Escape to Island Time Gecko, a luxurious 2-story waterfront estate with 4 bedrooms, each boasting private bathrooms and incredible Caribbean Sea views. Experience the ultimate in relaxation with daily maid service, a personal chef on hand three days a week, and use of kayaks and paddleboards on the pristine beach.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 104200 sq ft
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village
Welcome to Island Time Gecko! A 4-bedroom, 6-bathroom private island villa with private chef included.
Situated on Placencia Caye just a few hundred yards from the heart of Placencia Village, Island Time Gecko is a stunning 2-story custom waterfront estate that delivers the best of both worlds — the privacy, security, and exclusivity of your own private island, with Placencia Village just a 2-minute boat ride away. Whether you want to spend lazy days on the island soaking in the Caribbean breeze, or hop over to the village for dinner, bar hopping, and exploring, the choice is always yours and always effortless.
The ground floor sets an impressive tone with a large game room featuring a full walk-around bar with a commercial ice maker, a pool table, board games, and flat-screen TV — opening directly onto the ground-level freshwater pool, back patio, and beach. Four generously sized king bedrooms are spread across both floors, each with a private en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. The master suite on the upper floor is a standout, featuring an outdoor shower and a private outdoor bathtub, a large flat-screen TV, and private balcony doors that open onto one of the most spectacular views on the property.
The second floor is the heart of the home — a large open-plan kitchen, dining room, and media lounge with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and the Maya Mountains, a BBQ grill on the outdoor dining terrace, and sliding glass doors that open to the crown jewel of the villa: the upstairs infinity plunge pool. With trade wind breezes flowing through and panoramic views in every direction, it is one of the finest spots on the island to watch the sun go down.
Large, covered patios on every level overlook both the marina and the ocean. The covered pier is a favorite gathering spot at golden hour — keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the shallows at sunset, or manatees drifting lazily by. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear are right on the beach, where the water on the leeward side is always calm and clear.
Island Time Gecko 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 (8 adults max)
**ACCOMMODATIONS** Bedroom 1 — Master Suite, 1 King bed, private en-suite with indoor and outdoor shower and private outdoor bathtub (2nd floor) Bedroom 2 — 1 King bed, private en-suite (2nd floor) Bedroom 3 — 1 King bed, private en-suite (1st floor) Bedroom 4 — 1 King bed, private en-suite (1st floor) Game Room — 2 daybeds A pack-and-play crib and portable highchair are available upon request.
ISLAND BOAT SERVICE Island Time Gecko 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. You will be provided with the captain's direct phone number closer to your arrival date to coordinate directly with him.
**GECKO SIGNATURE AMENITIES** Full concierge service Private chef service (every other day for stays of 4 nights or more) Daily housekeeping Guest laundry service 4-seater golf cart parked on the mainland for use in Placencia Village and surroundings 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 drink on arrival Two freshwater pools — ground level and upstairs plunge pool Covered private pier Game room with pool table, walk-around bar, and board games Kayaks and paddleboards Snorkeling gear 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 Additional golf cart rental — 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 Island Time Gecko 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. Your included golf cart will be waiting on the mainland whenever you're ready to explore further.
**Dining**
Rumfish y Vino — one of Placencia Village's most celebrated restaurants, known for fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.
Wendy's Creole Kitchen — a Placencia Village staple beloved by locals and visitors alike for authentic, homestyle Belizean and Creole cooking.
Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar — a lively waterfront institution with great food, cold drinks, and live music.
Barefoot Beach Bar — a classic beachside bar perfect for sunset cocktails and casual bites.
Tutti Frutti Gelato — a beloved village institution for gelato and sweet treats.
Toucan Jacks Tiki Bar — a fun, 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.
**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 Bonvoy (HVMB) are subject to the cancellation terms of their respective booking channel.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Communal pool
Massage
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Internet
Available in the villa: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
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
Breakfast available for a fee
Chef service
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
6 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
DVD player
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Iron/ironing board
Limited housekeeping
Safe
Location highlights
In a village
In the mountains
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Bicycles
Billiards/pool table
Boat
Kayak
Paddleboard
Water sports equipment
Fishing nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
No Pets permitted unless specifically approved in advance by Lessor and payment of additional security deposit to Lessor as agreed to in advance.
Absolutely no smoking permitted inside home. Cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and other trash shall be properly disposed of and not left in yard, or be
Lock golf cart with steering wheel lock when not in use as all club car keys are same.
Return cell phone and charger to caretaker at check out.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
No events are allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 eco-friendly cleaning products
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 deadlock
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located in Placencia, this villa is in the mountains and on the beach. Jaguar Bowling Lanes and Inky's Mini Golf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Placencia Beach and Silk Caye Beach. Scuba diving and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and mountain climbing nearby. Visit our Placencia travel guide
Does Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village located?
