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Tell me the truth: Do you need a mindful twist on a resort? If you’re silently nodding yes, then you’re not alone. Head to the jungle to experience the verdant fauna and flora as wild birds chirp goodnight and big cats prowl the grounds for an evening stroll. Gallivanting through a tropical rainforest resort was truly unlike any other green space I’ve visited and may be one of my favorites (sorry Yosemite!)
Belize is brimming with gorgeous resorts in the rainforest. But, we chose to stay at the Bocawina Rainforest Resort located in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. It’s near Hopkins, Belize and a couple yards away from the only jaguar preserve on the planet.
While you can get a shuttle to this resort from the airport, we rented a car as it’s one of the best ways to travel through Belize. (Previously we rented a car in Cyprus to explore the island and it was the best decision since it made travel easier. The same holds true in Belize.)
With our car we were able to go snorkeling, drive to Teakettle to hop on a guided tour of the ATM Belize cave and visit the Mayan ruins in Belize, specifically the Cahal Pech ruins in San Ignacio.
Immediately as we entered the jungle, we were blown away by it’s raw and lavish demeanor — earthy brick red roads, lavish trees, and the faint scent of sweet droplets from the rain. Winding our windows down, we could hear the caws of the birds welcoming us to our new luxury stay, a sustainable home that immersed us in nature.
We were jungle bathing without even knowing it and found jungle bathing to be the heartbeat of rain forest resorts.
Similar to forest bathing, it’s the practice of spending time in the jungle for its wellness benefits (e.g. mind, body and spirit). According to research, forest bathing helps reduce stress, boosts immunity, enhances creativity, improves sleep, and it’s a mood-booster.
Honestly, the shock of the natural beauty never wore off because each person from our travel group embraced each day with a sense of gratitude for the nature. Even amongst the 50 collective mosquito bites and the lack of air conditioning at our resort, the tropical climate offered us sweeping vistas imprinted forever on our brains.
Whether you’ve booked Belize vacation packages at the Bocawina or staying in a different town, this resort is one of the best places to visit in Belize. Why you ask? Because the property is sheathed with amazing activities that attracts visitors and it has the best rated zipline in Belize.
For instance, we met a couple that traveled over two hours away to go zip lining at the Bocawina. It’s that fun as you fly down the hillside!
But, that’s not all you’ll find in this glorious jungle paradise!
Here you’ll find stunning hikes showcasing the property, cascading waterfalls, or, for the adventure seekers, activities like rappelling down a rushing waterfall. I think some of the best things to do in Belize can be found on this 7000 acre national park.
That’s right: Imagine hiking in Belize and trekking through the jungle just like Dora the Explorer (I won’t tell you watch that show). Then, instead of hiking back, you zip line through the jungle with a pro zip liner leading and using his machete to chop down overgrown segments, since it’s the jungle after all!
Make your way to hammocks for a quick nap, then get ready to gobble the fresh and local food onsite. We all know food is an important element of travel. However, when you’re traveling in a rainforest what should you expect?
Freshly caught rainforest red snapper served with a coconut curry sauce, homemade corn tortillas with refried beans, fresh fruit medley consisting of watermelon and papaya, and fry jacks — the list goes on. Reassured your food is sustainable if you’re dining at the Bocawina and cooked with love since everything is made fresh to order.
(For those traveling with food allergies, this is a huge plus because you’ll have more options since no items are prepared the day before.)
Keep in mind it’s not recommended to drink the tap water in Belize. But, this rainforest resort made it extremely easy to re-hydrate. Throughout the premise they had several giant 5 gallon size water containers that contained drinking water and hand washing water.
Thus, bring your hydroflask and refill at one of the many stations, or head to the dining area to grab a glass of their fruit-infused water. Seriously, it was the best infused water I’ve ever had, with orange cinnamon being the favorite flavored water of choice.
What should you pack for a rainforest resort vacation?
Planning a trip to jungle? Here are a couple items I recommend packing:
- Deet-free Mosquito Repellent
- Sun block
- Chapstick
- Hydroflask
- Head lamp
- Long sleeve and light weight active gear (this will also protect you against mosquitos)
What are the biggest rainforests in the world?
One of the most unique things about rainforests is that they can span multiple countries, similar to a mountain range. The untamed wilderness crosses boundaries and creates borders making it hard to know how many rainforests exist around the world. This explains why rainforests are categorized by their size and type.
Known as “the lungs of the world”, the biggest jungle is the Amazon Rainforest. It’s a tropical rainforest that spans 2.72 million square miles across much of South America. This includes: Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, Bolivia, and French Guiana.
While the Amazon is the most well-known rainforest, there are many others that try to match its monostrous size. Right after the Amazon is the:
- Congelese Rainforest
- New Guinea Rainforest
- Valdivian Temperate Rainforest
- Heart of Borneo
Take a hefty invisible scroll down the rest of the list and you’ll find the Mayflower Bocawina National Park located in Belize. Although it’s 7000 acres in size, don’t let the size fool you. The beauty tucked away at this pristine tropical jungle amazed us daily.
What other rainforest are worth visiting in Belize?
We absolutely loved our stay at the Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures, but there are a couple other rainforest destinations.
Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve
Down the road from the rain forest resort is the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve. It’s home to the only jaguar preserve in the world. Here you’ll also find other animals like black howler-monkeys, parrots, and more.
Sarstoon-Temash National Park
Another beautiful jungle to add to your Belize adventure bucketlist is Sarstoon-Temash National Park. Bordering Guatamela, this national park is located in the southernmost part of Belize. Since the park’s location is extremely remote, it’s the dwelling spot for many rare animals such as the white-faced capuchin monkey.
Moho River
Additionally, if you’re a huge fan of water, a trip to the Moho River is guaranteed to spark some water wanderlust. This emerald river starts in the Toledo district. Then, meanders through the lush jungles of Southern Belize ending in the Caribbean Sea.
More beautiful rainforest resorts to stay at in Belize
Rainforest resort: Copal Tree Lodge
- Price: $$
- TripAdvisor: 4.8
- Location: Punta Gorda
Another beautiful eco-friendly property, equipped with a sustainable farm is Copal Tree Lodge. Also, here you’ll find a spa, excursions for snorkeling or fishing, and a sweeping seascape of the Caribbean sea.
Rainforest Resort: Gaia Riverlodge
- Price: $$
- TripAdvisor: 5.0
- Location: Cayo
If you’re craving picturesque views of jungle and ocean from the mountaintop, then consider booking a room at Gaia Riverlodge. This highly rated property is one of the dreamiest resorts to stay at in Belize. It’s even equipped with secluded cabanas, intimate spas, and offers freshly prepared meals with ingredients hand-picked from the garden.
Rainforest resort: Parrot Nest Lodge
- Price: $
- TripAdvisor: 4.5
- Location: San Igancio
Besides the Bocawina Resort, if you’re looking for more Tarzan and Jane treetop vibes — try the Parrot Nest Lodge. It’s a family-run hotel in San Ignacio close to the Mayan ruins, Cahal Pech.
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