Jim

Our stay at Better in Belize was absolutely magical. Walter was an exceptional host—kind, attentive, and always ready to help. Lucy and Vilma prepared the most delicious local meals we had in the entire country, every dish full of flavor and love. Robert and his friends were a true treasure trove of knowledge about the area. We rode horses with Robert at sunset, floated down the river on a raft with his friends and swam in hidden waterfalls, and explored the incredible ATM Cave with Gonzalo — an experience we will never forget. The nature here is unreal: toucans flying overhead, howler monkeys calling from the treetops, coatimundi wandering nearby, and fireflies lighting up the night. You’re surrounded by pure jungle magic every moment of the day. This place is peaceful, idyllic, and full of life. We couldn’t have asked for a more unforgettable stay. Highly recommended to anyone looking for an authentic Belize experience.

This place was truly incredible! I have never been in a more peaceful setting. We spent evenings watching the jungle wake up! From the howler monkeys howling to each other to the bats flying by and the fireflies, it was incredible. The meals were delightful, the local pontoon river float amazing, and the host Walter was incredibly helpful! We cannot recommend this place more for people looking to disconnect from everything and reconnect with themselves, whoever they travel with, and nature! I would add that the road down into the property was a little rougher than I anticipated so the 4x4 they require is absolutely necessary but worth the effort to get there! I would absolutely come back!

We enjoyed our stay at Jim's home very much. It was quite a treat to be right in the jungle and feel so remote, yet still feel at home. Walter as a host during our stay was excellent. He was friendly, helpful, and communicative. If you want to hear the noises of the jungle (and sometimes see its various inhabitants), and don't mind some effort to get there, Jim's home is a wonderful escape.

The write up is accurate. It was a very open conept with most of the time spent outside on the deck. The nightly howler monkeys were amazing. The tours were great with Robert (tour guide), and Walter (prporty manager) was a gem to have. We reserved a 4WD as instructed - got AWD, and had to swap to 4WD. Do not leave car rental place without 4WD no matter what they say. The meals prepped for us were authentic. If you are looking for an eco friendly jungle experience, I highly recommend it.

phenomenal for those with and adventurous spirit. not for those unwilling to experience the novel.

This home is extraordinary! The chef was amazing! the additional host was amazing and it was beyond our expectations! Our guides that were suggested were all oustanding!

Our stay at this jungle Airbnb was absolutely magical! From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by lush greenery, the soothing sounds of nature, and the most peaceful atmosphere imaginable. It felt like our own private paradise! The accommodations were beautifully designed, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Everything was clean, cozy, and well thought out, making it easy to relax and unwind. Waking up to the sounds of birds and monkeys was an experience we’ll never forget! The host was incredibly welcoming and attentive, providing great recommendations for local adventures while ensuring we had everything we needed. Whether we were lounging on the outside deck, exploring nearby trails, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, every moment here was pure bliss. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable jungle retreat, this is the place to be. We can’t wait to come back! 🌿💚

This Airbnb offers an incredible jungle experience—truly the perfect home for anyone seeking adventure. It's conveniently located near the river, enhancing the natural vibe. Jim was an outstanding host, providing excellent communication and ensuring everything was prepared for our arrival. Walter, the house manager, was equally attentive and always available to assist with any questions or needs. Lucy is a fantastic cook, and I highly recommend ordering her home-cooked dinners and breakfasts. Robert was another invaluable contact, arranging all the tours we wanted, including the nearby pontoon tour. The horseback riding in the jungle is an absolute must, and we also enjoyed the ATM cave tour. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and we will definitely choose this home again on our next visit to Belize.

The jungle experience was just fantastic. We chose the place because it was immersed in the jungle, and it really was. Great community with lots to do and Jim and on-site host Walter were great and took excellent care of us. The house was incredible and a true eco-lodge, built sustainably. We will be back - thank you!

1000 character is not enough to rave about this stay. We split our time in Belize with Place via and San Ignacio the second half of the trip. The jungle was a peaceful getaway with Jim’s home being a unique retreat. Lucy’s meals were outstanding and we adored the sustainable eco efforts in addition to all the outdoor adventures this location provided. We absolutely will be back and had the most magical time.

It was absolutely beautiful and amazing. Thank you for a wonderful stay the food was delicious and pontoon boat was amazing Giovanni did a fantastic job and his cooking was delicious thank you we’ll be back.

Jim is very responsive and communicative. The house is really lovely and spacious, and the setting is gorgeous. Weather was hot, but cooled down at night, so we were comfortable with the fans. The road in is rough—make sure you have everything you need for your stay—we didn’t want to have to drive the road any more than necessary.

If you are looking for a true jungle experience this is the place. Our first morning we saw howler monkeys right next to the front porch, it was amazing. The treehouse is beautiful, the views cannot be captured in a photo. Our hosts were great, making sure we had the right vehicle and equipment, and helping us check in. You will be off the beaten path, plan accordingly and make sure you have a full tank of gas and all the groceries you'll need. It's an hour drive on gravel roads to get to the treehouse, and easier done in daylight. Once you're checked in there is plenty to do in the neighborhood., the ponton boat cruise on the river to see waterfalls is highly recommended! To make the most of your experience make sure you have a four wheel drive vehicle, it's a requirment to get to the treehouse. There is plenty of space, lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, but we spent most of our time on the porch. There is no air conditioning, but with the fans going we were comfortable.

This house is truly one of a kind. It is nestled in the rainforest where you will go to sleep and wake to howler monkeys and parrots singing. Lucy and Walter honestly made the experience wonderful with delicious food and being so responsive to requests and any issues that arose. It felt like we had good friends as neighbors. You will definitely get the real deal four wheel drive experience to get to the house but well worth it and part of the adventure. In the heat of the day, There are fans which help to keep cool and the house is well shaded just know there is no AC (was fine for us but recognize some are accustomed to AC.) Highly recommend the pontoon tour and the sunset horseback tour nearby.

