Cotton Tree Lodge: A Digital Detox Or Online Oasis?

Nestled in the rainforest jungles of southern Belize, the Cotton Tree Lodge is an eco-adventure resort located on the banks of the Moho River. The lodge offers a variety of cabana accommodations, including the honeymoon cabana and the two-bedroom suite, all designed to resemble traditional Mayan-thatched homes. The lodge features farm-to-table food, daily adventure tours, and a range of on-site activities, making it the perfect place to relax and explore the beauty of Belize.

The Cotton Tree Lodge's location and transport options

The Cotton Tree Lodge is an eco-adventure resort located on the banks of the Moho River in the southern jungles of Belize. It is situated in the Toledo District, about 15 miles from Punta Gorda and the Caribbean coast. The lodge is tucked away in the rainforest and surrounded by raw, uncut tropical rainforest jungle. It is nestled at the foot of the Maya Mountains.

The easiest way to get to the Cotton Tree Lodge is to fly to Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE) and then take a domestic flight to Punta Gorda. The lodge can arrange a pickup from there. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the lodge, which is the cheapest option (about $12), but it has no air conditioning and the journey takes at least 6 hours. Renting a car is another option, but the roads further south transition into dirt pathways filled with potholes. The drive from the airport takes around 5 to 5 and a half hours.

The Cotton Tree Lodge offers a variety of cabana accommodations, including honeymoon cabanas, 2-bedroom suites, garden vistas, and waterfront cabanas. The cabanas are designed to resemble traditional Mayan thatched homes, with local woods used for the flooring and boardwalks, and hand-sewn bedspreads and pillowcases made by local Mayan women.

The lodge has an eco-friendly focus, with UV-triple-filtered showers, composting toilets, and a combination of solar panels, batteries, and diesel generators for electricity. Wireless internet is available in the main lodge.

The lodge's accommodation options

Cotton Tree Lodge in Belize offers a variety of cabana accommodations to suit the needs of their guests. The cabanas are designed to resemble the traditional Mayan-thatched homes located in the Toledo District of Southern Belize. Each cabana features a comfortable hammock and is decorated with local rosewood, sapodilla, and Santa Maria wood. The bedspreads and pillowcases are handmade by local Mayan women, and the furniture is constructed by a local carpenter. The lodge also offers Garden Vista rooms, which can be reserved individually or in blocks of up to five rooms for larger groups or families.

The Deluxe Riverside Cabanas are approximately 400 square feet and feature private balconies with hammocks. These cabanas are suitable for individuals, couples, friends, or families. A set of bunk beds can be added upon request.

The Standard Garden Cabanas are also approximately 300 square feet and are outfitted with one queen bed. These cabanas are ideal for individuals, couples, friends, or small families. Like the Deluxe Riverside Cabanas, a twin bed or set of bunk beds can be added upon request.

For larger groups or families, the 2-Bedroom Deluxe Cabana is the lodge's largest accommodation, featuring two separate sleeping areas with one queen bed in each. With approximately 1000 square feet of space, this cabana also includes a kitchenette area and a private balcony. It can accommodate up to four children and two adults, with additional beds available upon request.

The Honeymoon Cabana is another popular option, featuring a screened-in cool soaking tub overlooking the Moho River. This cabana is perfect for couples seeking a romantic adventure in Belize.

In addition to these options, the lodge also offers larger cabanas perfect for families. These cabanas feature one queen bed downstairs and two twin beds in a loft, with the possibility of adding an additional set of bunk beds to accommodate up to two adults and four children.

With a range of accommodation options, beautiful surroundings, and a variety of activities, Cotton Tree Lodge provides a unique and memorable experience for its guests.

