Having been born in the heartland of America in the early 50s, raised in a God loving small farm family, and spending 50 years of my life living in different parts of a wonderful country, I can speak only for myself.

Having watched the employment and financial security of my own personal life dwindle through the years in America, it is refreshing to come to a country where individuality and self-preservation is not only revered but rewarded. Refreshing to know that I can take on a business of my choosing in a country where entrepreneurship is rewarded by fair taxes and less Government reigns. Where the local people relish in working a job to receive what is considered fair pay for work done, and are loyal to their employer because he is loyal to them. These are the days of my childhood, my remembrance of being happy working a job, being happy to bring home a paycheck that at least covered my expenses, and lastly; the happiness of knowing that I can save money for retirement THAT I CAN KEEP! THIS IS BELIZE!

As a young boy I got interested in amateur radio. I used to love receiving QSL (contact confirmation) cards from stations I had talked to all over the world, especially the ones with palm tree lined beach scenes from the Caribbean. My desire to travel started then but unfortunately my financial situation and desire to start an early family kept me away from those dreams and I started full time work right after Graduation from college in 1971. Through the years I worked for many large organizations from John Deere Tractor to American Airlines to Charles Schwab & Co. Each move saw a lessening concern by upper management for the lesser employee, me!

I long desired to be self sufficient like my father was in the 50s. To be responsible for my own family in a direct way. Being a semi-pro musician on the side I also didn’t want to go back to the 4:00 am to 8:00 pm days of the family farm. Starting a small part-time business was easy early on, but as I grew older and learned the “responsibilities” that Government controls put on free enterprise I realized how un-empowered I really was.

When I broke free of the instilled feelings of having to remain in my birth country I started to realize that there just might be a better life and opportunities elsewhere. Belize offers and encourages not only Americans and Canadians but all races the opportunity to invest and become self-sufficient. Being an English speaking, self-governed democratic society based on the same Civil laws that founded America, Belize offers the best alternative to those that want to break free.

Belize has been home for my wife and I for the past 5 years and now will be the home of our 38 year old son and his new British girlfriend. He has spent the last 6 years in and out of Iraq and is looking forward to a quieter lifestyle and assisting us in our business ventures and hopefully starting some of his own. Belize has the weather, the relaxation OR adventure that you desire, the friendliest people in Central America/Western Caribbean, safety, and security that you can actually call HOME!

Retirement in Belize is very easy. If you are at least 45 years old, not a known criminal, and have a retirement pension or can deposit the equivalent of $2000 per month in a Belize bank, you can retire in Belize. You don’t have to live here full time if you still want to make trips back to your “previous” home, but you can if you so desire. Once granted QRP (Qualified Retirement Program) status you can bring in a vehicle (car, boat, airplane) and a container full of your personal goods under the program, Duty Free.

You own your own property FREE TITLE. Unlike other countries where title has to be held by a company or you can’t hold title AT ALL, you can hold title personally, through a Belize company, or through a foreign IBC and property taxes are EXTREMELY low.

You can own your own company. As a QRP you aren’t supposed to work in Belize. But as a QRP you can own a company and hire locals to work for you, as a matter of fact that is encouraged. As a Resident of Belize, which can take just a little more than a year, you can work for anyone.  You can also work under a Belize Work Permit which is renewed yearly.

One of the projects we are considering is setting up a self-sustained development. Totally off the grid. Each owner will have not only a plot of land for a house, but a plot of land for a garden to be almost totally self sufficient. It has been said that owning a farm today is like owning a gold mine 50 years ago. To be able to be self-sufficient will be the wealth of the future!

All in all, we are very happy in Belize and encourage anyone to contact us at our email address or call our Houston number, direct to Belize, 713-893-8023. We will be more than happy to talk about Belize and why you should think about calling this English speaking, Caribbean / Central American country HOME!

Bye for now, Living the Dream in Paradise!

