Willow H.
Google
I can't rave enough about all aspects of this place. The guides are outstanding: My main guide actually grew up living in what is now the archeological site of Mayan Lamanai until the villagers were removed to a nearby location. He knew everything about the history and culture, the truly fascinating properties and uses of plants and trees, and habits of the animals and insects.
I was able to see howler monkeys, tarantulas, bats, leaf cutter ants, toucans, herons, and so many other critters. I made corn tortillas the traditional way with a grinding stone, visited the haunting site of the overgrown sugar mill, and climbed all the Mayan pyramids with not a single other person in site but my guide. Wait until they show you the magical properties of the Traveler Palm! I didn't take any of the birding tours, but someone who did said they'd identified 50 birds in just a few hours of a tour that morning. The bird guide is so passionate about birds that he sometimes comes to the lodge when he's not working, just to do more birding! I thought the tours would be short and not that informative, but they were such rich experiences that I would go back in heartbeat!
But the tours were just a part of the experience. The cabin was quiet and clean. Every cabin has a thatched roof, but also a hot shower and even air conditioning, if you want it. You can sit on your porch and enjoy a sunset or a tropical downpour. They downplay the AC, but it's just as powerful as the room AC unit I have at home. The bed was comfortable and there was a lot of extra space for storage.
Then there was the food. Wow!!!! I'm not a foodie in any sense. I just want healthy food. I actually overate because every meal was exceptional. Every guest at the restaurant gushed over the food and some even asked to meet Janet, the chef. She made custom dishes for me to accommodate my gluten allergy.
The staff were attentive and friendly, and seemed to be happy to address any issue or request. I got my shoes soaked in a downpour and they put them in the boiler room overnight so that they were completely dry the next day without having to put them in a dryer. If you want to get a boat ride or jeep ride to the town or to the Mayan site at any point, they will arrange that for you for just a few dollars extra for the driver.
If it was possible, I'd give them 6 stars. I thought this would be pleasant, but the 3 days I spent there turned out to be the highlight of my month-long trip!