Hickatee Cottages — Hotel in Toledo District

How to start regarding Hickatee Cottages? Firstly we had a great time, we were only there for three nights and we really enjoyed our stay. We were met by Ali when we arrived and she gave us a briefing on the facilities, essentially the Ex-Servicemen’s Bar. There are full cooking facilities here, a cooker, fridge-freezer, all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you could want as well as a stocked bar with spirits and a fridge filled with beers and soft drinks. As we had breakfast and dinner included as part of our package, having confirmed no allergies or other food issues, Ali simply informed us of arrangements for our food to arrive (what time did we want to eat). On the first day we had turned up about 1.30pm so having stored our luggage in our cottages we followed one of the longer trails that has been cut into the rainforest around the site, it was a reasonably long trail and took around an hour. We followed up by taking dips in the plunge pool to help cool down and generally lazing around. In the evening Ali brought us Chicken Cacciatore that she had cooked herself, while apologising that it wasn’t as good as food provided by local Belizean restaurants. We loved it, it was delicious and our only issue was that the amount provided was too much for us to finish. I might as well emphasise this now rather than repeat it later, I don’t think we managed to finish any meal that we were served and both of us are good eaters; I struggle to stop myself overeating. Our other evening meals both came from local restaurants and were also excellent, as were the breakfasts that were served to us. With a bottle of beer or occasionally two after dinner we were more than replete. On our final morning we were provided with a “light” breakfast of egg and bacon filled tortillas, some local onion hot sauce, pancakes with syrup, a large serving of fruit and of course fruit juice and coffee. Our bags were taken and loaded into the car and then Ali drove us down to the airport in plenty of time for our flight. While we were at Hickatee we went on a Chocolate/Mayan experience day with a side trip to a local river/pool for a swim and then a stop off at a chocolate factory to buy some of their products with Bruno a local guide (and man of many hats). The following day we did a wander around the local market and the centre of Punta Gorda followed by a visit to the Falling Stones Butterfly Farm all of which was managed by Ali herself; both these trips I will review separately in their own right. We were unfortunately only at Hickatee Cottages for three nights, two full days, so there is much I cannot in all fairness cover. I would add a word or two of warning. The Hickatee Cottages web site warns people to expect insects, I would just emphasise this, it seems obvious to me but I know some people can be fairly obtuse about such things. Following on from this if you plan to set foot into the rainforest at any point make sure you have solid footwear (not open soled sandals). Again I think it is basic common sense. Something else to be aware of, the cottages come with a ceiling fan and a pedestal fan, the ceiling fan didn’t seem to do much. I slept solidly using these two fans the main thing to note is that there is no air conditioning. This wasn’t a problem for us but I realise that some people struggle to cope with the heat without air conditioning; with the construction of the cottages I doubt air conditioning would be effective. I believe that while we were at Hickatee Cottages it was unusually hot for early May; it was well into the 90’s Fahrenheit/mid 30’s Centigrade on our final morning it was 100˚F/38C by 8am. So just something to be aware of and possibly consider managing the time of your visit. We had a great time, we were well looked after and had a great stay and we would gladly repeat...

