Answers to the most commonly asked questions.
If you need more information please feel free to contact us.
Reservations & Concierge
How do I make a reservation?
You’ll receive the best rate on your reservation by booking direct with us.
You can booking direct either through our website or by emailing us at reservations@geckovacations.com.
To book through our website:
-
Navigate to the property page
-
Select available dates on the booking widget and follow the instructions to complete your booking.
If the property does not have a booking widget please use the contact form on the property page to send your inquiry.
How much is the reservation deposit?
To reserve your dates, 30% of the grand total is required at the time of booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
When booking direct our cancellation policies are as follows:
Villas
A full refund, minus a non-refundable booking fee of $150, will be issued when Guest elects to cancel the booking at least 60 days prior to check-in date. If the booking is canceled at any point after the 60 days, all payments made will be retained.
Islands
A full refund, minus a non-refundable booking fee of $450, will be issued when Guest elects to cancel the booking at least 120 days prior to check-in date. If the booking is canceled at any point after the 120 days, all payments made will be retained.
Condos
A full refund, minus a non-refundable booking fee of $50 per unit, will be issued when Guest elects to cancel the booking at least 60 days prior to check-in date. If the booking is canceled at any point after the 60 days, all payments made will be retained.
What are the check in – check out times?
Check in is at 3:00 PM
Check out is at 11:00 AM
If your domestic flights/plans don’t correspond with those times our staff will work it out with you. Your luggage can be kept in the office while you have lunch in the village or explore until the property is ready for check-in.
In most cases we cannot facilitate an early check-in or late check-out as the properties are thoroughly cleaned in between guests.
How do I make my second payment?
Your second payment will be automatically charged to the card on file on the due date.
If you would like to make periodic payments or pay off your balance before the due date, please authorize us to charge the card on file for a specified amount.
If you need to use a different credit card to pay off your balance please email reservations@geckovacations.com and request a payment link for a different card.
What is the Traveller's Portal?
Our Traveller’s Portal is a custom made concierge data center where all your trip planning happens.
After booking you will receive an email with a link to the portal form. This form collects pertinent information about your group so that your concierge can best assist with planning your stay.
Guest & Transport Details
You will first enter the names & email address of all your guests. You can choose to fill out your whole group’s information yourself or assign specific people as “leaders” of a subgroup. Anyone who is not a leader needs to be assigned to subgroup.
We use numbers to indicate which subgroup each person is assigned to. For example the Primary guest is always Group 1. Anyone else who the primary guest is filling out information for should be assigned to Group 1 as well.
Leaders will also receive a link to their section of the portal form so they can fill in details for themselves and any persons assigned to their sub-group.
The primary and leaders will be able to fill in international flight information for each person in their group, as well as indicate their preference for in-country transport for their group. Once this is filled out the concierge will reach out to book in-country transportation.
Meals & Provisions
The primary and leaders will be able to see the sample chef service menu and select dietary restrictions per person and note any allergies the chef needs to aware of.
Spa Services & Excursions
Lasty, the primary and leaders will be able to see a list of our most popular tours, spa services on on-site entertainment options and make selections. There is no commitment to book. The concierge will reach our with more information and once confirmed, schedule your activities.
What spa services do you offer?
What excursions are available?
Once the concierge has confirmed and scheduled your trip details, you’ll be able to log into your personalized portal to view your trip calendar as well as other details about your stay.
How does the chef service work?
After booking, you receive an email to access our Traveller’s Portal where you’ll see our sample menu.
In the portal you’ll be able to make substitution notes, select dietary restrictions and note any food allergies our chef should be aware of for each person in your group.
The menu can still be subject to change due to availability of ingredients, but the chef will make adequate substitutions.
In addition to the menu, 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.
You have the option to pay the bulk of your bill directly to the grocer by Zelle or physically at the store by credit card. Some fresh food items require cash payment to the Chef. The chef will provide you with an invoice, payment instructions and copies of receipts; nothing will be marked up. The food cost is usually$35-$45 per person per day if you stick with the sample menu. There is a one-time $20 trip charge added to the final invoice which covers the chef’s fuel and vehicle.
How many days of Chef Service is included with my reservation?
Property Type | Days of Chef Services |
Island | Everyday |
Villa | 3 days for weekly rental |
Condo | Not Included |
Additional chef service days can be added on to your reservation for $100/day and purchased on our online store.
