For those of us feeling pent up indoors, we’re looking forward to some outdoor therapy. When travel reopens, let that be in Belize! Experts predict travel trends after COVID-19 will include venturing to private sanctuaries, natural outdoor escapes, and open air facilities. In Belize, social distancing is made easy with over half of the country covered in lush rainforest and hidden gems off the beaten path. For those adventurous at heart or seeking untouched solitude, add Belize’s Hidden Valley Inn to your future travel plans.
Hidden Valley Inn within Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo
Western Belize’s Cayo District is home to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a protected tropical forest replete with caves, pools, and spectacular waterfalls. And tucked away within the Mountain Pine Ridge, you’ll find the intimate and luxurious Hidden Valley Inn. This exclusive resort also houses a private 7,200 acre nature reserve. Hidden Valley Inn fuses privacy and exclusivity in a positive, rejuvenating form of isolation.
Accommodations
Having only 12 private cottages on site, forest views from each are breathtaking. Amenities within each are the usual, except for a fireplace; Mountain Pine Ridge gets the lowest inland temperatures for the country. Inside, its décor is all local mahogany and slate, honoring the two unique features of the reserve. The resort also has a many outdoorsy communal areas equipped with a hot tub, an outdoor pool, yoga studio, garden, and sundeck. Additionally, there’s a coffee shop, library, cocktail bar, plus child-friendly games, and activities.
Cuisine
With nature’s bounty at their fingertips, Hidden Valley Inn’s chefs highlight both international and local cuisine. Room service comes with a view, as guests have the option of having an intimate meal in their cottage. Breakfast features home-grown coffee and fresh seasonal fruits, plus in-house pastries for a true bakery feel. And don’t forget to ask for their kid-friendly menu!
Activities
On the Hidden Valley Estate, guests can hike an incredible 87 miles of nature trails with spectacular waterfalls and refreshing natural pools. Not to mention, some of the incredible birding found within Mountain Pine Ridge. Explore the area by horseback and canoe, or learn more about medicinal plants with a guided Maya walking tour. Decompress after a day adventure in the central lodge with a cocktail.
Belize’s Jungle Adventures
Just outside of the reserve, immerse in local Belizean culture with cooking classes, chocolate making, and tours of nearby Maya ruins. Besides, the Cayo district is home to the iconic Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave – a Maya maiden that glitters with its crystalline limestone. Or, explore the nearby Barton Creek Cave as Belize’s largest river cave for a 5-mile long canoe adventure. When in Rome (or San Ignacio), reserve Saturday morning to explore the local farmer’s market – a must-do in the twin towns.
Video Courtesy of Hidden Valley Inn, Belize – Video.
