Rent Casa Sophia + La Alma together at Alma Del Rio, an award-winning eco-retreat cr...

Alma

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Maximum Occupancy

4BR villa

Alma Del Rio Eco riverfront Macal River retreat - Cottages for Rent in Cristo Rey, Cayo District, Belize

Alma del Rio exceeded our expectations. Our group consisted of 4 couples with varying experiences of travel abroad....and every single one of us loved this property. The host, Hadas, was very responsive to questions and all of her recommendations were excellent. She put in extra effort to meet our requests. The amount of detail that she put into furnishing the houses is incredible! Gorgeous furniture and thoughtful supplies for our every need. Her daughter Alma crafted unique ornaments for purchase; really a priceless souvenir. Air conditioning in each bedroom was a lifesaver. Abundant clean drinking water. Fresh fruit in the garden. Stunning views of the river. We had massages on the porch, don't miss this experience! To set your expectations accordingly...there are no amenities within walking distance. The property is tucked away and feels private, but there is a major road close by and you can hear the traffic. The bedrooms are not as private as we hoped. Stay here!

Our only regret was not staying longer! We absolutely loved our stay. We loved all the excursions she helped us with! We loved the bird expert and the home cooked meal. Everything was just perfect and we would highly recommend this place, this host, this stay. It was a little slice of heaven! Thank you!!

This home was truly unique and felt like being immersed in the jungle. We had everything we needed and loved the incredible wildlife experience - watching birds and monkeys right from the property, with plenty of toucan sightings, was unforgettable. And we loved gathering at the outdoor kitchen! A couple things future guests may want to know: the home is near a main highway, so you can hear road traffic early in the morning and later at night. Also, while it technically sleeps the number listed, it’s best suited for families or groups who are very comfortable sharing space, as there are open walls, sliding doors, and the bathroom is not fully sealed off. That said, it was a wonderful stay and a special experience we’ll remember for a long time.

What beautiful eco houses in the jungle. So much attention to detail in the construction of the homes. The kids stayed in Sophia, and we were in La Alma. The screened off living room was an absolute joy. We got up to watch the birds, and chill, and ended up spending lots of time there. The rain was lovely on the metal roof. And it was great to see the Howler monkeys down by the river. Hadas and Alma were great, too. Good intro, mostly left us to ourselves, and stayed available, if needed. Perfect for us. There is a road nearby, but the privacy was very nice, and it was quiet most of the time. The rooms (including the bathroom) are not super isolated, but if you’re all friendly, its not a problem. The kitchen is well stocked and easy to cook meals, though restaurants are nearby as well. Overall, we loved the property, and definitely recommend it!

Loved every part of the stay. The property and homes themselves are beautiful and thoughtfully put together and all of the amenities made it feel comfortable and homey. The screened in porches were perfect to relax and unwind for a bit. They also offer add-ons like a home chef, massages, tour/activity bookings etc. It is a one stop shop!

We had the best time at La Alma cottages! Hadas had everything we needed, (I cannot express this enough) our stay didn't feel like a house but a home! Hadas was more than a host but a trust worthy guide and a friend. Thank you Hadas for the amazing stay. We can't wait to come back!

Alma’s property is absolutely beautiful - the plantings, the river, the birds and monkeys! Both houses are so well done - beautiful and comfortable. The lounge rooms with the views of the jungle and river were so relaxing. We highly recommend having Dora cook you a meal. And birding with Andy is also recommended. All around great experience.

Magical property. So well appointed, exactly as described. Can't wait to return. Very special.

This was the most restorative location imaginable. We felt at once immersed in nature, and at the same time it was a comfortable and even luxurious accommodation. Our hosts connected us to local guides for excellent experiences (cave tubing, Mayan cooking class) that were educational, fun, engaging, and felt like a great way to support the local economy. Moreover I had a glorious hour long massage by one of the accommodation staff that put the cherry on top of the entire experience. We had complementary tropical fruit (pineapple and bananas) from the garden, and were visited by a variety of birds including hummingbirds. I strongly recommend this one of a kind experience for travelers who want to learn more about how to live in harmony with nature (we got some good ideas on how to incorporate less plastic in our daily lives that I plan to take back home with me), and who want a private location that still allows easy access to all that San Ignacio and Cristo Rey have to offer

We could not have been more pleased with our stay at Alma Del Rio. Hadas and Tom  provided the perfect balance of being attentive to our needs as well as giving us space to enjoy our stay. we used Alma Del Rio as our base for exploring the Cayo district, but could have spent our entire stay on the property. From the beautiful gardens to the refreshing river, you will get the true jungle experience here. If you’re reading this review, do yourself a favor and book your stay now!

