Pook's Hill Lodge

Visited in December 2024 with my wife's parents, sister's family, and my daughter (so 10 people ages 6-82). We had a wonderful time and I think if this is the *kind* of resort you're interested in I don't think it could be much better. I highlight the food in particular: the nightly four-course dinner was always delicious, very fresh, interesting flavors, beautifully plated, fabulous dessert, good accommodation of vegetarians (2 in our party), great atmosphere (oil lamps in a communal hall open through screens to the night air). Setting is beautiful too: we woke up each morning to a vista of mist across the verdant jungle valley. I think visitors should know what to expect, because it's probably not for everybody: - It's small: I think there are only about 25 guests total. Besides the cabanas (very comfortable but mainly just for sleeping) there is one central structure where there is covered seating and hammocks. - It's quiet: not the kind of place where there's reggae music playing for example. A lot of the day there is no one around except a few staff. You can be by yourself in the jungle. Besides the three meals there isn't food service: there's a small self-service bar with bottled beer, sodas, and a few other drinks in the central structure. But this isn't a place to go to eat all day or drink a lot, if that's your thing. People do hang out after dinner at the outdoor fire pit and we got to know some of the other guests that way. But it's low key. - Related: there are very few organized activities on-site. Off site there are lots of things you can arrange to travel to do: we went cave tubing one day and to the ATM cave the next (both excellent: resort is very very close to ATM cave so you can be some of the first in in the morning and the drive is easy); others went on a zipline, etc. Very easy to arrange all that with the staff and the guides they use were outstanding. But on site you are for the most part on your own (there were some bird walks in the early AM, a yoga session, a night hike, but not much during the day): there are nice trails to explore on the property through the jungle, there's a river through the property that has a few accessible swimming holes, they have a birding scope set up. But you should plan to arrange excursions off site or plan just to relax and do your own thing on-site. We did some of both. The other thing to understand is that except for the ATM Cave (which is very close), excursions require a longish drive including a long, bumpy dirt road: but that's because the resort is set deep in the jungle and that's why you get amazing peace and quiet, darkness at night, animals/birds, natural beauty, etc. But visitors should understand it's not a place you can just pop in and out of. - It's rustic in a few ways: lighting in the central structure is by oil lamp at night (cabanas have electric lights), it's pitch dark walking from dinner to the cabanas (so definitely bring a flashlight or head lamp), the hot

There are so many good things to say about our stay here. They were so helpful in planning and guiding in the local adventures. With early planning, they were able to get us the first slot of the day on the ATM cave tour, which makes a huge difference in that you have it to yourself and spend less time backed up waiting for other groups. Jade is right near ATM, and centrally located to many other great spots (we did Mountain Pine Ridge and Xunantunich), It’s also a shorter ride to get to Jade from the beach or airports than the other high end lodges. The rooms were nice, clean and comfortable. The food was excellent. We loved having cocktails in the lodge after the day’s adventures and meeting the other guests, as well as the lovely family that owns and operates the resort. Their young daughter brought out their new puppies, a real thrill for the other young kids staying there (as well as my 20 something year olds). I loved waking up early and wandering their grounds and trails. On the days with short excursions, we enjoyed swimming in or floating the river in the afternoons. They even brought chairs and an umbrella out for us at the little beach at the Red Cliffs. That is a great spot because there is calm water on the left side for relaxing, and a bit of a current on the right side if you want to play around in the tubes. The water is clean and clear – not what I expected from a jungle river. Best of all was the staff. Everyone was wonderful, especially Keren and Mario. The Martinez brothers were terrific guides for ATM.

Little out of the way, but totally worth it This place is truly magical, the owners are super awesome and laid-back and it has beautiful grounds to walk around.

We visited this resort for lunch with friends , we had a family style lunch , the service and food were five stars. The landscaping and ambiance is pure magic , you can feel the jungle spirituality and energy all around . Hoping to go back and stay there soon :)

Deep in the rainforest recently purchased and redone (was Pooks Hill). Amazing family who are transforming this place into a true jungle paradise. Accommodations so authentic and peaceful. Using the land for the restaurant, 300 acres of serenity!!

Experience at Jade Jungle Resort, Belize As the cool days of spring gradually give way to the warmth of summer, the allure of returning to Jade Jungle Resort in Belize becomes irresistible. The graceful migratory birds, which once adorned the resort with their presence, have bid us farewell for the season, leaving behind a sense of anticipation for the new tender leaves that begin to take over. With the abundance of rainfall this spring, the jungle has flourished into a vibrant green oasis, inviting guests to immerse themselves in its timeless rhythm and profound connection to nature. As I step into the sanctuary of Jade Jungle Resort, I am greeted by a symphony of exotic sounds—the rustling of leaves, the chirping of crickets, and the gentle flow of nearby streams. Each step I take unveils a new facet of the jungle's beauty, from the towering canopy above to the intricate web of life thriving below. In this tranquil oasis, surrounded by lush foliage and teeming wildlife, I find solace in the simplicity of being present in the moment. At Jade Jungle Resort, the ethos revolves around embracing the transformative power of nature to heal, restore, and rejuvenate. As I explore the verdant landscape, I am reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things and the profound impact that immersing oneself in nature can have on both the body and the soul. From the refreshing scent of dew-kissed leaves to the soothing caress of the tropical breeze, every sensation serves as a gentle reminder to cherish the natural world around us. One of the highlights of my stay at Jade Jungle Resort is the launch of the Pilates Deck this summer. Nestled amidst the lush foliage, the Pilates Deck offers a serene setting to focus on strengthening the essentials of my Quadrinity—body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, I embark on a journey of self-discovery, cultivating stability, balance, and flexibility while quieting the chatter of the mind. With each breath, I feel a sense of grounding and inner peace wash over me, leaving me recharged and rejuvenated. In addition to the revitalizing Pilates sessions, Jade Jungle Resort offers a wide range of local excursions to elevate the guest experience. From guided hikes through the pristine rainforest to immersive cultural encounters with neighboring communities, each excursion promises to deepen my connection to the rich tapestry of Belizean heritage and natural wonders. As the summer months transition into late summer and fall, Jade Jungle Resort unveils a spectacle of breathtaking skies that captivate the imagination. From the mesmerizing hues of sunrise to the awe-inspiring sight of falling stars after dark, the heavens become a canvas for a visual journey unlike any other. Immersed in this celestial spectacle, I am transported to another world, enveloped by the beauty and wonder of the universe. It is a moment of pure enchantment—a reminder of the infinite possibilities that a