Treetop Cabanas at Eco-Friendly Resort Along the Caribbean Sea

More than 3,500 miles from their native British Columbia, Jungle Jeanie’s by the Sea innkeepers John and Jeanie Barkman fell in love with a quiet stretch of Belize’s west coast. With white-sand beach along the Caribbean at one side and lush tropical forests at the other, the setting was perfect for their vision of a relaxation resort where private cabanas would sit along the coastline and treehouses on wooden stilts could perch above the forest canopy. Along with their two dogs, Zena and Volga, the innkeepers continue to welcome guests in search of a tranquil getaway to an eco-friendly resort just a stone's throw from the Caribbean.

Each of the cabanas offers its own special experience. The Beach House has been painted in bold blues and red hues and sits closest to the coast—its guests wake up to the soothing sounds of the sea. Up in the resort’s Tree House by the Sea, you'll be eye to eye with coconuts and palm fronds in a stilted treehouse with exposed wooden beams and repurposed-driftwood accents. If you’re coming with your family, consider staying at the Jungle Loft, a two-floor cabana that’s immersed in the forest.

At the communal Palmetto Patch restaurant, innkeeper and head chef John uses produce from local farmers to cook dinner and breakfast, such as crepes drenched in sea-grape syrup. After your meal, feel free to rent kayaking and windsurfing gear to explore the coast ($15 for a three-hour rental). Several year-round activities keep guests busy. On select afternoons, you can unwind with yoga classes, and Thursday nights bring marimba music and dancing to the palapa.

Hopkins Village, Belize: Native Belizean Culture and Exotic Wildlife Preserve

Located along Belize’s eastern coast, the village of Hopkins stretches between acres of mangrove rainforests and the Caribbean Sea. Just off the coast, you can scuba-dive to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, one of the world's longest barrier reefs. Here, colorful coral makes a beautiful backdrop for hundreds of species of tropical fish, manatees, and loggerhead turtles.

To see exotic animals on land, take a day trip about 25 kilometers west to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary—which was originally set aside to protect endangered jaguars—spans tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and Victoria Peak, one of the country's tallest mountains. Though spotting a jaguar can be difficult, you can also keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, ocelots, and more than 500 types of tropical birds.

From the resort, it's a short walk to Hopkins Village, where you can get a feel for native Garifuna culture. The dirt roads are lined with small, brightly colored buildings, where handwritten signs advertise restaurants serving African and Mayan-inspired dishes, ranging from red beans and rice to conch fritters—adventurous diners can try the iguana or armadillo dishes. After dinner, browse local shops for jewelry and decorative items crafted from coconut and bamboo.

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