Palmento Grove Garifuna Eco-Cultural & Healing Institute

Location: Hopkins Village, Hopkins, bz

Star Rating: 8.9 Stars

Property Type: Bed and breakfasts

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 07:30 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Non-smoking rooms
• Restaurant
• Room service
• BBQ facilities
• Luggage storage
• Express check-in/check-out
• Tour desk
• Ironing service
• Massage services
• Packed lunches
• Non-smoking throughout
• Private check-in/check-out
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Board games/puzzles
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Concierge service
• Grocery deliveries
• Shared kitchen
• Adult only
• Public Bath
• Outdoor furniture
• Fruits
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Guest rooms disinfected between stays
• Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
• Physical distancing rules followed
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• Cashless payment available
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit available
• Sanitized tableware & silverware
• Contactless check-in/check-out
• Invoice provided
• Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
• Smoke alarms
• Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
• Guest room sealed after cleaning
• Physical distancing in dining areas
• Key access
• Food delivered to guest room
• Process in place to check health of guests
• Access to health care professionals
• Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
• Face masks for guests available
• Delivered food - securely covered
• Thermometers for guests provided by property
• Cooking class
• Express check-in
• Free wired internet
• Scuba diving on site
• Snorkeling on site
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Spa tub (surcharge)
• Internet access
• Concerts/live shows
• Private picnics
• Art gallery on site
• Wine release events
• Reception hall
• Japanese garden
• Covered parking
• Secured parking
• Fishing nearby
• Horse riding nearby
• Hosted evening meal (reserve)
• Bicycle-friendly property
• Beach toys
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Paddle boating nearby
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Triple Room with Garden View

  This family room features a patio.

  Max Occupancy: 4 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Mosquito net
  • Cleaning products
  • Additional bathroom
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Toilet paper
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Mobile hotspot device
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Hand sanitiser

• Queen Room with Garden View

  The double room features a private entrance, a seating area, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath. The unit has 2 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 4 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Mosquito net
  • Cleaning products
  • Additional bathroom
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Toilet paper
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Hand sanitiser