The house is even more beautiful in person than in pictures. We loved the deck. Unfortunately we did not do our research well and did not understand that the house is part of a growing eco-village. When we read "jungle" and "remote" we thought we would be far from people and surrounded by wildlife. We were indeed 45 min drive from the closest grocery store or restaurant, but were surprised to hear people arguing, kids screaming and music playing on a regular basis. Nobody had warned us that there was a house being built just a few feet away, and construction noises continued from 7:30am till the afternoon 5 days a week. Unfortunate timing. Luckily the river is accessible via a private path. We were grateful for the canoe that we could take to several waterfalls nearby. Thanks to our sense for adventure, we explored the area quite a bit and enjoyed the small private beaches, pools by the waterfalls and meeting Pepe, the Morelet's Crocodile. Definitely a beautiful place.

We absolutely loved living in the jungle for a few days. We really felt like we were perched in a tree house. Never had that experience before. The house was spacious and had everything we needed to feel comfortable. The no AC on hot days made it tricky but the use of fans and the river worked great to cool down. The river access right from the house made this property even better. There’s a canoe and paddles for your use and that was so fun! Plus the great big rock to use as your “beach” at the river was awesome. Highly recommend the river pontoon cruise from close to the house. And you MUST have 4-wheel drive. This isn’t just a recommendation. We watched a family drop the transmission out of the expedition they were renting right at the pontoon landing. These roads are no joke. And arrive before dark as they recommend too! Also, pre-book your meals with Miss Lucy or you will be missing out. We looked forward to her meals every day! We will definitely be back again!

Words really don't describe how special Casa Santa Maria is. You can look at pictures and read reviews but there is something magical about this place. From Jim's communication to Walters presence at check in and Lucy's cooking, I'm not sure there is a better experience. It's not for the faint of heart and if you don't have experience driving gnarly dirt roads find someone else to take you or somewhere else to stay. If you want off the grid and a legit serene location there is very few places in the world that compare. My only complaint is we didn't stay there for a longer period of time.

They house and surroundings were just a described, beautiful!!!! The road to get there was definitely an experience..... I underestimated the road and the need to be more prepared. We also wanted to do things in town everyday, and the road made that difficult, but to just hang out at the house was amazing, breathtaking, and so much more than we could ask for. Walter and Lucy were wonderful, Lucy's meals were delicious. We did a pontoon boat tour on the river behind the house and it was amazing. Overall the experience was amazing, just be prepared for a long bumpy ride to town. Stock up on supplies when you are heading in and group your activities if possible.

Do not allow people without a sense of adventure keep you from driving up here. they need to stick to the tourist trap ammeties with the ton of other tourists without a lick of adventure. yes you do need 4 wheel drive, yes the road is rough at times, but after a few days you will be a pro at navigating the area. the true beauty and wonderment comes when you reach this little piece of heaven. You Will Never Want To Leave! thanks again to Walter, Lucy , and Chloe. for making the meals and hospitality top notch. We are moving to the area next year after retirement at 52 yrs. old and the wifey says this stay changed her life and convinced her this was meant for us. We are not rich by any means but it is so possible with some life tweaks to enjoy it before it's gone. This house was the absolute catalyst for our change. Thanks, Jim

If you are looking for a remote Jungle location, in the midst of nature, this is the place for you. I booked Jim’s stay to get back in touch with myself in being in the wild, and that’s exactly what I found here. Must book activities with Roberto, he is amazing and will give you the most authentic exposure into beautiful Belize! 10/10 coming back with friends and family next!

Beautiful jungle stay. Wildlife right off the porch. Jim was very communicative and Walter was helpful. We were not at our best, broke a faucet and locked keys in a car. But Walter was great. I wish we had a couple more days to really disconnect from the world, but worth the drive. (Make sure you have a 4x4).

We had an amazing stay! Surroundings were beautiful and so was the house. If you enjoy the solitude, peace and tranquility- look no more - this is it. We had an SUV but if u can rent a pick up it’s worked better for getting around. We did river tour 3 waterfalls with Robert by Jim recommendation- it was amazing :) Did the Barton creek cave on canoe with Dave Hernandez ( via Robert) - it was a spectacular scenery! Enjoy ! We will be back!

We loved our stay! The other reviews are accurate - read them carefully. The 10 mile road in wasn't difficult, just slow going. Be prepared for an hour drive in and out when you want to get into town. The house feels remote, but you don't feel isolated in an unsafe way. Walter was in frequent communication while we were there and was just fun to talk with. Lucy's dinners were delicious and so much easier than dealing with a grocery store. It felt like family. There are fantastic activities nearby. Robert was an amazing tour guide and set us up with tours near the house - the pontoon boat, Chem Che Ha Cave, and the sunset horseback ride were all highlights. He also arranged for tours to Tikal and Caracol - both longer days but very worth it if you want to see Mayan ruins. All in all, it was an adventure and we loved being close to nature. Be confident that you want to deal with the overhead though instead of a resort. Jim is a fantastic communicator and was very helpful in advance.

We stayed at the property for 3-weeks, so that we could 'get away' from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our stay was everything we hoped for and so much more. The tranquility of being emersed in the jungle/rainforest was exactly what we needed. Of an evening we lounged on the extra-large deck, surrounded by beauty, listening to the sounds of nature. We slept peacefully, woke eager to see what today's beauty would bring. We hiked to "Miss Ellie's" store about 3 miles from the house, and on our way saw Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Anteaters, Toucans and so much more. The Howler Monkeys would also visit of a morning, so we would sit and watch them whilst drinking our morning coffee/tea. We showered in rainwater, swam at the Waterfalls along the Macal River and kayaked to the little beach area along the Macal River. We were the only ones there. Lucy & Walter, our hosts were amazing, and welcomed us like family. Words cannot describe the beauty. We cannot wait to return.

