This place is a gem and so are the people. From Steve & Bobbi (owners) to Joe & Leslie (hosts) even the staff & local vendors on-site, everyone was warm and welcoming. Seemed like everyone's mission was to make your stay the best one you've ever had. Leslie is the rock star of the group though, she provided tons of great foodie recommendations and places to visit and even set up tours on the mainland for you. Plus, she and her team of canines make a mean breakfast burrito! Say hi to Groot when you're there, he's the biggest puppy you'll ever meet. Loves slobber.
For the locale, Secret Beach is the next hot spot. It's the only location on the island not to suffer from the sargassum issue (awful smelling sea grass) , it's a problem in the heart of town and for other resorts on the east side of the island. Most beaches are unusable because of this stuff. Not an issue at Secret Beach where the tourists flock to during the day and then leave around sundown. Secret Beach and Paradise Cover are about 7 miles north of San Pedro Town. Everyone rents a golf cart to get around town, it's a 30 minute drive to the resort over bumpy dirt roads but we loved the daily adventure. Even at night it was fine. Listen, it's a Central American country so don't expect 1st world amenities like paved roads and traffic lights. The locals are great, friendly and will help you around town. It's all part of the adventure of travel.
Secret Beach is off of the grid for sure, it's run on solar power and rain water basins. It's a free-standing cabana with power and a functional bathroom. It's not like your living in a tent, don't let other reviews scare you into thinking otherwise. It's how the entire area is operated. They have other eateries and bars in Secret Beach and more are coming every season. Everything does shut down at sundown though so if you're a late-night person head into town on your rented golf cart and have some fun. Plenty of spots to party in town. Take a tour on the mainland, we did one Leslie set-up for us with her friend Neffi and his tour company. Ask for Roberto, it's like hanging out with a hip Belizean history professor. The guy literally knows everything about the history of the country and the Mayan ruins. The tour is zip-lining, cave-tubing and a visit to the Mayan ruins. Worth every penny. One restaurant that everyone should hit up is Estel's Dine By The Sea, hands down best meal of the trip and you eat on the beach. Hit up Ak'bol if you're into yoga and good beachside grub. The owner is the yoga instructor and your classes are over the water, really cool place. The Tipsy lobster is a good seafood dinner with the best conch fritters on the island. The London Grill is the best beach lunch, owner by a Lebanese fella whose brother rented us the golf carts, both great guys.
If you're looking for the quietest place on earth in unbelievable weather surrounded by the Caribbean Seas and the nicest people you'd want to meet, then this is your place without a doubt. If you want a hotel room with tv's, A/C, a pool and room service, then this is not your place. At less than $100 per night, it's a steal for what you get in return. Do not hesitate in booking this spot, you will not be disappointed.