The Lodge at Jaguar Reef is the most perfect place to stay in Belize. It’s a destination on its own and truly a highlight of our time in Belize. If you are looking for the perfect seaside escape this is it!
We collaborated with The Lodge at Jaguar Reef on our stay but as always all opinions are our own. All our blog posts contain affiliate links that help us keep our blog running at no extra cost to you, it really helps us when you use our links!
Where is The Lodge at Jaguar Reef located?
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef is located in Hopkins a tiny beachside town that is seeped in Garifuna culture. It is a little stretch of road with stalls and a few scattered restaurants, cafes and shops on the side.
Hopkins is 135km from Belize City and only 32km from Dangriga. It makes a great stop after visiting the islands, Caye Caulker.
The hotel grounds | the best place to stay in Belize
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef is stunning. The grounds are impeccably kept, even the sand is raked each morning. The landscaping is meticulous and the variety of tropical plants really sets the relaxed mood.
Checking in | the best place to stay in Belize
Reception is beautifully designed with natural wooden features and checking in is a pleasure. The staff are so lovely and welcoming we feel immediately at home. Once checked in we are taken to our room and shown its features.
Our Room | the best place to stay in Belize
We stayed in a deluxe suite lower. It was the epitome of luxury! The front porch consisted of a day bed, rocking chair and hammock big enough for two.
Entering through the big glass double doors we were met with a huge four post king size bed. It was incredibly comfortable with thick luxurious linens, we had the best sleep here. The whole space was so sumptuous that we easily fell in to a relaxed mood. We knew this would be the perfect seaside vacation we had been longing for.
The lounge consisted of a TV with satellite channels, a desk, freshly baked cookies, Lav Azza coffee machine and water station. We loved that The Lodge at Jaguar Reef thought of these sweet details. They really made our stay as comfortable as possible!
The bathroom was as luxurious as the main room. Tiled in beautiful limestone/sandstone the serene feeling continues through to the large bathroom bench, separate toilet and open shower. The towels were thick and plush, the bath robes were inviting to slip into after a steamy shower filled with the scent of the quality toiletries provided.
A full window overlooked our private plunge pool! It created the perfect little oasis in our room, ideal to really unwind in after days spent exploring. The sliding door from the room led straight out to the pool, also accessed from the shower.
The aesthetic of the whole space is truly decadent, creating the most tranquil sanctuary to relax and enjoy your holiday.
Facilities | the best place to stay in Belize
There are so many different spaces to enjoy at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. Set right on the beach the beach front chairs and sunbeds are the ultimate in seaside relaxation. Spending a day going from the sea to sun bed is what a holiday should be!
Head out to the pier to enjoy the Big Dock Ceviche Bar set over the ocean or just go below to hang out on the deck area. Reading a book on the hammocks here was a sublime experience. The ocean gently lapping below while you’re stretched out on the hammocks was delightful.
Wander further along the path from reception to find the hotel pools. Perfectly appointed across from the ocean the water is blue and cool! Dipping into the pool it’s just right and a swim here is great on the way back from the Dock bar hammocks!
The next pool along also has a pool bar and Don Tonigos pizza. Grabbing a cocktail and pizza is always a good idea. There’s large trees with seating to sit under and enjoy as well as a fire pit you can light to enjoy the evening. The beach has kayaks available to use free of charge as well as hammocks, swings and lots of photo opportunities.
We borrowed bike from reception on a couple of occasions and rode into town. The bikes are free to use, just request them from reception, sign them out and meet the security guard around in the car park to collect them. Available until 5pm. Hopkins is really easy to ride around so it makes a great activity.
Restaurants | the best place to stay in Belize
The Paddle House at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
The Paddle House was hands down our favourite place to eat. Each meal we tried was spectacular! Set on the beach with views to the water from every angle the location is a dream. the decor was beautiful, a natural aesthetic perfectly set off the coastal vibes.
For breakfast I had The Village Breakfast replacing the fry jacks with corn tortillas. The scrambled eggs were seasoned perfectly and the bacon was thick and tasty. I loved the refried beans in the side, it was something I really started to enjoy at each meal! Their coffee is yummy, I loved the cappuccino frappe.
At lunch I tried the baby back ribs and oh my gosh it was divine! Tender and tasty I thoroughly enjoyed this meal, served with coconut rice.
For dinner I tried a chickpea and tomato appetiser. I wasn’t sure what to expect but what I tasted was the creamiest, most delicious starter! Full of tangy tomatoes and creamy chickpeas I wish I could have the recipe from the chef! It was truly a delight.
For my main I chose the beef tenderloin. It was melt in your mouth delicious! Served with potato and a tasty jus which complemented it perfectly.
Desserts were a hard choice as they all sounded amazing! I had the coconut flan with sweet glaze and a pineapple panna cotta. Both were so yummy and the best way to end my meal.
Big Dock Ceviche Bar
There is also the Big Dock Ceviche Bar at the top to enjoy ocean views while munching on fresh ceviche. You are spoilt for choice at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, the dining options are not only excellent but unique. Each offered something differs during you’ll never be bored!
Don Tinitos Pizza at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
We ate pizza from Don Tonitos one evening and took it back to our room to enjoy. Mikes garlic shrimp pizza was as good as any he has had in Italy! Being gluten free I expected to not have pizza but the lovely men said with notice they could make a cassava flor base for me. It was so kind of them!
We truly loved our time at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. It is a highlight of our time in Belize and a reason I will definitely return. In fact having just left, we are already longing to return to The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. To book our room just look for the deluxe suite lower rooms! They are so perfect, the most idyllic getaway!
Where to next?
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Caye Caulker must visit destination in 2025
The best itinerary for Belize!
Is Hopkins worth visiting in Belize?
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