Everything was exactly as shown in the photos, it's a very nice place. We enjoyed the howler monkeys a couple of evenings, unfortunately missed seeing any toucan's.... overall i highly recommend Alma's place if your looking for a tranquil location early morning and evenings in the screen room was a favorite.

Our stay at Alma del Rio was incredible. We traveled with my best friend’s family, so having two houses—one for the adults and one for the kids—was ideal. It gave everyone plenty of space to relax while still letting us enjoy the trip together. The outdoor showers were such a cool touch, and we loved unwinding on the porch, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and sightings of birds and monkeys. The stocked fridge with Cokes and Belikins was a thoughtful extra that made us feel welcomed right away. The property itself is spacious, and we felt completely comfortable letting the kids (ages 14, 12, 10, and 9) explore on their own. It’s the kind of place where safety and nature blend perfectly. Hadas, our host, made the trip even better. She met us when we arrived, walked us through the property, and helped us map out all the activities we wanted to do. Her advice to start with the ATM cave was spot on—it ended up being the best experience of the entire trip for both families. She also

This is a place in which to experience the “real” Belize.  It’s an authentic representation of what it is like to live  in the Maya mountains, while having all the comforts that we gringos expect.

Alma Del Rio is a stunning place with so much to offer. We loved the screened-in porch, privacy, and quick drive into town for restaurants. Bonuses-We had Dora come in to give massages and the grounds are just beautiful. We did have many visits from various creatures but Hadas was very responsive and helped us navigate through issues. If you are looking for a true jungle experience, this is it!!!

Hadas was absolutely fantastic! Due to weather we arrived a day late, but she was very understanding and accommodating. There were 9 of us and when we needed reservations, she had them done instantly and gave us great food recommendations. She informed us the market on Saturday Le is a must do, it was definitely worth it, great food and shopping and very friendly. The site was beautiful. It was a delight to walk outside and pick fresh Star fruit. There were also fresh limes to pick. We walked out to the Macal river and on the other side there were monkeys to watch. It was a beautiful and peaceful experience. We will be highly recommending Alma Del Rio to everyone and visiting again. Thank you for having us!

Alma del Río is one of the most amazing, if not THE most amazing place I’ve ever stayed! My husband, my two kids, and I stayed in Alma and my in-laws stayed in Casa Sophia, which was the most perfect set up to be together, but have our own space. The houses are absolutely gorgeous from floor to ceiling, with so many incredible details. The garden/yard area around the houses were like a botanical garden with colorful flowers and plants everywhere (in full bloom in April!). The days were hot but the evenings cooled down and we were able to sleep well with no AC. We spent a lot of time playing in the river with the paddle boards, we barbecued one night surrounded by the sounds of howler monkeys and birds, and we lingered with our coffee every morning in the screened-in lounge areas, watching the birds. Truly paradise! Hadas was the best host, meeting us at check-in, giving us lots of recommendations, and even making dinner reservations one night in San Ignacio. This truly was the BEST!

We rented both houses on the property for this trip. The grounds were beyond beautiful. The landscaping was natural and clean with many fruit trees and herbs growing all around. Access to the river was a beautiful short walk. Paddleboard on the Macal river was a highlight of our trip. Our host were extremely easy to work with, very informative and helpful with excursion information, scheduling and restaurant reservations. Bird viewing and the occasional Howler Monkey sighting across the river was an experience in itself self. We had a wonderful time here!

what a special place! one of a kind. thank you for sharing your beautiful property to us!

I have stayed in dozens of airbnbs, and Hadas is the most attentive, responsive host I have had the pleasure of interacting with. The attention to details and beauty of this property is unmatched. I was concerned about the lack of AC, but it was not an issue. Our family of 8 was able to unplug and enjoy our time together. I cannot say enough good things about our stay. If you are on the fence about renting this property, take the leap of faith and book it before it is no longer available.

