About Us

The Villages of Belize was born out of a single home in the small village of Armenia, Belize. (pop. 2,000).  The owner, a United States businessman, encouraged his friends and family to stay for periods of time while he was in the States.  On several occasions, his guests reported back of the healing affect their stay had.  They were happier, somehow. They attributed their happiness to the healthy air, jungle, spices, herbs, food, fresh juices, exercise...but above all, they all reported back that the quiet simplicity allowed them to hear what the modern world blocked out...themselves. They each reported they were stunned by the genuine joy the villagers had, even though, in their eyes, they had nothing.  One guest of the owner came back and reported how he physically was better and that his cravings for his "addiction" were gone.  

What started as a simple retreat for friends and family evolved into a sanctuary for young men wanting more out of life.

The Founder, Michael S., is no stranger to the toils of addiction.  Michael and his wife, Amy S.,  spent fourteen years on the front lines of the heroin epidemic with an addicted son.  They watched with horror and hopelessness as their once gifted and talented "A" student, track athlete (baseball player who once hit 2 grand slams in one game) loving and caring son choose addiction instead.  They tried everything to help him; to the point of enabling him.  They sent him away to rehab centers.  They pleaded with him.  They kicked him out and then paid for counsellors and more rehab centers. They set the boundaries, but those boundaries were trampled.  He just continued to cycle in and out and in and out of the courts and rehabilitation and counselors.  

Finally, they gave up.  Michael put $5,000 into a savings account and slated it for his son's funeral.  The only thing left was to wait and pray.  They waited for the call.  

As expected, their son made his way to the streets of homelessness.  But, instead of death, God had other plans.  By the grace of God, one day a miracle happened, and he found his way to a last chance program where he thrived.  Today, Michael and his wife are happy to report their son is several years sober and a proud husband and daddy with a promising career in drug counseling.  He removed many old habits and is now running Ultra marathons of 50 and 100 miles.

It should be noted that Michael is many years sober himself.  Through his own struggles and fights with his own demons, as well as the long battle on the heroin epidemic front, Michael firmly believes there is a better way for addicts and their families to fight this epidemic.

And so,  this is why Michael S. founded The Villages.

The Villages started out as a retreat for friends and family.  It evolved into a sanctuary for young men to hone their sobriety skills instead of fall prey to the cycle of relapse...a soft landing....to reinforce what is learned in rehab and from their counselors.  The Villages will continue to cater to each guest.  We will continue to explore, challenge and discover ourselves...sobriety and our serenity.