Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge: A Luxurious and Sustainable Escape in Belize’s Maya Mountains

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I’ve stayed in luxury hotels around the world and have loved many, but my recent stay at Hidden Valley Wilderness Resort in the Maya Mountains of Belize introduced me to a completely different kind of luxury—one I’d describe as deeply nourishing, both for body and soul, as well as for the environment and the community it sustains.

We stayed at Hidden Valley as guests with no obligation to share—but it was simply too good to keep to ourselves.

This was one of those profound travel experiences that not only fills you up but also gives back. Hidden Valley is a non-profit resort created to sustain its surrounding preserve and local communities, which made it an easy and meaningful yes for us.

Here’s our honest review of Hidden Valley Wilderness Resort and what we liked about it…

Pristine wilderness setting

Tucked away on 7,200 acres of private forest reserve in Belize’s picturesque Maya Mountains, Hidden Valley Resort in Belize truly lives up to its name.

Once hidden from my travel radar, it’s now one of my all-time favorite discoveries. This vast wilderness area, owned and lovingly stewarded by Belize’s Roe family for four generations, boasts over 100 miles of hiking trails, breathtaking private waterfalls, and an abundance of local flora and fauna.

Originally a logging area, the Roe family purchased the Hidden Valley Reserve after a devastating pine beetle epidemic in 2001, transforming it into a thriving conservation project dedicated to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation.

The reserve is one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered Orange-breasted Falcon and a prime birdwatching destination, with over 300 species recorded on-site.

Other wildlife spotted in its preserve are ocelots, howler monkeys, armadillos, and even jaguars –  but don’t fret, they’re rarely seen and no attacks have been recorded in Belize. 

The best thing about the preserve is its nature – it’s also home to breathtaking waterfalls, secluded forest trails, and scenic viewpoints stretching across to nearby Guatemala.

As a guest of the lodge, you get private access to all of this to explore on your own, or with one of the resort’s expert guides.

Beautiful weather

Belize has a year-round subtropical climate, which means it’s always warm, sunny, and humid. While this is a big draw for people to Belize, the stiffling heat can get a bit much.

So, you’ll be happy to know that at 2,300 ft elevation, Hidden Valley enjoys a cool, refreshing climate year-round, whilst still soaking in that Belize sunshine, making anytime the perfect time to visit.

During the “winter” months (high season), temperatures dip a little lower, but cozy fireplaces in the villas and firepits around the property keep things warm and inviting.

We visited in July, Belize’s hot and wet season, and were pleasantly surprised. The heat wasn’t overbearing, and we didn’t experience any rain (the heaviest rains typically come in September and October).

For us, traveling in the off-season was perfect—fewer crowds, better rates, and the same unforgettable experiences.

Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is the ultimate in sustainability

I mentioned earlier that Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge has eco-friendly efforts and sustainability practices, and this is what sets it apart from other lodges.

Let’s look at some facts worth praising Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge for. Its commitment to nourishing land, culture and community are one thing, and they’re not faking it with their sustainable, eco-friendly labels.

• 100% plastic free from the villas to the kitchen and everything in between
• 90% solar powered
• All wooden furniture made by local Mayan family
• All stone soured within 15-mile radius
• All food sourced within a 15-mile radius. Everything you eat tells the story of local culture and seasons.
• Soap products and mosquito repellant are used, are made by locals and they are divine without nasty chemicals added in.
• The area is carefully managed to preserve its fragile ecosystems, with low-impact tourism, reforestation efforts, and active wildlife monitoring forming part of the reserve’s mission
• When asked if we could fly the drone, we were politely declined due to the rare birds flying around that need to be protected. Best drone rejection ever!

And, equally important for sustainability, staff here are paid living wages and taken care of with accommodation (when needed) and meals.

Every staff member we encountered, authentically shared how much they loved the reserve, the lodge, their job and the company’s mission.

It’s a perfect example of how when you take care of people, and involve them in important missions, they embody that mission and transfer that joy and light to the people they come into contact with.

