Pine Ridge Lodge
Location: south of the western highway within the mountain Pine ridge reserve 19 millas from San Ignacio, San Ignacio, bz
Star Rating: 9.2 Stars
Property Type: Hotels
About this Property
Garden Oasis and Mountain Views
Pine Ridge Lodge in San Ignacio offers a serene escape with its lush garden, inviting terrace, and picturesque mountain views. Relax in well-appointed rooms featuring garden-facing patios and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Delicious Dining Options
Indulge in a variety of dining experiences at the on-site restaurant, offering à la carte, vegetarian, and gluten-free breakfast options. Savor delicious meals amidst the beautiful surroundings of the lodge.
Adventure Awaits
Embark on exciting adventures with hiking and exploration opportunities nearby. Explore Barton Creek Cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, and Cahal Pech, then return to the comfort of Pine Ridge Lodge for a restful stay.
Book now for an unforgettable experience at Pine Ridge Lodge in San Ignacio!
Important Information
Please inform Pine Ridge Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
Policies
Check-in: N/A - Anytime
Check-out: N/A
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Terrace
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- Safety deposit box
- Tour desk
- Packed lunches
- Currency exchange
- Non-smoking throughout
- Private check-in/check-out
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Board games/puzzles
- Shuttle service (additional charge)
- Concierge service
- Grocery deliveries
- Kid meals
- Adult only
- Outdoor furniture
- Coffee Shop on site
- Fruits
- Badminton equipment
- 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
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- 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
- 24-hour security
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Mobile app for room service
- Broadcast Live sport events
- Cooking class
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Free wired internet
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Private picnics
- Wine release events
- Japanese garden
- Covered parking
- Secured parking
- Fishing nearby
- Horse riding nearby
- Hosted evening meal (reserve)
- Charcoal grill
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
- Vegetarian menu options available
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Family Bungalow
This family room's standout feature is the pool with a view. The spacious family room offers a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 5 beds.
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Terrace
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Twin Room
This twin room features a pool with a view. The twin room features a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Terrace
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Queen Room
The pool with a view is a top feature of this double room. This double room has a desk, a patio, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Queen Room
This double room features a pool with a view. The double room offers a private entrance, a seating area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Terrace
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Villa
Guests will have a special experience as the villa provides a pool with a view. This villa consists of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The villa features a private entrance, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as a terrace with garden views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Sofa
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Terrace
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Sofa bed
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Twin Room
This twin room's special feature is the pool with a view. This twin room features a desk, a patio, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Queen Room
This double room's standout feature is the pool with a view. This double room has a desk, a patio, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Twin Room
This twin room features a pool with a view. This twin room has a desk, a patio, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Hypoallergenic
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic pillow
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- Alexander (6/5): Gute Lage, aber überteuert - Strategisch günstig gelegen, um innerhalb von einer Stunde Caracol zu erreichen. Uns wurde gesagt, dass es zum Abendessen nur ein Menü gäbe, ohne den Preis zu nennen.
Das Essen war lecker, aber 50 Dollar pro Person extrem überteuert, Getränke nicht inklusiv.
- Melanie (8/5): Very good - Stunning, great views and food, tranquil and peaceful. Theyre looking to build it up but I think its perfect as is, a wilderness retreat.
- Gill (9/5): Great people, well located. - Marcia cooked us a delicious, traditional Belizean breakfast. The Fry Jacks were amazing! I would like access to WiFi in the room.
- Paul (10/5): Magical experience with alpine jungle beauty and the most wonderful staff. - Beautiful scenery and incredible food with authentic home cooked meals. The riverside casita is a duplex instead of its own dwelling.
- Glenn (10/5): The staff are welcoming and friendly, the experiences are personal, the food is great! - The property was in a beautiful setting.
The facilities are clean and well maintained.
It’s small scale. Nothing
- Missy (10/5): Friendly people and amazing memories - Everything exceeded our expectations, the staff were all so welcoming and attentive. Benoni, Kevin, the chefs, the housekeeping staff and the grounds staff were all amazing. Benoni looked after all our excursions by booking us with tour guides, all the guides were very knowledgeable and very friendly. The food at the lodge was absolutely delicious. The accommodations were extremely clean and staff was always available for anything we needed. I would highly recommend the lodge to anyone. We already miss being there. There was absolutely nothing we disliked.