During your stay the chef will provide you with an invoice and copies of receipts; nothing will be marked up. You will then reimburse them in cash. The food cost is usually$35-$40 per person per day if you stick with the sample menu. There is a one-time $10 trip charge added to the final invoice which covers the chef’s fuel and vehicle.
Can we also cook and prepare our own meals?
Yes, the kitchens at each property is designed for guests to be able to cook and prepare meals for themselves. The chef can do as much or as little as your group would like.
How much should we tip?
Any tip given should be earned and is totally at the guest discretion. For a group of 8-12 for a week stay, a fair tip would be 15 – 20% of your rental rate for all the staff. We provide a lock box and the staff divides tips among themselves on pre-set guidelines to help foster a team mentality.
Are there babysitting services?
Babysitting services is not readily available, but our concierge team can help source one for you.
Location & Transportation
How much money to take and should I exchange?
You do not need to exchange money in Belize, US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
The exchange rate is 2 BZ$ = 1 US$. There are several ATM’s in the village where you can get additional cash. You can also use credit cards most places. Some of the inland excursions do require you to pay in cash and you will not pass an ATM on the way so plan accordingly for those days.
You will also need cash to reimburse the chef if you utilize their service for meals or grocery shopping.
Which airport do we fly into and how do we get to the property?
All international flights go in and out of the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. Airlines Currently Serving Belize:
- Alaska Airlines
-
American/US Airways
-
Avianca
-
Copa Airlines
-
Delta Air Lines
-
Southwest Airlines
-
United Airlines
-
WestJet
After booking, you’ll receive a link to our Travel Portal where you will enter the international flight information for everyone in your group. You will also indicate your preference for in-country transportation from the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) to Placencia.
Your concierge will reach out to confirm and book either of the first two options for you:
Option 1
FLYING – The flight from the airport to Placencia is 30 minutes and cost $291.50 USD round trip per person. If this is the option you would like please indicate it in the travel portal and enter all your group’s international flight details in the portal. After purchasing your tickets here , your concierge will receive the order and refer to the portal to book these local flights. Your concierge will also arrange pick up from the Placencia airstrip to the property.
Option 2
PRIVATE SHUTTLE – The drive from the airport to Placencia is just a little over 2 hours on a paved road and cost $649.69 USD round trip (tax included) for up to 3 passengers then $56.25 for each additional person round trip (14 passengers max). Once you’ve also entered all your group’s international flight details in the portal, your concierge will reach out to connect you with the shuttle operating team who you will make payment to directly. The shuttle will transport you directly to the property.
Option 3
You also have the option of renting a private vehicle yourself from one of the car rental agencies at or near the airport. Your concierge can provide driving directions to the property.
You can choose a different option for your arrival and departure or your group can be split with some flying and some taking the shuttle. Please be sure to indicate travel preferences in the traveller’s portal.
Do we need a car to get around Placencia?
A car is optional but not at all necessary for getting around Placencia. A golf cart is included with some villa and some island rentals and is perfect for getting around. We also have golf carts available for rent if you’re staying at one of the villas or island properties that do not include a golf cart or if you’re staying at a condo. Additional golf carts are available for rent for large groups.
Golf Cart Add-On Rates
4-Seater Golf Cart – $325
6-Seater Golf Cart – $450
Does my rental come with a golf cart included?
A golf cart is included with some villas and some island rentals. Please view the below table for details.
4-Seater | Mission Bay Island Time Gecko Surfside Gecko Laguna Gecko Jammin Gecko The Enclave Valley Stream Balam Beach Villa Kairos Villa |
6-Seater | South Gull Villa Little Harvest Caye Villa Vaya Vista Dolphin Beach Villa |
Not Included | Sunset Gecko Condos Kanu Private Island Gladden Private Island Island Breeze Villa Shadow Sands Villa |
Additional golf carts are available for rent.
Golf Cart Add-On Rates
4-Seater Golf Cart – $325
6-Seater Golf Cart – $450
Tours & Activities
Should I plan my activities before I arrive in Belize?
We recommend pre-booking all excursions, on-site entertainment and spa services with your consite concierge before arrival.
The guides and dive shops in Placencia are great about rescheduling tours and excursions if there is bad weather. That being said it is good to book your ocean adventures early so if you need to push it back a day or two due to rough seas you have that option.
