Aug, 2015: The first stop on a whirlwind familiarization trip with my colleague Barbara Alden (five properties in six days) was an overnight visit with our friends at El Pescador Resort on Ambergris Cay in Belize. The mahogany colonial lodge is located right on the beach, facing the sea, and surrounded by fragrant tropical flowering plants and the whisper of shady palms. We were excited to visit with our longtime partners Ali, Chris and Steve to learn more about their most recent updates to the lodge.
One of the most notable changes to El Pescador is the renovation and expansion of all 14 main lodge rooms with all new furniture, bedding and upgraded bathrooms. Folks who are considering El Pescador as a destination will love the new and spacious accommodations. For those who have visited before, it is definitely worth the trip back! An amenity that was also recently added is the ability for anglers to pre-select their boat lunches from an extensive menu that includes wraps, salads and sandwiches on freshly made bread. Plus, there are plenty of cold beverage options available.
During our brief visit, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner under the stars on the main lodge deck with the other guests (mostly anglers), and managers Ali and Steve. The dining experience began with a delicious southwestern corn chowder soup and cornmeal biscuits. The main course was tender barbequed ribs, fried chicken and home-cooked baked beans. A Caribbean favorite, Tres Leches Cake (three milk cake) was served for dessert!
The entire El Pescador staff does an outstanding job creating a warm and hospitable atmosphere that makes guests feel like family. The staff’s goal is to ensure every guest is having fun, are happy, relaxed and well-fed. During a team meeting last year, the employees asked the owners to change their work uniforms from saying “El Pescador Team” to “El Pescador Family.” A fitting change as clients consistently tell us the resort feels like their “home away from home.”
While we didn’t have the opportunity to fish during our short stay, the other anglers at the lodge enjoyed robust days of catching permit, large migratory tarpon and many bonefish!
For non-fishermen, there is a multitude of activities to enjoy including diving, snorkeling, visiting Mayan Ruins, or just relaxing with a cold beverage at one of the three lodge pools. El Pescador is the perfect spot for anglers and their families!
In July, the lodge was very excited to introduce a new General Manager to the El Pescador Family – Ed Blank, who has been in the hospitality and fly fishing industry for many years. Welcome Ed!
By Denise Schreiber, Belize Destination Specialist