- William (5/5): Secluded lodge on lovely grounds, great staff, but missing some important amenities. - The staff are very friendly and helpful. The grounds are well maintained and very pretty. The surrounding countryside is amazing, and you really feel that you are away from civilization. The cabins have a certain rustic charm, with interesting indigenous art on the walls. There is only one electrical outlet in each cabin, and no wifi connection except in the dining area. The bathroom tap had only cold water (though the shower had hot water). The furniture was a bit worn and tired. And the lodge itself can feel rather isolated, since it is a half hour to 40 minutes from San Isidro.
- Alex (8/5): Incredibly kind staff and beautiful grounds with some room/bungalow upgrades needed. - Beautiful grounds and really lovely staff. The bungalows were spacious and we enjoyed the daily housekeeping. The bungalows are a bit old and there’s some things that are in need of repair. The beds are hard although I understand this is normal for Belize. The food is pricey. It is good and there is plenty and they accommodated our requests (Marcy is amazing).
- Eva (8/5): Highly recommended! - Lovely staff and surrounding grounds.
Food was great! WiFi only in the common area was great for disconnecting. River water use clogs shower head on occasion. Got 1 cold shower as a result.
Humidity!
- Josephine (5/5): Not suitable if you have no transport. - The lodge and grounds are very pleasant and attractively situated adjacent to a small river. We had no transport and as there is no where to eat but the lodge. They have no menu, and provide one set meal, but at top a top hotel price.The transfer costs are also high. It is not a destination for hiking as we had hoped.
- Isabelle (7/5): Good - I would recommend to book activity by yourself and not with them. The price was way too high.
They did not tell us that everything was with a 10% service on the bill. We only knew that at the end when we paid our invoice for our whole stay. (Food, activities you book with them, etc)
- Saulius (8/5): Very good -
- Cathy (9/5): Great value - The lodge is located right on the main road which initially I thought was a draw back since we got some road noise, but after visiting a couple of others, I realized it was a huge advantage. Roads here can be really terrible. Being on the main road made access far more achievable The little edge on a working on improving things like having shampoo in the rooms
- Heather (10/5): Such a unique and cool retreat. Amazing staff, gorgeous property, close to cool things to do! - Benoni, Marcia, Oscar, and Kevin were so attentive, friendly, and accommodating! We left early one morning, forgetting our breakfast, and Marcia literally RAN the truck down to ensure we were fed. Good thing because our adventure that day was the ATM Cave, a calorie burner! Room was impeccably clean and maintained. Do not miss the 3 course dinners, YUM! And the grounds are stunning and so well maintained. We will be back!
Maggie and Morgan were so sweet and an excellent welcoming committee! It was lovely to disconnect, but if you need wifi in your room, that's an upgrade that is coming. Wifi is available at the lodge, and the lodge has a lot of comfortable seating. We were early am adventurers, but be aware that there are a few roosters on the property.
- Mark (9/5): Pine Ridge Lodge was a wonderful introduction to Belize for my wife and I. Three days wasn’t long enough. - Amazing location, very helpful and friendly staff, great food. Benoni was fantastic.
The lodge rooms sit right on the beautiful river, with an impressive waterfall just a short stroll away. The lodge is remote and rustic making it a great experience. The room amenities are few, with little storage and very small. For us it was not a problem.
- Janna (8/5): Very good - It's a very relaxed atmosphere and great for the type of traveler that doesn't need a hair dryer or mints on the pillow. All the staff are friendly and kind. And we loved the lodge's two dogs who immediately befriend everyone. It's an adjustment to remember not to put used toilet paper into the toilet.
- Roger (10/5): Lovely location, great for families with a fantastic restaurant. About to have some major changes - Great location for exploring pine ridge reserve. 5 min drive to butterfly farm and 5 min drive to fantastic waterfalls for swimming. Kids loved exploring the grounds- looking for spiders, scorpions etc. Food was amazing- best we've had in Belize and they were able to help with our transfers from belize city at a good price as well as provide transport for local trips. I understand that it is about to undergo significant renovations over the next few months under new ownership, so it will change alot (and probably go up in price!).
- Narcisa (9/5): Nice retreat - This place would’ve been perfect but the rather outrageous sums they charge for dinner, which is nothing to write home about. You’re captive there for dinner so no choice. Otherwise beautiful place!
- Menachem (1/5): Bad - There was no water in the bathroom I came there late couldn’t shower and couldn’t even brush my teeth...
was really not comfortable experience.
- Roxanne (10/5): Exceptional -
- Alexandra (9/5): Rustic stay. Come for the mountains, stay for the dogs. - Beautifully located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, right next to a creek and beautifully landscaped grounds that have tons of plant varieties.We were upgraded to the room with a view of the creek, comfortable size room & bed (Unless you're very particular with your beds and pillows), and bathroom with space to hang toiletries, and fresh towels. Nice veranda enclosed in mosquito netting (same with all windows and the dining area!) with chairs facing the creek. Solar lights on the pathways to and from the rooms and dining room, newish road is quiet especially with the creek.
