• Home
  • About
    • CONTACT
    • WORK WITH BE-LAVIE
    • TESTIMONIALS
  • DESTINATIONS
    • AFRICA
    • ASIA
    • CARIBBEAN
    • CENTRAL AMERICA
    • EUROPE
    • NORTH AMERICA
    • OCEANIA
    • SOUTH AMERICA
    • LEICESTER, UK
    • TYPE 1 DIABETES TRAVEL
  • HOTELS
    • ASIA
    • CENTRAL AMERICA
    • EUROPE
    • NORTH AMERICA
    • SOUTH AMERICA
    • OCEANIA
  • FOOD & DRINK
    • AFTERNOON TEA
    • CAFES, COFFEE & CAKE
    • CASUAL RESTAURANTS
    • BARS
    • BRUNCH
    • COOKERY CLASSES
    • FINE DINING
    • GASTRO PUBS
    • INTERNATIONAL FOOD GUIDES
    • MICHELIN STAR
    • PLANT-BASED & VEGETARIAN
    • RECIPES
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • THE BE-COLLECTIVE
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES

Be-lavie

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

GAIA RIVER LODGE, MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE FOREST RESERVE, BELIZE

18th March 2019

Last Updated on 28th August 2020 by Bejal

Located an hour and a half’s drive from the Guatemala borders within Cayo District, lies the breathtaking abode known as Gaia River Lodge.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Perched above the magnificent Five-Sisters waterfalls in Belize’s much acclaimed Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, lies the exclusive 13 room Gaia River lodge. It will truly blow your mind from the minute you arrive to your very last steps out of its reserve.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Think remote, pine tree lined dust tracks with wooden cabanas, the sound of gushing water from the waterfall beneath you, technicolour flowers glistening like jewels in the landscape and occasional birdsong from the odd flying friend that sweeps passed your path.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

GAIA RIVER  LODGE

The epicentre of Gaia is the wooden communal building, which houses the reception, the main bar and the split level, indoor outdoor restaurant area and the most perfect deck for sun downers and panoramic views of the Five Sisters waterfall beneath. As you check-in a welcome drink is pressed into your hand, your heart will literally skip a beat when you peer over to see the radiance of the waterfall.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Adjacent to this communal area is an electric tram, which takes you down to the Five Sisters waterfall and the decked out relaxation area featuring gazebos, sun loungers and hammocks. Go for a dip in the fresh waterfall waters, climb the boulders or simply relax with a cocktail or lunch in this stunning natural landscape.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, BelizeGaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CABANAS

When it comes to abodes, they don’t come as cute as these cabanas. The categories are Waterfall view rooms, Garden View Cabanas, Mountain View Cabanas, Waterfall View cabanas, Waterfall View Suite and the Riverside view suite. Gaia is an adults only environment and free of any intrusive technologies, especially in the restful sanctuaries of the rooms.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

We spent three blissful nights in the Waterfall View Cabana (called Breeze), which was just perfect for us. It was located at the top of the waterfalls with breath-taking waterfall views and the soothing sound of the water beneath.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia has made it a point to ensure that the cabanas blend in with the surroundings, ensuring each one has a thatched-roof ceiling, tropical hardwood floor, handpicked artwork and furniture.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

The bathrooms are small but perfectly formed, decorated in dusky pink tiles and stocked with L’Occitane products.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Our king bed was draped in mosquito nets, which are let down and prepared for you during the lodges evening turn-down service.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

DINING EXPERIENCE

Dining at Gaia is most definitely a memorable affair not only from the panoramic views but also from the Belizean cuisine, which incorporates a fusion of flavours and international flavour combinations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at set times with snacks being available all day. Most dishes will include fruit and veg, which is grown in Gaia’s own organic garden.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia Bar
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia Bar
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia indoor dining area

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Mayan Masks
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Frittered Vegetables
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Relaxing seating

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia signature pasta
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia breakfast
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Dr C’s Birthday

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia sunset
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

SUSTAINABILITY 

Gaia is very lucky enough to have its own Mayan farmer, Samuel who is responsible for the on-site organic garden, which provides hand-picked daily fruit and vegetables. Additional ingredients used at Gaia come from a network of gardeners and farmers who are based locally, to ensure their business and sustainability philosophy is supported.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, BelizeGaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

A tour of the organic garden gives a fascinating insight into the local produce that is grown here and regular tour slots are scheduled on a weekly basis.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia also operates on its own hydro power, runs a recycling project and supports the forest around it and the local economy effectively and thus are proud to have won the Green Globe Award

ACTIVITIES FROM GAIA

For those who like to pack in a few activities into the day, Gaia has a whole host to choose from, not to mention some relaxing treatments in the resident spa. We kept it pretty simple this time and spent time enjoying our surroundings and what the forest around us offered.

