We wanted to go somewhere 'off the beaten path' for a delayed honeymoon and boy did we get an unique experience that we will never forget!
We were prepared (well kind of...) for the creepy crawlies that living in the jungle would bring, expected to experience solitude (no TV or cellphones) from staying in a remote area, and were prepared to shed our 'city shells' for something different for our vacation but did not expect to have such a personal and heart felt experience thanks to a large part to the fantastic staff at the lodge (including Buddy the dog and Mr. Miss the cat) and the locals/guides who welcomed us into their lives (and did I mention the food?).
Every day was an eye opener for us, bringing a new adventure (e.g. swimming in a cave, making chocolate, learning about organic farming, visiting mayan ruins, horse riding) and food for thought about things we take for granted living in the US. We left with some great memories, a few mossie bites, new friendships and an renewed appreciation for the simple things in life. Keep up the great work Cotton Tree!

It is rare that one finds such genuine hospitality - the staff is incredible! The property is authentic and nature friendly. (The lodges were actually built by hand with materials from the jungle.) The adventures and excursions offered are wonderful and exciting. You really learn about the culture and the mysteries of the jungle, while you are having a great time and enjoying the beautiful scenery. I spent 4 nights, and it wasn't nearly enough! I look forward to a return visit. I am in the travel business, and I would absolutely, positively recommend the Cotton Tree Lodge as a unique and special experience! My gratitude to the staff , other guests, and locals for a wonderful vacation! Tonja Niemi

My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon in Belize and I was so excited about our stay at the Cotton Tree that this review was one of my first orders of business upon our return.

Cotton Tree makes a rain forest adventure accessible for anyone. The accommodations are five star (such attention to detail!), yet still rustic. The service is outstanding without being stuffy. Great care is taken to make guests feel both safe and cared for at all times. The staff members are all so open and knowledgeable -- during one of our field trips I literally felt like I was in a classroom with everyone asking questions of the tour guide and getting excited about learning about Belize and its people. This is definitely a place for the curious traveler who wants to be 100% engaged in their surroundings.

From the owner, to the kitchen staff, to the tour guides, to the other guests, everyone we encountered was just plain good people. Smart, kind and fun to spend time with. One of my favorite things was sharing communal meals and having the opportunity to get to know the other guests.

Cotton Tree is a very special place. If you have the means, get there. If you almost have the means, put it on a credit card and go anyway. You won't be sorry.

(If you are thinking of splitting your time between different destinations in Belize, I would just keep it simple and spend your whole stay at Cotton Tree. We visited Caye Caulker before heading down to PG and I would have happily traded that for an extra day at Cotton Tree.)

The boat ride to Cotton Tree Lodge was spectacular! What a thrill!! I can say that I had never before been in a boat in the middle of the ocean with my luggage in tow. Everyone at Cotton Tree is especially nice and helpful. I mean it when I say that I believe the best people in Belize work there! We toured the beautiful grounds, explored a Mayan ruin, hiked into a wet cave, learned to make chocolate, braved a night in the jungle lodge, swam under a waterfall, went dancing at the local disco in PG, and to Pastor Sanchez's church in Boom Creek for a wonderful Sunday service. The absolutely BEST part of the entire trip was the friendships we made with the people we met while there. Just as Belize has a diverse and beautiful landscape, the people are equally diverse and lovely. What a rich history and culture as well as a willingness to share that with visitors. The Belize exchange rate is two bz dollars to one US but no one told me that time is on that equivalent as well! In such a natural, beautiful setting without the distractions of our modern hectic life, I had time to enjoy and discover a place that will forever be close to my heart. I can’t wait to go back!