The end of a two-year-old legal battle has apparently cleared the way for construction of the largest hotel and condo project on Ambergris Caye, Belize’s most popular tourist destination

Development of the Ma'loha Resort & Marina was stalled by a dispute over ownership of two acres of waterfront land. But a Belize court recently sided with the developer, project managing partner David Bane announced last week.

If the project continues, it will be big news on Ambergris, where most of the second home projects are between 20-50 units, at the most. The Ma'loha is expected to include 150 hotel rooms.

On the list barometers to gauge a country’s worthiness as a second home destination, IPJ contributor Claudia Gonella has found a new one—paved roads from the airport.

This may sound slightly frivolous, but there is logic to the Sore Butt Index. While some may look at long term rental yields or the number of golf courses within a 50-mile radius, for many buyers that first bumpy drive from the airport defines the experience, especially in Central America.