Belize is a country of only 8,867 square miles, but the nation nestled amid Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea is a potpourri of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. From Mayan ruins and Afro-Caribbean Punta music to reef diving and cave tubing, Belize offers the best of land and sea adventures for a full-bodied visit.

The majority of the country is covered in forest, making the interior a tropical playground with various options to explore. Belize is known as the center of the Mayan world, and remnants of the Mayan Golden Age can be found scattered throughout the country, including the well-known architectural sites of the Cayo district. Belize also boasts the longest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere. Whether you enjoy boating, snorkeling, or just soaking up rays, the islands off the coast of Belize—Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker—serve up the best the beach has to offer.

What visitors are likely to find most welcoming, however, are the Belizean people. Culturally, Belize is home to one of the most diverse groups in Central America, not to mention that as a former British colony, English is the official language. The population includes Mayan, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, and Chinese, as well as a number of European, American, and other expatriates. The warmness of the Belizeans, coupled with the ease of navigating the country, make Belize a truly desirable destination.

The Essentials

1 Where to Stay: Ka’ana Boutique Resort is dedicated to providing a luxurious experience with authentic Belize culture, all while maintaining a sustainable eco-friendly environment. 501-824-3350; kaanabelize.com. coastal: Las Terrazas Resort & Residence offers 38 townhomes with everything you’ll need, including complete kitchens and a washer and dryer. 800-447-1553; lasterrazasresort.com. Enjoy the best of both in one package: Ka’ana & Las Terrazas are offering a Land & Sea package sure to give you a good taste of what Belize has to offer.

2 Where to Eat At La Ceiba, a Mayan theme runs through everything,s from the cocktail menu to the main course. Try the Sour Sap Colada and Mennonite pork sausage served over Mayan Dukunu. 501-824-3350; kaanabelize.com. Enjoy a Caribbean fish feast at Hidden Treasure Restaurant in San Pedro. 501-226-4111; hiddentreasurebelize.com. The Running W Steakhouse is said to have the best steak in Belize. 501-824-2034;
sanignaciobelize.com.

3 What To Do Walk through ancient time on a tour of the Mayan ruins in the Cayo District Yute Expeditions. inlandbelize.com. Get up close and personal with a jaguar at the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center. belizezoo.org. Dive or snorkel the popular stops along the largest barrier reef in the West, Hol Chan or Shark Ray Alley Magnum Belize Tours. magnumbelize.com.

Wouldn't you rather be here!

Welcome to the first of many, hopefully, informative blog entries on Belize. That little known country in Central America that acts more like the Caribbean!

Belize has only been an independent country in the British Commonwealth for 29 years, actually younger than my daughter! During most of those years it has been hidden from the limelight mostly because of its size and economy. Just wasn’t important enough for most travelers. Only the daring divers and explorers visited British Honduras during those years.

For years sugar cane, shrimp, lobster, and a few other fruits and vegetables were the main export and economy drivers, but over the past few years tourism has caught up and surpassed all of them combined.

Belize is a BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL, FRIENDLY country that welcomes all.

We are Belize Shores Realty, the Commercial property brokers for Belize. We have properties available from $250,000 to $50,000,000 USD!
Stay tuned for more from time to time.
www.belizeshoresrealty.com. For any questions about Belize, especially commercial real estate, please email paul@belizeshoresrealty.com

For years a diver’s escape, Belize welcomes high-end resort living.

Just south of Mexico lies one of the most beautiful and culturally vibrant spots in the Caribbean: Belize. With non-stop flights from seven major cities in the US, venturing through the Mayan pyramids and enjoying the exquisite beaches couldn’t be easier. With its rustic environment and beautiful rainforests, Belize brings you through an undiscovered world of culture and adventure.

The CEO of Belize’s Orchid Bay Resort (orchidbaybelize.com), Ari Kahn, categorizes the country by “the four Rs” of reefs, rivers, rainforests, and ruins. “Belize was the center of the Mayan population,” Kahn explains. “There are 10 major sites that have been excavated and hundreds more that haven’t been. The great thing about the Mayan ruins in Belize is that it’s like an open park, and you can walk around freely without signs and ropes between you and the pyramids.”

