Yok Ha Belize Resort

Yok Ha Island Resort is a resort located on island of Waterfoot Caye in Stann Creek District, Belize approximately eight miles offshore of Dangriga. The resort is unusual in that it is owned and operated by a Belizean family when most of the island resorts in Belize are foreign owned. Yok Ha has received international recognition as a top diving resort in Belize by publications such as Jetsetter magazine and Frommers. Early history and development Belize was a self-governing colony from 1964 until 1981, when it gained complete independence from Great Britain. Prior to independence, Edgar and Barbara Pascacio claimed ownership of Waterfoot Caye, which measures approximately three acres in size, using the island as a vacation home for the family, constructing just one simple building. Edgar and Barbara's son, Wilfred Pascacio, and his wife Abigail bought the island in 2001 and began backfilling parts of the island in 2006. Construction was then halted until June 2012, when outside funding was secured. Within a few months, Pascacio built the island's sea pier which allowed larger boats to be received on the island so that heavier construction could proceed. Five guest cabanas were constructed alongside a restaurant building. The resort opened for visitors in 2013. Later, a bar, a souvenir shop, and a snorkeling center were added. An authentic Belizean experience Wilfred Pascacio has spoken several times to the media about his vision for Yok Ha Island Resort: "Guests expect a family experience that includes luxury resort amenities, and this synthesis is only possible when a family runs the show. In our case, a 100 percent Belizean family, at that. For these reasons and more, we encourage guests to give us much feedback as they like. They're family, too, after all!" In their desire to provide an authentic Belizean experience, the Yok Ha Island Resort is entirely outfitted with Belizean art, textiles, and furnishings, and every employee of the resort is a native Belizean. Amenities The Yok Ha Island Resort provides free boat shuttle service to and from Dangriga on the mainland as well as free Wi-Fi. Snorkel gear and the use of sea kayaks is also provided complimentary for guests. The five cabanas each come with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a terrace with hammocks. Excepting liquor, meals and beverages are provided free for all guests. The restaurant's menu primarily consists of seafood and traditional Belizean cuisine. The resort has its own dive center and regularly organizes diving and snorkeling trips on the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.