I do believe Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is THE example of eco tourism done right. I feel honored that life magically guided us to it, so we can share it with our community and further afield. I get to choose the words I write in this post, and I would not say this if I did not believe it.

Accommodation designed with authentic Maya Charm

No matter your travel style or number of people in your travel party, Hidden Valley has an accommodation type to match, all of which reflect authentic Belizean craftsmanship and style.

• Family Cottage: Thoughtfully designed on-room cottage for families, equipped with queen bed and elevated loft-style twin. This would have been perfect for us when we traveled with our girls when they were younger. Rooms also come with kids’ robes!
• Garden Cottage: Ideal for two, with recently updated bathrooms, spa amenities, wood-burning fireplaces and sitting area.
• Estate Cottages: Spacious two-level lodgings with screened-in patios, hammocks, luxurious bathrooms featuring claw-foot tubs and outdoor waterfall showers. Perfect for connecting family rooms.

The following accommodation types were built in 2023 and designed for ultimate luxury and connection to nature.

• Fire Tower: This unique adult only recreated fire tower retreat is perfect for romance with stunning 360-degree views – hello sunrise and sunset in your private patio, and a kitchenette.  
• Valley View Villas: There are two villas both with spectacular views and private amenities such as private patio with jungle views and heated plunge pool, indoor/outdoor showers, screened in porch, and bedrooms open to the jungle. We had a two-bedroom one. See below.
• Wilderness Rooms: Set apart for privacy, these accommodations come with their own property manager, private trails, butler kitchen, and one with a private waterfall and swimming hole!!! 

Let’s look at our Valley View Villa

We fell in love with our Valley View Villa the moment we stepped inside. The open-plan kitchen and living room flowed onto a screened porch with sweeping jungle views and a hammock dividing the space.

Just outside: a private patio with lounge chairs, a heated plunge pool, outdoor shower, and those endless Maya Mountain views all to yourself.

The primary bedroom shared the same views and featured a spa-like bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers. A second bedroom wing—complete with its own entrance, luxury bathroom, and screened porch with hammock—was perfect for giving our teen girls their own retreat.

The villa also had wood-burning fireplaces, a fully stocked coffee station, a large, filtered water station, daily refilled cookie jar, and bottled sodas in the fridge (yes, Sprite in a glass bottle!). While we never cooked thanks to the incredible on-site restaurants, these little touches made the space feel like home.

We also loved the turn down service, mostly for the messages left on our pillows, which shared our some of our attendant’s favorite like the vanilla jungle spice latte and the Cascade Trail, what not to forget (bug oil) and what we had to look forward tomorrow, but also for the little bedtime story on the back that related to Maya folklore. I’ve never encountered such a thoughtful and intentional housekeeping service before.

Some of our favorite moments were swimming in the plunge pool, meditating with the sunrise, watching the birds flying overhead (and unsuccessfully searching for jaguars) and enjoying breakfast from room service on our last morning. A private sunset dinner here would be unforgettable too.

Exceptional dining that celebrates Belizean flavors

Farm-to-table dining is not a trend here, it’s a lifestyle. The way it’s always been. Hidden Valley will take you on a culinary journey through Maya culture and tradition, that has been elevated with more modern influences and global cooking techniques.

This is a no-barcode experience with every produce used organically sourced within a 15-mile radius.

Leave the lobster on the Cayes; you won’t miss it as you bite into delicious local dishes made from chicken, grass fed beef, pork, lamb and vegetables you may never have heard of, but will soon love.

Belizean celebrity Chef Sean Kuylen, leads the kitchen and food team, creating dishes that promotes the use of indigenous, wild and traditional foods that have been harvested and prepared for generations, preserving ecological and cultural knowledge

I love how intentional everything is at Hidden Valley to honor local tradition and stories. You’ll find that in all their culinary offerings.

And since its Maya cuisine almost every dish is gluten free or can be made so.

Sap: The lodge’s casual spot for breakfast & lunch

Sap, located inside the main lodge, is the resort’s go-to casual restaurant for breakfast and lunch. It’s named after the hardwood tree used throughout the property, including the countertop of the indoor rum bar.

