Work commenced once again on building 11 several weeks ago and is coming along nicely.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
memberservices@dreambelize.com
We want to inform you of some changes that are taking place in our Member Services Department. Elder Mauricio is now longer with us. As concierge Elder has been a great asset to Sueño for a number of years and has become a close friend to many of you. I am certain that Elder will be greatly missed. We have some positive candidates to fill his position and to work alongside Imelda & Hob in our Member Services Department.
To contact the Member Services Department from this point forward please use only memberservices@dreambelize.com and to notify us of your arrival information visit the "Online Concierge" on the members website at http://www.dreambelize.com/. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Steve Stoddard
Assistant General Manager
steve@dreambelize.com
To contact the Member Services Department from this point forward please use only memberservices@dreambelize.com and to notify us of your arrival information visit the "Online Concierge" on the members website at http://www.dreambelize.com/. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Steve Stoddard
Assistant General Manager
steve@dreambelize.com
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Change of the Boat Schedule
Starting Friday, Apr 3, there will be a permanent change of the boat schedule. The 10:30am run and the 12:30pm run will be moved ahead 30 minutes to 10:00am and 12:00pm. All other runs will remain the same. The primary reason for this change is to accommodate those who are departing San Pedro on a 1:00pm Tropic flight.
To Sueño
To Sueño
7:00am
10:00am
2:30pm
5:30pm (may be delayed for arrivals)
9:00pm (Wed & Fri)
To San Pedro
8:00am
12:00pm
4:30pm
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
To Sueno by way of Cancun
Fellow Sueno residents:
Jan and I recently travelled to Sueno, travelling via Cancun and Playa del Carmen, rather than direct to Belize City. Why? Because we'd heard the trip can be much cheaper than the direct-flight routes, because the flights to Cancun are subsidized (cheap) to attract tourists. The following notes explain a bit about how we did it and why, and what it cost us.
We took Frontier Airline--direct Denver to Cancun: $299 each, or $598 for two, round trip. Unfortunately, the flight got in too late for us to make any kind of same-day connections for the rest of the trip without spending the night along the way (Cancun, Playa del carmen, or Chetumal). We chose Playa del Carmen (well planned, ahead of time).
On arrival in Cancun, we cleared customs and went straight to the money-exchange kiosk. Agents were behind the counter, but the service was closed for some unexplained reason, which meant we had no pesos (exchange rate about 13-14 pesos per U.S. dollar . . . not nearly as convenient as the 2:1 in Belize). Hint: get $50-100 worth of pesos in U.S. before departure, if possible.
Next to the closed money-exchange kiosk were 3-4 booths labeled Taxis & Shuttles. On the far right (4th or 5th booth), we found the sign for ADO, the bus company we wanted, and bought two tickets to Playa del Carmen. Here, it would have helped to have pesos, as the guy did a quick conversion to dollars (rounded up to $7 each), which I paid with a $20, and got my change in pesos (rounded down), which meant our tickets cost about $8 each. MESSAGE, get pesos.
Just outside the terminal doors (and to the right) is a large parking area for the commercial buses. We showed our tickets, asked questions, and were told where our bus would park when it arrived. We stayed with our luggage to make sure it got on the right bus (under the bus, in large storage compartments). Important: We were scheduled to leave (on the ticket) at 4:30pm. Everybody boarded about 4:05-4:10, and the bus LEFT at 4:15 . . . from where it went to a second airport terminal, got more passengers, and did leave, as scheduled, at 4:30. This would be an easy bus to miss if you're off drinking a beer at 4:20.
The one-hour, non-stop ride to Playa was uneventful (divided highway, commercial, most of the way). We'd been told ahead of time that there are two ADO bus terminals in Playa--one on the beach, the other downtown. We were taken to the one on the beach, on Fifth Street (or avenue), which worked well, as that's where we'd rented a condo for the night. We gathered our own luggage from the bus and went inside the terminal, where we immediately bought our tickets for the next morning to Chetumal, Mexico (on the Belizean border). We purchased EXPRESS tickets (only one stop on the way, a short stop in Tulum) . We knew the bus would have a bathroom, and we'd brought snacks for the five-hour trip. The EXPRESS tickets were each 204 pesos, which I didn't have, so the convenient math meant $20 each (do the math . . . then know why you need pesos). We learned we needed to be back at the DOWNTOWN bus station 15 minutes before departure, so we planned on thirty. Note: be sure to ask and confirm which bus terminal you'll leave from.
