Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures

While it's only less than 15 minutes from the nearest main road, the Bocawina manages to feel miles away from anywhere. The property is awash in lush green landscaping, tropical trees and flowers, and surrounded on all sides by Belize’s stunning hills and mountains. The dozen free-standing buildings that dot the property are adorned with thatched roofs and dark wood framing, and connected by dimly-lit pebble walkways -- it all works together to amplify the away-from-it-all atmosphere. The result is a quiet, rustic vibe that’s equal parts romantic and adventurous -- an ideal mix that suits outdoor-loving couples and honeymooners. Alternatively, many day-trippers also visit the property as a base of operations to explore the park’s adventure opportunities.

The hotel is secluded amid a vast and beautiful 7,100-acre rainforest in Mayflower Bocawina National Park. There are no services or attractions within walking distance. However, the property is 30 minutes from the small city of Dangriga with dozens of restaurants, bars, and local shops. Guests will find the nearest public beaches in Hopkins Village, a half-hour drive away.International travelers arriving via Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City will need to make the three-hour trek to the resort. The tiny airport in Dangriga is less than 30 minutes away but offers few flight options. While no free airport shuttle is available, the resort can arrange for paid transportation. Taxi rates vary widely and since vehicles lack standard meters it’s essential to agree on a price beforehand. Renting a car is an affordable and convenient alternative as Belize’s primary highways are mostly modern and well paved.

Every room is clean, bright, and tastefully decorated in a theme that’s distinctly rainforest-inspired. Most feature carved mahogany furniture, bold colored accent walls, and jungle accents. Some are more ornate than others, and the Mayan Rooms, for example, can be quite simple -- expect to see tiled floors, mostly bare walls, and chunky hardwood furniture. The Thatched Cabanas and suites are a nice step up and have a lot more personality, with details like hardwood floors, colorful accents, and homey furniture.The hotel’s 14 rooms are divided among three categories. Entry-level Mayan Rooms feature narrow one-room layouts. Mid-range Thatched Cabanas offer substantially larger floor plans (with more than twice the square footage) that include dining and living areas, plus a private patio. Suites are expansive rooms with spacious living and dining spaces, plus large windows that afford excellent sunset and/or jungle views. Televisions and air-conditioning are intentionally omitted from every room category. Instead, only the most basic amenities -- ceiling and standing fans, spring water, and fast, free Wi-Fi -- are provided.Bathrooms in entry-level rooms are cramped, while Thatched Cabanas and Suites offer two to three times the floor space. The walls and floors are done in decorative tile, with a homey fit and finish. Walk-in shower stalls and generic, pump-style bath products come standard.

The property’s common amenities center around its outdoor activity center which serves as a jumping-off point to explore the surrounding nature reserve. The long list of activities includes kayaking, zip-lining, rappelling, and nature hikes among ancient Mayan ruins. Alternatively, guests can opt for self-guided hikes around the property’s extensive trail network.The Wild Fig, the hotel’s a la carte restaurant and bar, is located in a thatched-roof building adorned with Spanish tile flooring, jungle accents, and bright turquoise walls. The distinct decor is well thought out, and is a step above typical hotel restaurants in this category. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus feature an equal mix of American and local Belizean fare -- the latter including a traditional Creole breakfast, shrimp skewers for dinner, and soursop ice cream for dessert. Prices reflect the secluded, touristic nature of the establishment and are typical of most mid-range hotel restaurants in the United States.A small lounge near the lobby provides seating for a dozen guests in a relaxed space that includes a tiny lending library. Eco-friendly practices are a big deal here and include generating power from solar and hydroelectric sources as well as using homegrown produce in the restaurant. The hotel can also arrange airport transfers for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free. Parking is free.