AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Margaritaville coming to Belize

Sueno Del Mar has a very sad history, and my heart hurts for the previous owners, it was just all wrong to do that to people! San Pedro has sentimental memories for a lot of people, but in reality that's the past. I grew up in a small fishing town, my father was a commercial fisherman, but the town now is full of tourists, bumper to bumper with their motor homes in the summer time. Memories are just that, change happens. All these dwellings in San Pedro are just supposed to sit there and rot? Too many in my opinion. Instead of utilizing the already existing ghost buildings, new ones are being built. I for one am glad to see an unused facility being reformed and used again. Along with modern times comes change.....San Pedro is the "Cash Cow" it will never be the quaint little fishing town again. Get your heads out of the sand, and quit whining!

We do hear some people that have had bad real estate experiences in Belize and they say they have been "Belized" and I feel this is a very unfair statement in most cases - as with Sueno Del Mar for example - the original developer (non-Belizean) had a bad business model, sold a dream, left with profits and in his wake a disaster and nightmare for his investors because he had not taken care of their interests at just about every level. The original investors lost their money and their misfortune is now a new investor's new dream. Yes it is very sad when we see failed projects - we do see them rise from the ashes but it takes time. We are now seeing failed projects moving ahead and being managed better and although there are unhappy original investors that did not receive what they were promised by their foreign developers, this reflects badly and unfairly on Belize and Belizean. As with all real estate transactions the world over - buyer beware - do your due diligence and you will be glad that you did.

It would eliminate bad publicity for Belize if developers who solicit pre construction funds were required to obtain a bond that would protect investors in the event the developers did not complete the project. But, I guess if people are willing to trust these developers that is a chance they take. It keeps with Belize history of its founders - Pirates.

I agree wholeheartedly Bywarren...there should be some law that protects the consumers. The best protection is to purchase a completed project that has been proven to be successful, not to fall in the trap of pre-construction discounts

A Proposed Margaritaville Resort in the Middle of Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

There is a new tourism development project on Ambergris Caye to be constructed within a marine reserve. Last week, Margaritaville Holdings, a global lifestyle brand announced its mega multimillion-dollar project on the north end of the island. While the opening is scheduled for 2020, Margaritaville Resort Belize is described as a condo resort located on the unspoiled northern end of the island and within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You heard right; smack within a reserve, which just recently was removed from the list of world heritage sites in danger. The release says, "overlooking the azure waters of the Caribbean, the resort will be comprised of seventy-one residences, two pools, signature Margaritaville food and beverage concepts and more." The tourism project is that of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett. Today, the media asked Minister of Trade and Investment, Tracy Panton about the project and the implications. 

Tracy Panton, Minister of State, Trade & Investment

"The Margaritaville line is monies that have been allocated by the Jimmy Buffett Foundation. They have not yet applied yet for a fiscal incentive; they are still very much in the planning stage. We do understand that they will be meeting with us shortly, so the finer details we don't have. But we have been advise of the investment and so we are looking forward to opening a new market, a new clientele as a result of their brand."

Reporter

"Is this being built in a reserve area?"

Tracy Panton

"I can’t say."

While the minister is unaware of the scope of the project, News Five has been told that the two hundred million-dollar investment will have on-site amenities to include pools, signature Margaritaville food and beverage concepts, and a beach sports centre. It will also feature a four hundred-foot pier which will serve as the launching pad for kayaks, wave boards and Hobie Cat sailboats.

Channel 5

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Margaritaville Holdings, the global lifestyle brand synonymous with fun and escapism, announced on Thursday, February 7, 2019, a new condo resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island. Opening in 2020, Margaritaville Resort Belize is located on the unspoiled northern end of the island and within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the azure waters of the Caribbean, the resort will be comprised of 71 residences, two pools, signature Margaritaville food and beverage concepts and more.

"I am not a stranger to Belize. I have enjoyed the natural beauty of the country and extremely warm friendship of Belizeans for decades. Margaritaville and Belize have long shared the same attitudes, now we get to finally share the same latitudes," said singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett.

"Belize is the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean and with good reason, as it really is one of the most beautiful places in the world," added John Cohlan, chief executive officer of Margaritaville and Buffett's long-time business partner. "We're honored to partner with long-time pioneers and cherished members of the Belize community to build on a shared vision for the future of this incredible destination."

Each of Margaritaville Resort Belize's one- and two-bedroom residences will feature a consistent, casual-luxe design, a spacious veranda and come fully furnished with a kitchen. On-site amenities will include two pools, signature Margaritaville food and beverage concepts, and a beach sports centre. A 400-foot pier will serve as the launching pad for kayaks, wave boards and Hobie Cat sailboats.

With robust marine life and diverse eco-systems along the world's second-largest barrier reef, Belize - and Ambergris Caye - are located within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, providing unparalleled water adventures.

"While Belize is best known for its beaches, the destination goes far beyond the sun and sand, offering many more incredible experiences," said Michael Bowen, president and chief executive officer of Bowen & Bowen, Ltd. "Margaritaville Resort Belize is perfect for those with a passion for living the Margaritaville lifestyle - whether that's getting out on a paddle board, scuba diving, or just relaxing in a hammock."

Concerns Continue to Mount over Margaritaville in Bacalar Chico

The fisheries department is looking into a proposed multimillion-dollar tourism project within a delimited area. As we reported on Monday, Margaritaville, a mega investment by the Jimmy Buffett group, has announced that the resort is smack within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve on the north end of Ambergris Caye. The proposal has raised eyebrows even as the investor is preparing to meet with the cabinet investment subcommittee shortly. Today, News Five asked C.E.O. in the Ministry of Environment, Doctor Percival Cho about the project and whether environmental clearance has been sought.

