Hold onto your beach hats, folks! It looks like the long-awaited Caye Chapel project in Belize is finally getting off the ground—and this time, they mean business. After years of starts, stops, and shattered dreams, the developers are promising that Belize’s first-ever branded Four Seasons hotel, complete with a stunning 10-hole golf course, is coming to life with a whopping $200 million US dollar investment.
7 News Belize’s intrepid team was on the scene at a glitzy “reveal celebration” on Saturday to mark the official start of the project’s first phase. Yes, we’ve heard these lofty promises before, but this time, it seems like things are different. Jomarie Lanza went on location to find out what’s really going down:
On the Ground at Caye Chapel:
Caye Chapel—an undiscovered gem just south of Caye Caulker in the Caribbean Sea—has been a land of unfulfilled promise for decades. But with millions of dollars now in play, the Mexican ownership group claims they’re on the brink of realizing a long-overdue vision.
Cast your minds back to 2015, the last time we stood here for a big reveal:
Jaime Fasja, Developer: “One step closer to materializing a luxury resort.”
Well, here we are, nearly eight years later, and this dream is finally getting a shot in the arm. A group of determined Mexican investors has picked up where others left off, injecting a massive $200 million into crafting what they’re calling “A Perfect Caribbean Getaway” on this sprawling 280-acre paradise.
Jorge Vargas, Caye Chapel Development Team: “We got involved with the property in late 2016. Of course, the pandemic and several processes after made us reanalyze the concept, but now we are ready to start heavy construction. We aim to open the hotel by the end of 2025, so the next 24 months will be full-on development.”
The groundbreaking ceremony for the “Four Seasons Resort and Residences” came hot on the heels of a major investment summit. And Belize’s Prime Minister was there, beaming with pride, saying the project is a huge vote of confidence in Belize’s readiness for big business.
Prime Minister John Briceno: “This aligns perfectly with our message: Belize is open for business. We’ve made several legislative changes and are committed to fostering an investment-friendly environment.”
“This $200 million investment by Four Seasons is a testament to the unique appeal and potential of Belize. They see something special here, and they’re putting their money where their mouth is!”
“I’m thrilled we’re having this official groundbreaking, especially after all the work and millions already invested in Caye Chapel.”
And what can visitors expect from this luxurious new retreat? Located on the island’s Northside, Belize’s very first Four Seasons will feature 104 rooms, 20 overwater bungalows, and all the high-end amenities you’d expect from a five-star destination. We asked the development team what sets this resort apart from the rest in Belize.
Jorge Vargas, Caye Chapel Development Team: “We have the best companies, an incredible environment, and a prime location close to major U.S. cities. And with the Four Seasons—a globally recognized luxury brand—we believe this project will elevate Belize’s tourism to a whole new level.”
With completion targeted for 2025, the resort is also a boon for local employment. The developers are planning to recruit labor from the mainland, creating over 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and about 600 permanent positions once the resort is up and running. And for those looking to make a slice of paradise their own, the resort will offer 104 hotel rooms, 50 private residences, and 97 residential estate lots for private sale.
The event even saw attendance from the President of Global Operations and Hotels for Four Seasons—further proof that this ambitious project is finally taking flight. Belize, get ready for a new era of luxury!