Home to the largest living barrier reef in the world, Belize is a diver’s paradise.  Snorkelers and divers can see through 75 feet of crystal-clear water right down to the ocean floor. For those who shy away from the stingrays and manatees, there’s always a boat ride down the Jon Gulf through historical caves. –Terri Ogan.

The Essentials of Belize

Where to Stay
Relax in style just off the coast of Belize at the private island of Cayo Espanto. This spot offers scuba diving, catered meals, and spa amenities. 888-666-4282, aprivateisland.com. Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn merges Balinese-inspired luxury with ancient Mayan history and some of the best sport fishing around. 800-746-3743, coppolaresorts.com. The exclusive Victoria House offers suites and private villas, along with endless activities. 800-247-5159, victoria-house.com.

Where to Eat
Enjoy a mouth-watering fusion of Belizean and Mexican dishes at the Habanero Mexican Café and Bar, located at Robert’s Grove in Placencia. 800-565-975, robertsgrove.com.

What To Do
Take a dive into the best spots on the Belizean coast with Scuba and Dive Belize. Choose from four different diving packages; all equipment and food included. 888-533-2624, scuba-belize.com.

From his deck overlooking the emerald waters inside Belize’s cherished coral reef on the north island of Ambergris Caye, John McAfee dries himself off after a swim, sips his second cup of coffee, and openly admits, “Hawaii is over for me.”

McAfee’s take on the Aloha State isn’t shared by many, but then again, most people aren’t as fortunate to have the luxury of turning their backs on paradise.

The British-born former software mogul, who was raised in Virginia, singlehandedly created the world’s most popular anti-virus program (McAfee VirusScan) with his eponymous company and one of the first Internet chat services anywhere (PowWow). However, at the height of it all, McAfee dumped the corporate suits for a rockstar lifestyle of flight jackets, crash helmets, and flip-flops.

“In the software industry, we don’t have the culture that rock stars have,” says McAfee. “It might be nice to be on stage with women throwing panties at you and doing drugs all night, but I worked 16 hours a day managing a software company. The success that came was an afterthought. It didn’t change what I was doing.”

Maybe it’s the Maori tattoos on his arms (a reminder of a trip to the remote west coast of New Zealand), the network of airstrips he’s building in Belize for his club of aerotrekkers (think motorcycles with wings), or the fact that McAfee just became an official resident of Belize, but this 64-yearold looks, acts, and talks more like a wide-eyed grad student whose world is his oyster than a retired millionaire about to receive his AARP card.

“It wasn’t until after I left the company that I realized I had more money than anyone can spend. What was I going to do? So I stared doing what I loved to do: fishing, diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, boating, and all the things that thrilled me.”

McAfee’s success also afforded him the luxury of owning about a dozen estates (he isn’t sure of the exact number) spread out across North America, Fiji, and Belize, and now he’s cashing it all in. In fact, his 280-acre Colorado mountain estate that was estimated at over $20 million was auctioned off for a mere $5.78 million. “I’m embarrassed that I built that house in Colorado,” says McAfee. “It sold to a gentleman who shouldn’t have bought it. The maintenance on that place is over $1 million a year.”

One of the featured items on the McAfee real estate chopping block is his 5,800 square foot beachfront
estate on 5.3 acres of Hawaii’s secluded Molokai Island, a home that took him seven years to build and one that he never moved into.

Construction of the Molokai home wasn’t easy, admits McAfee. All of the materials had to be flown in or shipped by barge. But now that the home is finished, it’s easy to see why he started the project in the first place, especially when you calculate a quick 15-minute flight to Honolulu. “It’s the perfect place,” says McAfee.

The property, nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, is guarded by a 20- foot-high Japanese gate house featuring iron gates and Afghan teak wood horses. The perimeter fence includes Molokai rock columns with tight knot cedar in case the seclusion of this spot doesn’t offer enough privacy as it is.