Fittingly, the breakfast menu is called The Chachalaca’s after the local bird known for its loud morning call.

Breakfast here is a treat. The girls loved the Belizean beignets, while I became obsessed with the Pirix Pa’ak—a flavorful scramble of tomato, callaloo (similar to spinach), and habanero, served with Maya corn tortillas, black beans, plantain, and crema.

I can’t even begin to describe how good those tortillas and black beans are—completely unlike any you’ve had elsewhere.

Lunch offers plenty of authentic choices like enchiladas, garnaches, empanadas, and salbutes. My personal favorites? The lamb salbutes and the cochinita pibil.

The girls loved their crispy, fried chicken tortas! Fresh, flavorful, and made with care—Sap is absolutely the place to be for daytime dining at Hidden Valley.

Slate: an evening dining experience to remember

People will travel to Hidden Valley just for dinner at Slate, the resort’s more formal covered outdoor restaurant surrounded by lush gardens and a cozy firepit (kids will love the post-dinner s’mores!).

The menu focuses on shareable tasting plates—perfect for sampling Belize’s diverse flavors. True to its name, meals are served on locally sourced slate, just 15 miles from the property.

We dined here twice—once at the high tops with sweeping jungle views, and again at the bar to watch Chef Jeshua and his team cook over a clay fogón crafted by Maya Yucatec women of the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative. Every dish felt like a story of Maya culture and tradition brought to life.

Highlights for our family included:

• Tamalito with chicken and charred cauliflower with raw honey – even Savannah, our picky eater, devoured these.
• Pork rib bites with mango habanero sauce and the ever-present black bean hummus – Kalyra’s favorites. (We loved the hummus so much it became a recurring favorite across meals.)
• Sticky ginger pudding – so good, Kalyra resisted sharing.
• Maja Blanca con dulce de papaya – my gluten-free treat, a traditional rice pudding spiced and warming.
• Other standouts: pork ceviche (using local meat since seafood isn’t nearby) and a grilled tomahawk pork chop with papaya butter and sweet potato.

What we missed (and will return for): the Maya shaman experience, where a pig is roasted underground in the traditional Hueco Pibil style for 15+ hours, accompanied by a blessing from a local shaman. It happens only on select nights—and we missed it by two!

Slate isn’t just dinner—it’s culture, community, and culinary artistry woven into one unforgettable meal.

Chef’s Table at La Cocina

If you can, don’t miss the Chef’s Table experience at La Cocina, set beside a wood-burning fogón with views over the pool and main lodge.

This intimate dinner celebrates Yucatan Maya-inspired cuisine with dishes like garnaches, black recado salbutes, and chicken mole with plantainsm – each dish prepared in front of us with Chef Jeshua talking us through each dish, its cultural significance, and how it’s made.

We even learned about the playful debate between northern and southern Maya over whether ketchup belongs on garnaches. (My stance? NEVER ruin good food with ketchup! #TeamSouth).

One of the highlights was getting hands-on—Chef Joshua guided me through making tortillas, sharing the traditional tips and techniques passed down through generations.

We were also treated to innovative creations, like Chef Jeshua’s entry for the upcoming Taste of Belize competition: a traditional Maya soup reimagined with shrimp and French influence, enriched with butter, olives, raisins, and capers introduced by the Spanish. It was absolutely delicious.

Dessert was equally memorable—an elote brûlée topped with caramel popcorn, a playful fusion of French and Maya traditions.

Another standout was the chaya dip, bubbling hot from a molcajete and topped with chorizo negro.

Think of it as a Maya twist on spinach dip but made with the native chaya leaf to honor local ingredients. The philosophy here is clear: celebrate Belizean flavors, not imported ones.

What truly elevated the evening was Chef Jeshua himself—sharing stories of his childhood following his grandmother around the kitchen, and his mission to preserve and spread Maya culinary traditions worldwide.

His passion shines through every dish. By the end of the night, I had no doubt: Mayan cuisine belongs among my top five favorite cuisines in the world.

