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Gladden Private Island

Escape to an island haven where coral reefs meet white sand beaches. Savor local flavors crafted by celebrated chefs and rejuvenate with personalized spa treatments.
your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Gladden Private Island

Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Aerial view
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 4279 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Property grounds

Are you in need of ADVENTURE?

Breakfast included
Outdoor space
Living/dining area
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
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About the area

Map
Placencia, Stann Creek District

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Gladden Private Island

A swirl of turquoise and aquamarine lagoons cradle Gladden, an island fringed with coral and white sand in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. This island jewel harbors your own private sanctuary, a casually elegant villa designed for just one couple, with the all-inclusive service of a luxury resort. There is a second master suite should you wish to share Gladden with friends or family. Our staff resides unseen on the smaller island behind the guest island across the Gladden lagoon, ready to respond to any request at a moment’s notice. A “privacy meter” indicates if a member of the team is on the main island for any reason, because we want our guests to feel free to be themselves. There are no other neighbors – it’s just you and the views.

While you’re ensconced in our casually luxurious 3,000-square-foot villa, you’ll never spot a neighbor. But you will be greeted with stunning views from every room. Stand in the entryway and let your eyes wander across the swimming pool to the coral reef beyond. Slip into the master suite, a soothing enclave of dark woods complemented by wide windows overlooking the ocean. Climb to the roof terrace to soak up the sun and bask in the panorama of aquamarine lagoons as far as the eye can see.
Dine on local specialties prepared by a roster of guest chefs from celebrated kitchens around the world. Swim with whale sharks at nearby Gladden Spit, one of the few places where these gentle giants congregate each spring. Book a spa treatment or boat charter through your personal concierge.

While most private island experiences require jetting to the far reaches of the globe, Gladden Private Island delivers the natural beauty and tranquility of a Polynesian atoll with a minute travel time of less than four hours from Miami.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
Helicopter transfer on arrival from Belize City to the island for stays of 7 nights or more.
Domestic Flights for all guests (Belize City to Placencia/Placencia to Belize City)
Speed boat transfers from and to the island.
Exclusive use of the entire island.
All meals prepared by your personal chef.
Wine, champagne and spirits.
Personal concierge services.
Personal boat and boat captain
Personal fishing and snorkeling guide
Massages and spa treatments.
Housekeeping
Internet/Wifi.
Use of kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear and all other sporting equipment.
One half day of diving

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Wine, champagne and spirits from our reserve list.
Additional mainland excursions
Gratuity for the island team

Property manager

Chris Krolow

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Fishing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Property located in a resort
  • Recycling
  • Solar energy
  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Note from host: No events are allowed
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Gladden Caye Private Island
Gladden Private Island Villa
Gladden Private Island Placencia
Gladden Private Island Villa Placencia
UEV13950V5

Frequently asked questions

Does Gladden Private Island have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Gladden Private Island pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Gladden Private Island?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gladden Private Island?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gladden Private Island located?

Nestled on the beach, this Placencia villa is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Belize Barrier Reef.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jack S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beyond Expectations
My wife and I stayed at Gladden Island 7/12/19 – 7/19/19. From the moment we arrived, we knew that we were in for a very special trip. The staff were absolutely amazing and tended to every need we could imagine. The food was fabulous! On Tuesday, I asked the chef if she had ever heard of a Pecan Pie (my favorite). She said she had not, but she would research it. That night, she had a full size Pecan Pie waiting for us for our dessert. The daily massages for fantastic. We snorkeled and spent lots of time in the pool and reading books. The island has Apple TV along with a surround sound system so that you can play music throughout the island and the inside and outside. I would highly suggest this for couples who lead an incredibly busy life and need to get way to unplug and rest and unwind!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Trina C., Marietta, GA USA

