Alma

Staying at Alma's was like living in a jungle paradise. The 5 of us loved exploring the grounds of the property in between our tours and adventures. The 2 houses on the property were perfect. Our adult children slept in one of the houses and a few steps away my husband and I stayed in the other house. Fresh fruit on the property was a highlight...fresh off the tree star fruit and mangos were delicious! We highly recommend Alma's and would definitely stay here again!

Wow. This place is absolutely stunning. As soon as you walk in you are stunned. We arrived at night so it was dark but even then i could tell when we woke up that it was going to be hard to leave. You are in the middle of the jungle, you can walk down close to the river. The sounds of the birds and the animals in the jungle was insane. The pool was a beautiful touch. While relaxing in the pool, I seen so much wildlife. Seen a few Coati aka “quash” which was so cool. The bathrooms were beautiful as well, felt like you were showering outside in the best way. Everything was perfect, The host and co host were very friendly and made sure we were perfect. Gave us some of the best recommendations!! They had lots of games to play as well. Anyway, i’d 100% come back.

We used Alma’s place as a jumping off spot for the ATM cave, horseback riding at Xunantunich, and the Raptor Rescue Center with our teens and it was perfection. Wow we loved this place. It felt like we were at a 5-star resort. The owner was on holiday (I got the sense this is a rare event) and yet the communication was seamless with people reaching out at every turn to make sure our stay was perfect. The house is gorgeous, the sunsets were amazing, our teens got so much use out of the pool, the ability to do laundry while on vacation was so great… I could go on and on. I wish we had had time to take a cooking class with Dora! We spent a little time with her looking at plants on the property and she was so knowledge and kind! And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that you shouldn’t miss eating a filling and delicious breakfast at Carm’s just down the road.

We stayed at 3 different places while in Belize and this was by far the best place (very intentional). They are very responsive from the time of booking with any questions I had. We opted for the in house chef and Doras food was the best we had the whole trip (not exaggerating). The place is amazing and they work with a cab who was always available and very accommodating. If you are coming from Belize City and don't want to pay private taxi prices over $150** there is a shuttle bus - only $20 and a public bus (express) only $13. The only thing I didn't do that I wish I would have was the cooking class. I would def stay here again and highly recommend.

Alma's place was spectacular. Amazing location overlooking the river and tranquil. The showers were my favorite place in the house! Hadas and Tom are incredible hosts and my daughter and the famous "Alma" hit it off and became fast friends. Quiet neighborhood, super safe and a new, comfortable home. We would stay here again in a heartbeat! Book Alma Rio EVERY TIME.

If I could give Alma Del Rio more than 5 stars, I would! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated with so much care, and you can truly feel the love that has gone into creating this special place. Dora's coco rice and beans were the best we had in Belize! We loved paddleboarding on the river, cooling off in the pool with breathtaking views, and all of the thoughtful touches throughout the home (including a hairdryer with a diffuser for curly hair!). The recommendations and hospitality made our trip unforgettable. This was hands down the best vacation rental experience we've ever had. What makes Alma Del Rio so special isn't just the beautiful property, it's the incredible family behind it. They showed us the true heart and spirit of Belize. We can't wait to come back, and Alma Del Rio will always be our first choice!

The place is amazing and better than in the pictures. My daughter loved the private pool overlooking the river. It is quite expensive but so is every other comparable place in Belize. There are plenty of birds early in the morning. The hosts are responsive and helpful. We did have a problem in the upstairs where the water would stop abruptly. We managed with the other bathroom downstairs. We mentioned it to the host only towards the end of our stay. Otherwise I'm sure they would have fixed it for us. Overall, I'm happy with the 2 night stay with my family and would recommend it to others.

WOW!! It took our breath away! So much thought went into the design and all the smallest details to make this property truly unique. The upstairs has a spacious air conditioned bedroom with king bed. The hall bath, living room, and kitchen are also on this level with a spectacular view of the jungle and river below. Going downstairs you open up onto a pool deck with hammock, outdoor seating, and sliding glass door entrance to the air conditioned master suite. The master suite has a private bath with shower over looking the river. The property was perfect and staff were so friendly. Special thank you to Dora for sharing mangos from her personal mango tree! The location was perfect, just a few minutes drive out of the hustle of San Ignacio but close enough to run into town for last minute groceries. Hadas and Melody were so great with communication and even helped prearrange our ATM tour so we didn't have to get hassled by random tour agencies.. it was so easy! Thank you so much!!

This Airbnb exceeded every expectation. The views were absolutely incredible waking up and looking out each day honestly felt unreal. The property itself had everything we could’ve possibly needed and more. Every little detail was thought of, which made the entire stay feel effortless and comfortable. What truly made this place stand out though were the hosts. They were so kind, responsive, and genuinely helpful throughout the trip. They made everything seamless from start to finish and were always quick to help with anything we needed. It truly felt like a home away from home… just with a much better view. One of the best Airbnb experiences we’ve ever had and we would absolutely stay again.

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!

STUNNING! Beyond Alma Del Rio surpassed our expectations! The views are amazing, the attention to every little detail in the house is incredible and Hadas is simply lovely. She helped us booking all the tours we wanted to do for great prices, being picked up right from the doorstep and had great food recommendations. If you feel like having a more chill day, the pool has the great view too and you can pick up some stand up paddle boards to go onto the river. In short: the absolutely perfect mix of relaxing and adventure. Cannot wait to come back!

Look no more if staying near San Ignacio. This is the place when in person looks even better than in the pictures. The welcome we got was just amazing. Floral bouquets all over the place, we greeted personally by staff,amazing people, fridge full of beverages(for pay) but so convenient, they left us local pineapple and bananas, it was so sweet of Hadas and the staff.Went above and beyond helping out with everything we needed,and the view… I can not even describe,you need to be there.This is magical tranquil place. You will want to come back,I promise.

Photos don’t do this amazing place justice! Tom and Alma were such attentive hosts. The home is unique and beautiful and has everything you need. Close to attractions and surrounded by natural beauty!

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.

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.