Guest Reviews

• Melissa (8/5): A Culturally Immersive Experience - We loved the beautiful rustic setting, the kayak rides to & fro, and the lovely proprietess. She cooked us stellar breakfasts and educated us about Garifuna culture. We also participated in one of their classes about the history, spirituality, cooking, and music of the Garifuna people. We wished we'd known ahead of time that there wouldn't be hot water. The bathroom could use a bit of sprucing up. And, I know they can't do anything about the sand fleas, but they were a problem.
• Michał (8/5): -
• Heather (1/5): Scam and not good for solo travellers - I had high hopes as this appeared to have good reviews. But they failed me as a solo traveler They do not cater to solo travellers. Everything requires two people to book. When I arrived in Hopkins I told them I was there, as required, and waited over an hour asking them to come get me boat. They did not respond. Any time I asked (before arriving) if there was anything I could do as a solo traveler, they did not respond. I ended up requesting a refund and cancelled last minute which was approved in a matter of minutes. Then, they didn’t refund me the full amount (I was refunded only 2/3 nights). I do not recommend this place. Will be working with booking.com to resolve this issue.
• Elizabeth (10/5): - Wonderful cultural experience and host. Really enjoyed kayaking in bioluminescence.
• Franziska (8/5): Natur pur - Wir haben die Zeit hier sehr genossen. Für jeden, der Entspannung und Ruhe sucht, ist es genau das richtige. Wir können das gemeinsame Frühstück vorbereiten jedem empfehlen, das hat sehr viel Spaß gemacht und war super lecker.
• Veronica (10/5): I felt welcomed as part of the family/culture/history - The cabins are well kept, the fact that it was off the beaten path. I liked the eco aspect, primarily solar Not getting to see more of the features they offer.
• Donna (6/5): Expectation versus reallity - The host was on her way back from town and picked us up whilst walking with a heavy rug sack in the heat. Helped with our luggage in the kayak. Talks in the communal kitchen and being able to cook for ourselves Making Hudut with the host. I was very disappointed in the place and this is also due to my expectations of being amidst active culture. We were the only guests for the 4days and there was nothing to do except purchasing the cultural activities which were way past our budget options. We also found it difficult to relax because of the heat. The sea wind did not penetrate through the bush in the hut we were staying. even 2 fans were not enough. But that is not the main reason for the disappointment. Traveling for months now, we always managed to feel at home in the places we stayed. Here i did not at all. The host is sharp and direct and did not always have a friendly manner of communication. Although she laughed at our jokes the feel of distance was tangible. And this made me feel really uncomfortable. Thankfully I had a talk about this with her that cleared the air and we had a good cook together. It became clear to me that the rental of the cabins was a side income and all effort and energy went into the organisation of the paid extra activities. We did find a good cultural vibe in the town of Hopkins where we went everyday.
• Kristen (9/5): Our visit was pleasant and educational. - The location was just what we wanted. It was quiet but near enough to town. You could see every star in the sky at night and good birding from our deck. The breakfast we had there was one of the best we had in Belize. I highly recommend the history, cooking class and drumming experience we had during our stay. The room was small for 3 people, but we found that at every place we stayed in Belize. Most accommodations are set up for 2 people. There was no air conditioning but the fans in the room kept the room at a comfortable temperature.
• Maham (10/5): Exceptional - Palmento Grove is an experience worth having! Starting from the kayak ride over, to experiencing the oasis of garifuna culture and food, to the rustic yet comfy glamping cabanas- everything is memorable, earnest and full of joy. Special thanks to every member of the Martinez family, especially Uwahnie and Eugene, who felt more like old friends than hosts by the time we said goodbye. Cannot recommend enough!
• Jaq (10/5): Exceptional - We had a fabulous dinner and breakfast prepared by Awahnee. The cultural experience with history, garden tour, coconut prep and cooking lesson followed by a drumming lesson was phenomenal! Definitely worth it. We also enjoyed taking the kayaks across to the nearly private beach.
• Akilah (9/5): Superb - The BEST part was the host and the amount of learning we were afforded. The environment was SO peaceful that I could feel my body relax when we arrived. Everything was excellent, except the cold shower :) We understand why the water was not hot and accept the condition. Oh yeah, the mosquitos ate my husband alive but they did not like me and left me alone!
• Rebecca (10/5): Everyone should pay a visit! - Fab experience, everyone was super friendly and kind. The Kayak was easier than I expected. Was also a plus size inclusive experience all round and felt safe as a solo female traveller Nothing I didn’t like it was awesome but you need to be ready to embrace nature a bit!
• Jurgen (9/5): We lived in rustic, comfortable cottages, without AC, had fans, and experienced traditional life. - We liked to kayak and explored the mangroves. Went swimming on the beach after kayaking. Enjoyed local food and cooking instruction. Parking was adequate but could be improved a bit.
• Shelley (10/5): Great cultural experience we learnt a lot and felt very chill there - We had a great stay at Palmento Grove, we were there on the day that the do the cultural experience so we took part in that, which was really informative and the cooking class was a great experience. They were able to cater for my gluten free diet and the owners (father and daughter) were really helpful when trying to organise things and we used their shuttle service to the bus at Hopkins junction. The 30 second kayak crossing is a little scary at night as there are crocodiles (not that we saw any). And to go into town you had to cross the river. But this shouldn’t put you off going, it’s just something to be aware of.
• Katy (5/5): Garfuna cultural experience - Kayaking on the mangroves was a highlight and the bird watching was super. Uwhanie was an experienced host and cooked excellent breakfasts and dinners Garifuna style.She made us hudut, fried jacks and plantains. We picked the herbs from her garden. It's a peaceful site Sandflies! The water pump broke for 2 of the 3 days we were there. Uwhanie got it fixed promptly. It's like camping in a wooden shed
• Noäm (9/5): Superb -
• Tracey (5/5): Passable -
• Frans (10/5): Unique experience - Traditionele bouw en vrijwel volledig eco Village you need for buying things to drink and eat is pretty far away
• William (7/5): Experience of a lifetime. - Very quite. The people running the place were very friendly and very helpful. The bioluminescence when kayaking across the river at night was really cool. Shower was cold in the morning, so we couldn't shower before checking out. Thought it was on the beach, but you had to take a kayak to the beach. No AC. Wasn't able to lock our room, so we didn't feel safe leaving anything in our room.
• Brandon (10/5): Exceptional - wonderful experience
