Casa Santa Maria is in a stunning location right in the middle of the jungle on the Macal river and Jim's place is set in the midst of the canopy...a quintessential jungle experience to say the least. Lucy, the manager of the Casa Santa Maria is lovely. She welcomes you into the home and cooks amazing meals (for an additional cost), which I highly recommend. Each morning Lucy prepares a lovely hot breakfast that far surpassed our expectation.
This beautiful eco-acomodation is situated in an eco-community, very close to Benque and a short drive from the Belize City airport. Make sure that you rent yourself a very reliable 4 x 4 vehicle, as you will need it to get in and out to the main roads. But this should not deter you...the short drive into the town of Benque and the market in St Ignatio is worth the trip. We stopped for some food at Benny's Kitchen in Benque, on our way back to Santa Maria, after visiting the market in St Ignatio. Benny's was super yummy and fresh – definitely recommend. The market in St. Ignatio had really fresh vegetables and some souvenirs – apparently the day to go is Saturday.
Lucy will also arrange tours for your. We went on a pontoon ride down the Macal river, which was incredibly relaxing, as well as educational. Lucy packs a lunch for you and they cook it on the open grill while you swim near the waterfall. There are three spectacular waterfalls that are included in this tour, one of which is a calcified water formation that was out of this world. We hiked to the top and all I can say is breathtaking indeed.
I would highly recommend Jim's little piece of paradise to anyone looking for a unique jungle experience with all of the comforts of a five-star resort. We will definitely be back!