Onsite activities include an early morning jungle walk, on-site early bird-watching, advanced bird watching, nocturnal rainforest walk and the organic garden tour.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

There are also a wide range of off-site experiences, which include; Caracol, Barton creek and canopy zip-lining, jungle horse-back riding, Tikal, cave tubing, visiting  local villages to mention a few.

As well as partaking in some on-site experiences, we booked to go to Caracol and the nearby Rio Frio Caves. The recently excavated ancient Mayan site of Caracol is located deep in the Chiquibul rainforest and dates as far back as the 7th century AD. This is a day trip and includes a picnic lunch, which I organised by Gaia. If you have been to Tikal, this place is a must and will give you something to compare the Mayan sites sheer size with.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Rio Frio Caves
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Rio Frio Caves
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Rio Frio Caves

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

 

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Caracol
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Caracol
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Caracol

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Caracol
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Caracol
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Rene, our guide and driver

If you follow me on instagram, you will know about my hike and visit to Big Rock Falls, which is about 30-40 minutes from Gaia. It’s a stunning hike through the Pine forest, which leads you to a secluded waterfall however be warned as the British army use this as a training site and you never know when a group of very hunky men are going to go commando and dive in!!

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
En route to Big Rock Falls
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Big Rock Falls
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Big Rock Falls Hike

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Big Rick Falls

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Finally when it comes to activities, Gaia has its own post dinner entertainment in the form of Mr Chris Burrows! Yep Gaia’s night security is also an up and coming magician in the Belizian entertainment industry. He may not be into huge shows and levitation however, lets just say he can give David Blaine a run for his money. Fabulous sleight of hand in action every other night at Gaia!

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

Our three nights at Gaia came to an end so soon and with a heavy heart it was time to say goodbye to the Cayo District and board a very small flight from San Ignacio to our next destination and sister hotel to Gaia, Matachica on the island of Ambergris Caye.

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
San Ignacio Airstrip, Belize
Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize
Gaia sunset

 

SHEER UNADULTERATED PERFECTION FOR

Couples, Weddings, Honeymoons. special occasions, unfortunately not for children

 

Stay tuned to hear all about Matachica in the next instalment…

 

 Gaia River Lodge

Cayo District

Mountain Pine Forest Reserve

Belize

Tel. 011. 501.834.4005

 

For best rates, please book directly with Gaia River Lodge on https://www.gaiariverlodge.com, which includes round-trip transfers.

Disclaimer: We were upgraded to the Waterfall View Cabana in exchange for this review however all views, opinions and photography are my own and remain a copyright of be-lavie

 

Á Bientôt…

 

Blog Signature

 

PIN FOR LATER

Gaia River Lodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve Lodge, Belize

14 Comments
Share
Bejal

I’m Bejal aka Be, an ex-scientist turned travel writer and digital content creator. I have travelled to 6 continents, visited 70 plus countries, including an around the world trip, making me quite the expert in crafting intricate itineraries. I love to discover some of the world's more remote destinations and stay in some incredible hidden location eco-hotels. My aim is to transport you, my audience, to inspirational and cultural global spots that are less visited and allow you to see the 'real' and authentic side of destinations through detailed guides with a sprinkling of luxury. The spotlight is on eco-friendly responsible experiential travel with lifelong memories.

You May Also Like

A BUCKET LIST GUIDE TO THE BEST OF NYC

17th June 2019

TRUFFLE MAKING WORKSHOP AT COCOA AMORE, LEICESTER

15th October 2019

VICTORIAN GRANDEUR AT HOTEL GRANO DE ORO

1st July 2017
  • the Curious Pixie
    18th March 2019

    I can but dream about this place through your posts. Gorgeous place and great to see you spent time appreciating where you were. I’m doing that more and more nowadays.

    Reply
    • Bejal
      the Curious Pixie
      18th March 2019

      Thanks Sima! I used to dash around destinations but my trip to Belize really made me think and appreciate my abodes and their surroundings. It made me more aware of what services they offer and how they are harmonising with the surroundings, which is really important when choosing accommodation for me.

      Reply
  • Kerry LifeandLoves
    18th March 2019

    Wow, this looks absolutely stunning! I love that they have ensured it blends in with the environment, and to have all that fresh produce right there is the dream! I will be pinning this, adding it to my dream destinations. Thank you for sharing x

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Kerry LifeandLoves
      18th March 2019

      Aww thanks Kerry for reading and yes Gaia are really hot on sustainability and environmental issues. It’s so secluded and remote that I love how it makes you consider your surroundings. xx

      Reply
  • Rasha
    18th March 2019

    It looks amazing in your photos so I can only imagine how amazing it must have been in reality! Chris the magician must have been so much fun…

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Rasha
      19th March 2019

      Thanks Rasha and it really was out of this world! Chris is a very talented guy indeed!

