Orchid Garden is the ONLY place we'd stay! EVERY detail of our trip was made perfect by the owners and staff.
- Details
- Category: Belize Vacations
- Published on Saturday, 18 August 2012 15:23
- Written by Trys
- Hits: 19470
“Orchid Garden is the ONLY place we'd stay! EVERY detail of our trip was made perfect by the owners and staff.”
Reviewed July 20, 2012 via mobile
My daughter(17) and I had the pleasure of spending the first week of July here, and we would return to Orchid Garden in a heartbeat!
Prior to arrival: Don't hesitate to email Jason, the owner. He was always prompt in his responses and offered various options that catered to the specific needs of our holiday, with clear details of the activites and any cost involved (btw: best rates by far, and so easy with paypal!)
From the airport: we were met right outside with a clearly labelled, reassuring sign bearing our full names! (Without hubby there I was nervous!)
The Hotel: Jason is obviously a true naturalist; there is a simply comforting feel to the eclectic buildings that sit sleepily within this jungle.
Our Room: Huge! Immaculately Clean! A small fridge and air conditioner. (thank god!) This is not the Hilton, we didn't want the Hilton. Simple and VERY clean.
The Restaurant: first of all, our meals were included in the package, so no worries about finding a place to eat! Stone and Bamboo walls, tree trunk slab tables, and a central interior garden (bananas growing right there!), and even electrical sockets hidden in coconuts all leave you feeling you're in a secret jungle garden . . . and then we have Christine!
She is Jason's wife, and is an amazing chef! Breakfasts were 3 courses, dinners 5 or 6! We were treated daily to a unique blend of Asian and Belizean creations! Come to the table hungry, you will be very tempted to lick your plate! (please publish a cookbook Christine!)
Excursions: Each evening as we finished our meal, Catherine would arrive like a tiny hummingbird to tell us what we would be doing the next day (as there are various guests, all with unique holiday plans, arrival and departure dates, you must understand that they are constantly working to coordinate excursions and drivers-just go with the flow, they've got it all covered!)
She also provides towels for excursions that require one, so don't waste room in your suitcase!
Each excursion outside the hotel also includes their own meal provision-so seriously, no worries!
ATM: so very much more than you can imagine! And the expression, "half the fun is getting there!" certianly rings true! The place should be one of the wonders of the world. My daughter said it was her ultimate favorite!
Zipline and cave tubing: a fun, fun day; the caves were amazing, our guide was hilarious! (yes Danny, you have a GREAT office!)
Maya Ruins: I was ill this day, but this is how incredibly safe we felt at Orchid Garden: my daughter was escorted by their driver, Alfredo, to the excursion, where she was met by the tour guide (whom they personally know), who then escorted her throughout the tour, ensuring she had a wonderful day!
Caye Caulker snorkeling: spend money on a GOOD digital camera; it is a breathtaking day and we cherish the amazing photos we have!
Eco-village tour: our main driver, Alfredo, is also an excellent historian and botanist! Beginning at the restaurant we were treated to a brief history of Belize, then led through the grounds where we were shown numerous indigenous and introduced fauna and flora, along with tidbits regarding their medicinal or nutritional uses. Our tour ended at the private home of Jason and Christine . . . A hauntingly beautiful museum occupies the first floor - Jason's private collection of ancient glass bottles, carvings, paintings and semi precious stones that cry out to you and whisper stories you can't put words to. Yep, i don't care if that sounds dorky - I can't explain this place - it just whispers beauty and was a precious place to be.
Of note, we had also booked two additional days to visit family. Each day we were driven directly to their home, and provided with our driver's cell phone number so that we could call when we were ready to be picked up. On the days I was not feeling well (I struggled with the heat!) they graciously drove my daughter to the local grocery for numerous supply runs.
We so appreciated their care and kindnesses toward us each and every day of this holiday.
I am sure to return to Belize . . . and will only stay at the Orchid Garden!
