Gaïa Riverlodge, named for the Greek goddess of the Earth, lies deep in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize, a reserve of pine forest, river valleys and waterfalls about an hour's drive from San Ignacio. It looks straight onto the Five Sisters Waterfalls, which also drive the lodge's own hydroelectric plant, backed by solar panels; it is a Green Globe certified eco-lodge, and a hydroelectric tram takes guests down to the river and the falls. There are 17 thatched casitas, from Mountain View Cabanas and Hillside Double Rooms to Waterfall View Suites over two storeys and a Riverside Villa with its own hot tub on the water's edge. Inside are local hardwoods, mahogany, hand-painted Mexican tiles and Matouk and Frette linens; the MICHELIN inspectors suggest the adults-only waterfall-view rooms and cabanas. The Five Sisters Restaurant is set high in the trees and cooks from the lodge's own organic Maya garden, and there is a lobby bar, a spa and a natural pool in the river. From here guides lead the way to the Maya city of Caracol, caves, horseback rides and jungle hikes.
- Nearest airport
- Not named on the sources read; Belize City is about two hours by road and San Ignacio about one hour by four-wheel drive
- Rooms
- 17 casitas, cabanas, suites and a villa
Insider tip The last hour from San Ignacio runs on winding forest roads, and the lodge recommends a four-wheel drive, so let the lodge or your driver handle the transfer.
Why I choose it A Two-Key jungle lodge facing the Five Sisters Waterfalls, run on its own hydropower, with Caracol a day's outing away.