Once you’ve indicated your choices in the portal, your onsite concierge will be in touch with you to book and schedule all activities you are interested in before your arrival. There is also a discount offered when pre-booking!
What excursions are available?
What spa services do you offer?
Please click here to view our spa menu.
What excursions are available?
Please click here to visit our partner website for more details on tours & excursions.
For inland tours where do I get picked up from?
If you’re staying at a villa, you’ll get picked up from the property.
If you’re staying at one of the islands the pick up locations are:
-
Little Harvest – Sunset pointe pier Placencia
-
The Enclave- Placencia Municipal dock
-
Island Time- Placencia Municipal dock
Private Islands
How do I get on and off the island?
The island comes with a shuttle boat and driver to take you back and forth to the mainland. You will be able to use the local cell phone we provide you to call the boat driver when you want to be picked up.
Where do I park if I'm driving to Placencia?
If you rent a car and drive yourself we have a secured parking area at our office/marina in Placencia Village where you can leave your vehicle and meet the shuttle boat driver. Please indicate in the Traveller’s Portal that you will be driving yourself down and give your concierge an estimated time of arrival.
What's the last boat ride to and from the islands for exploring the Village?
Boat shuttle is included at Little Harvest Caye, The Enclave, Island Time Gecko, Shadow Sands & Island Breeze.
Our last call for boat transfer is at 10:00 p.m but please speak directly with the boat captain if you need to make other arrangements.
Is the chef, boat drive, staff included in the price?
Yes, this is all included with the rental.
Is snorkel gear and life jackets provided?
No, these items are not provided.
Can we fish on the island?
Yes, and we have some fishing poles but if you are really into fishing we suggest bringing your own gear.
All fishing at LHC is strickly catch and release. Since building the island we have had a very good resident fish population that we want to keep and allow all guests to be able to catch and enjoy during their stay.
The Enclave is surrounded by shallow coral reef that provides for various marine life. Fishing is typically very good off the back side of the island and dock as the water is deeper and on leeward side of the island so usually protected from large waves.
What staff are on the island and included in stay?
We have a great local staff that consists of a chef, housekeepers, boat captain and a night watchman/gardener. All live on the island in the separate staff house.
What is the beach/ocean like at LHC?
Most of the island is surrounded by rocks to avoid erosion but there is a beach area with a sandy graded entry. The beach on the island is cleaned and maintained by the staff. The water is warm and with a sandy bottom suitable for swimming. There are normally no large waves or undercurrent issues. You do occasionally find jelly fish but that can’t really be avoided in any ocean.
What are the sleeping arrangements at Little Harvest Caye?
Dolphin Suite – 1 King Bed
Jaguar Suite – 1 King Bed
Howler Monkey Suite – 2 Queen Beds
Permit Suite – 1 Queen Bed
Manatee Suite – 1 Queen Bed
What is the beach/ocean like at The Enclave?
Depending on the weather, the water at and around Enclave is very clear with good visibility. The beach at the island is white sand and great for swimming. The island is surrounded by shallow coral reef that provides for various marine life.
What are the sleeping arrangements at The Enclave?
Scarlet Macaw – 1 King Bed & Sofa Sleeper
Osprey – 1 King Bed & Sofa Sleeper
Woodpecker – 1 King Bed & 2 Twins Beds/Loft
Red Footed Booby – 1 King Bed & 2 Twin Beds/Loft
Toucan – 1 King Bed
Pelican – 2 Queen Beds
Hummingbird – 2 Queen Beds
Waterfront Villas
How do we get from the Placencia airstrip to the villa?
One of our staff will meet your flight at the airstrip and take you in on one of our vehicles to the villa. Your villa reservation includes transfers the day of arrival and the day of departure.
Is a golf cart included with my reservation?
A golf cart is included with some villas. Please view the below table for details.
4-Seater | Mission Bay Island Time Gecko Surfside Gecko Laguna Gecko Jammin Gecko Balam Beach Villa Kairos Villa |
6-Seater | South Gull Villa Villa Vaya Vista |
Not Included | Island Breeze Villa Shadow Sands Villa |
Additional Golf Cart Rentals
4-Seater Golf Cart – $65 per night / 3 night minimum
6-Seater Golf Cart – $75 per night / 3 night minimum
All rentals are subject to availability.