      Reply
  • Lara Olivia
    19th March 2019

    That looks absolutely idyllic! What a beautiful retreat xx

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Lara Olivia
      19th March 2019

      Thanks Lara! It really was a dream! x

      Reply
  • Mostlyfoodandtravel
    19th March 2019

    This place just sounds so beautiful. Anything that is close to the waterfalls and so green and colourful is amazing. Love the fact that they are doing their bit for the environment. Lovely pics

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Mostlyfoodandtravel
      20th March 2019

      The constant sound of the waterfall was so relaxing and the birdsong in the background. Such a fab place for getting close to nature!

      Reply
  • Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
    19th March 2019

    Just seeing the pics blew my mind, so I can only imagine what it must be like to see this place in real life!
    Also, I love the idea of technology-free cabanas and the details like the towels shaped as a cake 🙂

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Cristina – Memories of the Pacific
      20th March 2019

      Aww so glad you liked it Cristina! It really was quite lovely to just appreciate our surroundings without TV, radio etc. Totally recommend Gaia!

      Reply
  • thetravelsofmrsb
    14th April 2019

    What a beautiful place, looks like a perfect oasis to relax in

    Reply
    • Bejal
      thetravelsofmrsb
      14th April 2019

      Absolutely! Gaia was made for chilling!

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
THE ANCIENT MAYAN CITY OF TIKAL, GUATEMALA
Next Post
FAMILY VINEYARD WINE TASTING AT VEENO, LEICESTER
Hi, I'm Bejal aka Be
Lets get acquainted

Lets get acquainted

Hello, I'm Be, an ex-scientist turned travel writer and digital content creator having travelled to 70 plus countries, all over the globe. My aim is to transport you to less visited inspirational and cultural global spots showing off the 'real' authentic side of destinations through detailed guides with a sprinkling of luxury. The spotlight is on eco-friendly responsible travel with lots of coffee spots and veggie food thrown in!

Jump to these here

Reads That May Interest You

About Be-lavie

Travel Destinations

UK Travel

Leicester Local

Food & Drinks

Beautiful World Hotels

Sustainable Travel & Eco-living

Join The Members only Community

Recommended Travel Resources

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Be-lavie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com.

Looking for Something?

Current Location

Current Location

Leicester, UK

Book Your Next Stay

Booking.com

Always Travel With Insurance

Safety Wing Travel Insurance Graphic

Follow These Little Squares @be_lavie

Be-lavie Home page instagram-like grid

Travel Resources

Travel Resources Side bar Banner

Search For Your Flights Now

Book Tours

Powered by GetYourGuide

eSIM

Recent Posts

  • Cappuccino in a grey cup at Kanela, Chicago.

    THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN CHICAGO FOR VEGETARIANS & VEGANS

    14th May 2025
  • The Tina Turner Musical, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy (Tina Turner) singing on stage with lead guitar player.

    THEATRE SPOTLIGHT: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL AT CURVE LEICESTER

    12th March 2025
  • The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe at Curve with the white witch adn the lion infront of a starry night sky backdrop

    THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE AT CURVE LEICESTER

    30th January 2025
  • Sustainability at The Datai Langkawi: Green tree frog in the lily pond

    PLEDGES OF SUSTAINABILITY AT THE DATAI LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA 

    28th January 2025
  • Sustainability at The Datai Langkawi: The Datai Bay with its powedery white sand, turquise blue sea and Tarutao Island in the distance

    6 BEAUTIFUL ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN LANGKAWI & THEIR SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

    28th January 2025
  • The lily pond at The Datai Langkawi with pink lilies, green lily pads and the lobby lounge in the distance

    STAY AT THE SUSTAINABLE LUXURY DATAI LANGKAWI RESORT: A REVIEW

    25th January 2025
  • Things to do in Langkawi: The Datai Beach & rainforest with Tarutao Island. jpg

    20 AMAZING & UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA: A GUIDE

    16th January 2025
  • Vegan and Vegetarian food in Langkawi: Amuse Bouche at The Dining Room at The Datai, Langkawi

    A GUIDE TO BEST VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOOD IN LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA:

    14th January 2025
  • Sustainable Guide to Houston: Buffalo Bayou Park with Downtown Skyline in the background

    SUSTAINABLE HOUSTON GUIDE: 7 WAYS TO BE MORE GREEN

    9th December 2024
  • Photo locations in Houston: Houston Love Mural

    BEAUTIFUL PHOTO LOCATIONS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

    6th December 2024

Travel Resources

Affiliate Links Sidebar Widget

Search Categories

BE-LAVIE'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

'Travel the World, Experience the Culture, Feed your Curiosity, Enrich your Soul, Tell the Story'

More About Be-lavie

Instagram static images banner with 7 images
  • CONTACT
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • WORK WITH BE-LAVIE
  • COOKIE POLICY
  • DISCLOSURE POLICY
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2025 Be-lavie. All Rights Reserved. | Site Powered by Pix & Hue.

Be-lavie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Site Powered by Pix & Hue.