The previous reviews give an outstanding representation of the home & the actual experience of staying at Casa Santa Maria, so I highly encourage potential guests to read through reviews! There were 6 of us ages 16-51. We had plenty of room to spread out while still feeling like the "tree house" was cozy We went into our stay looking for a unique experience & an authentic stay in the jungle, and that's exactly what we got! We loved our stay at Casa Santa Maria! The input, advice & assistance provided by Jim (host) & Walter (on-site property mgr) was imperative to us having a wonderful stay...without them I would have been lost LOL. But because of them, everything about our experience was incredible! Our family loves to do excursions & Robert who owns Jungle Splash Tours was awesome! We did the Pontoon boat, local Mayan Ruins Tour & Sunset Horseback Riding. Highly recommend them all!! Lastly, can't imagine staying here without enjoying meals prepared for you on-site...MUST DO!!!

I can’t say enough wonderful things about our stay at Casa Santa Maria. Jim was in constant communication with me from months in advance. We were a group of 10, and he looked over my itinerary for the week and provided recommendations and feedback, even pointing out a time estimate error I had that would have caused us to be late for our most anticipated tour of the ATM Cave. Once we arrived at Casa Santa Maria, we were met and greeted by Walter, the property manager, who led us the rest of the way to the property, and when we first stepped foot into the home, it is a sight to behold. All 10 of us were in awe of the immeasurable beauty of the home and jungle setting. Walter was our contact person for the rest of the trip and dropped by daily during meal service and was a wealth of information for all things Belize. Lucy provided the most amazing meals tailored to our likes and requests, and she tirelessly took care of us all week. We will miss Lucy and her two sweet girls.

Fantastic stay in the Jungle. Jim was very responsive and helpful. We had our meals cooked every day by Lucy. She is an incredible cook. More food than we could consume! Pontoon excursion was very nice and relaxing. Path to the river was very well maintained from the house. Glad we listened and rented a 4WD pickup. While the nights were warm (with no AC), it was fine with the fans running. Listening to the night-time jungle noises was a cool experience as well.

I would recommend Jim’s place for a unique experience in the jungles of Belize. It’s secluded, so don’t plan on driving back and forth to town much for food or activities. This house is built like a tree house. Living and dining room is covered but completely open to the trees and fresh air. Kitchen and bedrooms are all accessed separately off of the main living area. We came in May so it was HOT and keep in mind that there is no A/C in the eco village, only fans. We chose to have Lucy come by and prepare our dinners. Hands down the best food we had in all of Belize. You can order that ahead of time on Jim’s website. We also did the pontoon boat ride down the river, which was a lot of fun.

Highly recommend this place! It is absolutely beautiful and the host was amazing and very responsive! The pre-ordered meals that Lucy cooks are an absolute must! They are delicious! Recommend taking the canoe and/or hike to the waterfall that is super close. It felt like our own private waterfall! Will definitely be coming back!

BEYOND AWESOME! Everything was perfect, clean and stunning! I can’t tell you the excitement we had when we walked in and saw that deck! It was dark and we had the most amazing concert of howler monkeys! We didn’t see them that night but they sounded like they were so close! We also heard toucans and other jungle sounds. We saw the monkeys one of the last days and a coatimundi right under the deck! SO peaceful! We had no power issues and the kitchen was well stocked with all dish and cook ware! The house has tons of room and multiple decks if people wanted to spread out. The only snag was that there is a 10 mile dirt road that is bumpy - so slow going. BUT - being out of town adds to the peace! You get there and you don’t even care about the road. It’s not THAT far out of town- we were able to go into town to see caves and ruins. The pontoon river tour is right down the road. Plan time to stay at the house and enjoy this amazing place! The owner is fantastic! Responsive and helpful!

What an amazing experience for our family. We visited for 5 nights with our 9 year old twins, and my parents. Jim was a FANTASTIC host! Words cannot describe how helpful he was with all our questions - and I had a lot. Jim provided recommendations for car rental, excursions, even a place at the beach when we left his location. It is IMPERATIVE to get a 4x4 vehicle. The road to the house is dirt and rocks with lots of pot holes for 35-45 minutes and gets steep. BUT, it is SO worth it. We took Jim's advice and had Lucy cook for our family, and we came to adore her and her daughters. Lucy's food was delicious. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Ms. Jen just a couple doors down was amazing. Jim really does have a family of helpers to make your stay better than you could ever imagine. Robert, with Jungle Splash tours was fantastic. You MUST do the pontoon boat tour. Seriously, ANY questions, ask Jim. Make sure to plan ahead so you're prepared for your days up in the jungle!

Casa Santa Maria is a hidden gem truly out in the jungle off the beaten patch! We’re so grateful that Jim told us to get a 4x4 as you will need it. One car rental had a big Ford Truck and we felt very safe in it!! Jim’s direction are very helpful as we lost cell reception and he wrote down everything… The house is gorgeous and it feels like a treehouse in the jungle top. Every morning we had a chorus of howler monkeys and birds singing. We never saw them but still a very amazing experience! Lucy cooked us breakfast and dinner - it was delicious and she found something for our very picky eater too. She also gave us good advice on what to see and where to eat lunch while exploring. Jim connected us with Walter (manager - for getting checked in etc) and Rob (pontoon and horseback riding) all via the app what’s app Lastly, thank you Jim for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful retreat - we hope to come back soon!!

It is hard to find something to say that hasn’t been said in Every other review: that Jim’s place is fabulous and to add it to your must stay list. We are a family of 7 and each of us said we would absolutely return. The location, the views, the house, the beds, the river access- everything was amazing. All of that would have made for a memorable vacation; Lucy and her cooking is what made our vacation unforgettable. She made us breakfast and dinner each day- one as good as the next and allowed us to maximize our time together and our vacation. If anyone is reading this, I hope you take away one point: Lucy is worth it and then some!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, Jim, for sharing your home as well as all the people you have assembled to Make us feel welcome and show us the beauty of the area. We are truly grateful.

