As first timers in Belize, we did not know what to expect. We rented a car and drove from Belize City, so we were able to see a lot of the country on our way down to Placencia. We took the main roads, and it was a long, but safe trip.
When we arrived at Casa Nettuno (a couple hours prior to check in ), the grounds keeper, quickly met us and took us on a tour of the house. Soon we realized we had a little piece of paradise all to ourselves for an entire week. The house is very private - and there are no close neighbors that you'll see while on the premises (outside of Ignacio, who lives in a separate house on the property). In front, is a very pristine beach and beautiful grounds, and in the back is the main road that leads you to downtown Placencia.
The house had everything we needed for our stay, such as towels, beach chairs and cushions, kitchen utensils, etc. We took a quick trip to the grocery store in town and got everything we needed, such as coffee, bread, cereal, pasta, beer, wine. We went out for dinner or lunch, but usually stayed in for one meal a day - just to hang out and relax on the the beach or the balcony with an amazing view and breeze. Overall, it was a terrific experience. My husband and I and our two teenage girls enjoyed a week of laid back R&R.
Things to note: if you are looking for a private home and serene setting, this is the place for you. Our family loves a good adventure, and we enjoyed the country, the setting, the available activities (Monkey River Tour and snorkeling, the fruit & vegetable stands sold by locals, the super casual dinners on the beach and more). But it's not like staying at a resort, with lots of tourists and every amenity under the sun. You might have to deal with an ant or a gecko in the house - and learn how to work the windows to make the most of the evening breeze. It's a home in a tropical country where there's a big mix of old and new, a lot of undeveloped land and poverty - but also a lot of culture and friendly people. We appreciated all of it and enjoyed experiencing something new. We would recommend this rental if you're looking for a comfortable getaway in a great location in the south of Belize.