JKA404
Google
I stayed at the lodge for three nights and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. From the moment I arrived, it felt special. After the trip in, being met at reception with fresh juice and cold, scented towels was such a welcome start.||Getting there is part of the adventure. You can either drive about three hours from Belize City or take a 15-minute flight into the airstrip on the property. I drove in and flew back, and I’d recommend doing both. The drive gave me a chance to see the countryside and small towns, which made me feel connected to the country. Flying out was quick, easy, and gave me a whole new perspective, looking down at endless rainforest.||The lodge is extremely secluded, and that’s what makes it so special. It sits in the middle of 30,000 acres of protected jungle with a 3,000-acre farm that supplies most of the food. There are only 16 cottages, so it feels quiet and private. Wi-Fi worked surprisingly well in my cottage, so I could connect if I wanted to.||The farm tour was probably my favorite excursion. I spent the day seeing the horses, cows, chickens, ducks, and the coffee plantation where they roast beans right on site. I drank coffee fresh from the plantation, walked through greenhouses full of vegetables and peppers, and saw banana and papaya trees everywhere. Pretty much everything served at the lodge comes from that farm, and it was all excellent. Every morning at six they put out coffee and fresh baked goods, though there’s also a French press in the room. The coffee deserves a special mention — it’s that good. They sell bags to take home, and I wish I had grabbed more.||Ruben was my guide for most of the stay and he was a huge part of what made the trip memorable. His passion for the land and the lodge is obvious. He knows every bird, plant, and medicinal use, and could spot things I never would have noticed. On night walks he pointed out what looked like a stick that turned out to be a rare bird. He drove me around in safari-style vehicles and made every moment fun and meaningful. Malcolm, the general manager, was also fantastic. He runs the farm and the lodge and went out of his way to make sure I had everything I needed.||The whole staff deserves recognition. From the bartender to the horse trainer, everyone went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. What makes this place different is the community. The staff and their families live on the property in a staff village, and there’s even a school on site. Touring it was a highlight. It gave me a sense that this wasn’t just a lodge but a place where people live and care for each other.||You do need to plan ahead because there’s nowhere nearby to buy supplies. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, or anything else you might need.||The wildlife was incredible. This is one of the top birding spots in Belize, but even as someone who isn’t a serious birder, I was blown away. I saw deer, turkeys, monkeys swinging through the trees, spider monkeys in the distance, and tarantulas at night. I didn’t spot howler monkeys, but I heard them every morning and evening. Their guttural calls echoing through the jungle sounded almost primordial. Waking up to those sounds, with fresh coffee in hand, is something I’ll always remember.||There are little touches that stick with me too. The best coconut ice cream I’ve ever had. The chance to buy coffee grown right there on the plantation. Sitting quietly in the morning and just listening to the jungle.||This place works for anyone. It’s incredible for a family trip, a couple’s getaway, a honeymoon, or even renting the whole property for a wedding. I can’t speak highly enough of it. Three nights didn’t feel like enough.