Everyone is so warm and welcoming. Happily chat about the nearby surroundings, local sights, and recommendations Benoni leads the charge arranged transportation and tours for us, including taking us on a half day tour himself nearby.
Oscar and Marci cook delicious local Belizean and Maya meals, each one just as tasty as the last (please don't make us choose favorites, it was all delicious!) for breakfast and dinner with a new menu incoming. Also available for lunch if you're just passing through.
Maggie and Morgan are two adorable small dogs that initially act as welcoming committee and love a nice scratch behind the ears. Eco lodge so minimalist but homey atmosphere, yes wifi mostly in the main dining room area (which has books and games and Morgan & Maggie). Space for parking if you rent a car (we didn't), and easy to find just off the recentish paved road. New ownership recently with plans for the next few months so guess we'll have to return to see the improvements and new menu with set prices.
- Brandy (7/5): Good -
- Jeff (10/5): Exceptional -
- Kathryn (10/5): It really is that great! - We absolutely adored our stay at Pine Ridge Lodge! Neil and his family, plus the staff (Benoni and Marci!), were welcoming, kind, and helpful. Because it's a smaller place, we felt that the service was super personalized and far better than we'd have experienced elsewhere. We were definitely well taken care of, from dinners and helping with tour guides to Caracol to having the forethought to prepare a picnic lunch for us before we even had to ask--which lunch my daughter said was the best packed lunch she'd ever had (and she doesn't say stuff like that)!
The lodging aspect was great, where my daughter stayed up in the loft area and we were downstairs in the larger bed, and we all could feel the breezes through the screens. We had plenty of space for our stuff and the bathroom was large. We appreciated not having Wifi access other than in the main area of the Lodge as it made us actually (gasp!) spend time together as a family. N/A
- Warren (10/5): Exceptional - We loved everything about this quaint off the grid lodge. The amenities were comfortable and clean. The staff is so kind and welcoming & the food is delicious. It's a great jumping off point to explore Bellize, including Mayan ruins, waterfalls, swimming holes, local art shops, and local cuisine.
Thank you all for such a lovely stay!
- Michael (10/5): a well run, welcoming place - Very friendly, committed staff. Great food. Good location for excursions in different directions. We missed some seating outside the room. Just one socket in room, no WiFi, no bed lamps. No toiletries in bathroom.
- Marta (9/5): Superb - Neil and his crew are the best. You feel like you are visiting a friend, at the same time in this place you get to enjoy the serenity and peace.the food is homemade and delicious.the location is perfect for all the major activities around the area. I loved everything about this place, it was my favorite of the entire vacation in Belize.
- Anjanette (10/5): Exceptional - The host was super kind and went above and beyond to accommodate me and my mother after we had a terrible experience at Kane Villas, which was overpriced and vacant with no host or hostess. I recommend staying at Pine Ridge Lodge over anywhere else in this area. The facility is super clean, off the grid, and the staff makes you feel comfortable and at home. You can't go wrong staying at Pine Ridge Lodge if you are ever in the mountains of San Ignacio, Belize! The creek behind the rooms is a pleasant sound to fall asleep and wake up to! :) Two thumbs up!!!!
- Ann (10/5): A slice of heaven from the grounds, to the staff and food. - Pine Ridge Lodge is a beautifully maintained, and fabulous stay. we had a creek outside of our cabin and got to listen to the running water, birds, insects the entire time. It’s like a slice of heaven. All of the employees are friendly and helpful. The food was excellent and I have high standards. They did a great job at accommodating my spouse’s medically specific diet with delicious and beautifully presented food. We had them book us, birding guides and tour guide, who were superb, purely highly informative, and tailored everything to our interest and pace.
- Coronel (10/5): Exceptional - Pine ridge lodge is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The lodge is so peaceful and relaxing, the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and the food was delicious!! The owner, Neil, helped set up tours, transportation and showed us around to local sites as well. 10/10 stay and would love to come back!
