First and foremost - Caye Caulker is a beautiful place to relax. And having both Celvin and Leah as your hosts will only augment this!
The Location: The house is on the southern part of the island in the residential part of the island. This offers a dimention to the stay that, if it's something you're looking for, is ideal. I actually chose this place because of the location. The local residents are super friendly and very helpful. And if you're the brave type (which I am), then trying out your pigeon Spanish is worth doing as you may just get an extra slice of homemade cake. Trust me, the cake is worth the embarassment!
The house is about 20-25 minutes walk or 8-10 minute bike ride to the "town" where all the restaurants etc are. This is perfect for me but someone with mobility issues may need somewhere more central.
There is a market right next door that has all the basic amenities and most importantly you can get your water here. One of the days that I was there, it had rained so hard that no water delivery was made to the market. The lovely market folk actually brought it right to my door as soon as it arrived the following day - so can't say enough about the kindness of the local residents. Having this so close is a real plus and it closes at about 9pm, so it's not a distraction at night at all.
The Bodhi Tree: The house is well appointed with 2 bedrooms with double beds and a pull-out futon couch. The kitchen has everything you'll need (plus some) and the coffee maker is a lifesaver.
There is a lovely rooftop patio that has a covered area (some small areas leak if it rains) which is great in the morning for a couple cups of coffee in the hammock or in the evening with a sampling of the local rum to watch the sunset. A note: there are 2 hammocks and 1 hammock chair up on the roof patio but no table so don't plan to eat up there
Big plus - all the rooms (2 x bedrooms and the living room) have very good AC so you won't suffer in the heat. I actually had to turn it off sometimes as the place was so cool! Imagine that in 35 degree heat :-)
The place itself (and the island in general) is very safe, but the water nearby isn't for swimming due to crocodiles. You'll want to go up to to the Split if you're looking to go swimming/beaching. This is a 25 minute walk.
There are 3 bikes provided with the house that are there to be used, and trust me, you'll use them! This is by far the best way to get around the island after any rain. The roads are pretty rough but if you get onboard with the island motto of "Go Slow", you'll be absolutely fine. I didn't rent a golf cart as I walked/biked everywhere (the island is pretty small) and there are ample golf-cart taxis if you get caught in the rain on your walk/bike home.
Your hosts: Leah was a great communicator and organized for a taxi from the airport to the water taxi, then from the water taxi to The Bodhi Tree - which saved me the hassle of organizing this from afar. This was greatly appreciated. She also helped with questions I had and provided suggestions on some things to bring (like my favourite coffee). All in all, a very helpful host.
Celvin is your man on the island and you're in very safe hands. He can help you with whatever you need and if you have questions or need suggestions (like where the best fried jacks are on the island), then he's your source of information. He's very helpful, responds quickly and is very willing to help. Don't be shy - ask him!
I am forever indebted to Celvin as well. Hurricane Lisa was on a path to the southern part of Belize right about the time I was due to head back to Belize City to fly home after 5 weeks in Caye Caulker. Celvin called me and let me know that the water taxis would be shutting down and if I wanted to get back to the mainland, I'd need to get organized quickly. The real story here is that he told me more than 8 hours BEFORE the last water taxi - giving me enough time to get organized and get on the water taxi. I don't know if he has a "person on the inside" with regards to weather/water taxis, but this was hugely appreciated. While spending even longer on the island was pretty attractive - not sure my employer would have been thrilled :-)
I had a great time and very much recommend this place to anyone staying on the island and who is looking for a bit of an off the beaten track type of place. It really is a lovely home and provides all the things you'll need/want. The A/C is amazing and the hosts couldn't be more helpful.
Enjoy the island and take the motto to heart and "Go Slow" at the The Bodhi Tree. You won't be disappointed!