Our first visit to Belize was made all that much more amazing by staying at the Howler House! The House is just as described and wonderful. It was the rainy season, but we were very lucky to only have rain a couple of days while there. I almost wish it had rained a little more, being Belize it is hot and humid and the rain cooled it off nicely. It also sounded so great on the tin roof. It was a grown up tree house in the jungle and we loved it!!!!
We were lucky enough to be serenaded by the Howler monkeys on our very first night. They are quite loud, but we were mesmerized by the sound. They appeared and howled for us often! We caught a brief glimpse on the very last day of the little croc in her pond, too.
The house is quite clean and well appointed, and Ms. Tinnie came a few times to check on us and change out linens. (We were there for a full week.) Ms. Erlene also came by and checked on us. Both are incredibly lovely ladies with sweet souls! As is Ms. Carol - and her food is delicious! We also enjoyed food from Mayora's 3 times - it was great, too! The mosquito nets are awesome, just make sure you tuck it under the edges of the mattress before you fall asleep or those little buggers will sneak in. Do make time to sit and have a Belikin with Beans, as well - he's a hoot! It was also great to meet Erika on our trip up to Caye Caulker. She's funny and warm and down to earth.
We used the house as a base for travelling all over, and that worked fabulously! We visited San Ignacio, Dangriga, Orange Walk, Belize City and Caye Caulker and always had plenty of time to make it back to the house each day. We picked up plenty of local fruits, veggies, breads, etc. between Judith's market in Boom and the farmer's market in San Ignacio and cooked for ourselves several times in the kitchen at the house. The only thing we wished we'd had was a pan for the oven, which we bought and left for the next guest. ;-) We had brought a small backpack water filter with us, but only used it the first day. After that we just boiled our water and that worked just fine.
Being able to utilize the pool at the Black Orchid was quite nice. We went up and swam there a couple of times, as well as having dinner there one night and spending a couple of evenings in the bar. We can't recommend Belikin beers or cashew and ginger wines enough!!! :-) The local food and local people are all awesome, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Burrell Boom and the Howler House! We are already planning our next trip back. I feel as though I left family...