“I was trying to build something fairly grand,” says McAfee. “I contracted a local Hawaiian artist to build a traditional Hawaiian wall around the entire property. The wall and gatehouse cost $300,000.”

Andrea Pilot of Coldwell Banker represents the property which begins with a circular driveway that winds through a Kiawe forest into the double-wide porte-cochere. From there you can see through the custom front doors of this Hawaiian-Asian style farmhouse to the crashing surf out back.

The great room combines the kitchen, living room, and dining room. It has large sliding glass doors that open out to a huge covered deck, providing sweeping ocean views towards Oahu and Diamond Head. The deck runs along the entire ocean side of the house from the master suite to the north wing bedrooms (four, including a private maid’s quarters). The great room contains four large skylights which are remote controlled with sensors to automatically close when it rains.

“I like open spaces, hence the open design of the home—large rooms, high ceiling, lots of windows. If you live at the beach, you should let the light in and be able to see the surf crashing on the rocks.”

Along with the openness of the home, McAfee wanted to make sure the house paid tribute to the local heritage. Two Molokai rock fireplaces with hickory entertainment centers, one in the great room and one in the master suite, took six months to build, while all counter tops are custom “sea foam” granite with full backsplashes that reflect like a mirror.

The master bedroom suite is 1,262 square feet of enclosed living space with an additional 528 square-foot covered deck with an ocean view of Kaiwi Channel. The suite also includes a large walk-in closet, computer office space, floor-to-ceiling Molokai rock fireplace and entertainment center, a Jacuzzi bath tub with view of ocean, glass block shower, toilet and bidet, his-and-hers sinks, and a large hickory wood linen closet. Two guest bedrooms feature full bathrooms and walk-in closets along with access to the covered deck with ocean views. The maid’s quarters provide privacy with a separate entrance, full bathroom, kitchenette area, and private deck, also enjoying ocean views.

“The house is designed so that from any bedroom you have a grand view of the ocean. At night, with the lights of Waikiki just offshore, it’s gorgeous.”

So why sell, especially for a third of what he put into it? For McAfee, the answer is more philosophical than practical. He says that his success was a potential threat to his freedom. As his company became more successful, he put more of himself into it to the point where he says he had no other life. “You socialize around it, you think about it exclusively, and spend all of your time on it. It happened to me and it wasn’t fun.” That’s when he hired former IBM executive Bill Larson to take over the reins.

“I said, ‘Here’s the company, take it, I’m leaving.’ It freed me from what could have become a very tedious life with me ending up some fat, retired business man wearing a suit, taking a two-week vacation to a place where I now live. It took seven years to build this house on Molokai and in that time, my entire life changed. Belize is where I want to spend my time. This will be my home for my remaining time here.”

The ease with which McAfee discusses his ultimate demise carries with it a tone of spiritual enlightenment that seems to flow as smoothly off his tongue as do his natural observations overlooking the turquoise waters from his deck. For this former corporate king, a beachfront home is more than just a status symbol. It has become a way of life. —Jack Morris

For more information on John McAfee’s Molokai home, including an expanded photo gallery, visit andreapilot.com or contact Andrea Pilot at Coldwell Banker:

Andrea Pilot
REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Brentwood West
11999 San Vicente Blvd. #100
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-442-1639 (D)
310-874-5201 (C)
email: andpilot@aol.com
www.andreapilot.com

Video: John McAfee and his Sky Gypsies

Additional Photos:

John McAfee's home in Belize

John McAfee in Belize

John McAfee in Belize

John McAfee in Belize

John McAfee in Belize

John McAfee's home in Belize

For those not familiar with Belize, and contrary to what many might think, this Central American nation is not a single island. Rather, the mainland of this democratic country (formerly known as British Honduras) is landlocked alongside the Caribbean Sea by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west. Its more than 100 cayes (islands) sit offshore.

