Hidden Valley Inn — Belize’s Best Kept Secret

by Larry Waight
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The story that travel brochures tell you about Belize is of a paradise that consists of nothing but swaying palm trees and endless sandy white beaches. And while that’s definitely a proud part of this Caribbean country’s landscape, it’s not all that Belize has to offer. Mountain Pine Ridge is a perfect example of the ecological diversity here. Positioned in the rich, wild, and verdant Cayo District, it’s 166 square miles of rivers, pine forests, and rugged canyons — and that makes it one of Central America’s most popular choices for adventure travelers. But when you stay at Hidden Valley, you can have all of that plus the luxuries that come with modern resort living. 

The Inn 

Many vacation resorts throughout Central America will promise you intimate and personal experiences only for you to find yourself situated in cramped condos. Hidden Valley Inn is predicated on the notion that less is more. The entire lodgings are comprised of six cottages split into two units creating a truly exclusive experience for every guest. The main lodge is an expansive building housing multiple fireplace lounges along with the bar and pool, and the on-site restaurant is ready to serve you for every meal.

Whether it’s a breakfast of fresh fruit and local grains or an elegant four-course dinner on the pool terrace, you can count on an experience that’s elevated to the levels of luxury you should expect while also being authentic to the setting. Then there’s Nikte’ Ha — the on-site spa that offers everything from aromatherapy to deep tissue massage. And each morning the staff will work with you to make sure that your itinerary meets your expectations — and that’s true whether you’re looking for an action-packed day out in the wilderness or just the opportunity to be left alone. 

The Reserve 


It can be hard to pull yourself away from the extravagances that the Inn offers, but there’s plenty to do as soon as you step outside. Hidden Valley Inn is literally right in the middle of a massive nature reserve, and that leaves you with 90 miles of trails for hiking and biking right within reach. Five major waterfalls are also located within Mountain Pine Ridge, and it’s one of the best places in the country for looking at exotic wildlife. There are dozens of different species of wild orchids in the area, and it’s home to an abundance of rare birds that include the Solitary Eagle, Stygian Owl, and King Vulture. Jungle platforms offer a convenient way to soak up the local nature. Each is 25 x 25 feet and is positioned strategically to offer some of the most expansive views of the wilderness around. If you’re an adventurous explorer, all you have to do is grab hold of one of the complimentary 21-speed bikes to start your excursions through the Reserve. 

The Experiences 

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It would take a long time to run out of new things to see in Mountain Pine Ridge, but the Hidden Valley Inn has the added advantage of being ideally located within the Cayo District. Some of the region’s biggest attractions are only a short ride away, and the local staff at Hidden Valley Inn are equipped to help you make the most of your time in the area. Separate nature and adventure experiences give you the opportunity to zip-line, hike, or tube your way through the wild frontiers of the Cayo District. Those looking for something a little less strenuous will find plenty to love among the Maya and cultural experiences. The Cayo District was once one of the epicenters of culture in the Maya Empire, and it’s still home to some of the most stunning extant ruins from that era. Hidden Valley Inn offers a range of romantic packages as well, making it the perfect choice for everything from a wedding to an anniversary to a honeymoon. 

The Perfect Lodge For Any Event 

In fact, Hidden Valley Inn is the place to go no matter what sort of event you’re looking to host. With 12 rooms and a maximum capacity of 24, it’s large enough to suit decently sized events while still allowing a level of intimacy that’s hard to find even in traditional Caribbean resorts. And the staff is ready to help you craft an experience that you’ll love. Don’t find what you’re looking for listed among the events and tours? Get in touch with Hidden Valley Inn, and they’ll be happy to come up with something that’s perfectly tailored to the needs of your event. They’re ready to help you host family reunions, yoga retreats, and even birdwatching vacations — and no matter what tone you’re trying to set, you can count on them to offer the helpful and knowledgeable advice that you need to make things perfect. 

All images courtesy of Hidden Valley Inn.

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