This place is beautiful! Similar to other reviews, I'm a little hesitant to submit a review because more people will see it, but this place deserves to be seen. I don't need to talk about the road in because there's enough in other reviews. It's bumpy, it needs 4wd/awd, it feels like forever, but it's worth every second. Jim is a great host, very responsive and proactive with communication. Lucy is the star of the place. We booked dinners every day we were there, and can't say enough good things. It blew away our expectations. We will definitely be back to Casa Santa Maria! Brad and Tricia

Talk about being in "the Jungle". we were definitely that. The place is on the side of a fairly steep hill with "jungle" greenery all around us. It gave the feeling of being in a tree house. After a, seemingly endless ride on a very bumpy road we were met, along the road, and assured we were headed in the right direction. When we arrived we were met at the house for a very helpful indoctrination. As the house is off the grid, except for the wifi, Lucy gave us the rundown on the operation of the solar power and generator setup. Then, after we settled in, she and her small daughter fixed us a MOST enjoyable dinner. She gave us pointers about the area. She warned us about the "Howling Monkeys", a not to miss experience. She was back in the morning to fix us an equally AWESOME breakfast. Some time during that day, the refrigerator went on the fritz. Jim put us in touch with Walter, then property manager. What could have turned into an ugly event was thwarted by Walter. He is such an asset

The tree house was a dream come true for our family. An eco lodge located in the heart of the jungle. Lucy provided food that was outstanding. The large itself was spacious and miraculous to be in the middle of the jungle like that. Robert provided transportation and the pontoon boat tour (a must do activity). A truly Magical place.

Had an amazing time! Jim’s place was great and secluded, Drive was definitely a little rough and would definitely recommend 4WD. We had Lucy cook all our breakfasts and dinners, and every meal was incredible! There’s a little trail beside the house that leads down to the river. Would also recommend the junglesplash tours. We did the pontoon boat to a few waterfalls with Nadir as our guide and he was amazing. Then we did horseback riding to the caves and to the lost Mayan ruins, Robert was our guide and he was basically a modern day Tarzan and extremely knowledgeable about the Mayan culture. 10/10 would recommend staying here. We also took a day to go to Guatemala and visit the ruins at Tikal and it was mind blowing.

Wonderful spot, great host who will help plan your trip with you even having to ask - pontoon and horseback ride were great

We had a wonderful stay. This accommodation has a solid mixture of great service and an adventure. The long road there is extremely bumpy and when Jim says to rent a 4-wheel drive, he means it. Walter was an attentive host and very helpful. Robert set us up for a fun pontoon boat cruise; the waterfalls were extremely fun and with just the right level of risk to make it feel like a true adventure. He also offered a sunset horseback ride, which I think would have been very fun, but we didn’t stay long and had already booked a trip to Tikal. We ordered Lucy’s delicious meals a few times, and it was wonderful to enjoy a home cooked meal on the gorgeous outdoor table with the jungle as our backdrop. A highlight was the final day when we had a miscommunication about our breakfast before we checked out. Lucy was waiting for us at her place, and we were waiting for food at the house. Once we figured out the miscommunication, we checked out and drove to Lucy’s. That was the best ever miscommunication, because going to Lucy’s was a delightful surprise. We sat under a thatched roof cover on tall wood rounds surrounded by gorgeous flowers and vegetation and devoured our fantastic breakfast. It was a great ending to our jungle stay.

If you love tranquility this home is a MUST stay. From the jungle location, the extremely large and well maintained beautiful home to the fantastic excursions as well as wonderful staff, we couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant vacation. We will definitely come back and stay here with more family and friends. I loved it so much that I’m considering buying a home there. The jungle atmosphere is breathtaking and waking up to the calming sounds of wilderness was food for the soul. We appreciate the hospitality shown by Jim and Walter and Robert and all of Jim’s staff including security . They didn’t seem to miss a beat when it came to helping us in any and all ways needed. We highly recommend this home and experience to everyone seeking peace of mind and relaxation! You better Belize it!!!! We 💖Belize…

What a great place! This was perfect for 2 couples and 4 college-aged children. We were immersed in the jungle and LOVED it! Standard for Belize: bring your bug spray! According the neighbors, the road has been improved but a 4-wheel drive vehicle is still 100% required. Getting there is definitely part of the adventure. Buy groceries on the way. Also, take advantage of Lucy's restaurant...we ate breakfast there and had dinner delivered: superior! Really, this was SO worth what we paid. We did the combo tour through Jungle Splash and would do it again. The guides were very knowledgeable and everyone had a good time.

This is a really fun and unique place to stay. The optional meal service was a great addition for our group. Make sure you get there before dark or it will be hard to navigate.

Our family of 5 spent 4 nights at Casa Santa Maria and we loved every minute! I was initially nervous about not having A/C and being so remote but it was perfect! Even with the heat of June we slept perfectly in the cool night air with night sounds of the jungle. I strongly suggest having meals at Lucy’s! Her food and hospitality was so special. Truly our favorite meals in Belize so far. You definitely need a 4x4 so don’t skip on that regardless of the cost! Plan activities near the home that way you minimize the long drives. We did the Jungle Pontoon Boat tour and it was amazing!! Jim answers all questions quickly and gives great recommendations. Definitely a top tier host! Casa Santa Maria is a perfect way to get deeply yet comfortably into nature! We loved it!

Such an amazing experience!!! We had a blast and really got to experience the jungle. Lucy’s food was amazing, definitely a good idea to take advantage of that. We highly recommend riding horses at the Martzs (they are wonderful!) and going on the pontoon river cruise. So much fun!!!!

Absolutely loved our time there! Amazing place, right in the thick of a lush tropical oasis. You must, I repeat must, go to Lucy's for your meals. I'm not a foodie, but I had to take a picture of every meal I had just to help capture the memories. I would also strongly suggest the Pontoon River adventure with Robert (Splashtours). We really enjoyed our time, and will be back!