Regardless if anyone can properly place Belize on the map, one thing is clear about this ex-British colony: It is quickly becoming a Caribbean hot spot. Crawford, for one, now owns a 1,700- square-foot luxury condo in the fishing village of Placencia, as he fell in love with Belize at first sight.

And what’s not to love about a country full of untouched waterfalls, rain forest jungles and Mayan mountains full of historic ruins? Or a country rated one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world courtesy of a coral barrier reef second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef? Of course, fueling much of the foreign investment and tourism growth in Belize—a country the size of Massachusetts—is its pro- Western roots. For instance, Belize has been a democracy since 1980, pegs its currency to the U.S. dollar, and features a mostly tax-free environment.

Belize is also a very safe, familyfriendly country and the diversity of activities includes everything from cave tubing to world-class fishing to horseback riding and more. Belize’s pristine ambience, coupled with the affordability of property, clearly appeals to a growing number of well-traveled individuals.

In fact, Belize is even quietly attracting the celebrity crowd; Francis Ford Coppola owns three high-end resorts, including Blacaneaux Lodge, Turtle Inn and La Lancha (visit www.blacaneaux.com), and, rumor has it, Leonardo di Caprio is also involved in a development project.

One group bullish about the longterm future of Belize is Hopkins Bay Development, a consortium of Canadian, American and South African investors who are behind the eponymous Hopkins Bay Resort. Located two hours north of the town of Hopkins, and the closest mainland property to the worldfamous reef in southern Belize, Hopkins Bay is a 7,000-acre, eco-sensitive, mixed-use development that will encompass nearly three miles of linear beachfront, four branded hotels, three golf courses and an 800-slip marina.

For now, the primary buying opportunities are at Hopkins Bay Resort and Sittee Point, a 48-acre enclave of resortstyle villas and a gated luxury single-family home community, respectively. Of the 48 planned villas, 18 are completed and already occupied at Hopkins Bay, and four homes are completed in the upscale Sittee Point neighborhood. Three- and four-bedroom villas are priced around $900,000, while custom home sites at Sittee Point start at just $220,000.

“Belize is clearly an emerging hot spot,” says Michael Anderson, one of the developers whose Hopkins Bay project is conforming to Audubon International sustainable development standards. He notes the country’s diversity of activities, its relatively small population of 300,000 residents, and its laidback atmosphere as key selling points. Says Anderson: “With no buildings higher than four stories and most of the travel by golf cart or boat, everybody is able to take off the watch and shoes and just really relax.”

Homeowner Crawford, who practices law for Clermont, Fla.-based Schmid Development, seconds this notion. “I always feel more relaxed and healthier when I’m down there.” This healthy approach also translates to the pace of development in the country. “Belize is going to develop very slowly because there are no major roads, which means everything has to be brought in by barge,” says Anderson. “The infrastructure needed for quick development is just not there. So it will develop, but slowly, which fortunately, is great for the existing home owners.”

Meanwhile, ambergris caye, the most developed of Belize’s 100-plus islands, is home to a number of new luxury waterfront developments. Among them is The Phoenix, a 30-unit beachfront condominium complex that was scheduled for completion by the end of still available for sale, ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet, and in price from $400,000 to $550,000. Each offers views of the Caribbean Sea from a private balcony, and use of the two pools, spa, fitness center and business center. An on-site management company offers the opportunity to place each unit in a rental pool. http://www.thephoenixbelize.com

Another beautiful development on Ambergris Caye is Las Terrazas Villas and Condominiums, offering fully furnished one- to three-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,700 square feet. Each includes unlimited high-speed Internet access, a highefficiency air-conditioned system and a large open-air indoor/outdoor living space with private verandah offering ocean views. Each penthouse residence has a balcony with a private pool. The development, which sits on the largest private beachfront parcel of land, features a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa; a 70-foot infinity lap pool plus an additional infinity pool with swim-up bar; a Jacuzzi; an on-site boutique and gourmet shop, plus a rooftop garden. Prices start at about $275,000 for a onebedroom and around $380,000 for the three-bedroom units. http://www.lasterrazasbelize.com

