You will always find
Paradise Here
A San Pedro Legacy: From The Paradise Hotel to The Phoenix Resort
Before the world discovered the turquoise waters of Ambergris Caye, there was a dream built on the sands of San Pedro. In 1970, Jerry and Linda McDermott established The Paradise Hotel, the second-ever hotel on the island. It wasn’t just a getaway for the first wave of Belizean explorers. It was a cornerstone of the community, a local hangout, and the childhood playground for their daughter, Kelly.
Born in Belize, Global in Vision
Kelly’s roots run deep in the white sands of Front Street (before it had cobblestones). Born in Belize City and raised here in San Pedro, she attended the San Pedro RC School before pursuing her education at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. In 2001, the pull of the reef brought her home, where she was joined by her husband, Mukul, a graduate of Haverford College. Together, they shared a vision for the island's future that was informed by their global perspectives but rooted in local tradition.
By 2004, they broke ground on The Phoenix Resort, evolving a legacy of hospitality that had begun thirty years prior. While managing the resort's early years, they continued their professional development from home, both earning MBAs from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2008, the same year The Phoenix officially opened its doors. Today, the resort stands as a bridge between the nostalgic charm of "Old San Pedro" and the sophisticated luxury of modern Caribbean travel.
The Top Resort in San Pedro: Our Constant Commitment
We have watched San Pedro transform from a sleepy fishing village into the vibrant heart of Belize. While our thatch roofs have evolved into award-winning luxury suites, our "North Star" remains unchanged.
Our story is defined by a deep commitment to our Belizean team and an obsessive focus on service. Today, The Phoenix unites the nostalgic charm of "Old San Pedro" with the sophisticated luxury of modern Caribbean travel.
