Wonderful stay at Hidden Valley on their huge private property. Great base to go to Caracol and explore other highlights in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forrest Reserve. Friendly and helpful staff. Wish that there was more flexibility on hours restaurant. (especially diner) and more options as on longer stay you might get bored with same offering. However this was picked up and in the end chef was very accommodating so definitely ask! If coming with your own vehicle the last bit getting there can be a challenge especially during the rainy season. There are no stores in the area so bring any special snacks you would like and fill up gas as also no gas station there. Would def stay there again. We did some of the hikes (bring mosquito repellent) and explored the property by car as well unlocking gates to hidden corners. Great waterfalls and swimming holes on the property and nearby. It was very quiet during our stay and good covid protocols. Could easily have stayed even longer than the 3n enjoying the peace and nature.

For anyone concerned about COVID safety, Belize has a strict mask mandate policy adhered to by locals and establishments and everyone we saw religiously followed it*

Service: overall service was wonderful- everybody was friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks to Misael and Gladnyss for reserving various excursions such as Xunantunich, Calico Jack’s and Cave Branch Outpost for us.

Trails: We booked the half-day hiking property tour with one of their guidwes, Marvin. Marvin was knowledgeable, great fun and had the best personality and disposition. He has over 20 years of experience as a guide, provided us with an answer to every possible question and included many fun stories. The half day tour provided us with highlights of the property including 5 extraordinary waterfalls/ vistas. We also did Cascade Trail by ourselves the following day which was a real treat with dozens of pools and bridges and lots of opportunities for dips and swims.

Accommodations: With only twelve cottages it feels like you’re staying at someone’s private ranch estate. From the floral decorated welcome on the beds to the serene yoga platforms and pool on the property, Hidden valley thought of every detail.

Food: The presentation was beautiful, the quality was delicious and fresh and they were always willing to make changes to the menu for us. Special thanks to Kendra, our server, for impeccable attentiveness.

Overall: what makes this place so special is the access to 90 miles of trails in a spectacular setting which accommodates all levels of hiking skills.

This is our third visit to Hidden Valley. Although we have a huge "bucket list" of places in the world we want to visit, all I could think of as we were driving away was- when would we be back? The staff are so very friendly and accommodating, bringing us a fabulous lunch to Secret Falls (twice), making us their favorite cocktails and giving us the recipes, decorating our rooms upon arrival with plants/flowers spelling out "welcome back". Truly amazing attention to detail everywhere on the property. Although, sadly for them, we were the only ones staying there during our time, there were fresh flowers everywhere and they didn't skimp on the meals AT ALL! They willingly made a special dessert request to celebrate a family event and, when I asked how they made their tortillas so light and airy, they texted us the recipe and invited me into the kitchen to make one. Gladness and Chris, the managers, are wonderful- friendly and welcoming. They arranged COVID testing for our U.S. return, and arranged an excursion to the Crystal Caves even though no one was going there yet after COVID (our guide said we were his first cave tour in 1 year). The real star of Hidden Valley is the waterfalls. To swim at 3 different, absolutely beautiful waterfalls, with blue morpho butterflies flying around, with NOONE else there- the feeling is indescribable. If you don't mind some bug bites (bring bug repellent spray), you don't mind a little adventure getting there and getting around the property (they will drive you around property if you wish), and you aren't looking for crowds and night life--- well, then I think you'll find that Hidden Valley is truly paradise. At least to me. Our 2 children have been on all 3 trips from ages 6/8 to now 15/17 and they agree. So go and enjoy!!