Gaia Riverlodge

What People are saying

Wonderful experience!

CLHSRNAon 06/11/2017 02:08

I was very hesitant to book a hotel that lacks the usual amenities of in-room AC, TVs and WiFi. However, we are SO HAPPY we took a leap of faith because this was an amazing vacation! We booked the Reef & Rainforest Package (look it up and book it!) so we spent the first 3 nights of our week in Belize at Gaia. Every staff member and travel guide was incredible. They are all so friendly, remember your name and treat you like family. They are all a huge asset to Gaia.

The property is remote and I loved living off the grid for a few days. It is a nice break from the stress of what is going on in the world. However, if you just can't break up with your smartphone for a few days, they do offer WiFi in the main bar/dining area.

The food...delicious! They have their own organic garden and it shows in the food. The portions are insanely large so plan to share a meal. I was stuffed for my entire stay. They also have a fully stocked bar with some fun bartenders to keep you entertained. We especially loved Derby (sp).

I've taken time to read the negative reviews of this place and I think they are all ridiculous. Gaia is very straight forward with letting you know what to expect during your stay. Yes, the ride is bumpy but they let you know that in an email prior to your arrival and the drivers are very good at navigating. I never felt unsafe. Yes, the mosquitos have a strong presence but they let you know to bring bug spray. And you're in the rainforest so... We never had bugs in our room as there are screens all over the hut windows and doors. The waterfall and natural pools make for great entertainment for the day (along with awesome day trips) and the bar, a good book, card games and fun travel buddy make for nightly entertainment.

Overall, we highly recommend this place and will definitely be back. Belize has so much to offer and we just couldn't fit it all in with only 7 days.

Amazing resort, great service.

Nikko_Traveleron 03/11/2017 18:46

I can not speak any higher of this place, it was my favorite part of our trip to Belize.
The rooms are amazing, no air conditioning but a big fan and blinds for open windows.
The food was really good, the path down to the river was fun but not for the out of shape or weak, but the best part was the service...by far.
The “Modern Mayans” are just the best!
We took the excursion to the cave kayaking and ziplining...awesome!

Amazing lodge and stay

Tori Jon 03/10/2017 16:51

Gaia river lodge is nestled in the jungles of the Cayo district of Belize. We had an amazing 4 day trip at the end of the busy season. There were limited people at the resort but made for an excellent stay. The guest rooms are well appointed and comfortable. The two room villa was amazing, very borders and had all necessary necessities. It situated in a very private setting along the river. The meals provided were very tasty local and international meals. The staff were amazingly friendly. Overall a great stay and I would highly recommend!
Stamp and Explore
#touristde242

Beautiful surroundings, very friendly and efficient staff

Gwynnie Gon 16/08/2017 18:25

You were our first hotel of four in Belize and the best!

We stayed in "Palm" between the 26th and the 31st of August 2017 .

We were first so impressed with the beautiful river, lodges and grounds but, as our stay progressed we realised how hard the staff work to make everything just right for the guests.

Every small concern is anticipated and dealt with immediately and discreetly. Just before an excursion I popped one of the towels brought for us in my bag as I thought we would be carrying them ourselves. By the time we had walked 3 minutes to the car an extra towel was provided as someone had thought we were short one. I am full of admiration for such a tight, thoughtful and efficient staff group.

We loved that staff were friendly and willing to share their personalities and local knowledge. We greatly appreciated that the gardener took time from his busy day to spend time chatting and showing just one guest around his garden. The barman Derby spoke about the Costa Maya festival we might be able to attend from our next hotel. Reception heard I was keen to watch birds but had no binoculars so lent me a pair for the duration of my stay, they were also very patient and industrious with our changing activity whims. Staff were always prompt and courteous if we wished to use the tram and our room was kept spotlessly clean with wonderful towel and flower sculptures. Of course the food and bar drinks we enjoyed were of a very high standard with the staff quickly noting our preferences and providing them unprompted (even the ice cream sandwich for my friend's breakfast! ).

The most impressive service was tracking us down to our next hotel and phoning to say we had left a purse in our room safe. I was enjoying Belize so much I had not realised it was missing but your staff recognised the importance as it contained cash, my driving licence and a credit card. A member of the team delivered it to our next hotel in San Pedro, many hours journey away by hand, and it was waiting safely on our arrival.

Best Activities:

- Swimming in the river just under the waterfalls is beautiful. Lots of sun loungers, hammocks and shade. You can have your lunch and drinks served here and can choose to travel up and down between the lodge and falls by steps or by the tram which you can call by the radio supplied.

- If you're interested in food/gardening the gardener, who supplies 75% of the hotel's needs, will show you round his organic garden and explain the tricks of the trade.

- Ride the complementary bikes 20 minutes to Big Rock Falls, descend the perilous steps and swim in large, deep pools under a big, powerful waterfall. Lovely locals consoled us with rum when it started to rain!

- ATM cave tour - powerful and amazing trip into Mayan history, don't miss it. Pretty strenuous and a little scary but the guides look after you well and keep you safe.

- Caracol Tour - Massive palace surrounded by jungle and acres of excavated and unexcavated ruins, uncrowded, atmospheric.

Incredible honeymoon stay

katequeueon 28/07/2017 13:49

Our stay at Gaia was incredible. We did the Reef and Rainforest honeymoon package, and started with our first three nights at Gaia. Everything was arranged for us, starting with airport pickup and including a welcome drink, all of our activities arranged for our stay, a tour of the resort, and incredibly friendly and helpful staff. We had a waterfall view cabana that was very quaint, with turn down service every night. The view was incredible. I felt like every staff member was so attentive to our needs, so friendly, answering all of our questions throughout our stay...it was truly the best vacation I have ever been on. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.