We vacationed in Belize to celebrate our 20th anniversary. The Green Parrot website suggested it was a relaxed accommodation for an ecotourism themed vacation away from the hectic commercialized resorts.

We found what what we were looking for in Belize and at the Green Parrot. Our rustic thatched roof cabana, named Parrot-house, was well suited for us. The open interior exposes the cabana's structure of unfinished mahogany wood framing, giving an airy feel suggestive of the "real" Central America. It's worth mentioning that while rustic, these beach houses and cabanas are well built structures that have withstood several hurricanes, including storm "Iris of 2001". Many structures on the Placencia peninsula did not survive storm Iris.

No AC here in the cabana, but the Casablanca fan along with the nightly Caribbean breeze provided all the cooling needed. Sleep came easily, with the quiet interrupted only by the sound of the nearby sea's waves and an occasional chirp from the native "barking" lizards (they're harmless and eat insects). The hammock on the porch was a cool spot to rest in the late afternoon with a cold draft Belikin in hand. Try resting in the hammock after sundown and you soon realize a stargazing paradise. The enclosed outdoor shower (complete with hot water) added to the rustic charm. Don't miss seeing a Caribbean sunrise from your cabana porch.

The staff of the Green Parrot deserves much thanks for their hospitality. Our cabana was cleaned spotless every morning. The beach was raked clean daily and the nicely planted with trees and flora were always being tended to.

Ruben and the rest of the restaurant staff could not have been more accommodating. We didn't have meals included in the reservation, but ended up eating most of them at the Green Parrot, because the food was so good -- the staff couldn't seem to do enough for you. We were NOT in any way pressured by staff to dine at the GP restaurant. An added plus is that Green Parrot unlike most other restaurants, including those in Placencia village, has draft beer.
Ruben does a terrific job at the bar whether drawing Belikin from the tap, or mixing the Green Parrot special, Pina Colada in a freshly opened coconut garnished with fresh fruit and bamboo umbrella - it's a real tropical treat.
In addition to regular Dinner menu which has plenty of variety, there were two different specials every night. Specials were usually dishes of local flavor, e.g., Belizean Stew Pork, grilled fish, coconut rice & shrimp. Note the regular menu includes north American cuisine like burgers and pizza, for the "not so adventurous." Breakfast was no disappointmnet either, freshly grown local fruit available daily, free percolated coffee ..don't miss the banana bread !
We had plenty of fun just talking to our waitresses, Gloria tended to all our dinner needs; while Darena took care of us at breakfast. From reading Plancia Breeze newspaper, we learned Darena was recently selected Garifuna Queen of Belize ( we were being waited on by very modest friendly royalty!!)
Don't miss taking time to talk to Belizeans, we found them to be warm sincere people. We felt safe everywhere in this country.

We did not arrange any tours in advance. Ruben & Leo took care of that after we arrived. We selected from available tours after chatting with other tourists and locals for advice. Though it's a long drive, the tour to Mayan ruins of Xunantunich is recommended. The drive thu central Belize allows you to see beautiful countryside, much of it is unspoiled and sparsely populated. For those like us who want to see wildlife (both flora and fauna) in vast areas of unspoiled habitat, Belize is the place.

The highlight of the entire vacation was Red Bank tour, which is not highly publicized and can be difficult to book unless there is party of 4 or more. Ruben along with our guide to Xunantunich, Zef, were able to accommodate just the two of us. Perhaps they sensed one of our passions, bird-watching. At Red Bank we saw the "holy grail" of bird watching, Scarlet Macaw birds flocking to this mountain in the rain forest to feed on fruit of Pole Wood trees. Since this tour left before sunrise & before the restaurant opened; a most thoughtful Ruben had breakfast boxed up, to go on our early morn tour; we couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. Don't miss Red Bank tour if you get there during the season of the Red Macaw; note it can be a challenging hike up a steep mountain, but well worth it !!

Being eco friendly, the GP is not the place if you're looking for nightclubs, casinos, bright lights or cruise-ship type atmosphere.
The Green Parrot is a small resort, run and managed by warm and caring staff in a location off the more traveled path.
Warning hurry here as it appears modern "development" is on the way!! During daytime we could hear many construction vehicles running on the gravel coastal road. Hopefully some of this paradise, including the Green Parrot and the immediate nearby areas can be spared.