Welcome to Shadow Sands Villa! A 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom modern beachfront villa on a private island with private chef included.
Shadow Sands Villa is a breathtaking study in modern luxury — a brand new 6,500 square foot, 3-story architectural masterpiece set on two oceanfront lots on Placencia Caye, just 2 minutes from the heart of Placencia Village. With 160 feet of private beach along the calm Caribbean Sea, a stunning freshwater pool overlooking the ocean, and floor-to-ceiling glass throughout that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living, Shadow Sands is one of the most impressive private villas in Belize.
All five air-conditioned bedrooms face the beach and Caribbean Sea, each with large private patios, en-suite bathrooms — some with both indoor and outdoor showers — and a minimalist aesthetic that lets the natural beauty do the talking. Walk across the elevated dock entrance into the open-plan living room, dining room, and gourmet kitchen, all framed by dramatic floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Each bedroom is positioned along an open-air hallway for maximum privacy — no shared walls, just your own private sanctuary steps from the sea.
Flowing from the main interior, a large covered outdoor living area overlooks the pool and Caribbean Sea, complete with a bar, landscaped courtyard, stainless steel gas grill, and lounge seating. A connected covered outdoor dining area creates the perfect setting to take in sweeping views of the Maya Mountains and magical sunsets over the water. Up on the second floor, a huge covered open-air living room features a walk-around bar, flat-screen smart TV, pool table, and comfortable lounge furniture — the ideal spot to catch the trade wind breeze and watch the sunset. The third-floor rooftop terrace tops it all off with 360-degree panoramic views of the Caribbean, Placencia Caye, and Placencia Village.
Shadow Sands Villa 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
**ACCOMMODATIONS** Bedroom 1 — 1 King bed, private en-suite with outdoor shower Bedroom 2 — 1 King bed, private en-suite with outdoor shower Bedroom 3 — 1 King bed, private en-suite Bedroom 4 — 1 King bed, private en-suite Bedroom 5 — 1 King bed, private en-suite A pack-and-play crib and portable highchair are available upon request.
ISLAND BOAT SERVICE Shadow Sands Villa 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.
**GECKO SIGNATURE AMENITIES** Full concierge service Private chef service (every other day for stays of 4 nights or more) Daily housekeeping Guest laundry service 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 snack on arrival Freshwater pool & 160 feet of private beach Shared pier Pool table Kayaks and paddleboards 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 Golf cart rental (parked on mainland for use in Placencia Village) — 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 Shadow Sands Villa 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.
**Dining**
Rumfish y Vino — fresh seafood and an extensive wine list, one of the village's most celebrated restaurants.
Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar — lively waterfront bar with great food, cold drinks, and live music.
Barefoot Beach Bar — classic beachside spot perfect for sunset cocktails and casual bites.
Tutti Frutti Gelato — beloved village institution for gelato and sweet treats.
Toucan Jacks Tiki Bar — 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.
**Activities**
Seahorse Dive Shop — diving, snorkeling, and water sports in the village.
Excursions — snorkeling, sportfishing, cave tubing, ziplining, Mayan ruins, and more arranged through your concierge.
**ABOUT PLACENCIA** Placencia, located in Southern Belize, is one of the country's most beloved destinations — and for good reason. Situated on a stunning 16-mile-long peninsula flanked by the Caribbean Sea on one side and a serene lagoon on the other, Placencia offers the perfect blend of laid-back Caribbean charm and easy access to adventure. Unlike the busier island destinations to the north, Placencia is relaxed, uncrowded, and refreshingly authentic. From here, you're perfectly positioned to explore ancient Mayan ruins, hidden waterfalls, zip lines, cave tubing, world-class snorkeling, and some of the best sportfishing in Central America. Back on the peninsula, you'll find great restaurants, local shops, beachside bars, and the famous Placencia sidewalk. It is the perfect place for an amazing Caribbean vacation!
**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
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
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.
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 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 and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Placencia
Located in Placencia, this villa is in the city centre 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. With power boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Does NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island?
As of 7 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island on 4 May 2026 start from NZ$1,857, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is NEW Modern Ocean Front Villa on Private Island located?
Located in Placencia, this beachfront villa is in the city centre and within a 10-minute walk of Placencia Pier and Placencia Beach. Silk Caye Beach and Jaguar Bowling Lanes are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We were blessed to spend a week a shadow sands. The entire trip was phenomenal! The gecko staff was amazing and did everything to make our trip unforgettable! Thank you so much! We will never forget our time in Belize!
Our family of 6 all had an amazing time at Shadow Sands! The villa was well-appointed and had everything we needed for a memorable stay. The staff goes above and beyond. Heidy was fantastic with all of the planning before and during our stay she made everything so easy. Victoria took great care of us at the villa and was so pleasant - she spoiled us. Chef' Juan's meals were awesome and loved having authentic dishes. We can't say enough great things about the villa, all of the staff and Placencia! Thank you for everything!