What an amazing stay! This was one of the best air bnb stays we have ever enjoyed and we will certainly return! Travelers can expect a truly dreamy house up in the trees. the weather is better in the jungle and, believe it or not, there are far less bugs and mosquitos. However, if guests should come with an adventurous spirit. The road to the house is quite long from town and the road isn’t village itself is steep and bumpy. As long as you have 4 wheel drive you’ll be just fine! You’re in the jungle so some critters are inevitable and the animals in the jungle (howler monkeys especially) are a beautiful soundtrack. Nothing will beat the friendly community in this mountain village, the food at Lucy’s (wow!), or opportunities to explore. And somehow the WiFi connection was stronger than any other place we visited in the country. We recommend hiking down to the water and canoeing over to the small beach/waterfall, asking about Robert’s Expeditions, and spending time in Succetts (Benny’s Kitchen is fabulous. And you can get tours by the ferry to see the ruins. It’s worth getting a guide!). We were glad we planned ahead to have food brought to the house the first night. After that, we preferred to go down and eat/get a drink at Lucy’s roadside restaurant in person. We also preferred visiting Succetts in the daytime verses driving back and forth to town in the dark. We much preferred this air bnb to the resorts. We will be back for sure and we will stay longer next time!

Great place. Authentic location. Jim was very helpful whenever we had a question. The house had everything you needed, and was a great experience !

The place is spectacular. We loved the area and the attention we received. We hear the howler monkeys during the night and day. The house is hard to access and you will need a 4x4, and bring food and drink because the nearest supermarket is 40 min away, but it is very worth it. Lucy, a local village, made us breakfast and dinner and was spectacular, all homemade and good. The xunantunich ruins are close by and we took a tour of the river near the house, visited several waterfalls and made bbq! Jim was very responsive, responding quickly to our messages and Walter showed us around the house and gave us several tips. We would definitely do it again! Thank you very much and see you next time!

I have had several great trips with Airbnb, but none have gone as well as this one did with the help of Jim, Walter, Lucy, and Robert. Our entire experience was amazing. The house and location would have been enough for 5 stars. I will definitely be back and for a longer stay

Fantastic! If Jim's place is available BOOK NOW, if it's not, change your plans to come when it is available! It's that good. We had the adventure of a life time. Notes: I was a little worried about sleeping with out a/c, and worried about howlers monkeys making noise at night. Not a problem at all. Everything was wonderful. Dito what the other reviews said, Jungle splash tour for waterfalls (the best), and make sure to sign up for meals. I wasn't sure about that part, and I'm super glad for the meals. yum! The road is bumpy, but you can do it!!

Seven of us spent three nights at Casa Maria on the Macal. All of us regret we didn’t stay a little longer, to really get a chance to take it all in. The home is beautiful, and wonderfully situated to its setting. Lucy not only cooked us fantastic meals, but generally too good care of us. The days trips we arranged through Robert (Jungle Splash Tours) were unforgettable experiences. Communication with Jim, our host, was easy and very helpful. We arranged transportation from the airport to Casa Maria through Robert and are super glad we did; it made our trip so much smoother. We would recommend a stint at Casa Maria to anyone looking for a unique travel experience. Thanks to all who made it possible!

Long rough road on the way in. Definitely need a 4x4, but that adds to the experience. You feel like you’re in the middle of the rainforest, and you are. The house is beautiful. Spent most of our time on the deck. Highly recommend meals from Lucy. She’s very sweet and an excellent cook. The Martz farm was an amazing place to book a tour. We went horseback riding. Couldn’t have drempt of more beautiful trails to ride on! The horses were very well trained and behaved perfectly. Also booked a tour on the Macal river with the Martz farm and it was wonderful. Saw several waterfalls and swam in the crystal clear water fall pool of a mountain creek. We hope to return some day with friends. Would recommend to anyone looking for adventure!

This is an unbelievable fusion of a luxurious, absolutely extraordinary house and a wild jungle. The beauty of the area just left us speechless! There is a path going down to the river from the house with a big flat rock at the bottom of the trail. You can swim right off the rock. We were mesmerized by the mist over the river as the sun was rising over the mountains in the morning. We took a canoe to one of the waterfalls, and enjoyed a beautiful little beach and a waterfall in the jungle all by ourselves. It truly felt like we are in paradise. There are a few howler monkeys families that we could hear and see. We went on the Pontoon Cruise and Sunset horseback riding trip and enjoyed every minute. We were lucky to see spider monkeys, crocodiles and toucans. Lucy’s food is delicious, local people are super friendly and Better In Belize community is very hospitable. Jim is an amazing host, attentive, thoughtful and super easy to reach, and Walter is a great manager. 4 wheel drive powerful car is a must, and there is no cellular reception. This is how you get a unique experience.

Our family (mom, dad, 2 teenagers) had a wonderful time at Jim’s place. It was such a treat to not have to cook and clean and eat absolutely delicious home-cooked meals by Lucy. She has recently opened up an outdoor restaurant and although we initially planned to eat at Jim’s place, we ended up eating our meals at her restaurant and really enjoyed it. She is such a lovely woman. We also can’t say enough good things about Jungle Splash Tours and Robert. We went on their pontoon boat tour, ATM cave tour, evening horseback ride and ride to the forgotten city and had a wonderful time on all of them. Instead of driving straight to Jim’s house from the airport, we stayed the first night at monkey bay sanctuary. I recommend that too so you don’t have to drive to Jim’s place in the dark the very first time. Jim’s property manager, Walter, was really welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed. Jim was amazingly responsive and communicative. You can’t go wrong staying at Jim’s place.