- Xueting (10/5): Window of opportunity beyond this world - It took me nearly a month to come back to write this review. Simply because the experience is so exceptionally good that I don't know where to start. It was a dream experience that we keep talking about even weeks after leaving the place. "I want to go back to Pine Ridge Lodge" is a recurring sentence we say to each other. We even day-dreamed about moving to Belize and joining Neil. I could write thousands of words about Pine Ridge Lodge but that would exceed the limitation of the review length. All aspects were beyond perfect so I won't repeat all the check-box questions and answers that were already provided by Booking. I clicked on the faces with the biggest smile for all the questions and still feel that the smile is not large enough to reflect how our stay was. Neil and José's hospitality and genuine vibe was out of this world. We absolutely loved the daily routine of starting the day with a delicious breakfast tailor-made for us, accompanied by the sound of birds, the sounds of wind blowing on pine leaves, the golden sunbeam shining on our food, having a day out and coming back in the evening welcomed with a delicious home-made dinner at 19:00 that provides a lot of comfort and peace, spending the rest of the evening having very interesting conversations with Neil, being introduced to his beloved chicken and hearing his fascinating stories, walking back to our room in the dark watching so many stars in the dark sky that you would otherwise not have the chance to see anywhere close to cities, and falling asleep with the constant soothing sound of the waterfall right next to our room. I still drool every time I think of the beef cooked by Neil in his high pressure cooker. Maggie, one of the two super cute dogs liked to greet us and follow us around that added extra joy. We also very much appreciated not having wifi except in the dining area. This question is not applicable to this wonderful place, sorry. Well...We didn't like that we didn't have enough time to stay here longer.
- Kathryn (10/5): Loved it! - Food was fabulous! We felt welcomed and as if we were staying with a family. Owner let me pay through a website, rather than PayPal. Loved the grounds, the creek and the area. All good-bed was a bit hard.
- Lucy (10/5): Fantastic, we wish we could have stayed longer - We had such a fantastic night here, we wish we could have spent longer. Neil was a very accommodating host, he cooked us delicious food and picked us up from the waterfall. You can walk to two waterfalls nearby and there are countless other activities you can do in the area. The room was lovely and the bed was very comfortable. All in all a brilliant stay and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Nothing
- James (10/5): Perfect hotel for visiting Caracol and ATM caves with lots of other cool natural attractions nearby. - The location was excellent right off the main road in the Pine Ridge forest. The staff was also incredibly friendly. We ate every meal at the property because the food was so good. The bed was a little stiff for my liking.
- Laura (10/5): A hidden gem! - We loved our stay at the Pine Ridge Lodge. The hosts are incredibly welcoming and generous. The meals prepared were delicious. Neil gave us great recommendations for local restaurants and activities, such as the Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls. We loved all the animals on property and getting to enjoy the rushing river during the day and stars at night. A great place to escape and connect with nature. We found it helpful to have a car, as we were able to easily drive to restaurants and excursions. However, you would be able to hire transportation, if desired.
- Corinne (10/5): Exceptional - We had a great stay here! The host Neil was very helpful and recommended some hikes and other activities for us. All the staff were really friendly. The food was exceptional! And the location is really special.
- Isobel (10/5): Incredible! - We recently had an unforgettable two-night stay at Pine Ridge Lodge, where every moment was a delight. Neil, the owner and chef, made incredibly tasty meals and made us feel very welcome from the get-go. George drove us wherever we needed and was very nice. Our stay was made extra special thanks to José, the heart of the lodge, whose kindness and enthusiasm for the local wonders and wildlife added a personal touch to our experience. He went above and beyond to make sure our days spent at the lodge and exploring the surrounding area were enjoyable and made everything feel completely effortless (though I’m sure requires a lot of work behind the scenes!) We would 100% recommend staying here. It’s outside of San Ignacio so be aware you will require a taxi (approx $55) to get to the Lodge if dropped there, but it is SO worth it and we loved being away from the main tourist town and more integrated in nature. There are some amazing hikes you can do straight from the lodge (we went to Big Rocks Falls) and one was so beautiful it made the perfect setting for us to get engaged! The food was beyond amazing, and the garden was incredible, really well looked after and provided an incredibly beautiful setting. The rooms were comfortable and lovely hot showers. A truly fantastic retreat!
- Arnaud (9/5): Superb - The property is very nice. The room is very cute and functional. The meal were fantastic
- Sherleen (10/5): We stayed 6 days and it was awesome. Great food, many adventures, staff is great. Jose is wonderful. - Staff is absolutely fantastic. Jose took us on all tours and he is wonderful. We had all private tours with Jose and he is full of knowledge. Great location, fantastic food. Very clean and comfortable.
