Beaches And Dreams

The hotel’s unassuming exterior is similar to many other Hopkins Village properties -- it's rustic and unpretentious, and exactly what many travelers are looking for when they arrive somewhere so far off the grid. It's a casual boutique property, with a simple tropical style -- expect to see lots of wicker, wood, and bright textiles throughout most common areas. The combined outdoor space -- including the popular open-air Barracuda Bar & Grill, beachfront pool, and beach -- serves as the centerpiece and social hub. Some rooms offer dedicated sleeping quarters with children in mind, though there are no on-site kid-centric amenities. The result is a property that feels distinctly adult-oriented and with just enough of a social vibe. Guests are likely to be foreign couples looking for a smaller, relaxed, resort-style property without the headaches and frenetic atmosphere typical of a larger resort.

Situated near the southern end of Hopkins Village, the property is within a five-minute drive of the markets, restaurants, and bank in town. The immediate area is made up mostly of other hotels. Additional services and attractions are available 40 minutes away in the small city of Dangriga. Less than 30 minutes away, the adventure center at Mayflower Bocawina National Park offers myriad outdoor opportunities including hiking, kayaking, rappelling, and Mayan ruin exploring.Most international travelers arrive via Belize City’s Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), more than three hours from the hotel. Dangriga’s tiny airstrip is just 35 minutes away but offers substantially fewer flight options. The hotel does not provide shuttle service to either airport, and the country’s bus system can be challenging to navigate. Taxi service is the most convenient form of public transportation but also the most expensive. Rates vary widely depending on the company. Car rental is available via brand name providers at BZE airport with rates on par with other Caribbean destinations.

Each of the property’s three room categories offers similar, though not identical decor. The lower-category Bird’s Nest Treehouse and Beachfront Cabanas are done in homey rattan bedding, wicker furniture, and beach-inspired wall decor. It's a tropical look that's pleasant, if a bit dated to the eye. Boutique Rooms provide similar appointments, alongside more modern wicker resin seating and dark, wood furniture that make them a nice step up from entry-level rooms. All in all, though, the bright decor and cleanliness makes these pleasant enough places to retreat for a few days.The sole Bird’s Nest Treehouse is -- as the name implies -- a “treehouse”-style room in a stilted, standalone building. The compact, two-story design offers a kid-friendly bunkhouse area on the second floor, while the first floor provides the main sleeping quarters and bathroom. Beachfront Cabanas have more floor space than a typical mid-range chain hotel plus a private patio less than 80 feet from the sea. Boutique Rooms afford the most modern in-room amenities at the hotel, including small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges - which lower-category rooms all lack. Wi-Fi is fast and free in all rooms and common areas. Free spring water is also included with all rooms.Bathrooms in most rooms feature decorative tile, simple fixtures, and subtle beachy accents. Boutique Room bathrooms are a distinct step up, with updated fixtures and Silestone countertops. Basic bath amenities and walk-in shower stalls are standard in every category, and all rooms have hot water.

The small property offers a “just-right” list of resort-style amenities, including a pool, open-air restaurant, and beach that feels semi-private, even though it technically isn’t. The pool and hot tub are clean and well-maintained, if a bit small. The surrounding deck offers a dozen lounge chairs and high-top patio tables. However, the lack of umbrellas means the entire space is constantly exposed to the sun.Steps away, the small, carefully manicured beach is clean. Tall palm trees and aloe plants are peppered along the shore. A handful of Adirondack chairs and palapas provide adequate seating while a few hammocks round out the relaxed vibe. Beach volleyball, bikes, and a half-dozen sea kayaks are all free for guest use.The casual Barracuda Bar & Grill is situated in a mixed space with both open-air and indoor seating just feet from the water. Copious wicker, rattan, and raw wood adorn every square inch of the design, creating a tiki bar vibe. It's a popular spot that draws hotel guests and those staying elsewhere. The menu is heavily influenced by locally sourced seafood, including lobster and shrimp. Traditional Belizean meats, such as smoked chicken and ribs, are also available for lunch and dinner.A tiny, off-street lot provides a limited number of free self-parking spots and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Excursions, tours, diving, and snorkeling can all be arranged as well.