La Cocina also doubles as a culinary classroom, where guests can learn hands-on techniques with traditional tools like the mano y metate grinding stone. Beyond the Chef’s Table, it’s a place where food becomes a living story of culture, heritage, and connection.

Picnic by a private waterfall

Yes, you read that right—your very own private waterfall, roped off with a “reserved for lunch” sign.

Pure heaven.

After 26 years of traveling through nearly 60 countries, this was a first for me—and I didn’t have to set up a thing or pack it all away!

We arrived after a morning of exploring the reserve on a Wilderness Experience tour (see below), hiking, and swimming in hidden falls. Beside the cascading water, a table was beautifully set with picnic fare, fresh juices, and coconut water. A hammock was even strung up for maximum relaxation.

We had pre-ordered our meals, and once again my gluten-free needs were perfectly met. My standout was a mouthwatering Osso Buco torta, sandwiched between crisp plantains. We also enjoyed fresh salad, scones, salsa with tortillas, and our favorite—black bean hummus.

After indulging, we cooled off with a swim in the waterfall pool, its water crisp and refreshing. A small ladder led us up to another tier—a smaller jungle-draped waterfall and swimming hole with tree limbs hanging overhead, adding to the magical, secluded feel.

Beverage program & Morning Fog Cafe

Whether it’s a fresh morning juice, a pre-dinner cocktail at the Rum Bar, or the perfect pairing with dinner, Hidden Valley’s beverage program celebrates local flavors with creative mocktails, cocktails, and Belizean beers.

Each drink tells a story. Take Mr. Ramsey’s Mul, named after a well-known character in Belize City who was always seen with his mule. You can enjoy it N/A or add a splash of local rum for a kick.

I loved the Salty Potlicker—a Maya-inspired twist on a margarita—while Craig and I couldn’t get enough of the Smoked Rum Old Fashioned, crafted with barrel-aged Belizean rum. The girls enjoyed the refreshing Blackberry Sorrel, a sober-friendly blend of hibiscus flower, lime, blackberry, and ginger.

During the day, you may want to take a break with an espresso of choice. The cozy Morning Fog Cafe has a coffee station set up all day, included in your stay or you can upgrade with an espresso, including signature blends such as cinnamon spice, and smores. I opted for a – thanks to our housekeepers’ suggestion. By the way this was the only place I spotted a jaguar!

Other resort amenities

As well as all the aforementioned experiences, guests can enjoy:

• A stunning pool and hot tub area surrounded by tropical gardens, lounge chairs, and egg chairs.
• Landscaped gardens: We were surprised at how everything was meticulously laid out and cared for. Birds of paradise greet you along almost every winding path, stunning vine twisted trees, and other vibrant flowers, such as my favorite frangipanis. It felt like a beautiful mixture of wild and manicured. 
• The Rum Bar, serving local drinks and Belizean Creole-infused rums.
• The Lounge Library offers local literature, games, and a cozy retreat.
• Hiking trails: over 90 miles of hiking and biking trails of all different lengths and difficulties will guide you through medicinal plant trails, lush tropical forests, pine-covered ills, hidden waterfalls and more. 

Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is safe

I love how safety and guest care is a priority. Staff will pick you up and drop you off to trails within the preserve if needed.

If you hike out on your own and need it, they will give you walkie talkies and you check out when leaving with expected arrival time back.

They will phone you up if you have not returned.

There are also green signs everywhere helping you stay on the trails and know where to go. Even better, join a guided hike so you can learn more about the reserve as you walk. I loved not having to worry about where we were going and just follow our guide to hidden awesome.

Unforgettable wilderness adventures

Hidden Valley curates incredible onsite and offsite experiences from guided hikes to cooking classes and guided tours of ancient Mayan ruins.

Here are the experiences we enjoyed. On our next visit, I’d love to enjoy an ATV adventure through Maya villages, explore the famous ATM Cave, and zipline above the jungle canopy.

Wilderness experience tour

We joined our guide, Vian, for a fantastic half-day 4WD exploration of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our stay.