Out the door of the beachside ADO bus terminal, we found ourselves in the heart of the fun part of Playa. No cars, lots of people having fun, sidewalk restaurants, the aroma of cerveza . . . and us towing suitcases (for about three blocks). Jan suggested I stop at one of the money-exchange kiosks along the way and get some pesos. Later, I said, after we dump our suitcases. NOTE: such places do have closing hours, even in Playa. I would regret my decision later, several times. Our condo was great ($75 a night), though we did have a bit of trouble with a non-functioning front-door lock, which meant I had to roam the street to get take-away dinners . . . without pesos. I even tried to exchange dollars for pesos in the restaurant . . . sorry, they said, all out of pesos. I used a credit card.
The next morning, streets abandoned, we dragged our suitcases back to the ADO terminal (the closest taxi stand), and got a $3 taxi ride to the DOWNTOWN ADO bus station (I gave him six, because it was a lot farther than I thought it'd be and well worth it).
The bus to Chetumal was excellent. Mercedes. Great shape. Assigned seats (when you book, pick your seats). Comfortable. Shades closed to keep out the early morning sun. Lots of people just sacked out. Not much scenery--trees and scrub brush most of the way. No view of the Caribbean. We read most of the way.
We'd made previous arrangements to have a Belizean driver pick us up in Chetumal (we were told exactly where to meet our driver). Nice large van. Leather seats. He got us through Mexico and Belize customs, and took us to Corozal; specifically, the Tropic Air Terminal. The service we used (and there are others) was: "Gettransfers" (George and Esther Moralez Travel Services). E-mail info@gettransfers.com or internet: http://www.gettransfers.com/ Excellent service! $40 U.S. one way ($75, round trip . . . the other half of our ticket for when we do the reverse trip and return to Cancun).
Our total ROUND TRIP price in U.S. dollars for two people: $1115, or $558 each, which includes the following:
Air Denver to Cancun (round trip $299 each x 2 = $598)
Bus Cancun to Playa: $16 for two (less with pesos) . . . $32 for round trip
Condo in Playa $75 . . . $150 including stay on return trip
Bus to Chatumal: $20 x 2 = $40 (maybe less with pesos) . . . $80 for round trip
Driver from Chatumal to Tropic Air in Corozol: $40 . . . $75 for round trip
Tropic Air Corozal to San Pedro $90 . . . $180, two tickets, round trip
We could have flown round trip Denver, Belize City, to San Pedro for $561 each plus $110 for Tropic Air, or $671 each, and saved about $225 as a couple. So, is it worth it? For two people, who have no intention of wild night life in Playa, maybe not.
BUT, if we'd been a family of four from Denver, our direct-flight cost total would have been $2684and our Cancun/Playa total would have been $2005 . . . a $700 savings.
If you want to spend some fun time in Palya, or you're coming from a location more remote than Denver, your savings for four people may be even greater. For families with kids, or a bunch of fishing buddies, the bus route is likely well worth it.
And for a final note. If you want to skip all the bus hassle, you can charter the van (same service we used at Chatemul), for $400 one way and be driven directly from the Cancun airport to Corozal Tropic Air, or from Tropic Air Corozal to the Cancun airport. For four people, with a schedule to keep, wanting door-to-door service, without spending the night, that's only $100 each. Well worth considering, depending on your airline schedules into and out of Cancun.
Regards,
John and Jan Turley
Year Round Members 7C
Jan and I recently travelled to Sueno, travelling via Cancun and Playa del Carmen, rather than direct to Belize City. Why? Because we'd heard the trip can be much cheaper than the direct-flight routes, because the flights to Cancun are subsidized (cheap) to attract tourists. The following notes explain a bit about how we did it and why, and what it cost us.
We took Frontier Airline--direct Denver to Cancun: $299 each, or $598 for two, round trip. Unfortunately, the flight got in too late for us to make any kind of same-day connections for the rest of the trip without spending the night along the way (Cancun, Playa del carmen, or Chetumal). We chose Playa del Carmen (well planned, ahead of time).
On arrival in Cancun, we cleared customs and went straight to the money-exchange kiosk. Agents were behind the counter, but the service was closed for some unexplained reason, which meant we had no pesos (exchange rate about 13-14 pesos per U.S. dollar . . . not nearly as convenient as the 2:1 in Belize). Hint: get $50-100 worth of pesos in U.S. before departure, if possible.
