It's been awhile but you fly into Belize City and then take a small jumper to one of the cayes (islands), is what I believe that they're called. (It's been a long time since I've been there!)
It also has some great jungle areas if that is something you're interested in. One fishing village had only a hundred people but also had daily AA meetings. For whatever reason, I thought that was funny.
I haven't been there since the early 90's but when I was there, you could travel cheap and close to the ground. But if it's gone the way of Costa Rica, that's probably not "no more".
Ambergris Caye was enjoyable and I spent about a week there. If you like to scuba dive, and I do NOT, then it's certainly the place to go. I did go deep sea fishing with some others and that was ... ah, something.
I don't understand why people go to Belize and they don't wish to ever leave. That wasn't my experience but I think back on it and smile at my experiences.
This response probably didn't help you at all ... but after that trip, I had planned a trip to Honduras, didn't make it and ended up pregnant. Note to others, if planning a trip to Honduras, don't cancel.
Point being, is I read that Honduras was now like the old Belize. If you're interested in purchasing property that might be an option as well and it borders Belize. Plus, there used to be great kayaking there, if that's a joy for you.
When I was there, there were plenty of women on the prowl looking for male companionship (or at least I was looking for some silliness with men). I wasn't very successful in that area, I never am unless I'm selling my time
, but there was that element as well.
Elisabeth