Fodor's Expert Review Iguana Reef Inn

A collection of sturdy, sand-color buildings fanned by mature palms, Iguana Reef Inn is one of Caye Caulker's most upscale lodgings. Tropical-toned paintings animate the well-appointed rooms, and outside the footbridged pool is a peaceful place to cool off. Across from main buildings is the hotel's lively beach bar, which sits right on the lagoon. Its lounge chairs and small walk-in beach attract scores of tourists all day. Travelers aren't the only ones drawn here: pelicans frequent the dock; a tiny seahorse "reserve" lies below it; and southern stingrays gather in the shallows in late afternoon. Because the inn is on the island's lee (west) side, you'll enjoy sunset views from your veranda, but you won't get the Caribbean Sea vista. But you may find you prefer the lagoon side.