Luxury this is not, but if you're looking for luxury you're on the wrong island. We spent the first three weeks of October in the Blowfish bungalow of Tropical Dreams and had a great stay.
Communication and check-in were fantastic. Chip was very responsive and set up our taxi to/from the airport, the water taxi to/from the island, and the golf cart taxi to/from the bungalow. Celvin (the property manager) picked us up from the water taxi and was a great asset during our stay. He stopped by regularly to make sure we were doing well, and he hooked us up with rental bikes (an extra cost, but highly recommended for getting around the island regardless of where you stay).
Tropical Dreams is located in about the middle of the island - not on either coast. While this came with a lower price and relative peace and quiet, it also came with higher-seeming temperatures and swarms of bugs due largely to the lack of sea breeze. Honestly, the bugs and heat were pretty brutal. The air-conditioning was crucial, though it was frustrating that only the bedrooms had AC. And though we wanted to leave the front door open, it had to stay closed to keep the bugs to a minimum.
In terms of access to other parts of the island, we had no issue with the location. Yes, it's a bit further from popular destinations like the Split, but it's a tiny island and really not an issue to get around, especially if you have bikes. And the grocery right across the road is very, very convenient.
The bungalow itself was nicely laid out and had all the basics. Again, not luxurious, but comfortable enough. The pool is the real star of the show. Clean and inviting, that's where we spent a lot of time. If you have your choice among the bungalows, we definitely recommend the Blowfish as it has a larger roof overhang (aka shade), the hammock, and it's not attached to any other bungalow.
Pros:
- Communication with owner
- Help with transportation
- Property manager (Celvin)
- Pool
- AC in both bedrooms
- Hot water in the showers (though not in the sinks)
Cons:
- Lack of sea breeze
- Bugs
- No AC in main room
Tips:
- Leave the door closed to keep the bugs out, and bring bug spray.
- The stove/oven is gas and needs to be manually ignited via a lighter (which was provided in the bungalow).
- Rent bikes (regardless of where you stay).
- The bungalow has a water dispenser fed by a 5 gallon water bottle. When empty, just walk it across the street to the JC Max grocery and get a refill.
- Bring your empty glass bottles to the recycling center down the road and trade them in for Belizean cash.