Next to the closed money-exchange kiosk were 3-4 booths labeled Taxis & Shuttles. On the far right (4th or 5th booth), we found the sign for ADO, the bus company we wanted, and bought two tickets to Playa del Carmen. Here, it would have helped to have pesos, as the guy did a quick conversion to dollars (rounded up to $7 each), which I paid with a $20, and got my change in pesos (rounded down), which meant our tickets cost about $8 each. MESSAGE, get pesos.
Just outside the terminal doors (and to the right) is a large parking area for the commercial buses. We showed our tickets, asked questions, and were told where our bus would park when it arrived. We stayed with our luggage to make sure it got on the right bus (under the bus, in large storage compartments). Important: We were scheduled to leave (on the ticket) at 4:30pm. Everybody boarded about 4:05-4:10, and the bus LEFT at 4:15 . . . from where it went to a second airport terminal, got more passengers, and did leave, as scheduled, at 4:30. This would be an easy bus to miss if you're off drinking a beer at 4:20.
The one-hour, non-stop ride to Playa was uneventful (divided highway, commercial, most of the way). We'd been told ahead of time that there are two ADO bus terminals in Playa--one on the beach, the other downtown. We were taken to the one on the beach, on Fifth Street (or avenue), which worked well, as that's where we'd rented a condo for the night. We gathered our own luggage from the bus and went inside the terminal, where we immediately bought our tickets for the next morning to Chetumal, Mexico (on the Belizean border). We purchased EXPRESS tickets (only one stop on the way, a short stop in Tulum) . We knew the bus would have a bathroom, and we'd brought snacks for the five-hour trip. The EXPRESS tickets were each 204 pesos, which I didn't have, so the convenient math meant $20 each (do the math . . . then know why you need pesos). We learned we needed to be back at the DOWNTOWN bus station 15 minutes before departure, so we planned on thirty. Note: be sure to ask and confirm which bus terminal you'll leave from.
Out the door of the beachside ADO bus terminal, we found ourselves in the heart of the fun part of Playa. No cars, lots of people having fun, sidewalk restaurants, the aroma of cerveza . . . and us towing suitcases (for about three blocks). Jan suggested I stop at one of the money-exchange kiosks along the way and get some pesos. Later, I said, after we dump our suitcases. NOTE: such places do have closing hours, even in Playa. I would regret my decision later, several times. Our condo was great ($75 a night), though we did have a bit of trouble with a non-functioning front-door lock, which meant I had to roam the street to get take-away dinners . . . without pesos. I even tried to exchange dollars for pesos in the restaurant . . . sorry, they said, all out of pesos. I used a credit card.
The next morning, streets abandoned, we dragged our suitcases back to the ADO terminal (the closest taxi stand), and got a $3 taxi ride to the DOWNTOWN ADO bus station (I gave him six, because it was a lot farther than I thought it'd be and well worth it).
The bus to Chetumal was excellent. Mercedes. Great shape. Assigned seats (when you book, pick your seats). Comfortable. Shades closed to keep out the early morning sun. Lots of people just sacked out. Not much scenery--trees and scrub brush most of the way. No view of the Caribbean. We read most of the way.
We'd made previous arrangements to have a Belizean driver pick us up in Chetumal (we were told exactly where to meet our driver). Nice large van. Leather seats. He got us through Mexico and Belize customs, and took us to Corozal; specifically, the Tropic Air Terminal. The service we used (and there are others) was: "Gettransfers" (George and Esther Moralez Travel Services). E-mail info@gettransfers.com or internet: http://www.gettransfers.com/ Excellent service! $40 U.S. one way ($75, round trip . . . the other half of our ticket for when we do the reverse trip and return to Cancun).
Our total ROUND TRIP price in U.S. dollars for two people: $1115, or $558 each, which includes the following:
Air Denver to Cancun (round trip $299 each x 2 = $598)
Bus Cancun to Playa: $16 for two (less with pesos) . . . $32 for round trip
Condo in Playa $75 . . . $150 including stay on return trip
Bus to Chatumal: $20 x 2 = $40 (maybe less with pesos) . . . $80 for round trip
Driver from Chatumal to Tropic Air in Corozol: $40 . . . $75 for round trip
Tropic Air Corozal to San Pedro $90 . . . $180, two tickets, round trip
We could have flown round trip Denver, Belize City, to San Pedro for $561 each plus $110 for Tropic Air, or $671 each, and saved about $225 as a couple. So, is it worth it? For two people, who have no intention of wild night life in Playa, maybe not.