How to start regarding Hickatee Cottages? Firstly we had a great time, we were only there for three nights and we really enjoyed our stay. We were met by Ali when we arrived and she gave us a briefing on the facilities, essentially the Ex-Servicemen’s Bar. There are full cooking facilities here, a cooker, fridge-freezer, all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you could want as well as a stocked bar with spirits and a fridge filled with beers and soft drinks. As we had breakfast and dinner included as part of our package, having confirmed no allergies or other food issues, Ali simply informed us of arrangements for our food to arrive (what time did we want to eat).|On the first day we had turned up about 1.30pm so having stored our luggage in our cottages we followed one of the longer trails that has been cut into the rainforest around the site, it was a reasonably long trail and took around an hour. We followed up by taking dips in the plunge pool to help cool down and generally lazing around.|In the evening Ali brought us Chicken Cacciatore that she had cooked herself, while apologising that it wasn’t as good as food provided by local Belizean restaurants. We loved it, it was delicious and our only issue was that the amount provided was too much for us to finish. I might as well emphasise this now rather than repeat it later, I don’t think we managed to finish any meal that we were served and both of us are good eaters; I struggle to stop myself overeating. Our other evening meals both came from local restaurants and were also excellent, as were the breakfasts that were served to us. With a bottle of beer or occasionally two after dinner we were more than replete.|On our final morning we were provided with a “light” breakfast of egg and bacon filled tortillas, some local onion hot sauce, pancakes with syrup, a large serving of fruit and of course fruit juice and coffee. Our bags were taken and loaded into the car and then Ali drove us down to the airport in plenty of time for our flight.|While we were at Hickatee we went on a Chocolate/Mayan experience day with a side trip to a local river/pool for a swim and then a stop off at a chocolate factory to buy some of their products with Bruno a local guide (and man of many hats). The following day we did a wander around the local market and the centre of Punta Gorda followed by a visit to the Falling Stones Butterfly Farm all of which was managed by Ali herself; both these trips I will review separately in their own right.|We were unfortunately only at Hickatee Cottages for three nights, two full days, so there is much I cannot in all fairness cover. I would add a word or two of warning. The Hickatee Cottages web site warns people to expect insects, I would just emphasise this, it seems obvious to me but I know some people can be fairly obtuse about such things. Following on from this if you plan to set foot into the rainforest at any point make sure you have solid footwear (not open soled sandals). Again I think it is basic common sense. Something else to be aware of, the cottages come with a ceiling fan and a pedestal fan, the ceiling fan didn’t seem to do much. I slept solidly using these two fans the main thing to note is that there is no air conditioning. This wasn’t a problem for us but I realise that some people struggle to cope with the heat without air conditioning; with the construction of the cottages I doubt air conditioning would be effective. I believe that while we were at Hickatee Cottages it was unusually hot for early May; it was well into the 90’s Fahrenheit/mid 30’s Centigrade on our final morning it was 100˚F/38C by 8am. So just something to be aware of and possibly consider managing the time of your visit.|We had a great time, a great stay and would gladly repeat...

Our stay at Hikatee Cottages in Toledo, Belize, was pure magic—a true slice of paradise! The property is a vibrant oasis, brimming with colorful flowers and lush greenery that feels straight out of a dream. One unforgettable moment was spotting the rare and exquisite black orchid, Belize’s national flower—a breathtaking experience for any nature lover. As the tropical sun set behind the treeline, the resonant calls of howler monkeys echoed through the rainforest, creating a mesmerizing, otherworldly ambiance that made us feel deeply connected to the wild beauty around us.||What made Hikatee Cottages even more special for us was its fully off-grid setup, perfectly aligning with our values of sustainability and eco-conscious living. Its secluded location, a bit out of the way, only added to its charm. We cherished the peacefulness and sense of privacy that came with being tucked away in such a serene, natural setting.||The grounds are a haven for serenity and exploration, featuring a beautifully crafted walking path that meanders through the rainforest. Each morning, we indulged in peaceful walking meditations, accompanied by the gentle symphony of birdsong and rustling leaves—a soul-soothing way to greet the day.||The cottages themselves are thoughtfully designed and incredibly comfortable. The beds were wonderfully cozy, ensuring restful nights surrounded by the calming sounds of the rainforest. When we arrived, we were delighted to find fresh-cut flowers in each room—a thoughtful and beautiful touch that instantly made us feel at home. The main house features a full-service kitchen, which was perfect for preparing meals and enjoying them in the company of the stunning surroundings.||The property is adorned with stunning artwork, making every corner feel like a unique discovery. And to top it all off, the full bar offered a delightful space to relax in the evenings, where we could sip on our favorite drinks while soaking in the magical atmosphere.||None of this would have been possible without Allison, the truly amazing host who made our stay unforgettable. She was warm, welcoming, and always available to meet our needs. From her prompt responses to her thoughtful gestures, like the fresh flowers, Allison’s kindness and dedication elevated our experience in every way.||Hikatee Cottages exceeded every expectation and left us in awe. Whether you’re seeking peace and quiet, an immersive connection to nature, or a cozy, art-filled retreat, this is the place to be. We’re already dreaming of our return to this enchanting,...