The Best Honeymoon Spot Ever ... and the island, service, food, and snorkeling were phenomenal
We returned from our honeymoon a few weeks ago and it has taken a while to determine just what to write about our experience on Gladden. First, let me say that no matter how great the description is of this paradise, it does NOT do the experience justice, and no words I can add would make that any better. Yes, the photos are amazing, but not nearly as breathtaking as it is in person. And you think you know what personal service is, but until you experience it at Gladden, you haven’t really had complete personal service at a resort before. We were excited to book our honeymoon at Gladden. We had high expectations for Gladden based on the website and reviews, but nothing could have prepared us for our actual visit. We were looking for a once in a lifetime experience, somewhere we wouldn’t spend a “normal” vacation (and we travel a LOT), and something not everyone has done. Gladden provided this and so much more! From the moment we landed in Belize, we had custom service. We had a guide from baggage claim to our helicopter, with a stop in the middle to rest at a cute little café while awaiting the helicopter. We then flew over the famous Blue Hole. It’s an awe-inspiring sight from the sky, and our pilot flew in several angles so that both my husband and I could experience it in full. Arriving at the island, it’s amazing to see just how isolated you will be. It’s breathtaking from the air and really does look like paradise. We were promptly greeted by the friendly faces of the staff. Adam (perfect host), Annika (best chef ever), Jammie (great masseuse), and Zack (groundskeeper extraordinaire) were delightful. They truly wanted us to enjoy our honeymoon, but to also fall in love with Gladden and Belize. As a surprise for my husband, I had asked Adam if he would mind putting a couple of photos of us up around the place before we got there. He had the pictures displayed perfectly! My husband was surprised and delighted – it really did make the island feel more like “home”. He had also picked up a nice bottle of rum for my husband – his favorite! Daily, they would ask us what we would like to do for that day (or even the next) and helped us plan out our time. We wanted to spend as much time as we could enjoying the island, but also take a few day trips. You can tell that the owners and staff of Gladden Island care about your vacation as much as you do. They do everything in their power to make it stress free and memorable.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

Staying on Gladden was a once in a lifetime vaction- or at least until we go back!
We were so excited to get to Gladden. We had made the arrangements several months in advance, and it all seemed so perfect that we were counting the days until we left. We were not disappointed. I'll start by saying that I'd read all the prior visitors' glowing comments, so it's hard to know what to add, but at the risk of being repetitious, I'll glow too. The isolation, peace and tranquility of the location is rare and wonderful. Couple that with the privacy afforded by the staff staying near, but not with, made for complete relaxation. The architecture and design of the villa is a thing of rare beauty. No need to argue about form or function being more important- both are fully realized. The quality of the furnishings, the flow of the layout, the spacious bathrooms were all very welcoming. The staff took excellent care of us. Annika, Adam, Gabby and Zack were friendly and professional at all times. They must have asked us a zillion times what more they could do. Annika's meal planning and cooking were outstanding- we had much delicious food and wine- and they made it all appear effortless- to us anyway! And Gabby is a very talented masseuse! I recommend Gladden highly to anyone craving this kind of off the grid private experience- there is no compromise on luxury. We're looking forward to going back soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

10+ Stars
5 stars aren't enough to rate our vacation at Gladden. From the moment we were greeted at the airport to our private helicopter ride over gorgeous Caribbean waters and Belize's famous blue hole and finally landing at Gladden greeted by your wonderful staff, we can't thank you enough for one of the best vacations Ever! The level of service that Adam, Annika and the entire staff provided was unsurpassed! Their enthusiasm, sense of humor, kindness, beautifully prepared meals, expertise, knowledge of Belize and travel in general was not only inspiring, but what made our stay on the island so unique and memorable. Thank you again! Looking forward to a return trip in 2019.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Doug Y.

Perfect Vacation
This was the most wonderful vacation experience we could have ever dreamed of. The beauty of the island with the ability to snorkel or paddle board right from your own personal beach was amazing! Additionally the staff was amazing and attentive. From the outstanding personal meals to the spa style massages, we truly did not want for anything! A destination and experience must!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kathy T.

