Chan Chich

Located in a remote part of northwest Belize, this exclusive lodge is nestled within the lower plaza of an ancient Mayan city and sits at the heart of 250,000 acres of protected primary rainforest. Chan Chich is without a doubt, a naturalist's paradise and one of the worlds premier birding locations. Many rare and endangered animals are also frequently seen around the lodge.

Our Opinion: An excellent place for birdwatchers with over 300 different species.

Lamanai Lodge

This jungle lodge is set in the middle of the rainforest on a hillside overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the New River Lagoon. The setting is spectacular and certainly remote being 100 miles away from Belize City. Lamanai Lodge acts as a research centre for the archaeological Ruins of Lamanai; whilst finding out about the rainforest environment, you can also learn about the archaeological digs taking place.

Our Opinion: A popular jungle experience.

Caribbean Villas

Caribbean Villas is situated on Ambergris Caye in a quiet, forested area within walking distance of the many restaurants, shops and tour agencies.

Accommodation consists of ten one-bedroom suites with a kitchen, dining/living area, private bathroom, covered veranda and an ocean view. All rooms have air-conditioning, ceiling fans and ocean views. You may either tour the island by bike, compliments of Caribbean Villas, relax in one of the hot tubs or just lie in the hammock at the end of the pontoon. This is intentionally a very quiet, low-key accommodation option. The lush gardens are great for bird-watching (over 250 species have been spotted) and there is a wooden viewing tower offering wonderful views along the coast.

Our Opinion: Caribbean Villas is a simple yet warm and friendly place to stay where the owners Wil and Susan Lala make you feel like one of the family.

Blancaneaux Lodge

Blancaneaux Lodge is owned by the film director, Francis Ford Coppola. This luxurious hideaway is situated in the Mountain Pine Forest Reserve, perched on top of a forested ridge overlooking the Macal River. Your stay will be in one of their thatched cabanas close to the cascading water ofthe Macal River and the nearby forest canopy. Each cabana is individually decorated with artefacts from central america.

Our Opinion: Perfect for that special occasion.

Five Sisters Lodge

Perched on the top of a gorge with incredible views over the Five Sisters Falls of the Mountain Pine Ridge. Cabanas are dotted around the grounds and a little water powered lift can take you to the bottom of the gorge where there is a bar. This is certainly a quirky lodge with lots of character. Tours range from a visit to Caracol in the Chibiquil Rainforest to a canoeing trip to the lowlands.

Our Opinion: Sit and admire the fantastic views from the balcony.

Chaa Creek

One of the best known lodges in Belize, Chaa Creek is situated within a 330-acre private reserve in the Cayo district and is set high on the banks of the remote Macal River. Set in secondary rainforest, the beautiful cottages and luxury tree top suites all reflect the traditional architecture of the region. The huge range of on and off-site tours and activities makes this an excellent choice for the active ones amongst you.

Our Opinion: The sights and sounds of the jungle surround you everywhere.

Pooks Hill

In the west of Belize, this 300-acre private nature reserve of pristine jungle is set in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The lodge surrounds a small Mayan plaza with lawns leading to the creek and jungle. Pook's is a family owned lodge and offers wonderful hospitality in a remote setting. You will stay in one of the nine thatched cabanas, each fully screened, with a private bathroom.

Our Opinion: This friendly lodge is a firm Trips favourite!

Hidden Valley Inn

Set in 7200 acres of private reserve in the remote Mountain Pine Ridge region of the Maya Mountains, Hidden Valley Inn is a secluded but very comfortable property that is a perfect base for enjoying the plantlife, wildlife and birdlife of Belize. This mountain top retreat comprises of just 12 luxury cottages that surround a central lodge that includes a restaurant, bar and lounges. Guests have access to 90 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails as well as many secluded waterfalls and pools that litter the rainforest. Canoe trips, horseback riding, hiking and tubing can all be arranged.

Our Opinion: Soak away the aches from a day on the trails in the hot tub.

Crowne Plaza Miami Airport

The Crowne Plaza is only half a mile from the Miami airport terminals with a 24 hour complimentary shuttle service that will transfer you between airport and hotel. There are restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance and a shuttle service is available to Dolphin Mall. You are a twenty minute taxi ride from South Beach.

Our Opinion: This is a good standard international style of hotel that is a comfortable place to break your journey.

Fairfield Inn

Located just 1 mile from Miami International, this hotel offers great value for money. With friendly service and adequate facilities, you can also take advantage of the extra amenities you'll find at the full-service Marriott next door.

The clean and comfortable 281 guest rooms overlook tropically landscaped areas, including a pool, an exercise room and gift shop. The hotel is conveniently close to Miami Beach, Coconut Grove and Miami's major highways. Complimentary shuttle service is available to and from the airport.

Our Opinion: A good stopover option.  

