Kama Lounge & Bistro Bar

The Kama signage is hard to miss from the main dirt road, just north of San Pedro. Images of Harley Davidson logos and sexily dressed girls draw the eye, and give the first indication that Kama Lounge & Bistro Bar is not a conformist kind of place. The path from the road leads towards a cool outdoor setting decorated in purple panels of sheer fabric floating above bright red and orange lounge areas. There are many seating choices on which to enjoy the standout food and drink: day beds, cushioned benches, bar stools, and table and chairs.

A saltwater plunge pool is the centerpiece of the bar area. People can be found lounging in the sun with a bottle of bubbly, or relaxing in the shade while smoking a hookah and enjoying cocktails made by local bartenders. The transition between day and night is seamless; lounge music sets a distinct scene at all times.

A few condo units were added after the bar opened, and are located in an adjacent condo complex that is shared with other tenants. The friendly owners are passionate about their business and work hard to perfect details and welcome guests.

Kama Lounge & Bistro Bar is located off the main dirt road on the northern section of Ambergris Caye, separated from the southern part of the island (where San Pedro is located) by a bridge. Guests can arrange for water taxi transfers from the dock, or head into town by foot, bike or golf cart. In front of the property is a waterside path that heads towards town, often used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Travelers are mostly drawn to Ambergris Caye for the world-class diving and snorkeling at Belize Barrier Reef, about half a mile off shore. San Pedro is filled with friendly locals and expats, and most of the island's restaurants, nightclubs, and tour operators can be found here. Guests arriving from Belize International Airport will need to make flight arrangements into San Pedro airstrip. Alternatively, there is a cheaper water taxi route from Belize City.

• 20-minute walk or 8-minute drive to the San Pedro airstrip
• 6-minute drive to the famous Palapa Bar
• 15-minute flight, or 2 hours by boat to Belize City

The owners of Kama Lounge & Bistro Bar have a distinct artsy style, and they incorporate that not only into the bistro bar, but also in the condo units. The two-bedroom units situated in basic low-rise condo buildings (shared with other tenants) aren't luxurious -- but they do have fun and colorful room design. Kitchens have all the appliances for cooking, and the unit I viewed had a private patio with chairs and table. From here, guests can enjoy sea views, or walk a few steps toward one of two pools available to them. Of course, the bistro bar is not far away either.

The condo unit I viewed had two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioners, and a private patio.

• Queen beds
• Indoor living and dining room areas
• Air conditioning
• Flat-screen TVs with cable television
• Shower/tub combos
• Free Wi-Fi, though spotty

The beach area in front of the main bistro bar and condo units has white sand and palm trees for shade. A manmade barrier separates the sand from the water, but there are a few ladders placed intermittently for guests who want to swim.

Guests can lay down a towel, or relax on a chair to enjoy the views. Public passersby and beach cyclists heading into town use the beach as a thoroughfare.

Water taxis and tour boats (excursions can be arranged by the staff) pick up and drop off guests at the dock in front of the bistro bar. Guests can also watch local fishermen stopping by to sell their daily catch.

• The raised saltwater plunge pool (cleaned every day by the staff) has therapeutic benefits. It's located in the bar area, so guests have easy access to cocktails.
• In addition, the complex where the condo units are located (in a building shared with other tenants) offers two pools with lounge chairs. One pool is an oblong round shape, with cushioned lounge chairs overlooking the sea. The second pool, a bit farther down the path, is long and narrow, and has a covered cave area that kids may enjoy.

A list of spa services is placed next to the food and drink menu at the bistro bar. Treatments include aroma, mud and deep tissue massages, tropical fruit facials, reflexology, and herbal seaweed wraps and massages.

Services are offered on two massage tables dressed in black linens. Couples can have treatments right next to each other (or solo) either under the tent for shade, or next to the water for sea views and breezes.

The owners are passionate about eating healthy and have created an impressive bistro menu featuring fresh salads, pastas, kebabs, local seafood specials, paninis, and entrees such as lobster and filet. Fish and chicken can be grilled or fresh battered.

All entrees are created on-site, and presentations are both elaborate and stylish. Super fresh seafood, such as crab, is delivered on a regular basis from local fishermen that arrive regularly by boat in front of the bar.

The bar is the focal point of the property and sits in between the saltwater pool and the sea. It is the only rum bar on this side of the bridge, and specializes in various local flavored rums, such as Travellers One Barrel Rum. Fun and friendly bartenders make drinks such as the panty ripper, a concoction of coconut rum and pineapple juice, as well as classic cocktails like Caipirinhas, martinis, coladas, daiquiris and mojitos (many come with a Kama twist). Red and white wine varietals, as well as local Belikin beer and Guinness are also offered. Guests can ask the bartender to make his favorite specialty cocktail, which will most likely arrive with an elaborate fruit garnish.

Owners Dave and Alexandra have a great deal of experience in the hospitality business and know how to throw a party. Part of what makes Kama Lounge Bar & Bistro so well-known on the island are the special outdoor events held here. Professional dancers, live bands, DJs ,and an outdoor movie screen for movies and sporting events are just a few things on offer. Daily happy hours are also a draw.

The seaside setting and colorful decor at Kama Lounge & Bistro Bar make it appropriate for small weddings. Ceremonies tend to take place on the dock area in front, and the bistro bar provides a range of reception options, from drinks and appetizers to a full sit-down dinner. The owners can help make all arrangements for the bride and groom, and are flexible with pricing and packages.

Belize is a peaceful and friendly nation with fewer than 400,000 residents. The bistro bar and condo units are located on North Ambergris Caye, just north of the bridge to San Pedro. 24-hour security guards roam the grounds of the condo complex. The bar and bistro closing hours range depending on how busy it is. It is not advised to walk alone at night on the beach, but the staff can call a taxi or arrange pick-ups and drop-offs.

No inoculations are required by the Government of Belize, but it's a good idea to check with your local physician for medical advice prior to traveling in the region.