We cannot WAIT to go back!!!
- Details
- Category: Visiters Comments
- Published on Monday, 12 September 2011 15:51
- Written by Trys
- Hits: 1104
I am not normally one to take the time to write a review, although I certainly check them before staying anywhere I have not been before. But this place was so special I felt a strong desire to share my experiences.
I have actually been to the Orchid Garden twice...the first time was a sisters' trip. My sister and I had such an amazing time that we wanted to go back and share it with our families, so we took another trip just before Christmas in 2010. My husband, our two daughters (ages 8 and 10), my parents, and my sister all enjoyed the trip immensely. Jason and Christine, the owners, have worked so hard to create a beautiful oasis on their property while working with the land, not against it. The presence of native flora, including beautiful orchids, is everywhere. Even their beautiful swimming pond is organically filtered. Their meals, which are lovingly prepared by Christine, are also organically grown, many right on the premises, and are as delicious as they are beautifully presented. Every day was started with amazing homemade delicacies such as fresh juices (hibiscus, lime, or orange), freshly baked breads, amazing tropical fruits, and some of the best scrambled eggs I have ever tasted. Lunch was often off premises if we were on one of the many amazing tours (zip lining, cave tubing, and snorkeling to name a few) but was always delicious as well. Dinners were incredible, consisting of 4 or 5 courses and a wonderful dessert. My daughters' favorite dinner was the lobster tails! Of course if you or your children are less adventurous eaters Christine is happy to cater to whatever your individual preferences might be, and you will not be disappointed.
Alfredo, their incredible tour guide, will accompany you on most of your tours, and he is a wealth of information as well as a lot of fun!! He was in charge of getting us to and from wherever we might be going, and we always felt so cared for. Even on our sisters' trip, we felt safe and secure every place we went...so much so that I took my little girls back! Alfredo paid close attention to what our interests were (which were the animals!) and would make special stops to show us alligators, birds, and anything else flying or crawling around that we would have missed had he not pointed it out
!
The accommodations were wonderful...very clean and comfortable, with air conditioning and hot running water, which, if you see the rest of Belize City, you will understand what a luxury that is. If you are expecting a posh resort hotel with neatly trimmed shrubs in the shapes of circles and squares and washcloths in the shapes of animals on your pillows, then you might be more comfortable at a Disney Resort. But if you want to experience everything that Belize has to offer and not have to worry with a SINGLE detail while being cared for by people who actually know your names and are committed to making sure you get everything you want out of your stay there, then this is your place.
I believe you get out of travel what you put into it. What we found was a family of people who care deeply for their country, for their land, and for the people they employ, and genuinely want to share that love with their guests. We left with amazing experiences that we will treasure forever, as well as lasting friendships with the amazing people there. My daughters continue to ask when we can go back and visit their Belizean friends, and I tell them very soon. We just cannot wait to go back.
Stayed December 2010, traveled with family
