Pook's Hill

Description:

• This isolated little jungle resort is set on the grounds of a small Maya ruin in the midst of a lush forest and a 121-hectare (300-acre) private reserve. The individual thatch-roof cabins are set on a hillside just off the ancient central plaza and are named after local fauna. Those highest up the hill have the best views of the surrounding forest, but they're a little bit smaller and slightly less luxurious than the newer units a little lower down. My favorite cabin is Kinkajou, which is tiled with river stones. Two cabins are located below the main lodge and across a small creek; they are built on raised stilts 3.7m (12 ft.) above the ground. These two cabins have large decks and are great for bird-watching.

  A host of activities and tours is offered, including horseback riding, mountain biking, cave tubing, and guided hikes and bird-watching tours. Pook's Hill is within hiking distance of the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, and day trips are offered here. Meals are served in a screened-in common dining area. Above the dining area is the open-air lounge and bar, which is lit by kerosene lanterns at night, and buzzes with hummingbirds during the day. A meal plan here costs BZ$88 (US$44/£23) per person per day.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010