Ambergris Caye, Belize
Founded in 1965, Holiday Lands is a San Pedro based real estate property holding company with development expertise.
Holiday Lands
Projects available for
Partnership
Holiday Lands,
a name with a legacy in Belizean Real Estate
When Holiday Lands was established in 1962, the island economy was still based on the coconut and fishing industries. Its hundreds of acres of property were used to cultivate coconuts. By the time Holiday Lands was acquired by a group of prominent New York City attorneys in 1892, tourism was in its nascent stages.
Holiday Lands was initially focused on building and selling properties for residential and boutique hotel development, but it has since evolved. Today, we seek strategic partnerships and joint venture investments for select large-scale developments, representing a portion of our extensive property portfolio.
At Holiday Lands, we bring a unique combination of land, funding, and decades of expertise in Belizean real estate to the table. We’re open to exploring innovative ideas and collaborations with partners who share our vision for exceptional development.
Pursuing residential and commercial projects in San Pedro, Belize requires an astute sense of the local culture and customs. Holiday Lands assures its partners that success can be delivered.
Belize’s Crown Jewel of Revenue and Natural Beauty
Ambergris Caye
Once the secret of SCUBA divers who thronged to the island to dive the famous Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye is now a hub of global tourism.
Throughout Belize’s history, Ambergris Caye has stood out as the country’s most significant revenue generator. Its hardworking population originally emigrated holistically from Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula that is separated from Ambergris Caye only by a narrow canal dug by the Mayan Indians 2000 years ago.
Offering unmatched natural beauty and proximity to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, just 1 km away, this stunning island, east of mainland Belize, is accessible within an hour by speedboat or a quick 15-minute flight from Belize City.
Stretching twenty-five miles in length and varying in width from a few hundred feet to over four miles, Ambergris Caye is a unique blend of history and modernity.
Notes on Belize
Tourism Hub
Ambergris Caye's economy thrives on tourism, catering to visitors from around the world.
Agricultural Riches
Key agricultural products include sugar, fish, and citrus fruits, which play a major role in the country's economy.
Service Sector
The service industry, particularly call centers, is a significant contributor to Belize’s economic landscape.
Reliance on Imports
Belize relies heavily on imported goods, making international trade crucial to its economy.
Manufacturing Sector
Belize manufactures essential products such as food items, fertilizers, and textiles.
Promoting Industry
The Belizean government actively encourages industrial development to strengthen the nation’s economy.
Population
With a population of about 450,000, Belize is a small yet vibrant country.
Global Ties
Belize maintains strong diplomatic relationships, particularly with the United States and Taiwan.

A Natural Paradise with Modern Potential
Ambergris Caye represents a natural paradise that seamlessly blends untouched beauty with modern development potential.
The country is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef, making it a haven for nature lovers and eco-tourists. Ambergris Caye, with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, epitomizes this natural allure.
At the same time, Ambergris Caye is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for modern development, offering significant opportunities for investors and developers.
The island’s growing infrastructure struggles to support the development of luxury resorts, residential communities, and commercial ventures.
With a growing interest in residential ownership abroad, there is increasing demand for high-quality construction and development projects, condos and condo-hotels.
A Growing Community with Unique Challenges
The island’s sole municipality, San Pedro, has witnessed extraordinary growth—from a humble village of 1,200 in 1971 to a bustling town of 22,000.
This rapid development has outpaced the island’s infrastructure, with utilities and roads struggling to keep up.
The island’s electricity continues to be imported from Mexico, and there is just one main road running the length of the island. The vast majority—80%—of vehicles are gas-powered golf carts, too slowly converting to electric, in part due to the limited electric grid. For environmental reasons, car permits are a rare commodity.
San Pedro is a melting pot of cultures, home to residents from all over Belize and Latin America, alongside a strong community of 3,000 expatriates, primarily from North America.

Holiday Lands
Key Advantages
Investing in Holiday Lands offers both Belize-based benefits and the added value of Holiday Lands’ vast holdings.
Real Estate Opportunities
- Diverse Property Options Holiday Lands holds a range of real estate, from beachfront with potential for luxury resorts to eco-friendly lagoon development options and agricultural land. The growing demand for residential properties, makes real estate a promising investment.
- Ownership Rights: Belize allows foreigners to own property outright with the same rights as locals, including beachfront properties, which is rare among Latin American countries. This straightforward process of acquiring property adds to the appeal for international investors.
Tourism Industry
- Booming Sector: Home ownership in for the form of condominiums is a high demand industry. Once a well kept secret, Belize now has a steady growth in tourist arrivals, drawn to its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Demand has led to increased investments in hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and tourism-related businesses.
- Eco-Tourism: Holiday Lands properties bordering the sea and lagoon are prime material for eco-friendly developments. More and more buyers are seeking environmentally responsible destinations. This trend opens up investment opportunities in eco-lodges, adventure tours, and conservation projects.
Tax and Financial Incentives
- No Capital Gains Tax: Belize does not impose a capital gains tax, making it an attractive option for investors looking to maximize returns on real estate and other investments.
- Low Property Taxes: Property taxes in Belize are relatively low compared to many other countries, further enhancing the appeal of real estate investment.
- Export Processing Zones (EPZs): Belize offers incentives for businesses that establish operations in EPZs, including tax holidays, duty exemptions, and other financial benefits, particularly for those involved in manufacturing, agro-processing, and logistics.
Strategic Location
- Proximity to Major Markets: Belize’s strategic location in Central America, and the only Englis-speaking country south of the USA, with easy access to North American markets, is a significant advantage. Direct flights from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico make it a convenient destination for business and leisure travel.
- Gateway to the Caribbean and Central America: Belize’s position as a bridge between the Caribbean and Central America provides unique opportunities for businesses looking to expand into these regions.
Stable and Business-Friendly Environment
- Political Stability: Belize has a stable democratic government, with a legal system based on English common law, providing a secure environment for investment.
- English-Speaking Population: As the only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize offers a significant advantage for investors, facilitating communication, legal processes, and business operations.
Retirement and Residency Programs
- Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program: Belize offers a QRP program that provides tax exemptions and residency benefits to retirees who meet certain criteria. This program is attractive for individuals looking to retire in a tropical paradise while enjoying financial benefits.
- Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Belize provides pathways to permanent residency and citizenship for foreign investors, offering long-term security and potential tax advantages.
Environmental and Cultural Considerations
- Commitment to Sustainability: Belize is dedicated to preserving its natural environment, with extensive protected areas and marine reserves. Investors who align their projects with sustainable practices are likely to find tax and incentive support and success in this eco-conscious country.
- Cultural Heritage: Belize’s rich cultural diversity, including Mayan ruins, Garifuna traditions, and Creole influences, adds to its unique investment appeal. Projects that respect and incorporate local culture can foster strong community relationships and enhance project viability.
Challenges to Consider
- Infrastructure Development: While Belize is improving its infrastructure and open to cooperative project with investors.
- Navigating Local Regulations: Understanding and complying with local regulations, including land use, environmental protections, and construction permits, is essential. Engaging local legal and business experts can help navigate these complexities.
A Unique English-Speaking Gateway in Central America
Belize
Belize is a distinctive presence in Central America as the only English-speaking country south of the United States.
The Belize Dollar, pegged to the US Dollar, offers stability and ease for international transactions.
Belize maintains strong diplomatic and governmental ties with the United States and Taiwan, reflecting its strategic global relationships.