“Beautiful Setting, Incredible Food &
Warm Hospitality”
Kbuhrman
South Central PA
Visit Date June 2009
After reading all the reviews about the
Eco-Village, I was very excited to stay
here. They are definitely rated #1 for a
reason. We were greeted by Christine, who
was one of the kindest, most considerate B&B
owners I have met. It's not every day that
the owner brings you a flashlight and
umbrella, "just in case you need it." There
was also a beautiful bouquet of fresh
tropical flowers waiting for us in our room
(including birds of paradise, which are my
favorite). While I only met her husband,
Jason, briefly, he was very helpful and
prompt to respond to all my questions (which
there were many!) prior to booking our
reservation. They both really want to make
sure you are completely happy at the
Eco-Village.
The idea of the Eco-Village is amazing and
all they have to done to make the lodge as
green and environmentally friendly as
possible. It truly is like walking around in
the jungle (be sure you wear bug spray!)
with an array of tropical trees, flowers and
plants. It is also educational because many
of the trees have signs and you also receive
a tour of the grounds and the on-site
museum, which houses beautiful nature
art....such as carved azalea/wood sculptures
and natural rock formations.
The rooms are large. They are fairly basic
but clean. There are also 2 recreations
rooms, 1 w/ a ping pong table and a pool
table. The other room has a large TV and
computer w/ WIFI. They were nice bonuses but
the grounds and the restaurant are truly the
reason why you should stay here. Ahh...the
food...this portion of the review may take a
while :-)
The restaurant and banquet rooms are so
beautiful. You really get to experience
Belizean mahogany at its best in a very
peaceful tropical setting. We ate at many
different restaurants on our vacation and
our meals at the Eco Village were some of
the best, if not the best. We even extended
our stay, so we could have an additional
meal. We had fresh juice at every
meal....hibiscus lime juice, orange (they
wait to squeeze the oranges until you are
seated) and blueberry juice. You get at
least 3 courses with every meal as well.
Christine is a culinary wizard with many
types of cuisine so she asks your preference
for what you would like to try...Belizean,
Chinese, French, American, etc. We had
wonderful homemade bread, amazing fresh
fried fish, soup, rice & beans, and a
fabulous chocolate cake. Plus, the Belizean
eggs I fell in love with since our arrival
to the country and they shared the secret of
what makes the eggs melt in your mouth -
coconut oil!
The Eco-Village also offers many day trips
and extended stays. Their prices are
definitely some of the best in Belize. While
I decided to travel from place to place, if
I had booked through a travel service, I
would have chosen the Eco Village.
Before we left, Christine wanted to make
sure she said goodbye and even gave us a
hug. Many thanks to Jason & Christine for a
wonderful stay.
The Place To Be
Anyta Canada
Date of stay:
February 2009
Well, how do you
explain the overall experience you will have
at the Orchid Garden Eco-Village ? I really
don't think I could never do it justice,
because you really have to 'feel' it for
yourself. Yes, 'feel' it.
Location & Accommodations:
I think it best to pick a more central
location and take day or overnight trips to
see Belize. We went to a couple of resort
who claim to be the best spot to see all of
Belize from and we were greatly
disappointed. If we had centered ourselves
at the Orchid Garden Eco- Village Hotel, we
would have saved time and money. Centrally
located with more than everything you need,
Orchid Garden is a perfect home base.
Accommodations are spotless, VERY roomy and
private, ideal for families or honeymooners
alike. With each room nestled amongst local
flora and the grounds teaming with birds and
other awesome dwellers who's habitats are
encouraged by the hotel, you feel like you
are at a friend's cottage out of the city
hustle.
Tour Guides:
Rich culture, nature, beaches and history...
Belize is a 'must see' place and you greatly
benefit with an experienced tour guide. We
had several Tour Guide, but the guides at
Orchid Garden cannot be beat. They were
patient with our last minute changes and
ensured that we got the most of our
experiences. Orchid Garden offers small
tours and you don't pay any extra for it.
With this kind of individualized attention,
you see what you want to see and experience
more than what would be possible in a large
group. Your Guide from the Orchid Garden
will show you things on the way to your
destination, explaining Belize culture and
even sharing personal stories the entire
way. The chat to your destination can be as
good as the destination itself! At a
different resort, we suffered through a
bumpy 3 hour ride with Guide who obviously
hated his job... another one told us we only
had an hour for the market because he had to
meet his wife for lunch, but he parked 20
minutes away from it... yet another tour
Guide asked us of we wanted to stop at a
shop, then when we got back in the van only
a 1/2 hour later, he wouldn't let us see the
Pelicans because we had taken too long. By
the end of our short stay at the Orchid
Garden, I had a feeling we wouldn't meet a
Guide as wonderful as here and I knew I
would miss them all. They will give you a
great holiday.