Breathtakingly Relaxing
Our stay on Gladden was just what we needed for our 20th wedding anniversary. The entire team did everything they could to make our stay perfect. I will totally recommend this island to all my friends. Thank you to Adam, Annika, Gabby and Zak- you are amazing! Scott and Kathy
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Danielle M.

Best vacation ever!!!!!!
Colleen and Peter, On behalf of my family please allow me to express our sincerest appreciation for your amazing and incredible hospitality. We wanted for nothing-you were there providing everything and anything we could have asked for, before we asked for it. The weather was spectacular and the accommodations beyond beautiful and amazing! The activities-awesome! But by far and away what truly made this trip the best trip we have ever been on was the two of you along with Douglas, Gabby and Zak. Every meal was gourmet and memorable in their own right. You spoiled us and helped make this a trip we will remember and talk about for the rest of our lives! thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

chuck o.

An amazing place with superior staff!
"Gladden was a wonderful place and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience! Our hosts, Iza and Jeff were absolutely amazing and looked after every detail to ensure we had everything we needed. Iza is a world class chef and prepared fantastic meals for us every day on our own timeline. Jeff catered to every single one of our boating excursion desires and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the aquatic surroundings. The snorkeling and scuba diving was great! I cannot say enough about how well they treated us as well as being a real joy to talk with. Lorena, our masseuse, gave fantastic full body massages every day and was a pleasure to be around. Due to lack of planning on our part, we had passport issues and between Colleen and Emilio, they dropped what they were doing and helped us resolve the issues on the spot and made the necessary phone calls to ensure safe passage for us. Gladden is a magical place that I will visit again!" Chuck O.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jim C.

Island paradise!
Gladden was spectacular! When we arrived we were struck by how it is even more impressive in person than it is in photos. The house is beautifully decorated and situated so that it is completely private, surrounded by crystal clear water in vibrant blues and greens. We were greeted by our hosts Geoff & Iza, Lorena, and Omar, all of whom went above and beyond to make sure our stay was special. Gourmet meals tailored to our requests, fully stocked bar, massages on the deck every afternoon, kayaks and paddle boards, and of course the most amazing snorkeling right off the beach with hundreds of colorful fish swimming in the reef. Our arrival was via boat and our departure was via helicopter and we would travel that way again. Truly an amazing vacation and one we will always remember!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Wes H.

Incredible staff and Incredible Island! Everything was second to none. Skip the Ritz and stay here.
I own and operate 3 business with roughly 500 employees. Finding good employees is always the largest challenge in my industry and any industry from what I can tell. I want you to know that you should feel very fortunate to have Colleen and Pete hosting at Gladden. The level of service we received during the entirety of our stay was second to none that I have experienced. When you stay at nice places you come to expect to be treated well and cared for but the real difference maker in our experience was that both Colleen and Pete seemed to genuinely enjoy hosting and serving. I felt like they were happy to have us and more than happy to serve us as guests. Generally in my experience it is easy to tell when someone cares about the work they are doing and how it is done and who they work for. It was very obvious and apparent to both my wife and I that Colleen and Pete have a passion to serve people, that made the experience truly special. If I returned to Gladden it would be because of the experience and care we received from the host more so than the island itself, and that's not meant to take anything away from the beauty of the island... Thanks Colleen and Pete for an amazing experience!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

Beautiful property, magnificent service! Bucket list this one!
The home was perfect. Well appointed and extremely comfortable in almost every aspect. The island is well maintained and manicured by Al (who is also a great mixologist). Colleen made sure the food was amazing daily. The staff was perfect. Always available but not obvious. Plenty of private space for relaxing. We were entertained on a nearby island (King Leewe's island) for the day by Peter and Colleen who made our trip as perfect as it could have been. Tiffany gives an awesome body massage while relaxing on the beach. I cant give enough stars for this property and staff. Well done David, Chris, Kathy and Adam.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Conor B.