Nestled on the beach, this Placencia villa is within 1 mi (2 km) of Placencia Pier and Placencia Beach. Silk Caye Beach and Jaguar Bowling Lanes are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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Private Island Beachfront Villa 1 Min From Village Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The property was fantastic and Jose, Julia and the entire staff were amazing, as a matter of fact we have already booked another stay for September.
John W.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michelle
17 Oct 2023
Island Time is a Good Time
From the moment we walked in to the property, we were impressed. A beautiful space, with a fantastic staff who were always courteous and quick to help, even going out of their way to ensure the little details were taken care of. We definitely are keeping Gecko in mind for our next visit.
From the moment we walked in to the property, we were impressed. A beautiful space, with a fantastic staff who were always courteous and quick to help, even going out of their way to ensure the little details were taken care of. We definitely are keeping Gecko in mind for our next visit.
This house was perfect for our family trip to Belize! Juanito and the rest of the house staff were always available when we needed them and so friendly and easy to interact with. Our chef, Jonathan, prepared delicious and fresh meals and was able to accommodate our picky eaters. He did everything from preparing to serving to clean-up. This experience really enhanced our stay! We loved being able to use the kayaks and paddle boards and the pools were a great way to cool off during the day. We would book this place over and over again and highly recommend staying here for a trip to Belize!
Kari Z.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Annika K.
10 Jan 2024
Everything was great, actually better than expected!
If anything I’d say That the pictures of the house rooms doesn’t give it justice, the rooms and the kitchen and living space are bigger in reality. We were all positively surprised over how spacious it was!
Sat, Dec 30 – Sat, Jan 6, 2024
Annika K.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Babbitt B.
19 Jul 2024
A True Vacation
I grew up at a beach and have visited countless beaches across the world. This was my 1st Vacation feeling truly on vacation! As a wife, Mom and working full-time I often just keeping going--- finding something to do, clean, or put away. With the Chef, Daily Housekeeper and Boat Driver I was able to completely relax. We loved the pier, clear water, paddle boards, kayaks and pool table! We will certainly be back to visit!!!
This was overall THE best place! The staff were very accommodating and friendly (Juanito, Cindy and Julia). The house was stocked with everything we requested for groceries and such. Gecko Island Time was large and spacious and easily accommodated eight people. The meals cooked by Chef Julia were fantastic and the grounds and house were kept immaculate on a daily basis by Juanito and Cindy. Juanito was at our beck and call and just a phone call or text away. The concierge, Heidi, responded promptly to all my inquiries prior to our trip.
Stephanie K.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Bianca C.
20 Jun 2024
Absolute heaven on earth!!!
Every second of every day was absolute paradise!!! The house itself is GORGEOUS! So much space for our group of 8. Juanito & Abner were so helpful & professional; they immediately took care of ANY request. Kenton’s meals were INCREDIBLE & he was SOOOOO hospitable. Sonya kept our entire house spotless (I truly was spoiled with the daily laundry service) & she was very friendly to all of us. The ferry to/from the main dock was super convenient & always dependable.
We truly loved all the amenities—the hut covered dock, the kayaks, the paddle boards, everything was just perfect!
Thank you for giving us a dream vacation!! We have raved to all of our friends how wonderful our time was!
Bianca C.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Neil F.
11 Jun 2024
Amazing vacation with exceptional service!
We just spent the best week at Island Time Gecko! From the moment we arrived until we left, the staff that helped us with everything were incredible. Jose was our caretaker and boat captain, and he felt like family by the end of our trip. He was so thoughtful and made our experience so personal. Things like leaving coconuts with straws in them for us to drink, taking us to the canal bar and on a sunset cruise to helping with the kids on paddle boards, etc. He was very social and answered all of our questions. Maria was a pleasure to speak with and she kept our place clean and tidy. Salvador cooked us wonderful meals that gave us a taste of some traditional, local fare. Heidy was really helpful setting up the trip and excursions and she checked in to make sure everything was going well during the week. The house was a great setup for our group, and each bedroom was large with it's own bathroom. The backyard is gorgeous and we used the pool as well as the dock everyday. There is a little wear and tear on the house but overall it was in good condition and a beautiful place to stay. We would definitely go back!
The property is absolutely gorgeous and has everything to offer. The description and pictures don’t do it justice. The staff was amazing and catered to our every need. The chef was top notch and kept our bellies full with great food. We highly recommend booking this property, especially when looking to be spoiled!
Kelly L.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Bryce
22 May 2024
Amazing time at the house.
Amazing time at the house. The crew were always on top of everything.
Everything work out great, actually better than expected
If anything I’d say
That the pictures of the house rooms doesn’t give it justice, the rooms and the kitchen and living space are bigger in reality. We were all positivly surprised over how spacious it was!
