so much more. We rented a car, which allowed us access to several area restaurants, tour operators and a few nearby places of interest that we explored on our own. Brad was wonderfully responsive to our questions ahead of time. And Lucas was an amazing resource, offering advice on tour guides, bird identification and local history. Definitely would stay here again! Thanks for such a memorable trip!

Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Whitney W.

2 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Place to Recharge Your Battery

I'm still sad I had to leave, I actually ended up extending my stay a little longer-- which Brad and Lucas made very simple and easy. From the time I arrived till the time I left, the property managers were only a call away. I can honestly say the only thing I had the slightest trouble with was getting taxis to find the place. Listen to the owners and get a car. Do not listen to the weather reports, the weather there is very much like Miami, Fl where the rain storms come and go at a moments notice. If you buy bread, put it in the fridge as soon as you get it back to the Casita. Most everything you need is provided by the host and is in the Casita. The only thing you need to bring is food and a smile.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021