- Ann (10/5): Fun, full of adventure and good people - Neil the owner/chef was jovial and very kind. His main worker Jose is a local guy, he stole our hearts. Hard working, informative, always willing to take you on tours or whatever you ask. Nothing, it was as expected
- Miranda (9/5): Lovely introduction to Belize. - Amazing location in heart of nature reserve, in hikeable distance of Big Rock Falls, with river running through the grounds. Very sociable, laid-back atmosphere - we met some great people over supper both evenings. Great staff, who went out of their way to organise trips etc. Temperamental showers - but that’s minor.
- Margrete (10/5): An absolute gem, surrounded by beauty, well located for exploring the region’s Mayan sites. - Pine Ridge lodge is an absolute gem! Located in Pine Ridge Nature Reserve, high in the mountains, it is surrounded by natural beauty. The property surrounding the lodge and its cabins is planted with native species. Neil, owner and chef, and Jose couldn’t have been more helpful and gracious. We ended up all of our meals there; portions were generous and delicious. Our cabin was decorated with Mayan textiles and masks. From the lodge we explored the Mayan ruins in San Ignacio and Caracol, a major Mayan site, that was a highlight of our trip. This was the perfect place for us offering tranquility away from the bustle of San Ignacio. It is also about 10 degrees cooler than lower elevations.
- David (10/5): Exceptional -
- Riley (9/5): Beautiful property in the pine forest, Jose was an amazing guide. - The food was amazing, the property was beautiful. What I appreciated the most was Jose as he was such a great wealth of knowledge about Belize and willing to go extra mile to make the stay incredible. The only thing is how isolated it is, there is no where to go within walking distance and since there are no fridges due to the eco lodge, you have to essentially eat there. I would recommend car.
- Worth (10/5): Loved it and wished we were staying longer! - All the meals were great. Breakfast was included but others were always available on request, which was good because other food options are not close, except for the upscale restaurants at Blancaneaux and Gaia. Neil was friendly and accommodating, and he always asked about our food preferences and what we might like for dinner that night. I have no complaints at all, but visitors should be aware that this is a remote location. Like much of Belize, you can't drink the tap water (bottle water is provided). In the Pine Ridge, temperatures fluctuate greatly each day, going to mid 90s in the heat of the day but cooling to low 60s at night. The cabins at the lodge and the dining pavilion are mostly open, so be prepared to change clothing to suit the temperature. The WiFi is only in the dining pavilion but there are comfy chairs there and drinks available so you can do your email and read the news.
- Petya (8/5): Very good -
- Alex (10/5): Exceptional, relaxing and perfect. - To be clear Neil and his team at Pine Ridge Lodge are exceptional hosts. If you are looking for a quite, away from it all retreat with a friendly, clean, tidy and welcoming atmosphere this is the place to go. As an English couple we found the mix of central American food and and European food to be exquisite. Neil works so hard and you can tell his team are looked after and respect him, his No 2 Hosea is the friendliest guy who will sort your trips to the caves, temples, zip lining etc, a truly top lad. . Furthermore Neil is an exceptional cook, I myself think I'm a good cook but this guy could have a top rated restaurant in the UK. The family feel of the place is also so relaxing, Neil's wife and daughter are ever present without being intrusive, you feel really part of their vision and the jungle that surrounds you, I am 47 years old and have stayed in many places, this place will always stay in mind as something very special, personal and exceptional. Do not hesitate booking here. Nothing
- Perez (10/5): Exceptional -
- Andrew (10/5): Super place to stay - Great staff great cooking and great local advice! Nothing
- Katrina (10/5): Exceptional - Jose and Neil make a great team. We felt taken care of our entire stay. Jose booked our excursions and when he wasn’t guiding he found some great guides for us. Super knowledgeable and just a lovely person. Neil was an amazing cook - all the meals we had were delicious and the dining experience was really nice. All in all 10/10! Great launching off point for all excursions in the Cato district. Would stay here again :)
- Rebecca (10/5): Hidden gem with the friendliest people and the best service. - This is a hidden gem. Staying at Pine Ridge Lodge is like staying with family. I don’t know where to start to describe our experience. Before we even arrived Jose reached out asking what activities we were interested in. I gave him a list and he had everything arranged for us. I literally didn’t have to lift a finger. All of the guides he had for us were amazing. He has towels ready for us when we needed them, breakfast packed for when we had a really early start and everything arranged to a tee.
Neil, the owner, is amazing. One of the nicest guys you will meet. So attentive to his guests and his food is amazing. We ate every meal there except one. Every night he made something different for dinner and it was all delicious. On Christmas Day he made a turkey dinner with all of the fixings that was amazing.
For breakfast he would ask the night before what you would like. His breakfast burritos are the best I have had.