• Gordon (7/5): Very courteous and pleasant and knowledgeable staff. - Location requires driving on a very rough rocky road for about 500 m ( 500 yds) which is not suitable for passenger cars . We use only 4 WD vehicles for this sort of road in Canada & USA. We had a typical rent a car . Road definitely needs upgrading with smaller material to get repeat customers.
• Claudia (10/5): Exceptional -
• Brenda (7/5): It felt good to support this Eco-Business. Host was nice, informative, and helpful. - A good match for our values while traveling. Interesting place. Mesquitoes
• Aleksandra (8/5): Very good - Very unique eco-lodge cabins on an island facing the lagoon where the river meets ocean, a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Amazing cultural experience if you want to learn about Garifuna people, their history and traditions. We were initially supposed to stay 2 nights, but when we arrived at Hopkins in the afternoon and called the property, we were told that our cabins would be ready the next day due to some rennovations and we were offered very basic rooms in the village for that night. It was disappointing since we only had 2 days there and wanted to make most of it.
• Jasper (10/5): Exceptional -
• Stephen (10/5): Exceptional -
• James (8/5): Very good - We really enjoyed the location & kayak across & the owner gave a friendly welcome and helped with our luggage. The rooms are spacious, we loved that everything is eco-friendly, there are kitchens on site (buy food before arriving!). We also had a wonderful private cooking class which we were very grateful for and the food was delicious. Kayaking around the area is beautiful - recommended at sunset! It was very quiet when we were there - if you want to do activities I would recommend asking / booking in advance. There are a lot of sand flies due to the location so take long sleeves & be careful sitting outside.
• Claire (8/5): Great relaxing off grid getaway. - Loved the relaxed eco nature where we kayaked, fished and the host helped us prepare and cook the fish we caught! The 2km walk from town wasn't ideal with luggage and I got eaten alive from mosquitoes.
• Victoria (8/5): Great place to stay. You feel welcomed & at home, in a very beautiful special place. - Beautiful spot. Lovely helpful staff. Kayak & short walk along beach to places to eat, drink, swim.
• William (10/5): Secluded place, delightful owner and family. - Palmento Grove was as promised. An island in a lagoon at the edge of the sea. Rustic amenities were both charming and comfortable. The opportunity to take part in a Garífuna cultural experience was a joy, and a great way to begin our trip in Belize.
• Ashutosh (7/5): Good -
• Diane (10/5): An experience like no other! Enriching, relaxing, exciting. A mind body spirit renewal! - It was an oasis. So beautiful and inspiring. The buildings on the property felt like an extension of the eco-culture grown and built from the land and in relation to the land. The cabins were so comfortable and gave me what i needed. Access to the kitchen, the spiritual centre and the drumming space was generally granted. I felt like i was home away from home. Uwahni was an excellent host—a true visionary living and sharing the richness of the Garifuna culture. Mr. Eugene was an excellent resource as was Uhwani—who provided me with what i needed learn more about my root culture. Rooted is a good word for this place. It’s rooted. Real and comfortable. The paddle ride over to the island was so special. It felt like i was sequestered but able to move freely once i got used to kayaking. Uhwani was so generous with her knowledge—always willing to help and share practical and inspiring pieces of knowledge. I never felt like i was too much trouble. It was easy to book day trips out and to different sites and even to book off the beat and track activities. I also took part in the cultural classes; cooking, drumming, coconut picking, enrichment about historical and social context of the Garifuna people etc. What an experience like It’s hard to say what I didn’t like because it surpassed my expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a luxury hotel—which wasn’t what i was looking for. there were limitations staying here—i.e. the kayak ride to the other side deterred me from going out when i was too tired to imagine kayaking to the other side. But then again, i needed the rest! Mosquitos and sandflies come with the territory so there’s no point in complaining about that… Hmmm… No Starbucks? Maybe? LOL.
• Sharie (9/5): Superb -
• Vale (10/5): Exceptional -
• Ronald (10/5): Authentic Garifana Culture! - A wonderfully natural and earth friendly experience that connected to Garifana cultural roots! Miquitos, but that's to be expexted in a tropical environment. Bring repellent.
• Estacy (10/5): Exceptional - The owners are hospitable. Customer service exceeded my expectations and overall the environment was serene and clean. This place came highly recommended and I'm so glad I booked. None
• Emilie (10/5): I feel richer having stayed here! Genuine and homely, would definitely recommend! -
• Jonny (7/5): Mixed feelings - Food made by Uhwanie was delicious, cultural tour was excellent, property is very peaceful and surrounded by nature. On the last day there was a bit of a miscommunication regarding meals and I felt owner Uhwanie was quite rude about it to me which made me feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. Property gets very hot and there is no AC.
• Sharie (10/5): Exceptional - Perfect place to detox from everyday life.
• Heather (9/5): A great adventure at a reasonable price. - It was a unique experience in a unique location. I enjoyed chatting with the owners and getting to know about Garifuna culture. it was very quiet and peaceful. Although I was a bit surprised by it (since it hadn’t been very well communicated), I found it to be fun and adventurous to have to kayak across with my luggage.
• Alex (10/5): nice stay - very nice nature all around, really friendly owners. free use of kayaks its an half hour walk to the centre. there is no restaurant at the institute but there is a kitchen.
• Adrian (7/5): Good - It was really away from the town! If you like nature and be away from people, this is the perfect place! There was no pressure for the shower!
• Dwight (10/5): Exceptional - Ouyanie and Ugene were wonderful hosts, very gracious!
• Elisa (10/5): Exceptional - An amazing place, 100% authentic, perfect to learn more about the culture of the Garifuna people. It's definetly a perfect place to stay !
• Axel (9/5): Superb -
• Andrea (8/5): Very good -
• Richard (9/5): Superb -
• Adam (8/5): Cool quiet place to stay outside Hopkins - Nice eco-friendly hut in pretty gardens. Food cooked by the owner is excellent. Use of the kayaks a plus. Far out of town and effort to get in and out.
• Myrna (10/5): Exceptional -
• Tracie (10/5): Exceptional -
• David (10/5): An incredible experience. - An incredible experience. Getting to the property is an adventure. You can either schedule a boat pick-up or take a kayak. The staff are experts on all things Garifuna, and offer cooking classes, drum lessons, and kayak trips. Kayaking back to your room in the dark after a night on the town adds to the mystique. Wifi is available on the property at the welcome center. I didn't have wifi in my room. This is a place for a unique experiences rather than conveniences.

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