Cayo Espanto

This is a wonderful luxury mountain lodge set overlooking a small river and waterfall and close to the Caracol Mayan site. This is one of two properties in Belize owned by Francis Ford Coppola and was used as his private family retreat until it was opened to the public in the 90s. The decoration and construction of the lodge has a distinctly Balinese feel with ornately carved hardwood furnishings throughout.

Accommodation is all in spacious private cabanas or larger two bedroom villas. The deluxe honeymoon cabanas come equipped with their own private infinity pool. The lodge has two restaurants (Italian and Guatemalan), a spa, swimming pool and stables. As one would expect service is excellent and the lodge is very well run.

Started more than twenty years ago, Chaa Creek has grown organically to be one of the very best eco-lodges in Belize with a real sense of place, character and history. The lodge is set in a 365-acre private nature reserve on the banks of the Macal River.

A truly special place, Copal Tree Lodge is simply one of our favourite lodges in all of Latin America. Perched on a hill overlooking the canopy of the lush tropical rainforest of southern Belize the hotel is centred around a main dining and relaxation area which affords great views and provides a focus for guests to meet and mingle with the excellent staff and guides.

The private cabins lean out into the canopy itself, set on stilts and with a large screened balcony one really has the feeling of being in the canopy itself. Each is very spacious and elegantly appointed including comforts such as air conditioning and a double head shower room with a floor to ceiling window to allow views of the rainforest as you bathe.

For relaxation the hotel has a pleasant pool area an outdoor fireside (where live music from local native musicians is arranged for evening drinks) and a small spa area with a good range of treatments.

The star of the show here are the activities and the people which make them happen and can be arranged around any requirements making this an ideal lodge for people of all ages, abilities and tastes.

Though very much in the rainforest, the boathouse at the banks of the lush river at the base of the hill, houses a speedboat that can whisk you to the calm clear waters of the Caribbean for snorkelling, swimming and fishing in the cayes.

Burrowed among the banks of a 28 mile lagoon amidst the remains of a major Mayan city is Lamanai Outpost Lodge. This rustic, palm-thatched property is the perfect choice for nature lovers, allowing you to get back to basics with awesome wildlife sightings and adventures right on the lodge’s doorstep.

Each of the twenty wooden cabanas are decorated simply, providing you with comfort and space when you’re not out exploring the surrounding jungle – plus the food is superb. Serving up large, hearty portions, the open-air restaurant looks out over the beautiful lagoon creating a scenic dining setting. However, even further tropical dining experiences are available with breakfast served right on the jungle river.

As expected a wealth of excursions are on offer here alongside knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. Kick off your day with a jungle dawn tour, before heading out on a Mayan medicine trail or a sunset cocktail cruise, with a night walk to close the day.