Every month or so, we like to introduce you to one of the families who've joined the Itz'ana community. So far, you've met Justin Keane, who was drawn to the authentic local vibes of Placencia, and the Senkes, who love Itz'ana's emphasis on nature-first. Now, we're meeting Steve and Dale Matthews, a couple from North Carolina who recently purchased one of Itz'ana's Solar Cottages.
Steve has been in the automotive business for over three decades, owning three North Carolina dealerships for the last two of them. His wife Dale works at the dealerships too, and runs a local non-profit, Clayton Area Ministries, a food pantry serving more than 700 people per month. The couple has two children in their early twenties, along with Chloe the yorkie and a cat, Dora.
"I'd heard so many great things about Belize, but had never visited until two years ago," says Steve, describing how he discovered Itz'ana. "We immediately fell in love with it here."
A mix of factors sealed the deal for the Matthews on Belize. "The dollar being two to one, all of the adventures, and English-speaking locals were some of the main reasons," he explains. "Plus, the fact that the water is so clean."
The Matthews will love Itz'ana's prime location on the shores of Belize's Placencia peninsula. Lined with white-sand beaches and mangrove lagoons, it's a nature-lover's paradise.
They were also impressed with its unique service offerings. "Itz'ana stood out because of its boutique style, location and the amenities it offers. We looked at it as a great investment, and the ability to have everything managed onsite was a big plus," he says. He loves that soon, he'll "have the ability to go to Central America, stay at a first-class resort, and know that I own part of it."
What else has the Matthews family excited about Belize? "Along with ownership comes perks like being on the water—my favorite place!—sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and many more adventurous things to do," says. "I love being by the water: cruising around or enjoying a drink by the pool or ocean."
The Matthews have already enjoyed much of what Itz'ana and Belize have to offer. On a visit last year, they discovered the Coastal Highway, and enjoyed its local charms, so different from the massive thruway systems in the United States. "As we were leaving the airport in Belize City, we followed the sign for Placencia. Just two or three miles later, the road turned into dirt. Driving that was quite an experience!"
Want to join Steve and Dale in the Owners Club at Itz'ana? Learn more about purchasing a residence here.