francescaly

My fiance & I are looking for a laid-back, all-inclusive resort where we can tie the knot. We also need it to be affordable so that guests can come if they choose, AND because we are planning on paying for our best man & maid of honor to tag along (they are married). We would also like a nice beach so that we can sit & RELAX!

We ran across the website for Jaguar Reef Lodge, which boasted several things like "better beaches than Ambergris Caye" and a "romantic & exotic location". But I didn't find any type of review from a "trusted source" about this lodge, and was wondering if anyone had any opinions. I read the "traveler ratings" on JRL, but they were so mixed, I don't know what to think.

If this isn't a good spot in your opinion, what is?

LanSluder

I've stayed at Jaguar Reef two or three times and was most recently there in July, though I didn't stay there then (did stay at Cocoplum Caye, which Jaguar Reef manages). I know there have been many reviews of Jaguar Reef here and on other Belize forums.

Although I like Jaguar Reef and the village of Hopkins, I don't know that the beaches there are any better than on Ambergris Caye. About the same, all things considered.

As to whether it would be a good place for a wedding, I guess the answer is that it depends on what you want. Ambergris Caye is the most popular destination in Belize, and there are reasons for that (biggest selection of restaurants and hotels, lots to do, etc.), but on the other hand for those who want something more laid back Hopkins or Placencia could be better.

--Lan Sluder

ltt

i'd choose the placentia area for a beach wedding. then i'd go to ambergris for a few nights.

francescaly

Was looking up info about Placencia. Does anyone have any opinions on Calico Jacks Resort? By the way, we were wanting to visit in July. If that changes any previous answers, let me know. Thanks!

LanSluder

I'm not that impressed by Calico Jacks. I've never stayed there, but I have visited it a couple of times, most recently in July. I did stay one night at Zeboz, which is next door. Both are way up the peninsula. It is handy to have a car if you are staying this far away from Placencia village and environs.

--Lan Sluder

francescaly

I'm really leaning heavily on Mata Chica or Portofino. According to most reports, they are in two different classes. If relaxation, beer, clean sand, and air conditioning are the main factors here, which would you choose?

LanSluder

Of these two, I'd probably choose Portofino -- a honeymoon suite.

Mata Chica is building some new deluxe villas a little north of the present location. They will probably open in the spring and should be really nice, though a bit large for honeymoon accommodations.

Both Mata Chica and Portofino are on North Ambergris, so to get back and forth to town you have to take a boat (either a water taxi or the hotel's boat). Neither place has a pool. Both have nice beaches (for Belize).

--Lan Sluder

StanKase

Jaguar Reef is o'k in terms of quite but if you want a little excitement Ambergies Caye is a better choice. But you can get a week at Jaguar Reef on LuxuryLink.com for $2500 a couple.But unless you have FF miles the air to Belize City from the Northeast is $500/person +/- and then a puddle- jumper for $120 RT to Jaguar Reef.

CN467

Just came back from Jaguar. Didn't like it -- bad food, odd place, terrible terrible bugs (from Placencia to Hopkins, the sand flies are terrible). Did some fun things outside the hotel, but didn't like Jaguar much, although some of their guides are very kind and excellent.