Gladden Private Island Frequently Asked Questions
Gladden is offered to one group at a time, all-inclusive, with a private chef, concierge and boat captain. Below are the questions guests ask most about this property. If you do not see your question, contact us at info@veryprivateislands.com or 1 416 728 4989.
Where is Gladden located?
Gladden is located in Belize, approximately 20 miles offshore from Placencia. It is the closest accommodation to Belize’s magnificent outer reef, on the Belize Barrier Reef near Gladden Spit.
What are the booking terms?
A 20% deposit is required to secure your dates, with the balance due 60 days prior to your trip. A minimum stay of four nights applies. Please review our terms and conditions for further details. We also recommend travel insurance to cover any trip interruption or cancellation.
What is check-in and check-out time?
Check-in is at 4:00 p.m. and check-out is at 10:00 a.m. We make every effort to accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs, but we cannot always guarantee these requests.
What happens when I arrive in Belize?
Upon arrival in Belize City, you will be greeted by our team member, Emilio, outside customs and immigration. He will direct your group to the designated area for your helicopter or domestic flight transfer and will be holding a sign with your name.
How do I get to Gladden?
Your international flight must land at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) by 1:30 p.m. For stays of 7 or more nights, a one-way helicopter transfer on arrival is included, with speedboat transfers and domestic flights on departure. For bookings under 7 nights, roundtrip boat shuttles and domestic flights are included; helicopter upgrades are available.
How long are the transfers?
The helicopter transfer between the airport and Gladden is about 40 minutes. The domestic flight from Belize City to Placencia is 25 minutes. The boat to Gladden ranges from 45 minutes to an hour.
Will there be other guests on the island?
No. Gladden is totally exclusive. We only ever have one group with us at a time.
How is privacy maintained?
Privacy is paramount at Gladden. Our staff are based on an adjacent island and are signaled discreetly via our light system. A green light indicates that the team is off-island, while a red light signals that they are on their way.
How many staff are there?
Gladden has a dedicated team to cater to your every need, including a concierge, boat captain and excursion guide, island manager and bartender, groundskeeper, massage therapist and housekeeper. As we are a small island, our staff wear many hats.
When should I send back the preference form?
Our guest preference sheet helps us get to know you. Our concierge will reach out 30 to 60 days prior to your trip to review your preferences and ensure we are prepared for your arrival.
How do meals work?
Your concierge will send your preferences to the chef. Upon arrival, your chef will discuss the timing and preferred level of service with your group, whether you opt for full-service multi-course meals or discreetly delivered prepared meals at the villa. A snack basket with light refreshments is also available throughout the day.
What is included with my stay?
Transfers to and from Belize City and Placencia as outlined in your booking terms, exclusive island use, gourmet meals by your chef, wine, champagne and curated cocktails, concierge services, a private boat and captain, a fishing and snorkeling guide, massages and spa treatments, housekeeping, Internet and WiFi, and kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear.
What is not included?
Multiple boat transfers between the island and the mainland, mainland excursions, diving, deep sea fishing, wine and champagne from our reserve list, and additional massages beyond those included. Gratuities for the island team are also not included.
How do I book boat trips?
Included boat excursions do not need to be booked in advance. Your boat captain meets with you daily so you can arrange excursions at your leisure, day to day. Please note the boat does not run after dark.
How do spa services work?
Your qualified spa professional will check in with you daily to schedule spa services, with no advance booking necessary. She is available to provide up to two 60-minute sessions per day. Services include relaxation, deep tissue and hot stone massages, as well as manicures and pedicures.
Do you provide laundry service?
Yes. Personal linens placed in the provided laundry hamper are collected mid-week and again the day before checkout, so you can pack clean clothing. If you prefer more frequent laundry service, please inform your housekeeper on site.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, air conditioning is available in the two guestrooms, which can be fully sealed for optimal cooling. The rest of the villa features an open-air design that takes advantage of the cool ocean breezes.
Do you have WiFi?
Yes, we have high-speed WiFi throughout the island.
What are the voltage and plugs used?
The villa uses 120V power with North American-style plugs, so no adapters are required. Please bring your own charging cables for phones, cameras and other personal devices.
Are there insects?
The gentle sea breezes and small size of the island mean there are generally no biting insects. Our active maintenance program includes regular spraying and daily beach raking. Bug spray is available on site. We also advise keeping villa doors closed around sunset to minimize insects.
What happens in a medical emergency?
There is a fully staffed clinic in Placencia for minor issues. For major emergencies, helicopter evacuation to Belize City may be required. We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any events that might result in trip interruption or cancellation.
What is the recommended gratuity?
Gratuity is generally 10 to 15% of your rate, although any amount is appreciated. A credit card form is provided in your Welcome Folder, or you may leave cash in the designated sealed envelope. All gratuities are pooled and distributed among our staff equitably.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend a rash guard (swim shirt), reef or water shoes, a hat, a lightweight jacket and reef-safe sunscreen. Please also remember to bring any necessary medications.
Frequently asked questions for our other properties
Kanu Private Island FAQ · Prince Island FAQ · Sapodilla Private Island FAQ · Gladden Valley Stream FAQ