We spoke to Michael Kramer a serial entrepreneur in Belize who is now the owner, and proprietor of Singing Sands Inn and The Bonefish Grille in Placencia, Belize. Singing Sands Inn is an oceanfront boutique resort that received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2018. In this chat, Michael Kramer will take us behind the scenes of what it took to purchase the resort (and restaurant), why he chose Placencia, and what he would have done differently in this venture. His best tip for potential buyers in Belize? Read on! It won’t surprise you.

Wrobel & Co: When did you move to Belize and why did you choose to move here?

Michael Kramer: I relocated to Belize in 2008 when my wife and I purchased a resort on the southern coast in Placencia. We originally were there to purchase a resort and relocate to St. Marteen but came across Belize by chance during our travels and loved it here. We chose Belize for many reasons but most importantly for me, the main language is English. The country offers much to do in the way of water sports, archaeological sites, and eco-adventures that were not all available in other Central American and Caribbean countries, and the mix of cultures here makes for a very interesting place to live.

W & C: Where are you from originally, and what did you do there?

Kramer: I am from Virginia in the United States and worked as a field engineer for a major computer company for over 20 years.

W & C: Tell us about Singing Sands Inn. What type of obstacles did you experience with buying it, if any? Please share tips and things to be aware of.

Kramer: The Singing Sands Inn is a boutique resort and restaurant on a beautiful section of coastline on the Placencia peninsula. I would say there weren’t obstacles as such but more so new policies and regulations we had no experience with to learn and be cognizant of. I believe the best tip to give is to advise potential buyers to engage someone who has experience and knowledge in Belize to provide you with sound, realistic advice, such as a competent, licensed attorney. Also, to keep good records of applications made and documents filed with governmental agencies, which by the way, is another reason to retain an attorney. Last, be a good listener and don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Problems can arise when you believe you know a better way to do things when people who have been here a while have found what works best. Talk to people and listen.

W & C: What would you have done differently?

Kramer: I would say any errors that I’ve made could be attributed to the fact I did not seek advice or completely understand the language in a contract when I thought I did. So, what I would have done differently is to seek advice whenever I felt unsure or needed education on certain matters.

W & C: You’re a serial entrepreneur in Belize and gathering from your experience, what are the major differences as it relates to opening and running a business in Belize versus opening and running a business in Virginia?

Kramer: I do not have experience running a business in the United States so can’t speak to that but there can be issues sourcing things needed for your business. That being said, in the 13 years I have been here, it has now exponentially easier to find brands and items you are used to here in Belize at competitive prices. At the same time, I believe dealing with governmental agencies is easier here as you can have access to higher levels in governmental departments due to the smallness of the country. Also, in my experience here, the labor force is willing, proud, and committed to doing excellent work.

W & C: Do you recommend hiring a lawyer for business ventures in Belize? 

Kramer: I wouldn’t purchase a business or purchase real estate in Belize without hiring an attorney. For many, purchasing a business or real estate in their home country can be daunting and overwhelming enough much less in a foreign country where laws and regulations can be different than those of the buyer’s home country. It’s not to say that is such a complicated process but I certainly want representation in these types of transactions to ensure a comfort level and certainty with any contract to be executed.

W & C: Why did you choose Placencia as the place to open Singing Sands Inn and The Bonefish Grille?

Kramer: The Singing Sands Inn was already an ongoing business concern but we fell in love not only with Placencia and its wonderful community, beautiful coastline, and proximity to the Cayes, but also the easy access to other interesting areas of the country. Belize is a wonderful place in that you can see a lot of the country in a short amount of time.

W & C: Favourite animal in Belize?

Kramer: Coatimundi.

W & C: Favourite drink in Belize?
Kramer: Ice cold juice from a freshly picked pineapple.

W & C: Favourite time of year in Belize?
Kramer: January/February. Breezy, balmy days with cool nights.

W & C: Where is your favourite place in Belize?

Kramer: Besides Placencia, it is the Cayo District and specifically San Ignacio. The rolling hills, clear rivers, and great mix of cultures make the area a fantastic destination.

W & C: Where can people go to learn more about you?

Kramer: Best place is our website www.singingsands.com or the Singing Sands Inn Facebook page.

W & C: Can you elaborate on your interactions with Wrobel & Co. and more specifically, our managing partner Ryan Wrobel? Do you feel that our office has anything to offer your clients/guests?

Kramer: My interactions with Wrobel & Co., over the years, have been extremely satisfactory. Obviously, when selecting legal representation as well as a company that offers sound advice and pertinent information, you want someone that knows the letter of the law and has experience with the workings of the Belize legal, business, and social communities. I’m sure many firms can offer that knowledge but what sets Wroble & Co., apart for me is Ryan’s encompassing working knowledge along with his ability to get to the crux of any matter without overloading you with extraneous details as well as relating that knowledge in an easy to understand way. Sharing laws or regulations does no good if that language is not easily understood and making it easy to understand is certainly one of Ryan’s many strong points.

Another is the confidence he instills in that he will fight for you and make sure your interests are represented in the strongest possible way for as long as it takes. He also approaches tasks from different angles which produce inventive solutions that work best for a particular situation. Ryan also surrounds himself with intelligent, hard-working staff, which is a sure sign of a smart leader.

W & C: What are some of the amazing things living in Belize has afforded you?

Kramer: There are many things that this amazing country has afforded me but in a nutshell, living in Belize has allowed me to get to know and experience wonderful people, places, and cultures that I would not have known if I hadn’t made the choice to relocate. It has made the fabric of my life so much richer.

Ready to relocate to Belize as Michael did? Contact Wrobel & Co, Attorneys-at-Law, and we’ll get you started on your Belize retirement or relocation journey today.

To learn more about buying real estate in Belize, visit our Belize Real Estate FAQ page here.

This information was provided as a courtesy of Wrobel & Co. Attorneys-at-law. It is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should try to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of legal counsel. Please click here for the full disclaimer.