BUT, if we'd been a family of four from Denver, our direct-flight cost total would have been $2684and our Cancun/Playa total would have been $2005 . . . a $700 savings.
If you want to spend some fun time in Palya, or you're coming from a location more remote than Denver, your savings for four people may be even greater. For families with kids, or a bunch of fishing buddies, the bus route is likely well worth it.
And for a final note. If you want to skip all the bus hassle, you can charter the van (same service we used at Chatemul), for $400 one way and be driven directly from the Cancun airport to Corozal Tropic Air, or from Tropic Air Corozal to the Cancun airport. For four people, with a schedule to keep, wanting door-to-door service, without spending the night, that's only $100 each. Well worth considering, depending on your airline schedules into and out of Cancun.
Regards,
John and Jan Turley
Year Round Members 7C
As published by Ambergris Today
See details about our latest community buffet in the Palapa as recorded by Ambergris Today by clicking below:
http://ambergristoday.blogspot.com/2009/03/under-palapa-at-sueno-del-mar.html
http://ambergristoday.blogspot.com/2009/03/under-palapa-at-sueno-del-mar.html
Monday, March 30, 2009
Change in Schedule
House Hunters International has changed their schedule. According to their website the show will air April 16, 2009 at 10pm eastern.
Here is a link to HGTV website: http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/a-young-entrepreneur-is-set-on-a-vacation-home-in-belize/index.html
Here is a link to HGTV website: http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/a-young-entrepreneur-is-set-on-a-vacation-home-in-belize/index.html
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
March 19 "Sunrise and Water Spouts"
To many of us who like to watch for shapes on clouds,
No better way to start a day than watching a beautiful sunrise.
Minutes after the Sun was shining our quiet beach, we noticed not one but 2 water spouts off to the far east, Nancy and Robert had kayaked to the reef and were able to witness them closer. 
As the minutes passed by we could notice the changes in color of the sky!!!
We enjoyed the beautiful sunrise!!!Wednesday, March 18, 2009
One more day in Paradise!!!
Oh yes! BELIZE!!!
Listening to steel drums gave the perfect touch to the moment..
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sueno Telescope - What do you think?
Member Glenn Perry had an idea that we want to post and get some feedback on. The idea is this, every member pitches in $15-$20 so that we can purchase a telsescope to set up in the Palapa for stargazing. Glenn has some contacts that would provide a discount on a high-end telescope. Personally I can't think of any better place to stargaze than Sueno. What do you think? Post a comment by clicking below or email us at memberservices@dreambelize.com.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Party with Kelly McGuire in San Pedro
Kelly played at the Purple Toucan in Ramons Village, San Pedro Town and some of our Club Members could not miss the opportunity to join for Dinner, Wine and Kellys Music.
.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The House Hunter International show, featuring Sueño del Mar
Greetings from Sueño del Mar,
Last fall House Hunters International spent an afternoon filming Sueño del Mar in preparation for their 2009 show. They recently informed us that the show will be airing:
• April 2, 2009 10pm eastern
• April 2, 2009 2am eastern
• April 15, 2009 11am eastern
Here is the link to HGTV web site: http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/a-young-entrepreneur-is-set-on-a-vacation-home-in-belize/index.html
Have fun watching your Caribbean home on TV!
Last fall House Hunters International spent an afternoon filming Sueño del Mar in preparation for their 2009 show. They recently informed us that the show will be airing:
• April 2, 2009 10pm eastern
• April 2, 2009 2am eastern
• April 15, 2009 11am eastern
Here is the link to HGTV web site: http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/a-young-entrepreneur-is-set-on-a-vacation-home-in-belize/index.html
Have fun watching your Caribbean home on TV!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Welcome Sue, Bart, Lee and Laura
Congratulations to Sue and Bart Palmer (left)
and Lee and Laura Frankenberger (right).
Sue and Bart walking the beach.
They have joined Sueno del Mar with a group membership
for November and December.
Monday, March 9, 2009
A Day of Sailing
Our February and March Members are enjoying
the awesome weather and winds by learning how
to sail the Hobie Cat.
Elder showed Rolly and Diane the ropes...
the awesome weather and winds by learning how
to sail the Hobie Cat.
Elder showed Rolly and Diane the ropes...
even showing them what to do if the cat flipped over.Sorry these pictures are washed out.
Justin and Robert, enjoying their first week at Sueño del Mar,
After giving a few sailing lessons,
Brian takes a turn flying a hull.