This house is perfect for a stay near the tours in western Belize. It is a beautiful property that is in the middle of the jungle with river views in a fabulous eco-friendly community. Our group did the ATM Cave tours and the Xunatunich Mayan ruins and we spent a day with Jungle Splash tours on the Macal River checking out waterfalls - which may have been our best time! The house is well appointed with everything you need. Jim is excellent with communicating. The meals we had prepared at the house were fabulous and I highly recommend planning to have your meals prepared. Do not expect to travel to and from San Ignacio, although there is also a small restaurant just a few miles from the house. The house is amazing and we could hear and see howler monkeys which was fascinating. The foliage is lovely. The unpaved road to and from the town is the only drawback as it takes seemingly forever to get up and down and is tough on your vehicle and tires. The entire way up the road you will swear that you would never live in a place that you would have to travel that road --- then you arrive and you forget that you said that and you want to check out the real estate in the neighborhood!!! We enjoyed every minute we stayed!!!

If you are looking for a retreat in the jungle, THIS IS IT! This house is gorgeous and very spacious. My family and I planned our vacation to Belize for about 4 months and Jim not only hosted us, but was very informative and gave us many recommendations that filled up our itinerary. Through Jim's recommendation, we were able to book all of our activities through Jungle Splash Tours- they are phenomenal. The house is very spacious and will fit a family of 6 comfortably. We were able to see some spider monkeys from the porch during our lunchtime which is a memory that will stay with me forever. The house has a hiking trail that leads to the Macal River located less than 10 minutes away from the house; there is also a canoe as that fits 3 people which you can take out on the river. I can not say this enough but you WILL need a 4 wheel drive! The 10.5 mile drive to the property is beautiful but the road is just horrible. We went during the wet season and it seemed like every time it would rain, more of the road would disappear. If you plan to have a busy itinerary I would highly recommend preordering your meals to have them made for you at the house during your stay. We did the ATM Tour with Jungle Splash Tours and returned to the house exhausted, bruised, and damp from not only the cave but the rain and let me tell you, it was so comforting returning to the house in the evening and having a warm Belizean home cooked meal waiting for you. The house does have a lot of wildlife in the area. You will be in the jungle so expect to hear the howling monkeys at 2am lol. I thank god I did not personally get to witness any tarantulas or scorpions, but they are in the area. It's important to remember that you are in their home so just be extra cautious and remember to check your shoes before putting them on. If you enjoy scenic views, wildlife, mayan culture, or just want some time away in a remote location, I HIGHLY encourage you to book your stay with Jim!

Great stay and even better people. Food was amazing and the environment was truly magical. Be sure to ask Jim about booking tours with Robert.

Such an awesome place. Be prepared to be in the true jungle, but good lord was this an incredible experience. One of the best parts of our trip for sure.

Typically I don't leave a long review, so I will try to keep this short, BUT this was hands down one of the best airbnb experiences I've ever had BY FAR! This isn't just a house rental, this is pretty much a resort experience in the jungle. Jim was an incredibly informative host and made sure that we were over prepared for the trip and the nuances of traveling in Belize. Walter and Georgette, the hosts on site, were next level and went out of there to make sure we were situated and taken care of. I definitely recommend getting the in-house meals (they were next level and made it easy when meal time came around), almost felt like we were at a resort and never needed to leave the property, which was nice considering we were deep in the jungle. I also recommend going on all of the excursions and tours with Roberto, who had a wealth of knowledge of the land and was an incredibly patient and insightful guide. So many beautiful waterfalls and wildlife near the property, literally felt like a movie. Do not expect to come here and be on your phone and computer, as the wifi and service is pretty non existent, but do expect to come here and escape the matrix of everyday life. I can't imagine a better place to go when you want to disconnect from the weight of everyday life, and I will most definitely be back!

Loved my stay

Fantastic location and exceptional home in the middle of the jungle. We took the trails to the river and through the jungle several times during our stay. I highly recommend booking some excursions with Martz Farm (just before you get to Jim's place). Joe is a local and knows so much about the area -- we took the horseback ride and the pontoon boat to the waterfalls and it was such a great experience. At Jim's place it is so beautiful and peaceful. We took the canoe up and down the river when we weren't just relaxing on the veranda. I also recommend hiring Iris to fix your meals -- it saves so much time and the food was great. If you are able to get to Belize this location is a fantastic must for part of your trip!

My two teen children and I had the best time! Allow Jim to help you plan your time here and just do it. I don’t want to spoil what is in store. We definitely left reset. I could have stayed longer and I usually don’t feel that way while traveling.

You can expect things as they are described. Do not under estimate the need for 4x4 and keeping an open mind about the off grid life style.

The pictures don’t do the house justice actually. It was gorgeous - and every room has a view. I highly recommend ordering meals and letting Iris cook for you. They were simple meals but with the house being SO remote, it was a thoughtful touch since you can’t just pop into town and grab something. Read and follow Jim’s directions thoroughly, especially getting to the house before dusk. If you’re not an experienced driver, the road can be intimidating and that is even moreso at night. At the police checkpoint, they made us aware of some activity in the area but we felt very safe in the house. Overall great experience and would highly recommend for experienced travelers who are looking for unique trips off the beaten path.

We love Casa Santa Maria! The tree-top jungle location can't be beat. The home is peaceful, comfortable, and spacious, with all the amenities needed for a wonderful stay. The river and waterfalls are gorgeous!! Definitely take out the canoe; you won't regret it. Wonderful bird and mammal watching, too! The howler monkeys always provide a wonderful concert right off the magnificent deck!!

We had a wonderful time. Jim, Jorge and iris were incredibly helpful and kind. The house was beautiful and the help with excursions was truly appreciated!

By far the best Airbnb experience I’ve ever had. The house was breathtaking and Jim was an excellent host, so helpful and responsive. He helped us coordinate multiple excursions (the pontoon boat was the perfect way to relax while also experiencing the beauty of the Macal river) and Iris is such a great cook, it was so worth it to have her available to us. The house is a bit remote so driving in to town for meals would have been a pain. Thank you Jim for sharing your home with us and making our time in Belize unforgettable!