The grounds are gorgeous and the cabins are super cute and very clean. He has 2 sweet dogs Maggie and Morgan that we fell in love with and a cute little girl to at enjoyed chatting with us. The location is out of San Ignacio so I would recommend a car but it’s totally worth it. It’s a slice of tranquility after a busy day of activities. Can’t recommend Pine Ridge Lodge enough. It’s 10 star service!!
- Taylor (10/5): Perfection! Jose and Neil make a great team and ensure that each guests enjoys their stay. - I highly recommend this lodge to anyone visiting the San Ignacio area! Upon arrival, we instantly felt right at home. The service is top notch. We were so well taken care of. Jose helped set up tours for us and they were our favorite experiences from the whole trip. The tour guides he paired us with were phenomenal. We loved spending time around the lodge. The grounds were well maintained and the landscaping was beautiful. Our room was cleaned each day while we were out exploring. We had breakfast and dinner every day that we stayed there. Each meal was amazing. If you're looking for a quiet lodge that is outside of town, look no further! There are waterfalls and rivers that you can explore nearby. Overall a wonderful experience and I can't wait to visit again!
- Annie (10/5): Exceptional - Upon arrival, we were greeted by the most lovely staff. The entire experience was incredible. Neil (owner) offers to make you dinner every evening, serving the best food and dessert.
We were so thrilled with every detail, even when he packed us a picnic for our drive :) He made our entire experience in Belize extra special.
- Allison (10/5): Wonderful stay with wonderful people :) - Incredible place to to stay, highly recommended! Neal and Miguel were fantastic hosts who made our stay very memorable. We had the most incredible meals cooked fresh every morning and night. Great location for hikes to waterfalls, rivers and the rainforest! Nothing
- Thomas (9/5): Great lodge and great people - Great location in the woods & jungle (although is 35 mins from San Ignacio). Rooms are basic but clean and good beds and bathrooms! Communal area and dining ideal to interact with other guests! Dinner was top notch (3 courses, no menu). Great staff: owner Neil and man of many skills, Jose take care of all your requirements! Bit of a drive to other sites but that comes with the woodland location! New road makes the journey quick and smooth. Not many facilities at site but lots nearby.
- Tom (10/5): Exceptional - Very friendly and accommodating staff. Excellent food at a very reasonable price. Highly recommend!!!
- Susu (10/5): We stayed with Neil for 4 nights. The property is beautiful with Neil’s personal touch. You can tell he put a lot of tho -
- Pamela (10/5): We had a lovely overnight stay. The property is beautiful and we enjoyed a short hike to the waterfall on site. Neil is -
- Tim (10/5): Exceptional - Great staff. Great location. Hard to fault.
- Kylee (10/5): Exceptional - delicious food and Jose really took great care of us nothing
- Olivia (9/5): Jose was very helpful! - Jose was wonderful! He helped us book tours and helped us with anything else we needed.
- Alexander (8/5): beautiful place, tasfullly decorated rooms, friendly and helpful staff, very recommended - beautiful surroundings, great food. My breakfast was converted to a light lunch since I was out early. Very friendly and helpful personnel as most accomodation prices in Belize, relatively high. No WiFi in rooms, but that does help to relax :)
- Louise (10/5): Exceptional - Amazing place in Belize ! Thank you Neil for your warm welcome and of course for your cooking that was really amazing !! Very peaceful and calm accommodation, clean. Perfect place to stay ! Thank Jose also for booking all activities.
- Carol (10/5): we thoroughly enjoyed the area where there were lots of options for activities including cave canoeing and tubing hiking - it was a lovely setting. cottage was nicely decorated staff were great. food was excellent hired guide from the property was terrific. transportation provided by property was expensive.
- Elizabeth (9/5): Superb -
- Leif (9/5): Stayed once before, brought the family this time. - Brilliant location near falls and Caracol, and way cheaper than any of the other options. The rooms are amazing and so is the food.
- Renee (10/5): Eco lodge heaven - The lodge is beautiful, peaceful, and remote. The lodge owner/host very friendly and informative. And the food he provided was excellent! This is a perfect location to explore the San Ignacio area of Belize. My only regret is that we couldn’t stay more than one night. The no see-ums…lol They, however, could not diminish our joy at finding this little gem!
- John (9/5): Great cabins in a truly Belizean setting - Beautifully decorated room, and great grounds. The new road means it is very easy to get here with a car. The staff are attentive, friendly and informative. The meals are gourmet. The location means that on a clear night the starts are great. Wi-fi works very well in the main building and you can sit there for the internet and a drink. Provided you know what you are in for (for instance no wi-fi and rather poor lighting in the cabins), this place is great.