Dr. Percival Cho, C.E.O., Ministry of Environment

"The Fisheries Administrator mentioned it to me a couple days ago and we are looking into it. I would have to get back to you with the information on the particular development. One comment that I can give at this point is whenever we hear development in a protected area, we have to realize that some times, the land was established before the protected area was there or it forms part of an enclave. So it is not necessarily that a development is occurring inside a protected area; it might be on a piece of private land within a general delimited area. I understand that this is one of the case. Bacalar Chico is part of the World Heritage System and there is a responsibility or a requirement, as I understand it, for the country to report, make an assessment of developments within or around this World Heritage Site. So in this context, we are looking into it to get more details. Any undertaking in Belize of a certain scale, size or location requires environmental clearance. I can tell you off the bat that the Environmental Impact Regulations require any development around near to or inside protected areas to require an environmental impact assessment. So this proposed activity, whatever is being proposed by the developers, those details will have to be provided to the Department of Environment if they haven't done so yet-like I said, I would have to check on that-and the Department of Environment will make a recommendation as to what type of E.I.A. is required and what all must be done."

Channel 5

Margaritaville Resort Announces Environmental Protection Plan

Earlier this month, The Ambergris Grand Limited ("TAG") announced a partnership with Margaretville Holdings to bring a new Margaritaville condo resort to Belize, offering travelers and owners a fresh take on an authentic Belizean experience.

TAG shared additional details on the development, including the company's environmental protection plan for the project, which is located adjacent to the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve.

"We are excited about bringing the world's leading lifestyle brand to Belize and partnering with a group like Margaritaville who knows, loves and respects Belize," said Eddie Bouloy, Director.

"Our company is passionate about protecting the integrity of this beautiful destination and we look forward to creating an environment that captures the natural essence of Belize, while incorporating some fun new elements."

TAG is a venture group majority owned by Belizeans. This Margaritaville Resort Belize project will include the renovation and expansion of an existing property, which faced financial hardships leading to a closure that lasted more than eight years. The reinvestment TAG is making into the project will bring substantial employment to the growing hospitality industry, while expanding the destination's offerings to tourists from around the world, giving them a chance to enjoy Belize in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

TAG has already started renovation of the existing site, which is located at 18°05' 17" N 87°
52' 30" W, south of the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. Developers have received an Environmental Compliance Plan ("ECP") from the Belize Department of the Environment, which defines how they will operate and handle vegetation clearance, construction and infrastructure, water resources, waste management, cultural and social issues, and more.

TAG will follow guidelines and assist in patrolling the adjacent General Use Zone of the reserve which restricts fishing, catching of lobster and conch, and the use of long lines, spear guns, and the use of gill nets.

Margaritaville is a long-time supporter of the environment and committed to making positive contributions in each of its local communities. Margaritaville will be part of the conservation effort, working closely with all parties to help protect the destination's wildlife and natural beauty.

Margaritaville brand property to open in Ambergris Caye raises concerns

The announcement of a mega multi-million dollar resort complex under the Margaritaville brand, scheduled to open in 2020 in northern Ambergris Caye, has raised concerns among islanders, including environmental and governmental institutions, due to its location within Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allegedly, the property is owned mainly by Belizeans who will expand it and turn it into a Margaritaville getaway, comprising of a condominium resort with 71 waterfront residences, complete with a 400-foot pier, two pools and the brand's signature food and beverage concepts. The transformation of the property will include a mix of fully-furnished one, two and three-bedroom residences, each with a large veranda. The three-bedroom units, will feature 1,475 interior square feet along with 1,649 square feet of outdoor space. Other amenities include Jacuzzi tubs and spacious balconies overlooking the beach.

But the fact that the resort is in Bacalar Chico is now raising concerns in San Pedro Town, with residents saying that the project idea is not environmentally friendly. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve management noted their disapproval toward this type of projects. They see them as a threat to the sensitive marine ecosystem around the island that can cause irreversible damages not only to the marine reserve, but ultimately to Belize's Barrier Reef System. Hol Chan further stated that while they will protest and register their disapproval whenever needed, the final say ultimately comes from Central Government.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Margaritaville is an international franchise of resorts with destinations all over the US and the Caribbean. In a little over a year, one of these resorts will be opening in Belize. Love News Reporter Courtney Menzies visited the developing site in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and told us more about the project.



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Margaritaville Resort on schedule to open on Ambergris Caye in 2020

Plans for the completion of a resort complex under the Margaritaville brand in northern Ambergris Caye are on schedule, and according to its shareholders, the multi-million dollar project will be open for business in December 2020. As works continue to meet this deadline, an entourage of executives representing Margaritaville descended on the property on Tuesday, October 29th for a routine inspection. Among them was the brand's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Cohlan, who was impressed with the project that will see 71 units (one and two bedrooms) including a penthouse, two pools, four bars, two restaurants, and a 400-foot pier, complemented with the brand's signature and beverage concepts.

CEO Cohlan and his group arrived via Astrum Helicopters, accompanied Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Deputy Mayor Gabriel 'Gaby' Nuñez. They toured the manicured grounds of the property leading to one of the pools that was recently filled in. They also visited one of the bars under construction and then one of the two-bedroom units on the beachfront. The third-floor penthouse, which is under construction, was also inspected. It offers breath-taking views of the Caribbean Sea and reef. One of the last areas to be visited was the vacant site where one of the restaurants will soon begin construction. This restaurant will connect with one of the pool bars to better serve customers.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Margaritaville Beach Villa Resort in Belize - Opening in 2022
Inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, this brand-new resort is located on a secluded beach in Ambergris Caye and offers world-class fishing and diving, premium one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom floor plans fully furnished with island-inspired décor and refreshingly brilliant Caribbean flair. As an investment, owners can enjoy owning property in a country that is experiencing the highest growth in the entire Caribbean.