Jade Jungle Resort — Hotel in Cayo District

Visited in December 2024 with my wife's parents, sister's family, and my daughter (so 10 people ages 6-82). We had a wonderful time and I think if this is the kind of resort you're interested in I don't think it could be much better. I highlight the food in particular: the nightly four-course dinner was always delicious, very fresh, interesting flavors, beautifully plated, fabulous dessert, good accommodation of vegetarians (2 in our party), great atmosphere (oil lamps in a communal hall open through screens to the night air). Setting is beautiful too: we woke up each morning to a vista of mist across the verdant jungle valley. |I think visitors should know what to expect, because it's probably not for everybody:|- It's small: I think there are only about 25 guests total. Besides the cabanas (very comfortable but mainly just for sleeping) there is one central structure where there is covered seating and hammocks. |- It's quiet: not the kind of place where there's reggae music playing for example. A lot of the day there is no one around except a few staff. You can be by yourself in the jungle. Besides the three meals there isn't food service: there's a small self-service bar with bottled beer, sodas, and a few other drinks in the central structure. But this isn't a place to go to eat all day or drink a lot, if that's your thing. People do hang out after dinner at the outdoor fire pit and we got to know some of the other guests that way. But it's low key. |- Related: there are very few organized activities on-site. Off site there are lots of things you can arrange to travel to do: we went cave tubing one day and to the ATM cave the next (both excellent: resort is very very close to ATM cave so you can be some of the first in in the morning and the drive is easy); others went on a zipline, etc. Very easy to arrange all that with the staff and the guides they use were outstanding. But on site you are for the most part on your own (there were some bird walks in the early AM, a yoga session, a night hike, but not much during the day): there are nice trails to explore on the property through the jungle, there's a river through the property that has a few accessible swimming holes, they have a birding scope set up. But you should plan to arrange excursions off site or plan just to relax and do your own thing on-site. We did some of both. The other thing to understand is that except for the ATM Cave (which is very close), excursions require a longish drive including a long, bumpy dirt road: but that's because the resort is set deep in the jungle and that's why you get amazing peace and quiet, darkness at night, animals/birds, natural beauty, etc. But visitors should understand it's not a place you can just pop in and out of. |- It's rustic in a few ways: lighting in the central structure is by oil lamp at night (cabanas have electric lights), it's pitch dark walking from dinner to the cabanas (so definitely bring a flashlight or head lamp), the hot water in the cabanas is provided from tanks that are heated by fires that are set twice a day (early AM and mid afternoon) so there may be a few times of day when a hot shower will be only warm. This wasn't an issue for anyone in our group (most of us would shower first thing or when we got home before dinner) but if you need to be able to shower at all hours it might be. We all found the rustic touches to be harmonious with the setting and the ethos of the resort and comfort was never compromised. ||So if this all sounds like what you're looking for — natural beauty, peace and quiet, low-key vibe, gourmet meals (and not: party scene, wall to wall activities, pop out for a drink or snack, lots of people around) — give Jade...

I went to the jungle and came back a new person. (10/10, highly recommend.)

If you're even thinking about coming to Belize—stop what you're doing and book Jade Jungle Resort. This place is the definition of a hidden gem, and I’m still not over it.

From the moment we landed, the team had us covered. We were picked up by the most charismatic drivers (slash historians slash Belize hype squad) who made the 1.5-hour scenic drive fly by. We got the full download on Belizean culture, the resort, the wildlife—basically a moving podcast with jungle views.

When we arrived-- jungle magic. We were greeted like family, handed a custom itinerary, and whisked off to our rooms (with our bags already delivered, because somehow they knew I was too tired to carry anything but a water bottle).

The rooms? Stunning. Jungle-luxe at its finest. Peaceful, private, beautifully designed huts with eco-conscious touches that still felt indulgent. And yes, we got turndown service every night like we were on our honeymoon—even though we weren’t.

On night one, we were welcomed by a Maya family with a heartfelt ceremony right on sacred land (yes, there’s a real Maya site on the property).

The food was FANTASTIC. Not having to worry about what we're eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner made things so easy. We never went hungry. Candlelit dinner every night. Four courses. No crumbs. Zero regrets.

Then the adventures kicked off with things like:

🐎 Horseback riding through the jungle at Green Acres Ranch (my “main character in a movie” moment)

🧗‍♀️ Rappelling into the Black Hole Drop—300 feet down. It was terrifying. I loved it. (Caves Branch)

💦 Swimming at Rio On Pools, Blue Hole & Big Rock (complete with cliff jumping and living our best jungle mermaid life)

Every guide was not only skilled but genuinely fun. They made sure we felt safe, informed, and hyped for every wild moment. Shout out to Mike and Felix!

The resort itself? Dreamy. Quiet. Magical. Thoughtfully sustainable (they grow their own food!). Staff remembered our names. Every interaction felt like it came from the heart.

And the best part? Even in a big group, it never felt crowded or chaotic. There’s this incredible sense of community and calm woven into everything—like you’re not just visiting, you’re part of something.

I’m already planning my return trip—with my family this time. Because this place isn’t just a resort, it’s an experience.

If you’re craving adventure, connection, and jungle luxury with heart—Jade Jungle...

I am a wedding coordinator and was asked to come visit the lodge to see if it would be a venue option for my clients. When I researched it I was a bit nervous as there is no A.C, No pool and wifi only availble in the main communal lodge/bar.   I was very pleasantly surprised to find my room stayed cool and there we're very little bugs. Maybe it is the time of year so don't take my word for it and bring bug spray.  The owner Vicky showed us around herself and walked us through the Jungle trails. There were a few different swimming spots by the river that were great for swimming 100 times better than any pool! However keep in mind that if it rains alot the river gets muddy. So I suggested they do build a natural looking pool somewhere on the property. They are very reluctant though as they like to keep the place very natural. But said maybe one day lol. I went with my husband and we left the our 3 children at home with the nanny. The lack of wifi and phone signal really helped us rekindle as a couple as we had no choice but to spend more time talking and cuddling and less time working or distracted on our phones! The food was very local and delicious. Dinner was my favorite, the dinner room was lit by lanterns every evening and the sounds of the jungle echoed in the room. If you have any type of allergies let them know in advance so they can prepare. We drove there from the city and didn't realize how far from the beaten path it is so make sure to get good directions and be prepared for an adventure. I recommend letting them pick you up as even if you drive you won't be driving out to dinner to often. They have a little Maya Ruin on sight  that is such a special spot to gather for any special event or even a retreat! They team likes to play croquet on it too!  All in all Pooks Hill is not for the average person. Pooks Hill is the person who loves being in nature, The person who needs to unplug and getaway from it all and recharge, the couple who needs to reconnect, the family who wants to sit at dinner and talk to each other. Pooks hill is for the adventurous souls who can appreciate the songs of the jungle. It is truly unspoiled mother nature at it's best. Things you should know: *Bring water shoes to swim in the river. *ear plugs (incase howler monkey's decide to go wild at night, wasnt an issue but Inwas warned it could be) *if you are taking kids bring coloring bucks or something to do at night. We plan on going back with our family so...