Cayo Espanto

Cayo Espanto exceeded all of our high expectations. My wife and I have traveled the world and have stayed at the best hotels and Cayo Espanto honestly beat out what was our first choice for the most unique and exceptional experience. Our experience was made perfect by the entire staff but Rosita, general manager, Eddie or houseman and his assistant Brandon, chef Cynthia Murillo's and Wilson Vasquez, and boat captain German and his crew Geronimo and Max were truly exceptional. My wife, son, daughter in law and myself celebrated my wife's 80th birthday in a way she will never forget. In fact she is still attempting to call Edie on the walkie-talkie. We did two luxury boat trips on the Sarah Kate and Wow, the water was so clear the reef beautiful and the variety of fish endless. The picnic lunch was magical, having the bounty you caught prepared while you are enjoying a cold drink on another private island was incredible. If you want to stay in the perfect beach bungalow, with endless views of the Caribbean, be totally pampered and eat scrumptious food, then look no further than Cayo Espanto.

WOW OVER THE TOP LUXURY!!! How can we ever do another vacation after staying at Cayo Espanto! We stayed 4 nights with our teen girls ages 13 and 15. We were spoiled with the stunning private room. The most incredible meals and service! You can just do nothing and be spoiled or be adventurous! We chose both. We did 2 days of luxury at Sea, one diving day and one day of tubing for the girls. Each adventure was just picture perfect and exciting! The diving is so warm and clear. The snorkeling is just like being in a live aquarium. All the dive masters and boat guides are just the best of the best and so much fun! We hope we can return someday soon! It was incredible in every way!!!!

We just keep coming back. We have stayed in Solana for years now and have had Jesus as our houseman. We are trying a new villa next year and are excited. This place feels like home. It's a bit rustic but you're on a tiny island in Central America, for goodness sakes. The fishing is what brings us back. Our guides are fantastic and we have become good friends on the water. The stories we could tell would amaze you. The birdwatching opportunities will astound you. There are many fun things to do. There is not a deep water beach but several nearby and they are happy to arrange to take you places to swim and picnic. If you seek good food, service, and quiet, then this is the place. The people keep us coming back. The team is exceptional and we love them. If you need something, all you need to do is ask.

From the moment we were taken to our helicopter for our flight over the Blue Hole to the moment we left, I could not have asked for a better stay. The food was outstanding and the portions were more than I could eat! Each day Chef would visit and present multiple options for dinner and we always found something we liked. Our Anniversary dinner was incredible. Larry and Mondo set up our table under the palms and we had a private serenade. We had the perfect balance of attention and solitude. We opted for the Day of Luxury on the Sarah Kate with Geronimo and Max. They fished for lobster and conch that they prepared fresh for lunch. We were able to see the nurse sharks and rays as part of our trip. Our last nigh we asked for dinner and a movie. Larry and Mondo had a screen set up at the end of our dock and we watched Jurassic Park while eating our meal. They even brought us popcorn to snack on. I am already planning our return visit.

This was our honeymoon destination for 2 weeks staying in Villa Estrella July - Aug 2023. To be very clear this review is in no way a reflection on the staff who took very good care of us the entire time. Considering the money we paid for this vacation I can not give 3 stars after what we experienced. We booked here for a few specific reasons - looking for peace and quiet, isolation and the ability to enjoy the water sports (Hobie sailing, Kayaking and paddle boarding) as advertised on the website and in reviews and we were really looking forward to being able to use all the toys. There were supposed to be 2 Hobie Waves available. When we arrived 1 Hobie had ripped its trampoline and was unusable and sails on both boats were shredded by the wind and in very bad shape with incorrect ropes being used on all parts of the rig. The staff tried their best but could only work with what was available to them. The state of the paddle boards was dire - Kayaks had no seats that could support as straps had frayed and broken off and the Kayaks were short of the usual trimmings like handles, bungee cord and plugs and paddles were equally poor - I spoke to Erika, who worked her magic and somehow the next day there was a brand new original sail for the Hobie and a brand new 2 seater scrambler kayak with new seats and 2 new paddles out side our door. The second Hobie was never seen again so we were never able to race as planned. The water around the island has sea lice (maybe this is seasonal - but it was present during our visit) so walking in the shallow water resulted in being bitten - This happened very time I took a kayak out. The water was so shallow we were unable to swim and again this was not made clear on the web site. Prior to our arrival we were asked to complete a preference sheet where we clearly outlined our desire to participate in all the activities listed above. At no time did anyone inform us that there would be a problem with swimming and that there was no snorkelling in the near vicinity. It is also not outlined in the website otherwise we would have not selected this destination to begin with. We can appreciate that guest who stay for 3 or 4 nights are happy to just unwind in the their sun loungers and hanging out in the plunge pool and chill. 2.5 days prior to our departure from the island - construction work started on the villa right next to us (taking up a long wooden dock and the entire roof of the villa) and we complained about the consistent noise but it continued for the rest of our stay. We did speak to management and were offered a day trip off island at no cost which was not what we wanted to do as we had already done the excursion we wanted to do. We were aware that the island was to close soon after our departure to carry out some repair work but they obviously thought no problem starting while guest were still there - again this is not what we signed up for so another disappointment. With regards the Villa - yes as the photos depict it is tropical, rustic and the wood work amazing, but the overall feel was tired - in our villa lamp shades were stained and marked, most bathroom and kitchen taps were corroded and pitted - downstairs bathroom had no mirror by the sink, downstairs bathroom had a boat toilet - no fun - very poor pressure in the shower and overall just not what you expect from 5 star lodging and not like the photos on the web site. Toiletries provided in my opinion were not 5 star quality. Sheets, Bath towels and robes were lovely - pool towels faded and thready. I wrote a very clear review to the company which I asked to be forwarded to head office. We have been home for 2 weeks now and no one has reached out to us - again considering the price tag on this vacation - very very disappointing and as we said in our end of stay review to head office we are unable to recommend this destination.