Gaia Riverlodge

Amazing location in the Pine Ridge highlands of Belize. At about 1,000 of elevation, the lodge averages about 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding area. The views down into the river valley are stunning and the pool at the base of the falls is great for cooling off. We can’t say enough about the staff, who took care of our every need. Special shout out to Freddie - who made our dining experience superb, Darwin whose knowledge of the area made our excursions to local Mayan sites a treat and Calbert who not only paddeled us through cool local caves, but made our trip to the airport quick and painless. 10/10 would recommend.

This resort was really wonderful. Beautiful setting, impeccable service, nice variety of food options, including plenty of vegetarian choices and there was a great selection of tours both on the property and further away. Special shout out to Hector at the front desk, Freddie in dining and our guide Izzy. There is just one thing I’d point out to be aware of and that is there’s no air conditioning. We slept fine since it cooled off overnight, but after our tours when we were hot and sweaty it was a little tough to get showered without still being sweaty. But we liked this resort so much, that would not stop us from returning!

The GRL is set off the beaten track in an area of true beauty and “wilderness” The warmth of welcome from Hector and team set the tone for our fabulous stay. The lodge is comfortable and spotlessly clean and every member of staff we encountered was courteous, warm, knowledgable and skilled at their job. There is a friendly atmosphere of true relaxation. The kitchen garden is a must see, beautifully laid out and tended with care. It provides most of the fruit and veg for the hotel, and its sister hotel. The food was plentiful and delicious, served by enthusiastic and friendly staff, including the ever smiling Freddy. Drinks were also excellent, with a special hooray for the Gaia Chaya cocktail. We were treated to a cultural dinner one night, with host, Kobe, leading us through a culinary journey of discovery through the different regions of Belize. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Swimming in the cascades at the foot of the hotel was heavenly, and the little beach down there with its hammocks and loungers was perfect. The little tram hauled us back up the steep slope. Our cottage, Cascade, had everything we needed and was charming. The view from the balcony was spectacular and the sound of the waterfalls lulled us to sleep. The only small problem was that the shower was very weak. Housekeeping was superb and the room was kept spotless. We loved the different towel animals that were created each day. We walked up to Big Rock to see the waterfall. About 30mins each way. You can also cycle there We left the GRL rejuvenated and refreshed, with a better understanding of the cultures of Belize. A real treat for the soul, the senses, the mind and the tummy! Would highly recommend

I cannot say enough good things about our stay at Gaia. This was one of the best vacations we have ever been on and an absolutely incredible experience end to end. The hospitality, food, natural beauty, and tours all showcase the caliber of resort that Gaia represents. The photos absolutely do not to it justice. This is a boutique hotel gem with stunning panoramic views. We took full advantage of the activities here, including an incredible half day rainforest hike and cave exploration with Rudi as well as a self-guided quick run to the nearby Big Rock Falls with Coco, Gaia’s adorable lab, as our guide. The onsite waterfall at the bottom of the property is stunning and feels extremely secluded. We also had one of the best massages of our lives at Gaia, outside overlooking the waterfall. The service and meals we have had have been wonderful, with the produce grown onsite. The baked goods are exceptional, and there is nothing better than a quiet breakfast overlooking the rainforest after a fresh coffee delivered straight to your room to get the day started. Everything is made perfect by the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. This trip was the perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty, relaxation, and incredible hospitality. Run, don’t walk, to Gaia.

Such a beautiful property. Loved the river, cascades, "beach," restaurant, staff and guides. Very clean. Super comfy bed. No AC in our riverside cabana, but didn't need it in February. Ask for the Cascades cabana. Amazing views! You can also hike to another great waterfall from Gaia.

Where do I even start with this amazing Resort? Well we went in January and rented a car from the airport in Belize City and drove. We received great instruction from the lodge when they found out we were driving. The drive was great, and the last few miles are definitely rugged, and seemed to require a 4 wheel drive. When we arrived, we were greeted and taken to the check in. Wow! It’s like walking into paradise! We were greeted with a drink (with or without alcohol), and a warm wash cloth to freshen up. Simply amazing. We rented a two bedroom, river-view, as we were traveling with my sister and her husband. We were in awe of the surroundings, and the impeccable service. The river and jungle sounds made sleeping magical, and the walk from our cottage back to the lodge for breakfast was not for the weak, but was beautiful. (They will come pick you up if you call) This is a place you come to enjoy the surroundings. They have amazing excursion options and so many activities you can take part in. We opted to spend our time by the river. I have to take a moment to shout out some of the amazing people and food. Freddie and Hector are amazing and have such an attraction to detail! The food is farm to table, and was impeccable and delicious. We opted to eat in one night and they brought a gourmet meal right to our cottage, along with cocktails. So impressive! And we ate up at the lodge for the most amazing meal, with the view that is hard to explain how amazing it really was. Everyone should get to experience this at least once in a lifetime. We were even treated to a magic show by Christopher after dinner that was the perfect end to the perfect night!

Absolutely loved this hotel. Beautiful setting. Soothing sound of the waterfall every night. Fabulous staff and service. Felt totally pampered. Our excursions and guides were amazing. Food was outstanding. Swam in their waterfall. Highly recommend.

We spent three days at Gaia, a beautiful, small lodge nestled in the hills above San Ignacio. The room was beautiful and looked out over the waterfalls, the sounds of which lulled us to sleep. Dinner and drinks in the main lodge were excellent. We also went on an Intro to Birding tour in the morning, saw toucans and other birds and went on the tour of the garden which supplies fruits and veg to Gaia and to its sister resort in San Pedro. You can hike along the nature paths and walk down to the waterfall and chill out there (and take the funicular back up!). I was a bit worried that we were too far out of San Ignacio for first time visitors who were going to be out and about doing things like the ATM cave tour and visiting ruins, but the road is now almost entirely paved (only the last 10 mins are off road, and that section is graded). Gaia is better suited to those who want a few days in a beautiful luxury setting away from it all. But with our own rental car, we had the best of both worlds and left feeling refreshed by the greenery and water, the beauty of Gaia, and uniformly fantastic people who work there.

Nigel seems to set the tone of excellence- all the staff were excellent in their attention to details and our interactions were joyful - the spirit and focus on guest relations swirled around professionalism in all areas - the meals were exceptional- congratulations.