One of the newest beachfront developments, Grand Caribe Belize, is located just a mile north of San Pedro on 2.5 acres of land fronting 500 feet of white, crushed-coral sand. Upon completion in early spring, there will be a total of eight buildings constructed in a horseshoe shape to maximize sea views. Owners have access to one main and two “quiet” swimming pools. A marina located on the main pier will serve as the launching are a for transportation to town as well as diving, fishing and snorkeling excursions. The town is also accessible by road, and the installation of a new bridge allows for easy 24- hour access. Available units range from about $400,000 to $600,000. http://www.grandcaribe.com

“Belize is completely unspoiled,” says Crawford. “And if developed correctly, it can stay that way.”

Ideally located in southern Belize’s lush Stann Creek District, Sanctuary Bay sits on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by the 14,000-acre Sittee River Wildlife Reserve, which borders the 120,000-acre Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary—home to the world’s only jaguar reserve.

Ownership in Sanctuary Bay, a true nature-lover’s paradise, brings you steps from historical Mayan ruins, hundreds of species of birds, breathtaking waterfalls and some the best diving in the world.  Moreover, Sanctuary Bay is a rare example of a progressive, environmentally forward development designed for and by people who are passionate about preserving the areas they inhabit.

Sanctuary Bay land developer and lifetime Belizean John Usher adds: “Our mission is to preserve this piece of paradise by building high-quality resort living while leaving behind a minimal environmental footprint.  As such, we chose to develop only a small fraction of the 14,000 acres, and leave six-and-a-half of the seven miles of coastline untouched.”

Sanctuary Bay is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, second homeowners and anyone in search of a safe investment with tremendous appreciation potential. Ranging from a half-acre to 10 acres, lots are available in a wide selection of locations – close to beaches, rivers, rainforest or waterfalls—for as little as $99,000 to over $1 million. Property owners may choose from one of Sanctuary Bay’s home designs—ranging from 1,500 square feet to over 5,000 square feet—or use their own architects.  Additionally, all owners will be granted membership in the Sittee Wildlife Reserve—which gives them access to 14,000 acres of land for the price of one.

Community amenities are abundant at Sanctuary Bay and include gated entry, a private airstrip, luxury spas dispersed throughout the development at the on-site resorts, a marina, shopping center and yacht club, numerous nature trails, full-time maintenance and security and an equestrian center complete with miles of bridle paths, horse stables and land reserved for a future polo field.

Sanctuary Bay owners will also enjoy full access to Sanctuary Island, a private five-acre caye (island) just a short boat ride away from the Yacht Club and Marina. Here one can enjoy relaxing on the sandy beaches or at the resort’s bar, snorkeling along the reefs or swimming with whale sharks. Residents will also be able to spend the night at one of the cabanas—experiencing the perfect island escape just minutes from home.

Back on the mainland, four additional resorts are planned throughout the property.  Designed around their particular ecosystems, plans include a boutique beach hotel complete with a beach club and bungalows for guests and a luxurious river lodge—the ideal retreat for fishing and horse enthusiasts.

For a more secluded resort experience, Sanctuary Bay will offer a handful of first-class accommodations in the heart of the rainforest at its jungle lodge, as well as a collection of luxury tents amid the savannah—perfect for up-close glimpses of Belize’s wildlife.

“You can travel the globe over, but nowhere else will you find a community that offers the array of modern amenities, features and opportunities in such an exquisite and naturally-preserved setting—for so little investment,” Usher says.
For those interested in calling this beautiful environment home, Sanctuary Bay is currently under development and accepting deposits.

For More Details
Sanctuary Bay
www.sanctuarybay.com
USA: 949.553.0010
Belize: 501 .520.7565
E-mail: info@sanctuarybay.com