Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Live and Invest Overseas.
Mandy and Kevin Patterson spent their entire careers in hospitality in Houston, Texas.
Preparing for Kevin’s 40th birthday in 2013, they began to research a beach destination for a group trip and came across San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Craving a more authentic experience than an all-inclusive resort or cruise and bolstered by a direct, two-hour flight, they felt San Pedro was a perfect fit for their party of 10.
Little did they know that that trip would change the course of their lives.
Falling in love with Belize
Like many, on that visit they were instantly taken by the friendliness of the people, the amazing culture, and the stunning waters. They knew their goal would be to move to San Pedro.
They didn’t consider any other location — it was “Belize or bust!”
An English-speaking country rich in tourism opportunities and only two hours away in case of a family emergency, Ambergris Caye was to be their new home.
From that initial trip on, Kevin and Mandy spent all of their vacation time in Belize, including getting married here in 2015 and hosting a crew of 52.
Finding a home abroad
When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, it was the catalyst for their commitment to the move; they rebuilt their flooded home, put it up for rent, and moved into a rental south of town in May 2019, intent on continuing to work in the hospitality industry.
The Pattersons created a Belizean Corporation under which they could work.
Drawing on their experience in hospitality, they planned to consult for resorts and restaurants, bartend, and provide property management services.
Belize does not allow foreigners to work until they have permanent residency status, which can be applied for after spending one year in the country.
While the Pattersons waited out their time, they explored the island, met new friends, and networked so they could hit the ground running when they received permanent residency in 2021.
Island hotel flourishes
For the past few years, they have been managing a six-room beachfront resort called Aqua Vista Beachfront Suites, a boutique hotel in Boca Del Rio offering comfortable studios and suites, complete with stellar views, private parking, and a walkable location to dozens of establishments.
The Canadian owners rely on Mandy and Kevin to provide exceptional guest experiences and keep them abreast of ways to improve the property to gain repeat customers, such as adding kayaks for guests’ use.
Their hard work paid off.
Aqua Vista was awarded “Top Boutique Hotel” in Belize by Travel and Hospitality Awards’ prestigious “America Awards 2024.”
Working in Belize
Mandy focuses on marketing, communications, and customer service. She has worked for upscale brands like The Crowne Plaza and held the title of president for the Houston Concierge Association.
At Aqua Vista, she provides concierge duties from booking flights to arranging golf cart rentals and excursions to celebrating special events for guests, putting her bachelor’s in hospitality from the University of Houston to good use.
She also bartends at night south of town, keeping a pulse on the island’s happenings and sharing her knowledge with new arrivals.
Kevin handles the maintenance of Aqua Vista — being oceanfront, there is always something that requires maintenance, repair, or refreshing.
Pursuing property and a passion project
The Pattersons have one regret regarding their move abroad: They wish they had purchased property in the 2010s.
As with many expat-friendly islands, homes and land prices have increased substantially, boosted by the rise in remote workers and the short-term rental industry boom.
They still have their eyes and ears open for the right fit, as their next goal is to own a bar — a quaint place to meet up with friends.
Kevin’s passion project is infused alcohol. Part mad scientist, part entrepreneur, he is formulating his own brand of infused liquors called “KP’s Kreations,” leaning on the tropical fruits and flavors native to Belize.
Exploring the island
In 2022, they adopted Pepper, a Schnauzer-mix pup rescued by a volunteer at SAGA Humane Association. She was estimated to be two years old at that time, in heat, and scared to death. Now that she is in a loving home, Pepper is Mandy’s shadow, grateful for the plush life she enjoys.
On their rare days off together (a day every month or two), they grab Pepper and head north on the island, making stops along the way for her to play in the water and visit friends at other resorts, go to Secret Beach, or join friends on a boat.
Their advice for first-time visitors is to rent a golf cart — even if just for a few days — to get out and explore the island. There is so much to see, do, and experience instead of simply sitting at your resort.
Advice for those moving to Belize
If you’re considering moving to Belize, the Pattersons suggest making an extra trip first or that you stay for six months — make sure you can handle the seasons (rainy versus dry; slow versus high season).
What do they miss about the U.S.? Family and friends, of course, and the conveniences many Americans take for granted.
Beyond that, they enjoy every aspect of their lives in Belize, and you can sense their pride when they speak of their island home.
