“Can't wait to go back!” The house was gorgeous! We went with 2 other couples and 2 teenagers - it was perfect for our group. We loved the decks on different levels - our group was able to spread out nicely in the house. The pictures of the inside of the house don't do it justice - the furnishings were very nice and the house is well stocked with games, beach bags and a cooler. And the beds were very comfy! We also loved how one of the bathrooms had a door to the outside so you didn't bring in a bunch of sand every time you used the bathroom The house was easy to book and the owners were extremely helpful and answered all of our questions pre-trip The beach is lovely. We had a great time beach combing and watching the pelicans. Maria and Bernadino were great. We had them cook dinner for us one night and it was amazing. They set the table for us, cleaned up and packed up leftovers. There was enough food left over for dinner the next night. We loved Tulum. We were in Mexico at the height of spring break, yet we had the beach to ourselves. The kids loved Matinee cenote and we arranged a snorkle/dive trip with the dive shop at the end of the road. 2 people in our group are divers, but the rest of the group wanted to snorkel. They were able to accommodate the entire group and we had a great time

“Wonderful experience!” We loved our stay at the Forest and Surf Villa. The house is an architectural gem - very open, beautiful wood, gorgeous views of the ocean. We spent most of our time on the porch swing. We traveled with an infant (5.5 months), toddler (2.5 years) and four adults (including two seniors) and it all went so well. A gorgeous, quiet beach is a short drive from the villa. We heard lots of monkeys, but they were never a nuisance. The beds are comfy, there is a washer and dryer and the place comes with two surf boards and yoga mats. It also stays fairly cool there - compared to the beach. We were never bothered by mosquitoes. Things to know: the drive down to Sjds is long-ish and bumpy, so get supplies in advance. It is very helpful to bring a flash light or headlamp for when you get back after dark, although the paths to the villa are well lit. We didn't have hot water or wireless for the first two days, but it was then fixed (probably would have been fixed sooner, but it was Christmas). The lighting in the kitchen is unpleasant and the kitchen needs more glasses and bowls and a big cutting board. These are all small things, though - we loved our time there.

“great location” the Office staff was courteous and welcomed me upon arrival, and showed me around. The room was clean and had a coffee maker and small refrigerator in addition to tv. Within a few steps of my door I was at the fresh water pool, a few more steps and I was on the most beautiful beach in the area! The hotel staff were attentive and friendly. The onsite restaurant was a great plus, allowing me to spend as much time on the beach or diving as I wanted, and not driving around finding restaurants. The food was fantastic! All in all, this was a great place to spend a week on the ocean, relaxing.

“My 2nd stay and I plan my 3rd trip again soon!!!” This was my second visit to Guanaja Caribbean Cottages and I can't wait to go back again. The cottage is adorable and having top quality towels & linens are a real plus. I also appreciate the pillow top queen size bed, most places in the islands only have a mattress on a bare board! Having a full kitchen is nice, but I didn't need it, I ate all my meals ate the resort. This time I was more adventurous. Kay, the owner, took me on a hike to an amazing waterfall close to the resort. We had it all to ourselves, well a pup followed us up & that added to the island charm. We sat by the pool of the waterfall for most of the afternoon, then stopped at Bo's place for a cool drink before heading back to the cottage. I snorkeled the reef the last time I was there, but this time Kay took me on a snorkel tour to the drop off. I saw an amazing variety of sea life, including nurse sharks. Kay said 95% of all Caribbean sea life can be found at Guanaja. I also enjoyed the snorkel tour to Red Hill, it was a coral garden, also beautiful and like swimming in an aquarium. The coral & fish at the coral garden are different than the sea life on the reef, except I did see a nurse shark both places. The octopus was also amazing & the giant green moray eel. I also had a tour of the local fishing village, Mangrove Bight. The people are very friendly and the village is like visiting the old Caribbean. I loved the variety of meals- crab, lobster, lamb, and local cuisine that I had never had before. The dinners are four course and I was stuffed after dinner. The deserts that really stood out for me was the creme brulee, pineapple flambe and flan. Even the soups & salads were special. Kay makes a green papaya salad that is so good, it had fresh mango and pineapple in it and a local cheese with a homemade pineapple vinegerette. The food was one of the highlights of the trip.

“Incfredible Experience” My family had the incredible experience of sailing with Belize Sailing Vacations in June. What an experience!! The staff, Cliff and Coree, and later Captain Dave was exceptional. Their entire goal was to make us comfortable and make The Doris our home for the week. If what we wanted to do was possible, Captain Cliff and Captain Dave made it happen. The cooking by Coree (sorry - not sure how to spell your name) was exceptional!! Absolutely delicious. As we come from Cajun Country where we take our cooking and eating very seriously this is a huge compliment. We were concerned how it might be to live on a boat with two total strangers for a week. No worries - they made us very comfortable and we fast became friends. When Tropical Depression Barry arrived, Captain Cliff made sure we were safe and out of harm's way. Safety was always his top priority. We never felt threatened in the least. The only reason a five star was not given for this review was the fact that the air conditioning went out in one of the bedrooms the last two nights on the boat. Being from South Louisiana we like our air conditioning!! Because of the rain, the hatches had to be closed and it was quite uncomfortable. Other than this issue everything was fantastic and we would highly recommend vacationing on The Doris. We hope to take the southern route in the future.

“Honeymoon in Dreamsicle” My husband and I stayed at Maya Beach Hotel in the Lower Dreamsicle House for our Honeymoon in May. Our experience with Maya Beach Hotel and the staff was outstanding. Our "house" was clean, and private, with beautiful views of the ocean and just steps away from the restaurant. It was so nice to sit on the lower porch and enjoy our coffee and breakfast each morning, and enjoy a cool beverage while sitting on the beach with our feet keeping us cool in the ocean waves. When we wanted to explore the area or take adventures, Ellen and her staff were so helpful and knowledgeable. Martin was always willing to give us our options for activities and help us coordinate our adventures. Without their help and recommendations, we wouldn't have been able to experience the local favorite hot spots or organize our adventures with ease. It was so nice that they coordinated someone to pick us up and drop us off at the airport for our arrival and departure. You can tell they really enjoy what they do, and their passion is unmatched. When we come back to Belize we will definitely stay at Maya Beach Hotel and we recommend it to anyone looking for a beach front relaxing vacation!