Our adventure began with sweeping views of two of the reserve’s most dramatic waterfalls—Tiger Creek Falls (750 ft) and King Vulture Falls (900 ft). In the distance, we spotted the enormous king vultures perched high in the treetops, a rare and unforgettable sight.

From there, we climbed to an expansive viewpoint overlooking the valley and mountains stretching all the way into Guatemala.

Vian told us they once celebrated New Year’s Eve here, watching fireworks burst across multiple towns in the distance. It’s also a favorite spot for weddings and private picnics, thanks to its peaceful beauty.

Next came a 25-minute hike through lush jungle to reach hidden cascades, including Butterfly Falls, where we paused for a refreshing swim. The water was crisp and cool—just what we needed after the hike.

To end the day on a high note, we were whisked away to our private waterfall picnic (the one I shared above). Vian left us to enjoy 90 minutes of uninterrupted family time, with a radio in case we needed more. It was pure magic.

Vian himself was wonderful—easygoing, knowledgeable, and full of insights about the reserve’s unique flora, fauna, and history. Thanks to him, we left with not only beautiful memories, but also a long list of reasons to return and keep exploring.

Tiger Creek Pools hike

For this property hike, we were guided by the ever-cheerful Marvelous Marvin, whose name truly suits him. Peaceful, knowledgeable, and endlessly entertaining, Marvin turned a simple hike into an experience full of wonder.

The two-hour roundtrip trail followed a lush jungle path along the creek. We paused often as Marvin pointed out medicinal plants, shared folklore, and even handed us his binoculars for birdwatching and studying funghi.

One of my favorite discoveries was the autograph tree—you can scratch a message onto the underside of a leaf, and though it’s invisible at first, the words magically appear about 30 minutes later.

The hike eventually led us to Tiger Creek Falls—the same waterfall we had admired from afar during our Wilderness Experience Tour. This time, we stood safely above it, taking in sweeping views of nearby cascades.

The best part? Cooling off with a swim in the natural pools beside a smaller waterfall, a refreshing end to a trail filled with beauty, stories, and connection.

Xunantunich Maya Ruins Tour

Hidden Valley offers a half-day guided tour to one of Belize’s most significant archaeological sites—Xunantunich.

Our guide, Marvin, brought the ancient city to life with his deep knowledge of Maya history and culture, weaving stories and insights that added layers of meaning to the experience. It’s the kind of tour you simply couldn’t replicate on your own.

We’ve written a full guide to visiting the Xunantunich Archaeological Site, but I’ll say this: it’s absolutely worth it.

Especially if you’re traveling with kids, as nothing compares to the power of real-life experiences. Exploring temples they might otherwise only read about in school is a memory that sticks—and a fun, hands-on way to connect with Maya culture.

Green Hills Butterfly Farm visit

On our way back to Belize City to catch our flight home (boo hoo!), we made one last stop at the nearby Green Hills Butterfly Farm, with Marvin once again as our guide and driver.

The farm is home to more than 30 species of butterflies, including the dazzling Blue Morpho, Gold-Edge Owl, and Mexican Bluewing.

Inside the butterfly house, we were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of wings—an unexpectedly magical experience.

Our guide then took us into the caterpillar nursery, where we learned about the different stages of metamorphosis, watching these tiny creatures on their journey to becoming butterflies.

Outside, hummingbirds zipped in and out of sugar feeders, their wings beating so fast they seemed to hover in midair.

We all enjoyed this visit far more than we anticipated—it was easily the best butterfly farm I’ve experienced in my travels. If you have more time, the 250-acre property also offers rainforest trails, home to around 300 bird species and abundant wildlife.

Educational and enchanting, the butterfly farm was the perfect way to round out our Belize adventure.

Why choose Hidden Valley Wilderness Resort?

Hidden Valley stands apart due to its unwavering commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community support.

Here, luxury meets authenticity in perfect harmony, offering travelers a deeply enriching and unforgettable Belizean experience.

If you seek a vacation that rejuvenates, inspires, and makes a positive impact, Hidden Valley Wilderness Resort should be at the top of your list.