We had our family is 8 plus three infants at island time Gecko this past week. The house worked really
Well
For us. The hosts were super accommodating. From boats trips over to the mainland when we wanted to amazing meals. The beach is lovely. The dock is the best place to be in the morning. It’s shady and you can watch all the fish in the water. We saw dolphins and stingrays and birds from the dock.
Beautiful home and surroundings, but what made our stay the best was the care we received from Jim and Maria!! Excellent food, excellent care. Such a lovely couple. The house was big and the rooms were wonderful. And the view...
The house was perfect! Island Time Gecko had everything out 2 families, 4 adults & 4 teens, needed for a fun & relaxing week in Placencia. Pool, the dock with a hammock, kayaks, paddle boards & Jim & Maria to cook. It was A+++
Everything was just as pictured. The housekeeper does an excellent job. Our chef prepared our meals which were delicious. The boat captain was outstanding.
We just returned from a week at Island Time. We had such a good stay. We wanted family time so spent most of the week enjoying the house - 2 pools, on the beach and just a quick boat ride away from Placencia. Sunsets every night were beautiful. The local restaurants were great (Barefoot, Rumfish, Tipsy Tuna, Chachis). But the highlight were Jim and Maria. Jim is a chef and all of our meals were fantastic (3 meals a day for 3 days). The last night we were there, the kids had gone deep sea fishing and caught a variety of fish (barracuda, crab, lobster) - Jim offered to make a seafood curry over rice - soooo good. He was also our "captain" so took us to and from town whenever we needed, along with his co-captain, Kurt (his son :)). Maria was there every morning making our beds, cleaning, etc. We were so pampered and loved every minute. Thank you for a fantastic vacation!
We chose this vacation for a couples trip for my husband’s 50th birthday. It was all we wanted and more. Jim and Maria are truly accommodating and work very hard to make every request possible. We really hope to make another visit within the next year and plan to stay at Island Time 😊
Jim and Maria were our host family. They were amazing and bent over backwards to ensure our stay was as perfect as possible. From taking us to town, to cooking, cleaning, advising us on the way it works there in the village...everything!
Just a couple of notes for anyone who is interested
1) if you want to snorkel call Ocean Motion, and do the full day. Do it early in your trip because it is likely you will want to go again. I suggest bringing your own mask. Get one before you leave as it makes a huge difference. They rent all the gear...but you don't want to miss anything! also, bring money as the last stop for the day is swimming with the rays and sharks and turtles. You stop at a local fishing boat and can buy conch and lobsters straight from the guys... amazing!
2) resupply days are tuesdays and fridays in the village. At the veggie stand you can get fresh veggies but go early, it sells out fast. Also, look for the Amish selling veggies on the street across from Omar's (or close) they have awesome produce.
3) you don't need to exchange any money. The locals give you a better exchange rate than you will ever get at the bank or exchange shop. 2 belizian dollars is one american.
4) it is expensive in Placencia. Expect to pay american prices for just about everything.
5) Jim and Maria are great cooks and do a better job than ALL of the restaurants in town! they are a fantastic resource for you.
6) Bring bug spray...and I mean it! if it rains the "no see UMs" will get you and the bite lasts a long time. Itchy and bumpy...try to use coconut oil all over your skin and spray bug spray on top of that. I found that to work well.
7) there is a TON of wildlife...manatees, rays, herons, egrits, and if you get out to cockscomb howler monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws among other things can be seen. The waterfall was amazing on the way to Ben's Bluff.... well worth the hike. Make sure to buy your gifts at the Mayan store outside of cockscomb as the prices are very reasonable and the items are made by the mayans there.
8) remember to tip Jim and Maria big! They do it all for you!
We had an amazing time. Everything from the help getting in after a day of flight delays, amazing house, beautiful location, superb meals by Jim, awesome excursions with captain Jak’s, swimming with sharks and sea turtles, the friendly people in Placencia. I could go on and on. We will be back!
This house is everything you want it to be....there were 5 adults, that were family, and we had plenty of room to move around without being on top of one another. Everything went like clockwork from the minute we landed in Belize City, getting thru customs, getting on the smaller plane, getting to Placencia and getting to the boat to get to the house. Heidy was very gracious our concierge, who had everything lined up for us. We met Jim and Maria who are the caretakers of the house, the chefs and maintenance. They took care of everything and beyond....the food the Jim and Maria made, just seemed to get better with every meal. Maria made sure the beds were made every day and would even do our laundry. You are truly pampered there. I would stay again there with no hesitation. Maria also made the best rum punch...we had her make us more throughout the week!!! Thank you to everyone that made it a vacation to remember!!
Pictures do not do this spot justice!
I had an intimate wedding ceremony of 7 at this home. Sailboats mooring in the distance, Placencia a 5min boat ride away! The best food prepared right at the home by Jimbo, Maria.