The Lodge at Big Falls

The Lodge at Big Falls is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande River in Belize's southern Toledo district. One of the most unspoiled areas of Belize, it is a popular choice. The lodge is located on a meander of the river and has almost one mile of river frontage. There are views towards the Maya Mountains to the north west while the south eastern bank faces the village of Big Falls.

Our Opinion: A simple but friendly place, highly recommended.

Hickatee Cottages

Hickatee Cottages provides the best of both worlds: charming Caribbean-style cottages accommodation in a jungle setting, yet only one mile from Punta Gorda town in Toledo. The hotel only has three cottages, which adds to the appeal. Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and coffee delivered to your verandah, walk the nature trails, or take a self guided bike tour around the beautiful surrounds.

Our Opinion: Family run, the home cooked food is fantastic.

Turtle Inn

Located on a beautiful stretch of the sixteen miles of beach that run the length of this peninsula, sits Turtle Inn. The hotel is owned by the film director Francis Ford Coppola. With a low key feel, Turtle Inn is very comfortable with thatched cabanas built in traditional Mayan style located on the beach and decorated in Balinese style. Each has tropical interiors and hammocks on the verandah.

Our Opinion: A very special place.

Indian Creek Lodge

Indian Creek Lodge is located in the Toledo district of southern Belize. The site is situated on the coastal plain with an incredible view of the Maya Mountains to the north and coastal forests to the south. The main lounge, bar and dining area are situated at the base of the hill. Each cabin has a private verandah with spectacular views of the nearby rainforest and is nestled among trees and tropical gardens.

Our Opinion: A fantastic place for kayaking, caving and hiking.

Jungle Camp

Deep within the Boden Creek Ecological Reserve on the lush banks of the golden stream lies Jungle Camp, a sophisticated and sensitive harmony of natural woods and thatch. The camp offers a truly one-of-a-kind overnight experience with an expedition down the river and through some of the last remaining undisturbed lowland tropical rainforest left in Central America.

Our Opinion: An excellent jungle adventure experience.

Moho Cay Lodge

Moho Cay Lodge is a hidden gem located in the spectacular Port Honduras Marine Reserve. A sister property to Jungle Camp, it is built on an idyllic two-acre, white sand, palm tree covered island. The lodge consists of raised luxury safari tents covered by a thatched roof. There is a restaurant and bar where you can overlook the open sea to the east and the distant Maya Moutaions in the west.

Our Opinion: Perfect for peace and tranquility.

Roberts Grove

The Inn at Robert’s Grove is situated within 15 acres of land on a beautiful stretch of Placencia’s white sand beach. The hacienda style Inn is decorated and furnished in a Spanish colonial fashion and each room features carved furniture, ceiling fans, Mexican tiled floors, Guatemalan fabrics and rugs, and fine art from around the world. Facilities include an excellent restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a 50-ft fresh water swimming pool, tennis court, rooftop Jacuzzis, canoes, kayaks, windsurfing boards, sailboats and bicycles.

Our Opinion: Don’t leave without trying out the bubbles of the roof-top jacuzzis.

Belize Sailing Boat

This wonderful 4-night barrier reef sailing extension departs from Moho Cay Lodge in Southern Belize. After you have visited Belize’s spectacular inland destinations and spent a few days at our Moho Cay Lodge, complete your “Ultimate Belize Vacation” with this truly one of a kind experience. With The Moorings, you can enjoy a unique sailing journey with your own captain, top notch crew and gourmet chef to make your luxurious adventure a time to remember.

Pelicans Pouch

Situated on South Water Caye, Pelicans Pouch is accessible by a 45-minute boat ride, just 14 miles from the town of Dangriga, in southern Belize. This idyllic private island is just 15 acres in size and sits atop the barrier reef allowing you to simply step off the beach and snorkle amongst coral and brightly coloured fish. Accommodation includes Belizean styled woodern cottages and spacious rooms.

Our Opinion: Down to earth, no frills, great atmosphere.

Portofino

Hotel Portofino is a tranquil heaven, located on the quiet and undeveloped Northern part of Amergris Caye. Set right on one of the islands most beautiful stretches of golden beach, it is the perfect place to relax. The reef is only 800 metres from the beach and is easily accessible for diving and snorkelling expeditions. The hand thatched beach cabanas all have unobstructed Caribbean views with a good size deck.

Our Opinion: Just the place for diving and relaxation.

Victoria House

Victoria House is located near to San Pedro town, but far enough away to escape the hustle and bustle. With its grand colonial style and genuine Caribbean ambience, it's an ideal place to relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. The 19-acre grounds encompass the guest lodgings together with a wonderful airy dining room, which serves excellent freshly caught seafood and imported wines at Nelson's waterside bar.

Our Opinion: Luxurious, elegant, charming.