Hickatee Cottages, Belize, Central America

How to start regarding Hickatee Cottages? Firstly we had a great time, we were only there for three nights and we really enjoyed our stay. We were met by Ali when we arrived and she gave us a briefing on the facilities, essentially the Ex-Servicemen’s Bar. There are full cooking facilities here, a cooker, fridge-freezer, all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you could want as well as a stocked bar with spirits and a fridge filled with beers and soft drinks. As we had breakfast and dinner included as part of our package, having confirmed no allergies or other food issues, Ali simply informed us of arrangements for our food to arrive (what time did we want to eat). On the first day we had turned up about 1.30pm so having stored our luggage in our cottages we followed one of the longer trails that has been cut into the rainforest around the site, it was a reasonably long trail and took around an hour. We followed up by taking dips in the plunge pool to help cool down and generally lazing around. In the evening Ali brought us Chicken Cacciatore that she had cooked herself, while apologising that it wasn’t as good as food provided by local Belizean restaurants. We loved it, it was delicious and our only issue was that the amount provided was too much for us to finish. I might as well emphasise this now rather than repeat it later, I don’t think we managed to finish any meal that we were served and both of us are good eaters; I struggle to stop myself overeating. Our other evening meals both came from local restaurants and were also excellent, as were the breakfasts that were served to us. With a bottle of beer or occasionally two after dinner we were more than replete. On our final morning we were provided with a “light” breakfast of egg and bacon filled tortillas, some local onion hot sauce, pancakes with syrup, a large serving of fruit and of course fruit juice and coffee. Our bags were taken and loaded into the car and then Ali drove us down to the airport in plenty of time for our flight. While we were at Hickatee we went on a Chocolate/Mayan experience day with a side trip to a local river/pool for a swim and then a stop off at a chocolate factory to buy some of their products with Bruno a local guide (and man of many hats). The following day we did a wander around the local market and the centre of Punta Gorda followed by a visit to the Falling Stones Butterfly Farm all of which was managed by Ali herself; both these trips I will review separately in their own right. We were unfortunately only at Hickatee Cottages for three nights, two full days, so there is much I cannot in all fairness cover. I would add a word or two of warning. The Hickatee Cottages web site warns people to expect insects, I would just emphasise this, it seems obvious to me but I know some people can be fairly obtuse about such things. Following on from this if you plan to set foot into the rainforest at any point make sure you have solid footwear (not open soled san

We took a VERY long car ride from Belize City to Punta Gorda because a friend highly recommended that we stay at Hickatee Cottages. Our long car ride was well worth it! Imagine staying at a resort in the middle of the jungle with beautiful lush flora and local fauna! The cottages are comfortable, well appointed and in great shape. Allison, our host, was so attentive and helpful from the time we reserved our cottage at Hickatee, many weeks before our travels. She asked what we wanted to do while in the area, and then recommended and made a reservation for us at a terrific local restaurant. She also managed to bring some local musicians to perform and do an education session with us, and she recommended and reserved a spot for us with a local Mayan family's education program, which concluded with a wonderful lunch, which we helped to prepare. She helped us manage our brief stay. (She even recommended a restaurant in Hopkins when we mentioned that we planned to stop there on our way back up north!) We had access to a large kitchen at Hickatee where we could prepare our meals. Allison offered to make meals for us at an additional charge. This was most helpful as we arrived somewhat late and didn't have necessary foods to make our first dinner there. In short, this host went above and beyond.

We stayed three days at Hickatee. It’s such a beautiful place, peaceful and just awesome!!! Very clean, nice little cottages, a tiny pool the kids had so much fun with, beautiful trails. Watching hummingbirds during breakfast was mind blowing! Alison is a wonderful host, always supportive, friendly and so kind! It was totally worth coming here all the way from Germany!

I must admit I was a bit 'worried' how it would be after coming back to Hickatee after 8yrs with different owners. The last time was amazing with Kate & Ian but they left so we had to wait and see how our experience would be this time around. Those worries were quickly out the window once we arrived and were greeted by Alison and her right hand? Valentino. The place still looked like we remembered and therefor great. We had the Sweet cottage this time and this cottage lies beautifully and private in the bush. The cottage was very nice and comfortable and had all the space we needed. Alison turned out to be more than capable of filling Kate & Ian's shoes. The passion she puts into the resort and towards keeping the guests feeling at home is more than admirable. Anything you need or want and she's there for you, from extra blankets on cold nights, coffee to take to your cottage pre breakfast to enjoy the early morning in all its glory or for helping you with tours in the area (we for example took the kayak tour with Tide Tours on Joe Taylor Creek through the mangroves and rainforest and it was a great experience. And we went to Rio Blanco National Park on our own). The 3 nights we were there we also arranged breakfast each morning with Alison and 2x dinner. The love Alison puts into the selfmade meals is something else. She goes out of her way to prepare something special and believe me she succeeds. Every breakfast and dinner was different and scrumptious. And then the grounds. The resort, as we already knew, lies in a beautiful 60 acres of own secluded  jungle/rainforest with its own trails to explore. The grounds around the cottages are well kept but still natural. The rest is pure nature at its best. The amazing sites and sounds of birds, crickets and howler monkeys (which we happened to see up close in the trees of the resort itself) is both breathtaking as soothing. Thank you Alison for another great experience at Hickatee. We hope to be back some day. If we ever return to Belize again, Hickatee is definitely and for sure on our itinerary.

