Ben Pundole

GAIA Riverlodge

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GAIA Riverlodge The store at Gaia. Local Belizean crafts, chocolate and coffee.

The store at Gaia. Local Belizean crafts, chocolate and coffee.

GAIA Riverlodge The welcome drink, a fresh fruit concoction with an optional serving of delicious rum, served by a happy Belizean chap.

The welcome drink, a fresh fruit concoction with an optional serving of delicious rum, served by a happy Belizean chap.

GAIA Riverlodge Home for a couple of nights. 15 bungalows in total, spread out over a couple of acres.

Home for a couple of nights. 15 bungalows in total, spread out over a couple of acres.

GAIA Riverlodge The room/cottage. Simple, clean jungle living.

The room/cottage. Simple, clean jungle living.

GAIA Riverlodge The balcony high in the tree tops, overlooking the incredible valley.

The balcony high in the tree tops, overlooking the incredible valley.

GAIA Riverlodge The views at sunset over the mountains are incredible. The photos do it no justice!

The views at sunset over the mountains are incredible. The photos do it no justice!

GAIA Riverlodge The attention to detail is fantastic! The service here is absolutely incredible and you can tell all of the staff are genuinely proud to be working here.

The attention to detail is fantastic! The service here is absolutely incredible and you can tell all of the staff are genuinely proud to be working here.

GAIA Riverlodge Perfect weather, incredibly happy people and the most beautiful surroundings... what’s not to be happy about!

Perfect weather, incredibly happy people and the most beautiful surroundings... what’s not to be happy about!

GAIA Riverlodge This is where I had breakfast every morning. Belize is thriving with hundreds of species of tropical birds that buzz about while you eat - from toucans to hummingbirds. It’s really incredible!

This is where I had breakfast every morning. Belize is thriving with hundreds of species of tropical birds that buzz about while you eat - from toucans to hummingbirds. It’s really incredible!

GAIA Riverlodge The grounds are immaculate and guests are encouraged to roam as they please.

The grounds are immaculate and guests are encouraged to roam as they please.

GAIA Riverlodge And this is the best bit… you can take a ‘mountain elevator’ or walk 250 steps down to the natural pool for sunning and <br data-src=

And this is the best bit… you can take a ‘mountain elevator’ or walk 250 steps down to the natural pool for sunning and
swimming. Heaven!

GAIA Riverlodge No Riverlodge is complete without a jungle spa, this one happened to be exceptional!

No Riverlodge is complete without a jungle spa, this one happened to be exceptional!

GAIA Riverlodge The view at Big Rock. I mean…

The view at Big Rock. I mean…

GAIA Riverlodge I felt like I was in a Ryan McGinley photo… but with clothes on. Big Rock Waterfall at sunset is perfect, and just a short 10-minute bike ride from Gaia. Bikes provided, of course.

I felt like I was in a Ryan McGinley photo… but with clothes on. Big Rock Waterfall at sunset is perfect, and just a short 10-minute bike ride from Gaia. Bikes provided, of course.

GAIA Riverlodge Another one of those incredible sunsets on the ride back from <br data-src=

Another one of those incredible sunsets on the ride back from
Big Rock.

GAIA Riverlodge This is the entrance to the ancient caves where the Mayans used to sacrifice all sorts of things in hopes of rainfall. The caves are 7 miles long and filled with the most incredible stalagmites and stalactites. A 45-minute trip away from Gaia, arranged by the hotel.

This is the entrance to the ancient caves where the Mayans used to sacrifice all sorts of things in hopes of rainfall. The caves are 7 miles long and filled with the most incredible stalagmites and stalactites. A 45-minute trip away from Gaia, arranged by the hotel.

GAIA Riverlodge A little more cave action.

A little more cave action.

GAIA Riverlodge Had to... loved it.

Had to... loved it.

GAIA Riverlodge Welcome to Gaia Riverlodge. The magic begins here!

Welcome to Gaia Riverlodge. The magic begins here!

Highs & Lows

  • The location is spectacular. I mean absolutely mind blowing. The natural beauty is incredible and it’s yours for the taking, from the tropical birds, waterfalls, fauna and flora, sunsets… wow!

  • GAIA can provide multiple experiences… romantic, serene, calm getaway or an action packed jungle adventure with trekking, Mayan Ruins, zip lining, cave canoeing, etc.

  • The service at GAIA is absurdly good. Attentive, informative, knowledgeable friendly people, who you can tell are genuinely happy to be there.

  • GAIA is remote. This is a plus and a minus, probably more of a plus because it means it will never become overrun with idiots. However, sadly, it means it takes some planning. Miami to Belize, Belize to Maya Flats, an hour or two up a dusty jungle road… but TRUST me, it’s worth it!!!

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 49/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    River lodge

  • Vibe

    Magical jungle retreat.

  • Location

    Perfectly remote.

  • Rooms

    15

  • Music

    Local Belizean jungle vibes.

  • Year Opened

    2013

  • Designed By

    The lodge was designed by architect Vicky Nelder and the décor was selected by owner Daniel Lighter.

  • Health & Wellness

    Mountain waterfall and spa.

  • Restaurant

    Yes, with the most incredible views!

  • Bar

    Yes... cocktail list needs updating.

  • Children

    Bring them if they're well behaved.

  • Price

    Reasonably priced, although you can't put a price on this kind of magic!

  • Website

    Visit website

Mayan Cave <br data-src=
Zip Lining

Zip Lining

El Progresso Cayo District Belize, C.A.

Big Rock Waterfall

Big Rock Waterfall

big rock waterfall belize

GAIA Riverlodge

GAIA Riverlodge

Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Belize

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