Jim's place is a beautiful oasis in the jungle. The house is modern, clean and well appointed. Has everything you need for a comfortable stay. You really feel one with nature and the forest, as the patio opens up right into it. We could hear the howler monkey roars a lot! The wood dining table outside is stunning. The hammocks and lounge chairs are comfortable. Also, the fresh cooking was absolutely delicious. Main thing to note is that it's a 1 hour or more drive on an unpaved rough road to get to the place after leaving the main road - so it is really remote. Once you are there, you may not want to go back to town as the drive is such a pain, so you should plan to just stay there for the full time. You can do the pontoon boat tour and horse riding tours which are in that area. Only other thing is that internet is quite slow inside the house. It is ok in the patio outside.

We truly enjoyed spending part of our honeymoon at Casa Santa Maria. What a beautiful home and wonderful experience we had.

Amazing! This spot is definitely off the beaten path (take Jim seriously when he says to rent a 4WD car only!) and the rewards for the long, rocky drive are well worth it. The house is gorgeous and we decided to stay in and enjoy our full day on the property, taking out the canoe for the most gorgeous day trip imaginable. Hidden waterfalls, being the only people on the river... unreal. We had a lovely time.

We truly enjoyed our stay at Casa Santa Maria. Iris did an amazing job of keeping us fed and was a pleasure to talk with. We learned a lot about her life and family in Belize as well as things to do in and around Benque Viejo. We took in the Xunantunich Ruins and Chechem Ha Cave. Both are a must do while in the area. Do follow Jim's advise and rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle from Crystal Auto Rentals. You really do need it. The road from Benque had not been scraped in a while and it took a full 40min to get from the house into town so allow for time in your plans. The canoes and time on the river and exploring the waterfall and rapids (south down the river on the left hand side, look for the beach area) were a nice quiet break. Take a life jacket to the falls as well if you aren't a strong swimmer.

What an amazing location, loved everything about this experience! The house was amazing and very peaceful. Taking the canoes down the river to the waterfalls was great. The $50/day for the meal service is completely worth it, highly recommended! Jim was awesome about giving directions and recommendations about things to do while we were there. Hoping to come back again in the future!

Between Jim’s quick communication, Jorge’s recommendations, and Iris’ cooking our time at Casa Santa Maria was everything we imagined and more! Would recommended this for a couple looking to get away or a fun family/friend getaway! Highly highly recommend- we were sad to leave and hope to be back!

Best place ever! Also have four wheel drive

Loved this place. Great jungle experience. Beautiful house. Recommend getting the food package. It’s a long drive down a long rough road so best to stay here when you want to be here for more than a few days. There is a pontoon boat not far on the dirt road and horseback riding too that is near you on the dirt road. The house is just gorgeous! Jim is very responsive too and helped us get the pontoon boat ride scheduled within hours of our arrival since we hadn’t made any reservations. Love, love, love!

This house is AMAZING! If you want to stay at a place and feel like you're in the jungle, this is it. Food was fantastic, house was fantastic, and Jim is fantastic. So quick to get back to me and so helpful with everything we needed and so may tips on what to do while we were in Belize. Make sure if you drive that you rent a 4WD. You'll need it.Take the pontoon boat ride.Hearing the howler monkeys every morning was the coolest thing ever.

This was the one of the most beautiful places I've had a privilege to stay at in my life. The surrounding environment is lush and had me in awe. It is a wonderful place to relax and unwind in. The river was very close and they have a canoe available for us to utilize in the river. Would definitely stay here again!

Amazing place-pictures do not even do it justice! Jorge took amazing care of us and all the meals his wife made were so so good. We had an amazing time.

Sitting on Jim's porch, watching toucans and howler monkeys rustle in the palm trees refreshes the soul. The setting is unbelievably lush and green. You can canoe to a quiet waterfall and swim. Or take a pontoon boat ride upriver and enjoy curried fish in banana leaves. Or take a ferry to Mayan ruins and ride horses up a hill top at sunset. You'll need a four-wheel drive for the journey. And the jungle can be unpredictable. But the house is extremely comfortable and the food is delicious. Our family of four savored every moment here and hope to return.

We love Casa Santa Maria! It is our second stay here and it was just as wonderful as the first. The jungle location is amazing, with a short jungle hike to the river and canoe, a fabulous deck in the canopy for bird and monkey watching, and a spacious and comfortable home-away-from-home. And Lucy is AMAZING! She will greet you and cook your breakfast (She's a fabulous cook and will also prepare dinners if you arrange ahead of time), keep everything sparkling clean, and provide great tips for excursions off the mountain.

BOOK THIS HOUSE - if you want adventure, relaxation, and exploration. There is so much to share about this house and location - probably best to just list it out! 1. Communication: Jim is an amazing communicator. You can rest assured that he will get back to you in a timely manner with all of the information you need. 2. Location: This house is very remote. It is in an eco village, so there are some people around, but you won't really see them. The house is not in sight of any other house and you are deep in the jungle. 3. Home: very comfortable with everything you need. The refrigerator doesn't work like one in the USA, so don't expect to keep leftovers too long. 4. Food: Hire Lucy to cook for you. It seems expensive at first, but you will really appreciate that she takes care of everything and can accommodate very tough food allergies. 5. Tours we did: - Martz Farm Full Day Horseback Riding: Was a little over $100 US per person, was about 4-5 hours long, and includes a caving excursion. Their site says lunch is included, but it is not, that is an additional $12-$15 US pp. This is 2 miles away from the home and a ton of fun. - Pontoon Boat Tour: again, an all day excursion starting around 10AM and going to about 4 or 5PM. DO THIS TOUR!!! About $100/pp and included lunch. - Xunatunich Mayan Ruins: We paid $30 US (total) for a tour guide (pick up before crossing the hand crank bridge) and $10/pp US to get into the site. It was our first Mayan ruin and was a good bit of fun. We go there around 9AM and left before the hordes of people showed up. - Cave Tubing: Hire Lucy's nephew, Alex, for the best price. I think we paid something like $10/pp US to get into the park and rent tubes. Much cheaper with Alex guiding. We gave him a tip for taking us out for the entire day. THIS WAS A TON OF FUN. - Waterfall exploring: Again, hire Alex for the day and he will take you on a trip to remember for a lifetime. 6. Restaurants: - Unique: on our way to the home after landing in Belize we found a restaurant, Unique, about an hour from the airport. This was a Japanese restaurant and was very good. - We went to Benny's (which was recommended to us, but we found the experience to be sub-par. We would have rather eaten food prepped by Lucy.) 7. Bugs: We were pleasantly surprised that bugs during the day were nearly non-existent. Come 8PM (just after sunset) the bugs did come out and we went inside. The bug spray did not seem to keep them off (bugs love me though...I hate them!). 8. Wildlife: We saw tons of birds, a crocodile, and howler monkeys. Loved it! I am not sure what else to say about this trip - it was everything and MORE than we expected.

