We found the Hamanasi resort to be very friendly and accomodating. We spent several days in the Cayo district beforehand visiting Mayan ruins and participating in other activities like cave tubing. We would highly recommend this arrangement so that the time at Hamanasi can be spent relaxing. Its location is not the best for these Mayan site adventures (a long 3 hr drive on bad roads each way). The snorkeling and diving are top notch at Hamanasi! We are not divers but would suggest that you consider getting certified beforehand or at the hotel (if you are at all inclined). The guides are amazing...snorkeling along with you and pointing out all sorts of wonders you would never see on your own. The snorkeling trip consists of 2 or 3 explorations before heading back to shore (20min boat ride - they have 2 of their own boats onsite). The pool area is gorgeous but this is not really the place for relaxing by the pool all day and ordering food/drinks (like at a big resort). Hamanasi life is more geared to daily activities that usually finish by 1pm, just in time for lunch on the porch. The afternoon can be spent by the pool, riding bikes into Hopkins or perhaps a canoe trip up the river. Happy Hour (try the Belizean Sunset!) is fun but you do have to make some effort to meet other guests. The guests range in age from mid-20s to mid-60s...some are on their honeymoon, others are in groups of married couples. Not very many kids. Dinner is served with reservations every 1/2 hour. The food is good (choice of 3 or 4 main courses) but not the most amazing part of the hotel. The treehouses are very nice...almost too large (with an entire kitchen that you will never use). There are no TVs or phones. US cell phones do not work here. The locals are very friendly and eager to please...we felt completely safe (Hopkins has no crime). The beach area is clean, but again, this resort is more of a place to spend your day out on the gorgeous water!

My husband, Len, and I spent a week at Hamanasi towards the end of February. We were looking for a vacation that combined relaxing on the beach and by the pool with something a bit more energetic. Hamanasi was perfect. We opted for the package including all meals and up to five "adventures", and we considered it value for money.

As all the other reviewers have mentioned, the place itself is idyllic; we stayed in one of the treehouses, which turned out to be just finished as we arrived. Jan and Stephanie were really anxious for our feedback; I complimented Jan on the comfortable bed, and jokingly said that as I was short, I had to tak a running jump, it was so high. We arrived back from one of our adventures four or five hours later to find that maintenance had built a two-step stair to allow me to get into bed with dignity! This just epitomizes the unique Hamansi approach to caring for their guests.

We went kayaking, hiking, and snorkelling. All were very efficently and thoughtfully organized, although I do agree with another reviewer's assessment of the Mayflower hike being a 15 on a scale of 1-3 ( perhaps because, at 59, I'm a bit older than the average guest).

For myself, the snorkelling was the best part of the trip and I would go back again just to explore the barrier reef some more. Len is not a strong swimmer, and was apprehensive about trying snorkelling. But Neil, the guide, was so patient and encouraging that by the end of the outing Len was happily putting on his fins and jumping out of the boat to go swim with the barracuda.

It may not be ideal for younger people who can handle a frenetic nightlife and still get up at 7am to go diving - the bar is pretty much empty by nine oclock, nor would it be suitable for very young children who could not participate in the adventures. Otherwise, we would recommend Hamanasi to people of all ages who want an active vacation but who still need their creature comforts.

Dianne Prange
Chicago IL

My husband & I just celebrated our anniversary at Hamanasi . What a relaxing time...everything was warm & friendly, especially the staff...they took such good care of the guests...like family! The food, accomodations,diving & tours were also well done & most enjoyable.....What can i say ..it was GREAT...I want to go back..
S&K

Our visit to Hamanasi was altogether too short and we long to be back there at least once a week! The staff is beyond superb (they know your name the minute you enter the resort...very personal!), the facilities are beautiful (we stayed in a treehouse....gorgeous!) and the food is incredible (superb food, incredible candle-lit dinners with amazing ocean and sunset views)! We were hesitant to eat the fruits and drink the water due to our extensive reading on Belize, but rest assured, the food here is completely safe...and abundant! The staff make sure you have more than enough to eat, and it is ALL good! The tour guides are truly captivating with all their knowledge of the immediate area and the country in general. I would recommend Hamanasi to anyone, and have already done so with several friends!
Although the beach at Hamanasi is not "typical" of the Caribbean, once you get out into the ocean the blueish-green waters are stunning! The Belizean rainforests are amazing and the waterfalls are incredible!
If you want a place to dream about....visit Hamanasi...you won't be disappointed!