Hopkins Jaguar Reef Lodge
Nestled right in the heart of Hopkins, The Jaguar Reef Lodge was the perfect trip to relax after our wedding. The room was right on the beach, had a private deck and we were just a quick bike ride from town! Since it was off season (in late October), the resort and town were pretty empty.
Not to mention the views and sounds of the ocean were absolutely breath taking.
The resort had plenty of beach rentals: Kayak, SUP and snorkeling gear to enjoy.
We rode our bikes into town and came across this really cool hemp bus. The woman that lives there sells homemade lotions and bug repellent out of her home (the school bus!) She moved from Oregon and has a cool little dig here in Hopkins!
Most days we just lounged in hammocks on the dock and relaxed :)
We took a private boat ride with Saldo that led us to this beautiful lagoon. Everything stood still.
The restaurant was nestled right on the beach so you can enjoy gorgeous views as you eat delicious locally sourced food.
Like these yummy shrimp tostadas with fresh made guacamole!
The Lodge also offered daily tours so we took advantage of the organic cacao farm excursion at Che’il. You got to see where the farm grows their cacao and also learn the process of bean to bar!
We were fortunate enough to partake in the bean to bar journey and make our own!
The chocolate was delicious and we were able to bring some cocoa powder home to bake with!
BelmopanSleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
The Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge is anything but sleepy. The resort is filled with beautiful birds, exotic plants, rows of citrus groves, hiking trails and a stellar view from the top!
Our home away from home.
Our room was an HGTV dream. Big windows, beautiful tile work and a HUGE outdoor soaking tub. You can leave your noise machine at home with the natural sounds of the rain, waterfalls and peepers —they will easily put you to sleep.
The amenities at the lodge were easy to enjoy with these beautiful pools and hammocks. You could also easily walk down to the river and rent a kayak (if it did not just rain for MANY days—the water rose to cover the whole staircase)!
The food at the resort was farm to table, even all the desserts! For breakfast we had papaya, pineapple and fresh squeezed orange juice.
Although we are not big drinkers, the eanab’s were right up our alley. I frequently had the hibiscus mint seltzer and Adam had the nonalcoholic rumchatas!
Our excursion into the cave was anything but “intermediate”. It started as a bumpy tractor ride through the citrus groves, then a 45 minute hike in the pouring rain to the cave!
It was so worth it! We were able to experience total darkness when our guide had us all turn our headlamps off. All you could hear was dripping water and the sound of your own breath.
I found Buddha in limestone form.
On our hike back down our guide (an Army Vet) was able to point out poisonous snakes by smelling their urine, and also spot herbs like Jackass bitter (said to cure Malaria).
We were able to visit ancient Mayan ruins that are still being excavated today! It was amazing to soak up all the history from these sites.
Where Adam is (above) used to be sleeping quarters.
It may not look it in the photo, but the stairs to the top were practically a ladder. Incredibly steep and not for those who are afraid of heights!
Takeaways
As soon as you arrive you will find yourself enjoying Belizean time (aka island time).
Going through Viva Belize was great because we got the best of both worlds (Lush Rainforest and Beach Vibes, all in one). The resort picks you up at the airport and also transfers you between different resort locations.
All the food and drink were farm to table.