10-star staff, excellent accommodations - property has all amenities on site !!
I can't emphasize the quality of the staff enough, they made it a 10-star experience - charming, funny, excellent chefs, and easy-going!! I was surprised to discover the property came with all amenities included, as we were expecting additional fees to charter a boat, but upon arrival, discovered the property has its own center console and flat bottom boats for easy transfers to snorkeling or scuba sites, and to bar hop (King Lewey's was our favorite)! We had our golden doodle with us for the trip, the staff was great with him, and all of the island stops were pet friendly. Gladden lives up to their promise of an exclusive and unforgettable experience!! We highly recommend the property and request Peter, Colleen, Al & Tiffany - you won't be disappointed!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

Amazing island
The island was amazing with amazing hosts. Peter, Colleen, al, and Tiffany do an awesome job at making sure you have an memorable experience. Their knowledge of the area and variety of experiences that you have ability to experience make this place one of a kind: Scuba, snorkeling, sailing, massage, fishing. You must try this island. It is the bar for what an island experience should be
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Terri G., Sartell, Minnesota

We absolutely loved our week on Gladden Island. We wish we could have stayed longer!
Things We Liked About Gladden Island. -The weather (not -20 degrees like back home) -The amazing guest house -Remarkable/professional staff -Colleen's fabulous cooking -Peter's humor -Tiffany's manicures/pedicures -Al's fire starting/bonfire -Snorkeling on the reef -Sunshine -Overnight Oats for breakfast -Scuba Diving -Sparkling water -Spotted eagle rays -Catching lobster -Bacon-wrapped chicken/couscous -Curry Shrimp and Rice -Paddle boarding -Barracuda-they can fly across the water! -Alberto's driving the boat safely -Peter's expert scuba knowledge -Artichoke Dip for happy hour -Fresh conch appetizers -Al's special drinks -Sunsets on the water -Dancing on the beach -Seeing the nurse sharks -Brain coral -Visiting other islands -Drinks at King Lewey's -Drinks/snacks at Hatchet Caye -Colleen's homemade bread -Chocolate cake -"Peter's" cookies -Fresh oranges -Coffee at sunrise -Soft beds -Clean rooms -Beautiful views -Gentle breezes -Watching squalls roll in -Thunderstorms at night -More paddle boarding -The master bathtub with ocean view -Sherry's stunning paintings -The hurricane doors -Eggs made to order -Ice cream with strawberries -Pelicans diving -The osprey nest -Hermit crabs -Black bean soup on a rainy day -Folded cloth napkins -Mayan history and land tour -Jenga tower competitions -Belize's lovely climate -Friendly locals -Emilio helping at the airport -Champagne and grilled lobster on New Years Eve -Private island solitude EVERYTHING!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jim W.

The most amazing vacation of my life .
The property was from a fairytale . A 2 person small secluded Island with the greatest 4 person staff that you could ever ask for that was at your service on a moment's notice from their own Island less then 100 yards away !!! Just an incredible experience. Thank you Colleen , Peter , Tiffany and Al . You made our stay unforgettable .
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Amy A.

Beyond amazing
My husband and I visited for 4 nights for our belated honeymoon and I cannot say enough fantastic things about our trip. It was the most amazing experience of our lifetime. The best part was the team that works there – Tiffany, and Al, and Hector. Colleen and Peter are two especially wonderful people and really made the trip special. They are genuine caring people, knowledgeable about what they do, and have a good time doing it! We feel like we made new friends for life! The team took the time to plan a special evening for us, with chef Omar from nearby Placencia and musical guitarist. Even though it was raining outside, we had such a good time and Omar’s food was beyond belief. We thank them both for coming out to the island in such dreary weather…and at night! The food every day was fantastic. Colleen used only the freshest food and nailed every one of our favorite foods. Peter went snorkeling with us and took some great pictures of what we saw on the trip. The views were amazing, the house was gorgeous. We spent most of our time just gazing at the views around us during the day and up in the sky at the stars at night. Honestly no complaints whatsoever, only accolades for what the team did to make the trip so special and easy going. We hope to be able to come back again and refer some friends or family to visit as well! Thank you for the amazing experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017