We had a great family vacation at Alma del Rio with our family of 7. It was beautiful and we enjoyed exploring the area. Hadas was very helpful and responsive. She made arrangements for us for a tour and a meal cooked for us. Thanks for the great stay😊

Wow, just wow!  We loved the homes, loved the land, loved the river, and wish we stayed longer.  The homes and land are beautiful, created with care and artistic touches.  We appreciated all the little touches to make us feel welcome.  We especially loved sitting in the front rooms and watching the birds.  We saw howler monkeys in the trees and listened to iguanas on the roof.  Our only wish is that the homes were farther from the road as the sound carries through the valley.  Hadas and Tom were wonderful hosts who were always available.  This is a place to visit and enjoy for sure.  We highly recommend it.

We couldn't have had a better stay at Alma del Rio!  The two houses are so charming, and the attention to detail is mind-blowing.  The grounds are spectacular, and the view of and access to the river are wonderful amenities as well.  Hadas was extremely responsive when planning the trip, including lining us with the Barton Creek Cave and Caracol Tours.  We highly recommend both of those tours.  A few of us had massages at the house after a long day at Caracol, which was also a wonderful treat.  If you enjoy living in the jungle, book this place!  You won't regret it!

We split our time between this house and one on San Pedro. I was convinced I would love being oceanside in san pedro, I was wrong. We all much preferred our riverside stay at Alma del Rio.  Listening to the jungle wake up every morning was just the perfect start to everyday. The houses had everything we needed and more. Recommendations for food and entertainment were spot on. If we come back to Belize, I would want to spend all my time here. San Pedro is great but doesn't compare. The icing on the cake is the lovely people who care for this lovely home and property, Elmer and Dora. They couldn't have been more warm, helpful, or inviting. I really can't recommend this place enough.

This was an absolutely breathtaking experience for our family! We rented out both homes, which fit all seven of us. The home and gardens are full of those little details that can elevate your getaway to the next level. We enjoyed being right on the Macal River, with backyard access, along with spending time in the screened-in porch just listening to the sounds of the jungle. Alma is an incredible host, providing us with all the local recommendations we needed to enjoy our stay. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our family and we truly appreciate all the extras that our host put in to make it especially memorable.

My stay w my group was perfect. I feel that way and my travel crew felt the same. Hadas and Tom are great people for me to know and I’m glad I can keep in contact with them.  I can’t wait to book again. Thank you both for the insight on Belize and for making my group excursion unforgettable.  Your property is at the top of my inspo list.

Just amazing! Zero complaints, everything was perfect. Such a beautiful property with amazing plants and great views, the attention to detail in all of the decor and the build of the houses was incredible. There's clearly so much love put into both units! Our only issue is we wish we would have booked more time here. We easily could have spent a month here (or even lived there). The open air living rooms were so incredible to watch the birds and the sunsets and enjoy a coffee and watch the river with breakfast. It's a super quick drive into San Ignacio, or even closer for some dinner in Cristo Rey, but it still feels secluded and tranquil. Can't recommend it enough. Everything about it was stunning and perfect. Hadas and Tom were both very kind and lovely, super helpful and really made sure everything was perfect and you were comfortable and had everything you needed. I could never come back to this region and stay anywhere else.

If you have any doubts about staying at Alma del Rio, put them to rest.  This place is special.  From the minute we arrived and were greeted by Hadas, we knew we made the right decision.  The homes are spectacular.  Beautiful finishes, handcrafted furniture, concrete work, the shower!  Please take a shower at night, it was other worldly.  Hadas’ attention to detail is spot on.  Spend time really looking at your surroundings and you will see the thought and care that has gone into creating this oasis.  The grounds are beautiful.  So many varieties of plants and flowers. I walked through many times and found something new every time.  The homes were clean, the beds comfortable the screened living areas were perfect for relaxing or gathering with family. I have a feeling I will be back!!

At first we were hesitant due to the lack of the AC- don’t be! Fans work great and the air is cool. My large family rented both homes that were meticulously cleaned, artisanally decorated, and felt exceptionally safe. Can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed ourselves. If you’re looking for an inland stay with thoughtful and friendly hosts look no further. A++ from us.

4BR Villa