Activities:
Well, unlike any other place in Belize, the
Orchid Garden will offer you well organized
tours and other services with flexibility,
honesty, grace, uttermost kindness... and
all at a good rate. They even set up plane
tickets for us, cheaper than we could have
gotten ourselves, with NO fee for their
services! Putting our trust in another
resort left us running around between
airlines with tons of luggage. After much
frustration and even some tears because our
day was passing us by, they hadn't booked
anything at all. The Orchid Garden has a
games room, beautiful gardens and wildlife
preservations, fascinating museums, a
library, an eco friendly swimming pool and
the list goes on. You can see you dinner
before you eat it, very cool. They have
reliable internet access... but if you kill
the computer like I did, they even invite
you into their private quarters!
Food:
Glorious dining quarters with part of the
jungle right there in the middle of the
room!! You will eat atop top some of the
most amazing hardwood you've ever seen (that
is a story in itself), while you are served
by some of the most pleasant people you've
ever met. Some staff may ask to join you...
they won't be offended if you want your
privacy, but may I recommend you invite
them. We are not very social people and were
surprised an this made us nervous the first
time, but starting your day off with a
perfect conversation with such passionate
people just set our day off in the right
direction. I am still trying to be a more
inviting person because of this experience.
A thick, almost fluorescent green soup.
Well, we didn't want to be rude... tried
it... EXCELLENT! I love my soup and this was
a fine soup. All their food is made fresh,
right down to your beverages. You taste the
difference and it is obvious that a LOT of
hard work goes into every dish. I almost
hate to say how healthy it is, for all us
junk food eaters our there, but it really
did feel like I was doing my body a favour
and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Staff:
Being an avid traveller and a business owner
where staffing is always the biggest hurdle,
I have met many staff! The staff at the
Orchid Garden are at the top of my list.
They make a point meeting your 'needs'. They
are not invasive or pushy. They are
efficient, friendly, honest and just lovely
to spend time with. Our waitress even
brought umbrella's to our room when it
started to rain before dinner! The owners
were sure to check on our satisfaction, not
only with their resort, but with Belize in
general. The fabulous people who run the
resort made a point of making you feel like
welcomed guests when you first arrive and
won't let you leave until you feel more like
friends. They take your cues and only want
you to be happy while you are guests in
their home. I actually went home thinking
that I would be a better friend to those I
love from here on in!!! We would spend time
again at the Orchid Garden just to be with
the people... our friends in Belize.
Date:23/12/2008
Keith &
Teresa Patterson
Country: USA
Comments:
We had
wonderful time in Belize and Guatemala. The
staffs took wonderful care of us here at
Eco-Village and elsewhere. Glad we had all
arrangement made through you. What a relief
to have private transportation in an
unfamiliar place.
Suggestion:
Detailed itineraries would be nice. we were
not really sure what was on the schedule
until a few hours before. That＊s it. All
else was great!
Date:
20/12/2008
Jennifer & Jay Houghton Country: UK
Comments:
A wonderful
place full of wonderful people and great
memories-we loved
It and
recommend it to everyone.
Suggestion:
Keep Smiling
Date:
18/12/08
Adam Levoe & Roya Miller
Country: USA
Comments:
Thanks you guys so much, we had a great
time. Alfredo, Amy and Robin as well
everyone else are great.
Suggestion:
Less light bulbs in the rooms more efficient
light bulbs compost pile
Date:
12/17/2008
Dorothy
& William
Country: USA
Comments: :
Not enough
time! The birds are wonderful, so a flocks
of parrots!
Tows of
birds-wonderful food.
Karin
Have Country:USA
Comments:
Very nice
large clean room beautiful garden. need
coffee in the TV room
Very friendly
staffs. Once a week clean rooms towels to
save water, nice pool, delicious food.
Chrisitne your are a wonderful hostess.
Date: Nov 16, 2008
Jess Robel, Joci Stauffer and Heather
Parsons
Country: USA (Philadelphia, PA)
Comments:
Grounds/Facility:
**************
Quiet, secure and eco-friendly with
closeness to nature - both plant and animal.
Convenient location for touring Belize and
Guatemala. The cabin was large, the beds
were comfy and surroundings were well
maintained. We thoroughly enjoyed the
geckos. The museum and gift shop were a
plus. Suggestion: the showers could be
easier to use and provide slightly hotter
water.
The Tours:
***********
All tours were well每timed and well-chosen
and we appreciated the personal attention
and small tour size. We also liked the
flexibility of scheduling due to weather;
and for best viewing options. Lamanai should
be seen before Tikal if you are seeing both.
We like the driving to all destinations to
see the maximum amount of the countries.
Suggestion: Give thorough and accurate
descriptions of the cave experience so
guests can choose if they are up to the
challenge of ATM- lots of water, sharp
rocks, hiking, climbing, etc.
The Staff and Service:
*********************
All staff were welcoming and courteous. The
food was good and there was a great variety
- and a good sampling - of local dishes.
Alfredo made our trip - he was very
knowledgeable about the plants, surroundings
and culture and was with us throughout our
tours. We especially were grateful for
Pedro＊s help at ATM too. Without our guides
we wouldn＊t have seen nor understood nearly
as much. No suggestions - keep it up!
