We wanted to visit Central America, chose Belize at random, and found Mopan River Resort online among several other lodges in Belize. We looked at all the possibilities and chose Mopan River
Resort based on the reviews we read. We thought we'd found a place that wasn't touristy, but a part of the real life of the country.

Little did we know we had found a rare gem, a meticulously constructed intimate place of almost perfect hospitality. The physical spot is 10 acres of lush tropical gardens separated from the small town of Benque Viejo del Carmen by the Mopan River, twelve gorgeous thatched cabanas with private verandas, each with a view of the river and each with polished hardwood floors and walls, vibrant colors, nice artwork.

The cabanas are private, modern and stylish, impeccably clean, air-conditioned, and with well stocked refrigerators. The resort is small, capacity of only 25 guests, but often has 12-18 guests at a time, which is part of the charm.

The place attracts travelers who are serious about their travel, interesting and congenial, who make fine travel companions. Each evening over dinner and delicious drinks, especially the Banana Velvets, we swapped stories and exchanged email addresses.

The 25-30 staff members (more staff than guests!) have been with the resort for years, are highly knowledgeable, competent, and friendly. The kitchen has been honored by Gourmet magazine. The kitchen staff takes classes in new cuisine, is adventurous and accomplished, and shines as they present a different international buffet each evening.

The gift shop prides itself on finding high quality local arts and crafts. There are carvings in hardwood and slate, textiles, lots of color and texture, even a Banana Velvet kit to take home!

The guides, especially Victor, are knowledgeable and fun companions. Each day's activity took us to an interesting adventure, a cave or a Mayan city or a botanical garden or a butterfly farm or a Mennonite community. White water kayaking on the Mopan, canoeing in the Barton Creek Cave, cave-tubing, ziplining at Jaguar Paw, finding the beautiful carvings of Jose Magana in Sa'k Tunich, San Antonio, each was exceptional. The Che Chem Hah cave tour showing 2300 year old Mayan pottery led by young Mayan farmer William was extraordinary, and usually available only to guests of Mopan River Resort.

We shopped at the San Ignacio market, the best in Belize, found carvings by Beto Mejia and CDs of wonderful Garifuna music of legends like Andy Palacio and Aurelio Martinez and Paul Nabor whose production studio Stonetree Records is just across the river in Benque Viejo del Carmen!

Our hosts are Kim and Ron Chysler from Edmonton, Alberta. They have taken the helm from Jay and Pam as of October, 2007.
The transition has been seamless as they've kept the staff virtually intact and have the same vision of providing their guests exceptional hospitality in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

They have recently purchased an additional 80 acres of surrounding forested land with the intention of establishing hiking trails, bird watching stations, possibly even their own zip line through the upper canopy ...all of which will add even more to the feeling of luxury and abundance.

The pool with its waterfall, the massage services, the 20 ft tall bird watching tower, the wedding chapel, the lush gardens with their coconut palms and banana trees, the little red boat that took us across the river each day to the waiting air-conditioned van...each part made the overall experience magical.

In our 40 years of travel all over the world, this place is the best single destination we've found. It has avoided any hint of being touristy, feels completely authentic to its location, pampers its guests with every pleasure, is commited to high levels of excellence in service. It provides an amazing array of activities each day, but is flexible in what it offers guests and can accommodate requests.

We discovered on arrival that TripAdvisor.com has ranked this all-inclusive resort as number 2 in the world based on the reports of its guests!

In addition to its high ranking, when we costed out the services provided, it is an astonishing bargain. You simply could not duplicate these services at its prices.

This is a place you must not miss.