Hello Sirenian Bay friends!

This is your star reporter Hugh Manatee, checking in with the latest from our luxuriously sun-kissed abode on the beach.

I’m pretty well connected here at Sirenian Bay, which is why I think it’s “high tide” that I bring you an exclusive interview with two of my favorite people – Brenda and Brian Montgomery.

Brenda and Brian don’t need much of an introduction, but here’s one anyway. They’re the generous and delightful souls who took Manatee Villa (originally known as Casa Sunsandsea) from daydream to dream home – and then grew it into Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas. They love everything about Placencia, Belize and the laid-back seaside life – almost as much as they love sharing it with guests.

“I love telling the story of how it all came to be,” says Brian. “Standing on the spot in the living room (in Manatee Villa) where we stood Thanksgiving Day 2015, when it was just a vacant lot between the two coconut trees, and imaging an infinity pool overlooking the sea.”

“We just want everyone to have fun,” adds Brenda, who loves taking guests over to the village for a spot of shopping – or finding an excuse to head to the beach.

Brian prefers to steer them towards Monkey River for an adventure-filled day with guide Percy, or towards other heart-pounding activities.

“Percy gives you a great feel of what Belize is all about,” says Brian, who loves the local culture. “But if you’re an adventurous type, ziplining and water tubing are a must.”

Both shopping and zooming over the river work up an appetite, and Brian and Brenda have plenty of local recommendations for hungry guests.

“All the food is great. Maya Beach Bistro is our favorite breakfast place and Rick’s Café is our favorite lunch spot. For dinner it’s hard to beat Christy’s pork ribs and potato salad right here at the Resort.”

Dessert, of course, is always at Tutti Frutti.

“I’m still trying all the flavors, but Peanut Butter is in most of my combinations,” says Brian.

“I love the Rum and Raisin, but they only serve it on Sunday,” says Brenda.  “Normally I get Peanut Butter, with something different each time to go with it.”

These are the kinds of difficult decisions that you have to make when you live in Placencia. Another difficult decision: how best to spend a day in paradise.

“We love sitting on the back porch in the mornings, drinking coffee with some Bailey’s Irish Cream while watching the sun rise and looking for dolphins or manatees in the sea. Listening to the ocean waves is so relaxing.”

Relaxation is a big part of the culture here, and Brian and Brenda have built it into the whole Sirenian Bay experience.

“We just want you to come and enjoy a totally relaxed environment that feels like you’re with family at your second home, all while enjoying the experiences of Belize,” says Brian.

“We built Manatee Villa to be our Caribbean beach home and have opened the doors to share our dream with others. We hope your visit to Sirenian Bay will be truly an ‘unbelizable’ experience and it will become a place you return to visit every year.”

That’s assuming, of course, that you don’t just to decide to “seas the day” and move here full-time!

This is Hugh Manatee signing off for now – stay tuna-ed for the next installment from the Resort!