Bachelor Bob Escapes with Estella to Exotic Island Paradise in Belize
Both vow “I DO” love Cayo Espanto!

Ambergris Caye, Belize -- Bob Guiney, the nation’s #1 heartthrob and star of the ABC prime time lovefest, The Bachelor, whisked away the beautiful Estella Gardinier of San Diego to an ultra luxurious private island off the coast of Belize for a romantic getaway in paradise.

Cayo Espanto, a tiny island oasis located just six minutes from the mainland town of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, was previously known only to the most discriminating traveler and has played host to a VIP list of rich and famous international corporate executives, television and entertainment legends, major league sports figures and government officials from around the world.

From the moment, Bob stepped off his private launch to be greeted at the dock by the entire island staff he said he felt “more relaxed than ever before and immediately comfortable in the serene island atmosphere where every possible dream became an unforgettable memory.”

Bob was involved in every step of the planning for his special night with Estella and worked closely with the ABC crew and the island’s owner, Jeff Gram, to insure that his day-long island adventure would lead up to a truly magical evening of love and romance. He greeted Estella at the dock of her hotel aboard a private speedboat with a pitcher of her favorite ice cold mojitos and then a high speed ride to the edge of the second largest barrier reef in the world where the two snorkeled in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean amidst a myriad of colorful fish, giant manta rays and even a school of sharks.

“I was amazed at how brave Estella was,” Bob recounted. “At one point there must have been close to fifteen sharks within a few feet of us. If she hadn’t jumped in first, I’m not sure I would have followed. It was definitely the most thrilling, heart-pounding few minutes of my life.”

Following a quick change for the evenings activities, Estella arrived by launch to the official dockside welcome ceremony with Bob holding the island’s signature drink, a Cayo Espanto Wave [click here for drink recipe]. After a romantic stroll around the tiny island and its palm-fringed beachfront, the two celebrated a spectacular Caribbean sunset with champagne and hors d’oeuvres served by Obed, their private butler at the end of the dock.

As the sun disappeared beneath the horizon, the would-be lovers were seated at an intimate table set for two on the dock of Bob’s villa, Casa Manana -- one of just five spectacular one and two-bedroom villas on the island. Each villa has a private houseman dressed in an immaculately pressed blue shirt, khaki shorts and tan pith helmet, all trained to anticipate every need and accommodate any reasonable request. Two equally impressive waiters were ever-diligent throughout the evening pouring champagne and simultaneously revealing course after course of savory island specialties.

As always on Cayo Espanto, guests discuss the menu each day with the chefs based on a preference profile that is filled out in advance so that favorite foods and exotic delicacies are incorporated in the menu. Bob selected gazpacho, antipasta with grilled artichokes, lobster, and a mile-high Fruit Napoleon dessert for their candlelit dinner for two overlooking the water with a full moon rising in the sky..

After dinner, the doors of Casa Manana opened dramatically to reveal the luxurious interior of the majestic villa for Estella to see. Hundreds of votive candles illuminated the bedroom and rose petals floated in the personal plunge pool and were strewn throughout the bedroom, the walled garden, wrap-around deck and into the alfresco showers.

As the couple toasted a wonderful evening in the bubbling waters of their private pool, Obed, their ever-watchful houseman, adjusted the draping of the pure white mosquito netting that enclosed the king-sized bed, closed the louvered windows, shut the Belizean hardwood doors and the cameras were dark and microphones fell silent.

The next day, Bob and Estella both offered private messages on camera describing Cayo Espanto as the most incredibly romantic getaway they could have ever imagined. They described how they were overwhelmed by the exotic setting, attentive service, sophisticated décor and the ultimate seclusion for this intimate escape. Perhaps the next stage of their romance includes a destination wedding or ultra private honeymoon on this exclusive private island that they now call their very own.

The exclusive villas of Cayo Espanto are available for anyone seeking an extraordinary five-star vacation experience. The English-speaking country of Belize is located right in North America’s backyard - a short two-hour flight from Houston, Dallas or Miami, but this Caribbean gem remains virtually undiscovered. Rates, including three gourmet meals daily plus snacks from the butler’s pantry and the finest liquors, start at $995 per villa, per night. For the ultimate in privacy, full island rentals are also available from $9,000 per night. For more information about Cayo Espanto, visit the website at www.aprivateisland.com or call toll-free at (888) 666-4282.

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