Daily activities and tours

Cotton Tree Lodge in Belize offers a wide range of daily activities and tours for guests to choose from. The lodge is located in the Toledo District, nestled between the Moho River, the rainforest, and Mayan villages. Here is a detailed overview of the daily activities and tours available:

Daily Activities

The lodge itself provides a variety of activities for guests to engage in. These include:

• Birding: With its location in the rainforest, the lodge is home to a variety of bird species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.
• Kayaking: Guests can explore the Moho River by kayak, taking in the surrounding nature and wildlife.
• Swimming: The river also offers a refreshing swimming experience.
• Yoga: Yoga sessions are held in the Gazebo, usually from Tuesday through Saturday, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for guests.
• Organic Garden Tour: Guests can explore the lodge's organic garden, which supplies much of the food served at the lodge.
• Massage: The lodge offers massage services, providing an opportunity for guests to relax and unwind.
• Hiking: With its mountainous jungle environment, the lodge offers hiking trails for guests to explore the surrounding nature and wildlife.
• Farm Tour: Cotton Tree Lodge includes an organic farm, and guests are invited to explore and learn about the farm during their stay.

Daily Tours

In addition to the activities within the lodge, Cotton Tree Lodge also offers daily tours to nearby attractions and experiences. These include:

• Village Tours: Guests can connect with the local people and culture by visiting nearby Mayan villages.
• Mayan Ruins: Tours to Mayan ruins, such as Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun, provide an opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Mayan civilization.
• Cacao Farms: Guests can learn about the process of chocolate-making, from bean to bar, by visiting local cacao farms.
• Caves and Waterfalls: The lodge offers tours to explore caves and waterfalls in the area, providing an adventurous and refreshing experience.
• Snorkeling and Fishing: For those seeking aquatic adventures, the lodge arranges snorkeling and fishing trips, allowing guests to explore the diverse marine life of Belize.
• Sunset Cruises: A popular option is to take a sunset cruise on the Moho River, offering a relaxing and scenic experience.
• Local Markets: Guests can also explore the local markets, interact with the locals, and shop for unique souvenirs.

The lodge can help guests plan and prepare for these daily activities and tours, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay in beautiful Belize.

Food and dining at the lodge

Food and Dining at Cotton Tree Lodge, Belize

Cotton Tree Lodge is a jungle eco-resort in the Toledo District of Belize, located along the banks of the Moho River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The lodge includes an organic farm, which guests are invited to explore during their stay.

The lodge offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, with ingredients sourced directly from their organic garden. The food is described as "plentiful and good" and incredibly delicious, with a four-course dinner including soup, salad, a main course, and dessert. The lodge caters to various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan options.

The lodge features free-range chickens, goats for meat and dairy, and pigs. They also produce their own chocolate. The meals change daily and are described as always delicious, with guests praising the surprise element of each meal.

The lodge also has a bar, where guests can wind down before dinner. Alcoholic drinks are available, including local rum and beer.

Guests can also enjoy a complimentary 10-minute massage after checking in, with the option to purchase additional spa services.

On-site facilities and amenities

Cotton Tree Lodge is a jungle eco-resort in Belize, situated on 100 acres along the banks of the Moho River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The lodge includes an organic farm that guests are invited to explore. The lodge offers a variety of cabana accommodations, including the honeymoon cabana, the 2-bedroom suite, the garden vista, and the boat cabana. The cabanas are designed to resemble traditional Mayan-thatched homes, with local woods and hand-sewn textiles. The bathrooms feature UV-triple-filtered showers that pump water from the Moho River, and toilets that flush into a composting system. Electricity is generated using a combination of solar panels, batteries, and diesel generators.

The lodge offers a range of on-site facilities and amenities, including:

• An organic garden that supplies most of the ingredients used in the meals prepared for the guests.
• A spa offering massages and other treatments.
• A bar and restaurant in the main lodge, serving breakfast, lunch, appetizers, and dinner. Limited wifi and cell service are available in the main lodge.
• A small gift shop featuring crafts from local villagers, including handwoven handbags, hand-carved figurines, and jippy jappa baskets.
• A variety of activities such as birding, kayaking, swimming, jungle survival tours, organic garden tours, and yoga sessions.
• Daily adventure tours to nearby villages, Mayan ruins, cacao farms, caves, and waterfalls.

Frequently asked questions