We've had a wonderful stay at Hickatee Cottages! The location in the middle of the jungle is amazing. We were often treated to both the sound and sight of howler monkeys and watched at the humming birds feeding every morning. Alison is a wonderful host and a great chef! Both breakfast and dinner were incredible with lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Her creativity in the kitchen never failed to surprise us!

Me and my partner stayed at Hickatee for 4 nights (age 31, UK) as part of a longer travelling trip. We booked this as we wanted to experience 'the jungle' and Belizean culture - this experience absoloutely exceeded our expectations! Hickatee is absolutely stunning with free access to the jungle on your literal doorstep! Waking up here is just delightful. Everything feels exceptionally safe. The facilities are all high quality. The wildlife is beautiful (e.g. birds and howler monkeys!). The Hickatee jungle provides easy walking trails - we spent a couple of hours exploring it but there is lots of jungle in Toledo if you wanted longer walking experiences too. You are in really good hands with Allison who is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about local transport and the various actvities. We didn't book anything in advance (I think we were abit unsure about how it was all going to work in a remote area / wanted to get our bearings first / wasnt sure what transport we would be using etc) but we looked into the suggested activities list which was sent to us in advance and then discussed them with Allison when we arrived. She helped us to book everything in. There are SO many places to visit/various activities you can do being based here but for our 3 full days with a limited budget and lots of relaxing factored in, we did the following: 1. Cycled around the local town Punta Gorda 2. Visited Lubantuun Mayan site and Eladios farm for a chocolate experience and lunch 3. Explored Hickatee jungle and cycled to another village We relaxed at Hickatee every evening: had a dip in the pool/played games/listened to local music etc. Would have loved to have stayed longer and done some more activities if we could, but it was still totally worth it. I also reccomend having at least 1 of Allisons dinners and/or breakfasts as they are plentiful, nutritous and delicious! ENJOY!

This was an amazing property. We got there early and were met by Allison who made us feel so comfortable and provided us with keys and explained the offerings. The common area and kitchen was so well stocked with dishes (cookware, plates, silverware, fridge, gas range, etc.) and an honour bar. The wood floors were incredible and the art and decor was so beautiful. The natural beauty and the trees were just amazing. The howler monkeys were making amazing noises in the distance which was so incredible. Hummingbirds jousted for flowers and feeders. Flowers were blooming all over the garden around the dipping pool. Each of the cabins were outfitted with wonderful towels for the pool and fluffy white towels for the showers. Every detail had been so well thought out like coffee was already on sight as well as the bar was fully stocked in the bar fridge. Each cabin bathroom had a nice bottle of various liquor and fans everywhere. Town is a five minute drive and has all the amenities you could need. The beauty and privacy was absolutely incredible. Security was 24hrs and we never felt anything but free and safe. I’d recommend this property to anyone looking to visit an authentic Belizean experience with nature and comfort. We are definitely looking to rebook this property on our next visit. Thank you Allison for your hospitality and attention to detail. You were absolutely incredible.

This is the kind of place that one secretly doesn't want to share as it's too good to be true, only that would be horribly unfair... Hickatee is a gem and Allison an incredible hostess who goes out of her way to make her guests welcome and wonderfully looked after. Time and again she made our stay the best it could be. We are most grateful.

Our family has traveled to many places, staying in a variety of accommodations. There is something about Hickatee Cottages that makes everything feel special and welcoming. It has a lot to do with the amazing Allison Gonzales and what she and her family have created. We visited with 4 other close friends and all expressed how magical and relaxing this place is. The setting, the cute cottages that are spacious and comfy, the communal space for meals and bar and eating-seemlessly relaxing and stress free. We loved the breakfasts Allison prepared, the amazing meals at Asha’s Cultural Kitchen and the town market. Don’t miss the chance to go to Eladio’s cocoa farm! And if you like to bird, there are many places and experts to lead you. We saw over 120 species in 2 trips.