Everything about our trip far exceeded our
expectations 每 THANK YOU!
Date: Nov 11, 2008
Seema Thakor (a group with 7 persons)
Country: USA Tex.
Comments:
This was a great first experience into
Belize 每 The hospitality was wonderful and
all the excursions were planned perfectly
according to our schedules. Each day Alfredo
took us out and answered the unending
questions on Belize and Life in Belize from
the guys in our group. He took us out and
let everyone experience local food and
cultures. He＊s a great added value to the
Eco-Village.
The meals were wonderful. As 1/2 our group
was vegetarian 每 it was a delight to not be
worried about finding a vegetarian meal to
eat. Each day the staff prepared a 6 or 7
course meal for dinner and the hibiscus iced
tea was great! First time I had ever heard
of it. Christine was wonderful -always
asking us about our meals and stay - and
very accommodating. The living quarters were
spotless 每 except for the few bugs and
geckos which no one has control over. As
it＊s an Eco-Village I would suggest you guys
change your light bulbs to the energy
efficient ones. In addition, improving the
path lighting through the grounds would be
helpful as some of us didn＊t carry a flash
light at all times. From the outside the
place look closed - suggest cutting the
grass or planting some flowers outside- to
give it the homely feel that＊s felt inside.
Jason＊s concept is great and I hope he can
fulfill his dreams as it＊s coming along.
Thanks to Robin and Amy for everything
they＊ve coordinated and contributed. I will
recommend this place to my friends. Thank
you from all 7 of us!
Nov 29, 2007
Gabriel
Mexico
Thanks a lot I
have found peace and excellent meal. God
Bless you!
Gail Johnson
USA
Great Spot
Nov 30, 2007
Carol & Don
Loe USA
Peaceful,
Pleasant, Excellent Food. We should come
again soon.
Nov 22, 2007
Byron Evans &
Ruby Dirks U.S.A
More than a
comfortable place to stay. You have a small
paradise
Just off
highway keep up ECO-SPIRIT. We loved dining
to classical music.
Watching
butterflies, Squirrels and a lizard enjoy
their stay, too. Marvelous.
Magda,
Alberto, Patricia and Sofia Mexico
Muy rica la
comida, muy agradable el luga y la atencion
excelente. muchas gracias
Nov 18,
2007/11/22
Dongjiang Xu
Yan & Ryan
New York USA
Dongjiarg, me
and our 4 years son Ryan had a wonderful
time in ECO-VILLAGE. The place is clean
quiet in a nature setting. The tour is very
personalized and my son is well take care.
The food is delicious and we will miss it so
much when we go back. Thanks so much and we
will recommended it to all of our friends.
Mike &
Stephanie Glassey California USA
Relaxing,
peaceful-well maintained and clean, very
efficient staff. Enjoyed every minute.
Without distractions of TV, phones, radios!!
Looking forward
to a return
visit. Thanks!
Nov 17, 2007
Douglas
Melinda Moore TX USA
Very beautiful
and wonderful
Nov 9, 2007
Joage Fearari
Honduras
Exelente
Lugar, muy acogedor!!
Nov 11, 2007
Ben & Fie San
Jose USA
A beautiful
place where we relaxed for two days. Nice
atmosphere, friendly people and good food in
a wonderful restaurant.
Oct 22, 2007
John & Emma
Martin UK
Beautiful
surrounding, excellent service, wonderful
food will definitely Be back.
Oct 21, 2007
Rhonda Acosta
Belize
Very exciting
and beautiful.
Godfrey Smith
& Valerie Woods Belize
A wonderful
oasis in the Belize district. The food was
exquisite, especially the fried hibiscus and
the hibiscus drink. Beautiful ECO-Gardens.
Very
different!
Oct 14, 2007
Mrs. Set Belize
My family
really enjoyed the food and atmosphere! The
food is great. We will be back definitely.
Dr. Chris
Bennett Belize
Brought my
brothers who are visiting from New York USA.
Very impressive will gladly recommend to
friends.
Oct 12, 2007
Eva Loucka
Czech Republic
The people
like the place very much. And food was
excellent thank you!
Fernando
Madrid Guatemala
Es un lindo
lugar muy recommendable
Sep 29, 2007
Noel J. Codd
Belize
Very good
Thank you.
Olga Herrera
Belize
Ambiance is
very pleasant and cool. Enjoy the food and
the drinks Will certainly tell my friends.
Jack Greene
USA
Very good
Thank you.
E. Aldava
Belize
Very good
Sept 13, 2007
Coustauce
Goldberg USA
Thank you very
much for a most interesting and informative
tour of the plants and other items of
interesting. Your gracious manner and
sharing of info
Your family
and country of origin was matched by the
delectable meal that was beautifully
presented. Thanks a million and continued
success.
Lorraine Trapp
USA
The food was
very good tasty and seasoned just rite. I
grade the food and service for Excellent.