Laurie M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Laurie M.
15 January 2026
Amazing!
Our family of 6 all had an amazing time at Shadow Sands! The villa was well appointed and had everything we needed for a memorable stay. The staff goes above and beyond. Heidy was fantastic with all of the planning before and during our stay she made everything so easy. Victoria took great care of us at the villa and was so pleasant - she spoiled us. Chef' Juan's meals were awesome and loved having authentic dishes. We can't say enough great things about the villa, all of the staff and Placencia! Thank you for everything!
This property was amazing, the staff was excellent & definitely 5 stars!
Hannah M.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Angela C.
3 March 2026
Excellent Belize Vacation
Thank you for a wonderful vacation in this magnificent Belizean property. We had such a good time on our private island and enjoyed your home so much. The water taxi was a nice way to travel, the chef prepared some amazing dishes, and the housekeeper kept our place/clothes extremely clean. My daughter/granddaughter wanted to package up the chef and take her home. We so appreciated having paddle boards, canoes, and fishing rods to keep us entertained, along with the speakers and the game room, which we used daily. Our massages were so relaxing, we did not want the masseuses to stop.
Our excursion made some amazing memories we will always cherish, including scuba diving with sharks, stingrays, and turtles. As we headed back, we saw a family of 12+ dolphins swimming alongside our boat. The boat captain and his partner provided us with a wealth of information regarding the aqua ecosystem and the many islands of Belize (~350), and we had no idea. We can't believe we rode horses in the Caribbean Sea, which was unbelievable, and provided us an opportunity to explore some of the many condos/homes/restaurants that reside along the Caribbean Sea. And our horse trainer was happy to share many facts about Placencia, Belize.
We have visited multiple Caribbean islands, but I must say, the folks in Belize are among the nicest we have encountered. Thank you and your team for providing us with this memory of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Sonata/Kyle/Kyla/Angela
Angela C.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
The B.
29 March 2024
Family Spring Break Trip
The property is stunning and the services were amazing. We couldn’t have asked for a better spring break trip! The home caretakers were so responsive and the chef impressed us at every meal. We highly recommend Gecko and Shadow Sands!
The B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Regina
5 June 2024
If you desire privacy and comfort this is a excellent choice .
If you desire privacy and comfort this is a excellent choice . My Family of five had a wonderful time spending family time together in private accommodations. All of the staff was very warm and accommodating. I would absolutely recommend Gecko Vacations .
Regina
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Anne R.
9 July 2024
We highly recommend this vacation company.
Shadow Sands exceeded all of our expectations - what an amazing staff and house to spend a family vacation! From the pre-planning, menus, grocery stocking, logistics, chef services, housekeeping that included personal laundry, and immediate attention to everything we needed, we were spoiled throughout the entire process. We highly recommend this vacation company.
Anne R.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Diana B.
1 April 2024
Our stay at Shadow Sands was amazing!
Our stay at Shadow Sands was amazing! Heidy, our concierge, took great care of us and made sure we had a wonderful vacation. The booking experience for the villa and all excursions was so easy! The property was stunning and the service team was exceptional. You cannot go wrong with Gecko!
Diana B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nebraska G.
13 March 2025
Girls trip
We stayed at Shadow Sands and it was more than we expected. There were 7 of us and there was more than enough room for us. We had such a great time and the staff went above and beyond. The food Cara made was amazing!!! Stop in at Omar’s for lobster and drinks. We enjoyed the appetizers and drinks at the Yacht Cub and shopping in Placencia was nice. Jazz and Abner answered our every question and were the best!!!! We hope to come back and for sure would stay at Shadow Sands again. Until next time, Nebraska Girls.
Nebraska G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Travelling F.
13 August 2024
AMAZING
Our family of 9 recently stayed here and it was fantastic. The onsite services and staff were incredibly attentive, kind and helpful. They not only did everything they said they would, they anticipated other needs we hadn't thought about. Heidy was super helpful Darlin, Abner and Jaz were great and chef ArJay was amazing. He even prepared fish we caught in addition to his menu. Location was great, house was clean and really cool.
Travelling F.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Robbins F.
