Hi there. My boyfriend and I are considering Soulshine in Placencia, Belize. We've read some mixed reviews. Has anyone been there recently? What was your take?

You understand where it's located, don't you? On a canal on the back (lagoon) side of the peninsula. It is not on the sea side.

--Lan Sluder

Hi Lan!

Well, we do understand that -- but maybe not why that would be a drawback. We liked the idea that this was close to town -- so we'd have a choice of dining options. And we figured that we probably wouldn't be doing too much beach lounging, anyway, since we'd be busy doing snorkeling trips, monkey river, etc.

Is the drawback of the lagooon that there's no beach? Or is it buggier? (We're going in early April.)

Are the facilities nice? I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this. Since we're a little late to the game, our choices are now Soulshine, Rum Point or, if we decide to splurge, Robert's Grove. We don't need anything too fancy -- but want a convenient location and something that's clean and friendly.

Thanks!!!

If you aren't looking for any place too fancy, look at Las Amigas. Just two cabanas on the beach at the north end of town. We stayed there last February and loved it. One room with bed, futon, table and chairs, fridge, stove top. Decent but not fancy bathroom. Great porch with chairs and two hammocks. Jean

Of those three (of course there are many more choices) I'd put Robert's Grove way at the top, then Rum Point and Soulshine at the bottom.

Some of the issues with Soulshine, in my opinion: It's for sale and has been for years (though Rum Point is for sale, too). It's on the back side so you don't have the breeze from the sea. You're across a canal so you have to take a boat over and back each time you want to go. On the plus side you can probably get a deal since it's not popular, and after you get across the canal you aren't far from the village.

--Lan Sluder

I books lots of clients in this area and think RG, Turtle Inn and Kittys are about the best options, but must say, Rum Point is making a come back. I booked lots of people there recently who all were very happy. Has the largest private, less cluttered beach.

Thanks everyone for your help! We're booked at Rum Point. Can't wait!!!