We returned from our honeymoon a few weeks ago and it has taken a while to determine just what to write about our experience on Gladden. First, let me say that no matter how great the description is of this paradise, it does NOT do the experience justice, and no words I can add would make that any better. Yes, the photos are amazing, but not nearly as breathtaking as it is in person. And you think you know what personal service is, but until you experience it at Gladden, you haven’t really had complete personal service at a resort before.
We were excited to book our honeymoon at Gladden. We had high expectations for Gladden based on the website and reviews, but nothing could have prepared us for our actual visit. We were looking for a once in a lifetime experience, somewhere we wouldn’t spend a “normal” vacation (and we travel a LOT), and something not everyone has done. Gladden provided this and so much more!
From the moment we landed in Belize, we had custom service. We had a guide from baggage claim to our helicopter, with a stop in the middle to rest at a cute little café while awaiting the helicopter. We then flew over the famous Blue Hole. It’s an awe-inspiring sight from the sky, and our pilot flew in several angles so that both my husband and I could experience it in full.
Arriving at the island, it’s amazing to see just how isolated you will be. It’s breathtaking from the air and really does look like paradise. We were promptly greeted by the friendly faces of the staff. Adam (perfect host), Annika (best chef ever), Jammie (great masseuse), and Zack (groundskeeper extraordinaire) were delightful. They truly wanted us to enjoy our honeymoon, but to also fall in love with Gladden and Belize. As a surprise for my husband, I had asked Adam if he would mind putting a couple of photos of us up around the place before we got there. He had the pictures displayed perfectly! My husband was surprised and delighted – it really did make the island feel more like “home”. He had also picked up a nice bottle of rum for my husband – his favorite! Daily, they would ask us what we would like to do for that day (or even the next) and helped us plan out our time. We wanted to spend as much time as we could enjoying the island, but also take a few day trips.
You can tell that the owners and staff of Gladden Island care about your vacation as much as you do. They do everything in their power to make it stress free and memorable.
