I spent an entire month in the Guest House, and I could not have been more pleased. During the weeks I was there by myself, it was a relaxing home base to explore Caye Caulker. When my friends and family visited for 10 days in the middle of the month, it accommodated them with room to spare. Staying with Monique and Maurice represented the ideal mix of hospitality and privacy.

I felt safe leaving piles of cameras and computer equipment strewn about the guest house while I was away, confident that the Guest House's quiet residential neighborhood and its setting in the back garden of a restaurant provided ample security. (There were also a couple of friendly dogs I could count on to bark at strangers).

The food at the restaurant was also one of the highlights of the trip. One day I went out fishing with Cannon (ask for him by name!), and returned with a King Mackerel, which was promptly cut up into steaks and grilled for the dining pleasure of my friends, Cannon, and me.

Whether you're coming to Caye Caulker for a day or a month, by yourself or with a big group, Monique's Caribbean Guest House is an ideal way to get into the island spirit.