- Theresa (10/5): Natural Setting, Friendly Staff, and Fantastic Food - We were so happy with the location of Pine Ridge Lodge and the very welcoming people who work there.
Most of all, we liked the rustic, park-like setting. The nature is exceptional. The rooms are modest and clean. It felt like we were getting closer to nature because our room was right by the little creek/stream that winds its way through the garden. Because we stayed in the farthest cabin/room from the main lodge, we were not able to charge our devices - but, Neil made sure we were seated at tables close to outlets so that we could charge during dinner/breakfast - and that seemed to work out just fine for us.
Neil's cooking, as it has been noted in other reviews, is outstanding. His attention to detail is amazing, and we looked forward to each of our meals while staying there. We were happy with our choice, but if you have to be in a place of luxury with wifi in your room, then this is not your lodge. Electric/lighting is there, but limited.
- Brianna (10/5): Cute jungle oasis - The staff was amazing and accommodating to any questions or needs we had. It's also the perfect location near tons of the tours. The meals provided were so tasty, better than what we could've found in town.
- Brice (10/5): Perfect place to stay for a peaceful nature retreat w/ good food & pups and a chance to disconnect! - Let's start with our host (Neil) and staff member (Jose):
Both of these gentlemen went well out of their way to make sure our stay was fantastic, even before we arrived.
Before we arrived:
- Helped us book tours to ATM Caves and Tikal (highly recommend both).
- Jose picked us up from the Airport for a very reasonable price as it is a ways from the airport.
- Neil asked us what we wanted for dinner as we were arriving late, and made us a homemade curry that was to die for.
During our stay:
- Neil cooked every meal from scratch and they were all delicious!
- Jose was our guy that helped us get to the tours, gave us information on the surrounding areas, and got us everywhere we needed to be on time.
- Neil, his wife and his daughter made us feel like part of their family.
The property and animals:
- The property is gorgeous (wildlife, plants, river running through the property, chickens/turkeys/guinea fowls that are pets).
- It was a great place to disconnect (no internet in the rooms but great internet in the common area where we spent a lot of time).
- There were two well behaved pups (Morgan and Maggie) that helped us with our animal withdrawals.
Above and beyond:
- We asked if there was a hike nearby and they recommended going to the falls nearby. They asked us if we wanted to be picked up, and we passed as we wanted to walk a bit.... Fast forward two hours and there was a torrential downpour and we were not looking forward to the walk home... And to our surprise Jose was waiting at the lot by the falls to drive us back!
-The weather did not cooperate a couple times while we were there and they went out of their way to work with the tour guides to get us on the trip even though it was delayed (we didn't have to lift a finger).
-When we went to Tikal, Neil packed us each a delicious breakfast burrito for breakfast as it was an early start, the rest of the people on our trip were jealous. There was nothing we didn't like about our stay, but you should make note that there is no store nearby. Stock up on snacks/drinks on your way in. Neil had plenty of cold beer/water/coffee =)
- Kamalla (8/5): Overall it was a good stay, with some adjustments it would be a 5 star accommodation. - The property grounds were beautiful. Nice walkways and landscape. Staff were very friendly. Dinner was good and breakfast was excellent. Unfortunately the paths were not lit up and my phone died and I fell after dinner walking back to the cabin. I cut my leg pretty bad and have some pretty big bruises. I would suggest some solar lights along the path or flashlights for clients. Safety should be number one. As well, a salad with dinner instead of the shrimp reduction would have made the meal superb. We were 4 staying and only 2 chairs on the porch, 4 chairs would have been great.
- Tom (8/5): Rustic mountain lodge in a beautiful remote location. - The location of the lodge in a remote forest preserve was beautiful and easily accessible by a newly paved road. Our host was a great cook and went to great measures to accommodate our food preferences and health needs. The support staff members, particularly Jose, were also very attentive to our needs and gave 110% effort to make our stay enjoyable. The price was reasonable for the type of accommodation offered, and it is clear that Pine Ridge Lodge is working hard to provide a decent alternative to the other higher priced luxury lodges near by. The electricity and internet access were very limited, and there was just one overhead open light bulb to light our room. The lighting in the bathroom was poor, and there was little hot water or water pressure in the bathroom sink. There was no way to recharge your phone or computer in your room, and you had to do so from an extension cord in the dining room up the hill from where you stay, which was particularly inconvenient at night. We loved the Pine Ridge Lodge, but it was simple accommodation, and not a match if you're seeking luxury.