1 February 2026
Best Family Vacation
The shadow sands villa was an amazing property which contained five master suites and easily accommodated 10 guests. It was situated on a private island with a lagoon access in the front and the Caribbean Sea right off the back of your property. Everything about the home and amenities was first class. Heidy our gecko vacations concierge, made sure every detail of our trip was taken care of. She was always available whenever we had a question and was extremely responsive. The staff at Shadow Sands took amazing care of us and we wanted for nothing. Abner shuttled us back and forth to the mainland anytime we needed. He was always available whenever we needed anything and he was happy to help and make our stay at Shadow Sands memorable. Victoria kept the villa spotless and every day it was like we arrived at the villa for the first time. She also did our laundry 3 times during our stay so we wouldn’t have a bunch of laundry to do when we returned home. Brittany was our private chef and an amazing cook. You would think she was a professionally trained chef, but she learned everything from her grandmother. We had to make last minute changes to our plans and Heidy jumped in and took care of everything so we could stay an additional 2 days. She put us at ease and allowed us to enjoy our extended stay. We were treated to Omar’s cooking during our extended stay and he was also an excellent cook.
We took 2 of the excursions through Captain Jak’s; the inner reef fishing and the leisure fishing and snorkeling. Both excursions were great and we caught plenty of fish. Everyone felt the snorkeling excursion was the highlight of our trip. I highly recommend booking your Belize vacation through Gecko vacations and experience their unforgettable service.
Robbins F.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Dr. L.
13 June 2025
My experience was nothing short of amazing
I celebrated a milestone birthday at Shadow Sands Villa in May (2025). My experience was nothing short of amazing, from the first contact in 2022 until we left the property earlier this week. Communication was exceptional, both with the reservation staff, and with our concierge, Heidy, who went above and beyond to make sure that we had everything that we needed to make our stay extraordinary! Chef Britney was an amazing(!!), and Abner and Juanito were very friendly and helpful. I have high standards and expectations, and I can say without a doubt that this was the best vacation I have been on! The property was beautiful and well kept, the location was perfect, and the staff members were consummate professionals, efficiently handling the few minor issues that we had, and taking on our suggestions/recommendations with grace. I would very highly recommend Gecko Vacations/Property Management, and I look forward to returning!!
Dr. L.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
J B.
1 May 2024
The staff made everything just right and the house was amazing.
My friend has been trying to get me to check out Gecko rentals for a long time and I am so glad I finally did! I stayed at Shadow Sands with a group of 7 awesome women and we had a ball. The staff made everything just right and the house was amazing. I already miss the incredible home cooked meals (Britany is a talented chef!), the relaxing pool, spa like environment and the amazing excursions Gecko planned for us. Special shout out to my massage technician who came to the house - one of the best I have ever had! My only wish is that I had listened to my friend sooner! I will be back and I will bring friends!
J B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Shoshana
1 April 2024
Shadow Sands was a dream stay
My concierge, Heidy, was fantastic. She was very flexible and helpful from start to finish. She catered to our every need; she answered all our questions, made several recommendations, and was always available to start. The staff at Shadow Sands were excellent. Darlin greeted us with warm towels and welcome drinks. The staffers were very welcoming and readily available to help with anything you needed. The house was beautiful, and the pictures did not do it justice. Our chef, Cara, was amazing - she was very accommodating with our different dietary restrictions. The food was delicious, fry jacks are now one of my favorite breakfast foods. I would recommend you book this place it you are coming to Placenia, already have several friends inquiring about it. I will be back to visit.
Shoshana
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
DANIEL L.
12 May 2025
Five Stars Aren’t Enough for Shadow Sands!
Wow!! what an incredible experience we had staying at Shadow Sands in Belize, hosted by Gecko Vacations! We came as a group of eight adults looking for a relaxing, beautiful escape, and this trip exceeded every expectation. The property itself is absolutely gorgeous right on the beach with stunning views, super clean, and thoughtfully set up to make you feel like you’re living in luxury. But what truly made this trip unforgettable was the team behind it. Captain Jose was our go to for all things, and he was amazing super responsive, incredibly attentive, and genuinely cared about making sure we had the best time. From boat rides to the beach bar just across the way to sunset catamaran cruises, he made every outing feel like a VIP experience. Chef Juan kept us full and happy with one delicious meal after another. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and made with so much care. We were always looking forward to what he’d cook up next it was THAT good. Abner, our second boat pilot and maintenance expert, quietly handled everything behind the scenes and was always there when we needed something. His presence gave us total peace of mind the whole stay. Heidi, our concierge, was a rockstar. She organized everything for us massages on the property, private rum, sunset , (watch out for jellyfish), and chocolate tastings (highly recommend!), and more. She made it all effortless, and it added so much fun and relaxation to our trip. And we can’t forget Jasmine, our wonderful housekeeper. She went way above and beyond, not only did she keep the house spotless every single day, but she also took care of our laundry and made sure we always felt comfortable and taken care of. Her kindness and hard work didn’t go unnoticed! From kayaking and lounging in the sun to rum tastings and beach bars, this was truly paradise shared with amazing friends. We already can’t wait to come back. Thank you, Shadow Sands and Gecko Vacations, for a trip we’ll be talking about for years, cheers!
DANIEL L.
About the host
Hosted by Gecko Vacation Rentals
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests