Gaia Riverlodge

The location of this place is unbelievable! The views - the waterfall and sunsets over the forested mountains - are absolutely stunning. A refreshing swim under the waterfall is just what you need on a hot day, and ending the day with a delicious cocktail while watching the sunset is perfect. Every single staff member was super friendly and attentive. We loved every minute of our stay, and I can’t wait to come back!

Food was a bit over priced

Luxurious yet natural

Needed to leave to participate in most activities

Extraordinary connection to the forest and the flowers and the waterfalls! Delicious and memorable dinner! The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel special! Truly filled our souls we cannot wait to return thank you!

Location

One room was next to the monorail - although not frequently used, it was v noisy so would opt for an alternative if I’d had the choice again

The rooms were rustic and luxurious as expected, the grounds and common areas wonderful. The beach area by the river/waterfall was perfect. The food and cocktails are excellent. The standout here is the staff. They know everyone by name and provide absolutely top notch service.

Gorgeous place to stay situated above a beautiful waterfall. Rooms all over the waterfall and have great white noise of running water. Funicular to the beach near waterfall, but also can take the stairs (as the funicular is slow its actually faster to walk). 5 sisters restaurant is good, not amazing, but the view makes it worth it. Think California prices (~100 USD for full dinner with drinks). Same with the restaurant at the Blancaneaux (although actually less pricey food/drinks) which is down the road and can be arranged if you speak to concierge. Can walk to Big rock falls which is also lovely. Good excursions (just quite pricey compared to what you can book on trip advisor or viator). Coco the resort dog is such a well behaved pup! Loved getting greeted by her daily.

The road to the property is almost fully paved and fantastic (apparently this occurred in the past couple years). The last 2-3 miles is dirt and is currently great, I hear it can be tough in the rain, but honestly I suspect its fine even without a high clearance car 95% of the time. Its just a bit of a distance from town, but if you plan to chill at the resort - its not an issue. Although overall customer service was great, there were just a couple issues. One was my friend canceled her excursion and they would not issue a refund. I can understand both parties arguments as to why it should/shouldn't be refunded, my issue was that the staff treated her differently afterwards - not making eye contact, only addressing me, etc. I totally understand the customer is not always right, but you have to move forward and continue to give them a good experience. Second was when we went for breakfast at 7 in the morning we told them our bags were outside the room to be taken to the car and that we would check out after breakfast but we were not done in the room and still had the keys. Upon returning to the room they had completely cleared out the room and moved all our items to the car including items we had not packed in the room just piling them up in the car. Super frustrating. It felt as though they had someone coming in early and they were trying to turn over the room before we even check out. Which again was well before the 10 am check out. Last thing, although their excursions are great, its way cheaper to just book on your own unless you don't have your own car.

Excellent staff, always helpful and friendly. Beautiful property in pretty setting close to river with natural pools and small waterfalls. Very tidy. Restaurant food was delicious, and the special dinner with local food selections and narration was very nice. Many tours are available with excellent guides. Nice place to do bird watching, a small nature walk is nearby. Inclined lift to river available. You can reach Big Rock Falls on foot within 30 minutes or with a short bike ride (bikes available).

The last bit of road is a bumpy and during the rainy season it may become impassable. Serenity during breakfast and annoying music during dinner. Menu has limited options due to property size but definitely is overpriced. Avoid the tour to Tikal (unless you stay overnight in the park), that place is overrun with tourists and the drive is 3 hours; despite the poor roads Caracol is a better choice and the guides are much better, too. Bring ear plus in case the river is too loud for you at night. The light pollution at night is too high.

We had a wonderful time…some of the most welcoming, kind, and accommodating people you will meet. Grounds are beautiful and perfectly maintained, rooms are stunning, and individual tours/guides are well worth it. There are definitely cheaper options available but having stayed elsewhere in Belize and taken other tours, I can honestly say the attention to detail and personalization you get from Gaia is well worth the added price. Highly recommend.

AC would have been nice but they have large room fans that help with the heat.

lunch by waterfalls, sounds with screen open window plan, Sam the farm to table gardener, mosquito coils and netting, stunning design, comp coffee/tea service n/c, best bedding in Belize!

slowest funicular ever

Excellent! Lots of choices: fresh and tasty! Liked free continental breakfast so ordered 1 meal off menu that my husband and I shared. Excellent food…the location was very nice! Restaurant sits above falls..very peaceful and beautiful

where to start - incredible location (worth the drive into the remote eco reserve) + beautiful waterside - attentive, friendly staff who go out of their way to ensure a memorable stay - consistently delicious food

nothing a quiet hotel to really relax, swim and enjoy nature

perfect to relax and unwind. staff is exceptionally friendly and creates a familiar atmosphere at this small luxury hotel. we will miss the delicious food, impeccable rooms, swimming by the waterfall and spa! until next time!

it is in an eco reserve and so it is naturally remote - in case you are looking for a lot of action and sight seeing, there are some tours offered but overall it is a remote location for relaxing

We had an exceptional stay at Gaia and loved everything about this eco reserve. The facilities, staff and food are outstanding better than many 5 star hotels we have visited. The waterfall / lake and view are unique and beautiful.

it is a bit more pricey but well worth it

beautiful, quiet except for the wonderful sounds of birds in the morning.

not enough options in menu

Amazing location and views, wonderful staff. Freddy is amazing, and the night guard did a close up magic show which was incredible, highly recommend. Excellent food and drink, friendly staff, beautiful rooms and location is unbeatable

nothing, everything was perfect!

Absolutely beautiful grounds and the best staff I've ever interacted with.

The incredible location above the waterfalls won't be forgotten. Falling asleep to the sound of the waterfall, jungle, and wind was as relaxing as one would hope. The eating area is fantastic and so is the food and drinks. The staff is amazing too, they remember your name from the beginning on.

If you’re looking to get away to relax this is the place. Stunning location. Staff are top notch.

A bit of a bumpy ride in.

Organic farm to table. What more to say. Delicious and healthy. Served on the deck overlooking the river, waterfalls and jungle. Friendly staff that felt like friends rather than staff. Amazing.

There truly was nothing we didn’t like.

Gaia was beyond perfect, we loved every single minute there. The staff could not have been any more nice or helpful - they were SO accommodating and made our trip absolutely perfect. The resort was so peaceful and the waterfall area was amazing. The food was fantastic and we truly can't wait to go back.

The only thing to keep in mind when booking here is the fact that it's very remote. It can be expensive to get here from Belize City, the tours are pricier than if you went with a 3rd party, and your options for dining are limited since it's so remote. However, the tours are private and the guides are AMAZING so we didn't feel it was wasted money and we loved the food - just something for consideration for others.

Rainforest. Jungle. River. People. Air. Dawn. Sunset. Birds. Boa.

Hardly anything need to be improved. The best thing is do not touch anything, leave it as is.

View

Roads

This beautiful resort provided us with everything. The rooms were well appointed. The restaurant was superb with a beautiful setting of the waterfall. They pay attention to detail and the customer care was the best experience we had in Belize.

There wasn’t one complaint or recommendation.

Setting was amazing and the farm-to-table food exceptional. Service very personalized.

Restaurant was pricey however the food was phenomenal.

Loved it!

Location was perfect! It was truly a paradise!

The resort was really beautiful and the staff made the stay even better! really made us feel welcomed.