- Anonymous (10/5): We plan to return and stay longer next time. a great location to shed stress. - Authentic Belize and Guatemala accommodations environmentally friendly with exceptional owners and staff. A solar lantern would be nice at night.
- Amira (10/5): Great stay, highly recommended - The property is situated in a beautiful area, next to a running stream, it is very well taken care of and very environmentally friendly.
The staff is super helpful, accommodating and making you feel at home.
Neil the owner, is a super nice guy, very knowledgeable, and very interesting to talk with.
Jose, who took care of us was super helpful and friendly. He gave us excellent advice regarding what to do and where to go.
Did I mention the food? it was excellent.
The breakfast ( which was included) was very tasty and satisfying.
Thank you Neil and Jose for a great stay n/a
- James (8/5): An honest eco-lodge in an era of wannabees , in an exceptional part of the world. -
- Maria (9/5): Great and welcoming place to stay - The location in the middle of the pine forest was great. The owner and Jose cook wonderful dishes (local style). They are very friendly and take good care of their guests. It is not a posh place for celebrities, but a great place forthose who can appreciate the feeling of being at home. -
- Charlynn (10/5): This place is a hidden gem! We loved our stay here! The staff is amazing! Rooms are really lovely -
- Vincent (9/5): Superb - Neil and his staff were amazing. Very good local breakfast and dinner
- Stephanie (10/5): Great experience! Neil was amazing, helpful and provided such a comfortable stay. Well worth it! - Great location. Staff was amazing, helpful and kind. Breakfast was included and more than you could ever ask for! Totally worth it, great experience.
- Jared (8/5): Very good -
- Abel (10/5): I HOPE TO COME BACK SOON , I LIKE THAT PLACE , EXCELLENT HOSPITALITY AND GOOD STAFF ,GOOD FOOD GREAT - GREAT LOCATION EVERYTHING WAS VERY GOOD
- Lily (10/5): This place is beautiful including the people who works here and we will definitely come back again. - What I love most about Pine Ridge Lodge is the staffs. Everyone including the Owners are sincerely hospitable and was dedicated to give their guest the best customer service. They went out of their way to accommodate and anticipate our needs. Food was delicious, every meal was well prepared and made with love. The room was clean, linens and towels smells good. To add more, there is a creek and water falls inside the property and both are breathtaking. The place is very beautiful and serene. I only have positive thoughts about this property. I do not have anything I did not like about the property.
- Jeevini (10/5): Brilliant - Our host, Neil, was brilliant. So welcoming, friendly and accomodating. The rooms are lovely clean and spacious and are set in amazing grounds with walking trais on our doorstep. The best part though is the food. Neil is an amazing cook! The food was so delicious and definitely a highlight of the stay. Nothing. It was great!
- Mark (10/5): "'Course you can!" have a great experience at Pine Ridge Lodge - You have to start with the owner - Neil. He bends over backwards to ensure his customers are happy, well fed, and well informed. Anything you need, his response is "'course you can!" He's the head chef of the onsite restaurant/bar, a quaint, screened-in room with comfy tables and Neil's favorite music playing. As chef, he prides himself on serving a variety of meals during one's stay - tailored to meet your interests - from local, Mayan recipes to pizza to English specialties. And then there's the delicious breakfasts, especially the traditional Mayan tortillas with beans and eggs (and always Neil's homemade hot sauces).
Our open air (screened) villa was quite nice - very tastefully decorated, with ample space, nice shower, fans to circulate air, and a delightful porch. Evening temperature just right, so sleeping was very pleasant. Rooms were thoroughly cleaned and made up each day.
One of the best things about Pine Ridge Lodge is its location - relatively close to many unique and awesome sites, from Mayan ruins, to swimming holes, to waterfalls, to jungle walks, to cave tours. Some highlights - all recommended and explained by Neil, including guides, etc: Green Iguana reserve and Cahal Peche in San Ignacio, Caracol Mayan ruins and surrounding jungle (although not without 4WD and a LOT of patience), Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tour (don't miss this, with recommended guide Gonzo from River Rats).
All in all Pine Ridge Lodge is a wonderful base for an exciting adventure. Nothing bad, but be forewarned. Pine Ridge Lodge is 30 minutes from "civilization", so plan ahead for that (gas, money, any supplies you might need). Also, many sites are accessed via dirt roads - not always good dirt roads - so 4WD, or, better yet, a guide, are very helpful.
- Leroy (10/5): Exceptional - The attention of the staff was super, very friendly and attentive. Neil is a great chef and a kind man. my entire stay was GREAT! There wasn’t anything to dislike about Pine Ridge Lodge, it was perfect!
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