Jim is incredible! His place is amazing - you’ll love it! The location is sublime - Belizean jungle on the Mecal. And Lucy the host - she truly makes the trip! Her home-cooked meals, thoughtful suggestions and local knowledge are superb. Jim is 100% accurate in his recommendations, advice, and guidance along the way. Follow his advice and you’ll have a great trip! He is also extremely responsive. We truly appreciated the communication and commitment to a great experience. Thank you Jim and Lucy for making our week long visit to Belize so memorable! You’re the best!! Spencer and Melissa

This was the best Airbnb experience I’ve ever had. The location was exceptional and unlike anything I’ve experienced, situated in the jungle about 30-40 minutes from civilization. The house was beautiful and clean and Lucy cooked us a delicious breakfast and dinner. We arrived late at night and she kindly met us near town and guided us all the way to the Airbnb (note the drive in requires 4WD and is very bumpy but worth it and kinda fun). You are in for an adventure and a great time if you stay here and I would 10/10 recommend.

A lovely home in the jungle. Way off the beaten path. The breakfast served every morning was more than expected. We also paid extra for dinners, that were wonderful . We were a 3 generation family of 6. Not for small children. A wonderful visit.

Take this as a word of warning. Go here. It is spectacular and an amazing location, home, food, and experience. BUT. Take absolutely anything Jim says in the utmost seriousness. We came here for a relaxing secluded space for our honeymoon, and didn’t do enough research. You ABSOLUTELY NEED a four wheel drive vehicle. Triple check when you rent ahead of time. And then even still be prepared for a rocky drive. This is a trek. We were given the wrong vehicle twice by a car rental at the airport (use Crystal like Jim suggests), and ended up getting stuck, a flat tire, and left three days early to salvage our honeymoon. THAT SAID, Jim was nothing but helpful and responsive throughout our experience, and Lucy the house manager was an absolute angel. Without Lucy and her family we would not have gotten out of the rainforest with our car in tact. So if you’re dumb city kids like we are, just don’t take this trip lightly. Do that and you’ll have the experience of a lifetime.

This house is gorgeous and comfortably fits 8! The house manager, Lucy, is amazing and very helpful. Since we had our own rental SUVs we drove to Martz farm for a sunset horseback ride which she easily arranged for us the day of. It was unforgettable! We're grateful to have stayed here and to have had this unBelizable experience (especially post-wedding!) There's a tree that runs throughout the entire home that's the greatest touch with respect to its environment. Solar living + rainwater harvesting is a lifestyle we anticipate transitioning into, to drive the green movement forward. Thanks again Jim!

Our stay was incredible! Jim was very helpful during the reservation. He answered all of my questions with speedy responses. Jim even offered local tips and suggestions on rental car companies and other places to stay during our travel through Belize. During our travel to the house we had car trouble and Jim and Lucy were kind and understanding of our later arrival. Make sure you rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you will need it! The Manager Lucy made the stay welcoming and made the house feel our own. I highly recommend having Lucy cook! Her meals were delicious! Lucy and her family helped by making suggestions of local places in the city as we explored. We did several excursions through Lucy and her family. Horseback riding at sunset was a wonderful experience! We also did the pontoon river tour to see the waterfalls. I highly recommend staying here! My family and I hope to visit again soon!

Casa Santa Maria was one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed. My boyfriend and I went to have a jungle get away. The house was wonderful and so comfortable. Jim gave great tips and tricks to prepare us on what to expect. Lucy (the Manager) was wonderful with local tips and guides. We were able to visit the beach, cave dive, visit the Mayan temples and even hoped over to Guatemala for the day. I would stay at Casa Santa Maria again for sure.

Everything about Jim’s space is amazing! The drive from the airport was beautiful and a great introduction to the country. When we arrived at the house Lucy was there to greet us with dinner and local tips. She helped us arrange our tours and gave us helpful suggestions during our stay. The house was even better than I had imagined. The views were gorgeous and going to sleep and waking up to the sounds of the jungle was an experience we will never forget.

The space was very clean. The on-site hosts were excellent, very professional and knowledgeable about the area. I highly recommend ordering the meals.

My family and I of 4 adults stayed for 4 nights at Casa Santa Maria and words alone cannot describe how beautiful and amazing it was The house itself is immersed in the jungle... you will get lost listening to all the amazing jungle sounds (howlers!) and enjoying the spectacular views Special shout out to Lucy and the Martz fam for their fantastic hospitality! Our meals were all restaurant quality - we were VERY well fed. Thank you Jim for an incredible vacation! Do not miss out on this fantastic property!!

Beautiful and serene! Definitely, off the beaten path and I am so glad we found Casa Santa Maria because it was more than we could have dreamed to find. We went swimming in the river behind the house. The horseback riding was our favorite adventure. Thank you Jim!!