Brian takes a turn flying a hull.
Dave and Sue enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Dale, Dolly and Marcos enjoy a sail with Elder.
What stress?
A Kind Heart Helps Out Isla Bonita Elementary School (I.B.E.S). As publiushed by Ambergris Today Newspaper, Feb 26th 2009.
You may remember Mrs. Aretha Mitchell when Ambergris Today visited her in the September/October 2008 issue. She was very pleased with Isla Bonita Elementary School, the teachers and the education her twin boys (Jesse and James) received at the I.B.E.S.
Previously, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell had donated towards the purchase of drums. "When I see (and have personally observed) the high level standard of academic curriculum for each grade level, all parents can be assured beyond a doubt that their child(ren) are getting the best education," commented Aretha to Ambergris Today.
She (Aretha) believes that the degree of commitment and dedication of the I.B.E.S principal, vice- principal, school administrators, and teachers is by far exceptional. And with that being said, Aretha`s commitment and support to I.B.E.S is 100%.
"My family and I have pledged our on-going support and resources to the I.B.E.S. Every student enrolled at I.B.E.S will receive school supplies for the 2009-2010 school year."
School supplies will consist of one back pack filled with spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, glue, white-out, crayons, and erasers.
In addition, a $1,000.00 donation was given for the school library, Aretha has developed and funded the first-time-ever school scholarships for a child(ren) to attend I.B.E.S. Mrs. Addy (principal), Mr. Hector Trejo (vice principal) and a special appointed board will be giving out more information on applying for the I.B.E.S scholarship.
"I would like to personally say, Thank you! to I.B.E.S school administrators and teachers on doing a magnificent job. Also in the works is obtaining a school bus for the children of Isla Bonita Elementary. Thank you too, Mrs. Aretha Mitchell.
Arlen, Aretha, Jesse & James Mitchell
Villa 7A
Jan/Feb
Sueno del Mar
Friday, March 6, 2009
Fly Fishing: Tres Pescado Slam Tournament
The first ever fly fishing tournament in Belize, Tres Pescado Slam Tournament, has been announced to take place from August 20th to 22nd, 2009.
International anglers and sponsors are being invited and the event will also have an amateur division for all local fly fishers.
The tournament will also involve the Ambergris Caye community with casting competitions and boat poling competitions with prizes and trophies as well as fly fishing and fly typing demonstrations all held each day in Central Park.
The goals of the tournament are to bring fly fishing anglers to San Pedro during a usually slow time of the year and provide fish data to Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited. The tournament details can be found at www-tres-pescado-tournament.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Second Annual Green Coconut Open House
John Midlen (Member) hosted the Second Annual Green Coconut Open House at his villa, 1C, Monday night. Most everyone inhouse attended. The food was delicious, the drinks were strong, and the reggae band set the mood nicely. Member parties such as these really bring out the community feel at Sueno.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sueno Teams up with Bacalar Chico Reserve Rangers
Sueno has been working closely with the new management team of the Bacalar Chico Reserve. The reserve constitutes a vital part of the Sueno experience and we want to do our part to conserve it.
Using a GPS we pinpointed the exact boundaries of the reserve and placed buoys and signs to mark it's entrance.
As the rangers spend several days a week just north of us, we have granted them use of our dock for their boat and we purchased them a bicycle to travel back and forth.
Reserve manager Roberto Carballo put on an informative presentation to Sueno members and guests last week about the history of the reserve and the do's and don't's as well. We plan to make it a monthly or bi-monthly event.
Using a GPS we pinpointed the exact boundaries of the reserve and placed buoys and signs to mark it's entrance.
As the rangers spend several days a week just north of us, we have granted them use of our dock for their boat and we purchased them a bicycle to travel back and forth.
Reserve manager Roberto Carballo put on an informative presentation to Sueno members and guests last week about the history of the reserve and the do's and don't's as well. We plan to make it a monthly or bi-monthly event.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Farewell Mini Mangrove
Remember the sorry excuse of a mangrove that used to sit right on the waterline in front of building 1? Well it's gone. Many Building-1ers have been begging us to get rid of the monstrosity for quite some time. Now that we are sure that it is dead and won't be making any kind of a come back we decided it was time to say goodbye. Personally I'll miss it.
New Blog Tunes
You're probably all getting sick of hearing the same six songs when you visit the blog. If you have any suggestions on some new songs you would like to hear please post a comment by clicking "Comments" below. Thanks for your help.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