What are the sleeping arrangements at Balam Beach Villa?
Ground Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 King
Bedroom 2 – 1 King
First Floor
Bedroom 3 – 1 King
Bedroom 4 – 1 Queen
What are the sleeping arrangements at Island Breeze Villa?
Ground Floor
Bedroom 3 – 1 king bed w/ ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 4 – 1 king bed w/ ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 5 – 3 twin bunk beds
Half-bath
First Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 king bed w/ ensuite bathroom
Bedroom 2 – 1 king bed w/ ensuite bathroom
What are the sleeping arrangements at Island Time Gecko?
Master Bedroom 1 – King
Bedroom 2 – 1 Queen
Bedroom 3 – 1 Queen
Bedroom 4 – 1 Queen
Game Room – 2 Daybeds
What are the sleeping arrangements at Jammin' Gecko Villa?
First Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 Queen
Bedroom 2 – 1 Queen
Bedroom 3 – 1 Queen
Game room – 2 Banquettes, Twin Size
Second Floor
Bedroom 4 – 1 Queen
Third Floor
Master Suite – 1 King bed and 2 Chairs w/ Pull Out Twin Sleepers
What are the sleeping arrangements at Kairos Villa?
Ground Floor
Bedroom 4 (Apartment) – 2 Queen beds, 2 twin pull out chairs
Second Floor
Junior Suite – King bed
Bedroom 2 – King bed
Third Floor
Master Suite – King bed
2 twin rollout beds available on request
What are the sleeping arrangements at Laguna Gecko Villa?
First Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 Queen
Bedroom 2 – 1 Queen
Third Floor
Master Suite – 1 King bed
Bedroom 3 – 2 Twins & 2 Twin Trundles
What are the sleeping arrangements at Lucky Duck Villa?
First Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 King, 1 Queen sleeper sofa
Second Floor
Bedroom 2 – 1 Queen
Bedroom 4 detached over the garage – 1 Queen
Third Floor
Bedroom 3 Master Loft – 1 King
What are the sleeping arrangements at Mission Bay Villa?
First Floor
Bedroom 3 – 1 King with Ocean/pool view
Bedroom 4 – 1 Queen
Second Floor
2nd Master Suite – 1 King with private entrance
Bedroom 5 – 1 King
Bedroom 6 – Twin bunk beds
Third Floor
Master Suite – 1 King bed, 1 twin day bed with private entrance
What are the sleeping arrangements at Shadow Sands Villa?
Ground Floor
Primary Suite 1 – 1 King
Primary Suite 2 – 1 King
Second Floor
Bedroom 3 – 1 King
Bedroom 4 – 1 King
Bedroom 5 – 1 King
What are the sleeping arrangements at South Gull Villa?
First Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 King
Office On Main Floor with Futon
Second Floor
Bedroom 2 – 1 King
Bedroom 3 – 1 King
Bedroom 4 – 1 King
Bedroom 5 – 1 Twin over Full bunkbed and trundle under bottom bunk
What are the sleeping arrangements at Surfside Gecko Villa?
First Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 King
Bedroom 2 – 1 King
Second Floor
Bedroom 3 – 1 Queen
Bedroom 4 – 1 Queen
What are the sleeping arrangements at Villa Vaya Vista?
Ground Floor
Bedroom 1 – 1 Queen bed
Second Floor
Primary Suite – 1 King bed
Bedroom 3 – 1 King bed
Bedroom 4 – 1 King bed
Third Floor
1 Full Murphy bed
1 Twin roll-away bed also available
Beachfront Condos
How do we get from the Placencia airstrip to the condo?
One of our staff will meet your flight at the airstrip and take you in on one of our vehicles to the condo. Your condo reservation has a transfer fee of $43.60 included for airstrip pick-up/drop-off on the day of arrival and the day of departure.
What are the sleeping arrangements in each condo unit?
Each unit at the Sunset Gecko Condos can sleep 4 adults and 2 kids. Each unit has 2 private bedrooms with a king bed and the living room has 2 pullout chairs for kids.
Is a golf cart included with my reservation?
Golf carts are not included in condo reservations.
We do, however, offer golf cart rentals. All rentals are subject to availability.
Golf Cart Rental for Condos
4-Seater Golf Cart – $65 per night / 3 night minimum
6-Seater Golf Cart – $75 per night / 3 night minimum