So you know our expectations, my Sister and I were looking for a secluded place, away from the typical busy resorts where we could lay on a nice beach by beautiful water, eat good food, get good service and stay in a nice place. That was our main goal for our week. We also wanted to take in some snorkling, a massage and 1 day into town for shopping and site-seeing. Robert's Grove execeded our expectations. It is beautiful, secluded and private and only a short cab ride into town.
Belize is a short flight, only 2 hours and direct from Dallas. Once we arrived at the airport in Belize City, we moved fairly quickly through customs and made our way to Maya Island gate to check in for our quick flight to Placencia. If you are physically able to and can manage your own, steer clear of the baggage handlers. I highly recommend spending the money for the flight to Placencia as opposed to taking a bus, due to the poor road conditions and the time it would take to get there. Upon arrival to the airport in Placencia, our driver scooped up our bags and put them into the Ford Excursion, gladly offered us bottled water and we were off to the Inn. We arrived 15 or 20 minutes later. There was no language barrier here as most of the staff, and local merchants for that matter, spoke English pretty well. Check in was a breeze and quickly taken to our room. We needed help adjusting the temperature in our room and after a call to the front desk, help arrived promptly and took care of it. From our front porch we could lay in the hammock and watch the sun rise. Incredible! The bed (king) was firm and comfy. We had a GREAT bathroom with a HUGE shower, lots of hot water. Our room was tastefully decorated and air conditioned. We had a small fridge to store the Belikin we had bought at the market. We were merely steps from the beach and one of the pools. They took great care in raking the seaweed on the beach every morning, so it was nice and clean. They offer many adventure trips besides snorkling/diving if you wish to do so. We did not fly fish, cave swim, do the wildlife sanctuary, Mayan ruins, kayaking or the mantee watching so I can not comment on those. You can do as little or as much as you like here. Our favorite spots were sunning on the pier where we could take refuse from the sun under the shade in a hammock and still be right on top of the water or lounging at the infinity pool with the swim up bar to enjoy our new favorite drinks, a lime swizzler or always ice cold local brew, Belikin. Both are quite tasty and I highly recommend them! They just seem to taste better by the water!
We arrived just before the poolside buffet and party. There was a large variety of meats, fish and prawns with mostly local sides for fare and all you care to eat. We enjoyed the dinner very much. Afterward, local drummers provided fun entertainment. Every evening, we sipped happy hour at the cabana by the pool, with fresh quacamole and margherita pizza. We enjoyed breakfast and morning coffee with an incredible view of the ocean. This is also where we ate most of our dinners. Not an overly large menu for dinner, but everything we ate was good and fresh. The bartenders stopped serving when everyone was finished drinking. We did not include meal plans on this trip, but I think next time I will. The breakfast buffet was wonderful, with fresh pineapple and local fruits as well as fresh breads and pastries. They also offer a nice menu for other breakfast items as well. Everything we tried, we liked. For lunch or dinner, we loved Habeneros, their mexican restaurant which is a quick walk across the road. This is also where their marina is and where you will go for dive/snorkle trips. The bartenders, both there and at the bars at the inn were friendly and make whatever you like! Ricky was our favorite. The snorkle trip was amazing. I can see why their dive shop have received so many accolades and recommendations. Our original trip was delayed 2 days due to the sea conditions so if you plan to do this, plan early in case of rough sea weather. The morning we took our trip, we walked across the road to their marina and were shown what equipment we needed and how to use it if that was our first time to snorkle. Our boat was nice and the crew even better! We enjoyed the hour or so trip to Ranguana Caye, their private island. We snorklers got off here and then the divers were taken to their destination after, (which we heard was also well worth the $). Our first trip around the reef was incredible. We spotted a few whale sharks and our guide even picked up a starfish and brought it to me to hold! After our first swim, we enjoyed a tasty b-b-q lunch of chicken, mixed cheeses and fruit. We walked the entire length of the island and it truly was paradise. Roberts Grove has private quarters here if you are interested in total seclusion. These are unlike the rooms at the inn and are much more rustic.
We ventured into Placencia village one day for shopping, a stroll down the main walk and gelato at Tutti Frutti, one of the only spots we found with A/C! We went back one night for some fun music at the Typsy Tuna.
They gym, I feel, was our only disappointment. The room took a while to cool and the equipment was a bit dated, but it did work and we used it .
If you are looking for a very quiet, beautiful place to relax and be surrounded by beautiful water, this is it. We had wonderful service here and everyone, including the locals, were very friendly. If you are looking to be in a crowded, bustling resort with people every where you look, this isn't it. We went home unwillingly, but relaxed, refreshed and anxious to return.