Our Frequently Asked Questions Guide
Where are you located?
Our resort is located in Belize, a country that is situated on the Caribbean Sea in Central America, just below the Yucatan Peninsular in Mexico and to the east and north of Guatemala. Jaguar Reef Lodge is located on a ten mile beach on the south coast of Belize, just south of the small village of Hopkins.
We chose our location because it was within easy reach of the reef, river, lagoons and jungle, allowing our guests to snorkel and scuba the reef, fish the reef, flats, and lagoon, sea and river kayak; while also explore the jungle, find hidden waterfalls, and visit ancient Mayan sites.
How near are you to your sister resort Almond Beach, and what does a "sister resort" mean?
Almond Beach is a 30 second walk away - the resorts are connected by an elegant pathway. The meaning of "Sister resort" has now changed as in 2009 we brought the two resorts together under one ownership as well as sharing Management, Restaurant, Front Desk, Trips and Transportation. This integration of the two resortsallows to be able to offer many more choices than would have been possible had we operated separately, and provide expanded service to our new and returning guests.
When is the best time to come to Belize?
The winter season from December to April is the time that attracts the most visitors to Belize, but that may be more related to traditional holiday seasons than anything else. Daytime winter temperatures average 85°F while the sea also averages 85 degrees year round. There is usually a light breeze from the ocean year round, which makes the climate very pleasant, although there is also usually high humidity year round. Our wedding and honeymoon guests chose May, June and September when the climate is beautiful, the prices are lower, and the flowers are at their best. July and August are popular with family adventurers, and although they often experience a short rain shower, it is quickly over and easily managed. We feel that October and November is perhaps one of the most pleasant seasons. This is hurricane season in the Caribbean (see separate question below) which puts some people off, but quiet, warm, and a wonderful time to take a short break and relaxing break.
So what about hurricanes?
Any hurricane is a major event, particularly for a developing economy with poor housing and low incomes. In the hurricane stakes Belize has been relatively fortunate, with less than 5% of the hurricanes that Florida routinely receives. Last year was unusual in that two major hurricanes headed our way. Both Force 5. Fortunately one went to the north of us and we just got light winds and light rain, and the other went to the south and we only noticed a slight wind. (check this out at www.nhc.noaa.gov) We obviously track hurricanes very carefully at the resort, typically there is at least five days notice if there is any potential threat to the coast of Belize. Our guests are kept fully informed and can track the storm on our computer on site. If it looks as though our area may be seriously threatened, our hurricane plan is to move our guests inland to our sister resort Caves Branch, and our inland farm on the Sibun River. There guests can continue to enjoy their vacation with their own rooms and excellent facilities. In the past ten years our hurricane plan has not had to be put in to action, but we are always ready. So to sum up, your chances of a hurricane in Belize are minimal compared to the rest of the Caribbean, Florida and Mexico, but we are always vigilant and ready. .
 
How far away is Dangriga airport?
Dangriga airport is about 30 minutes away from us. Jaguar Reef shares our transfer service with us and you will be picked up at the airport and transfered to jaguar Reef.
Belize International Airport is approximately two hours away by road. However if you chose this transfer option you can see more of the beautiful countryside of Belize, and stop at either the Belize Zoo or swim at the Blue Hole en route.
Can we Rent a Car?
We do have a very limited car rental availability at the resort but these are subject to high demand and are not always available. Most North American car rental companies are located at Belize International Airport, and in Belize City. We suggest that guests be very careful when driving at night, as you will come across people and bike riders and farm vehicles on the road without lights and you may easily put your and their safety at risk.
What Currency Should we bring?
US dollars are widely accepted in Belize and would be the best currency to bring. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of $1US to $2BZ. The nearest ATM machine to us is in Dangriga about 30 minutes away. Our front desk is also happy to cash Travellers Cheques in US funds. Major credit cards are accepted at Almond Beach but are not widely used in the small local stores or gas stations.
We've heard a lot about bugs!
The bug most often talked about on web sites is the sand fly, a tiny bug that nips around the legs and ankles and can cause swelling and itching. The susceptibility to sand fly's various with the individual. The majority don't notice them a minority have large bumps and an intense itch. Sand fly's are seasonal, typically only become irritating when the breeze goes down in the morning and evening. They can be prevented by wearing socks and slacks or by spraying legs and ankles with seand can be prevented by spraying legs and ankles with a bug repellant with Deet. if you know you tend to be susceptible to bugs bring down an antihistamine and some "anti-itch creme". Mosquitoes are not a problem on the coast but again you will want to take a protective bug repellent when travelling to the jungle areas inland. Malaria is found in Belize, but this historically has not been a problem in our area. For further information visit www.cdc.gov, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A comprehensive website from the US Government.
Do you welcome kids?
Children and teens have a wonderful time at jaguar Reef and Almond Beach. Our guides take the time to introduce them to their first snorkel experience slowly and carefully, so it is an exciting, not scarey experience. (Yes we do of course have kid sized life jackets) Watching leaf cutter ants in the jungle, seeing their first "Jurasssic Park" iguana and spotting a jaguar paw print from the night before is something they will always remember, while trying a kayak on a safe beach or riding one of our free bikes in to the nearby village of Hopkins is an adventure in itself. Teenagers like the fact that they can have an introduction to Scub Diving, or even get PADI certified during their stay, and our free bikes give them their own mobility to explore the area. Our two bedroom family suites sleep six, and are especially set up for children. For more information, check out our special web site www.familyvacationbelize.com If you have a very young child then child-care can be arranged to allow parents a day off so dad can go fishing and Mum can spend a relaxing day at Butterflies Spa.
I am thinking of a Honeymoon at Almond Beach how do I chose between the Honeymoon Casita , the Beachfront Casita or Beachfront Cabana?
This is a tough question as we have eighteen different choices of rooms and suites at our two resorts. This is why we have prepared a special page that gives you a run-down of the various choices that are available to you. The majority of our honeymoon couples stay in either a Beachfront Casita,a Honeymoon Casita, or a Beachfront Cabana.
The Beachfront Casita is located directly on the beach, while the Honeymoon Casita is raised ten feet in the area and looks directly over the pool to the beach and sea, and the Beachfront Cabanas are very close to the beach and part of the original Jaguar Reef Lodge.We would describe the Beachfront Casita as fun and funky, the Honeymoon Casita as sophisticated elegant, and the Beachfront Cabana as a more traditional thatched cabana.
What is included in the meal plan?
Guests who choose a meal plan package for their stay at Almond Beach, have unlimited choices from our full menus. At breakfast this includes a range of continental and cooked breakfast items; both a regular luncheon menu and our special rotational menu (and our special beach barbecue on Sundays), and our daily rotational dinner menu which typically includes your choice of soup, four appetisers, five entrees, and three deserts.
Are there other restaurants in the area?
There are some small local diners in the village where you can buy local food; a small restaurant "Beaches and Dreams" which is open in season; and a restaurant a short walk along hte beach at both Hamanasi and Beaches and Dreams.
What clothes will I need at the resort?
This is a beach resort, so most people wear swimsuits, shorts and tees during the day, and change to slacks or your choice of skirt or sarong at night. It is also important to bring a long shirt if you plan to go out on a boat or snorkel the reef as the intense sun can cause severe sun burn. Also a hat that will stay on, a good pair of sunglasses and a rain jacket to protect you from the occasional shower, or jungle drips! Finally sturdy shoes or sneakers are helpful when walking in the jungle, when exploring Mayan sites or visiting the Mayflower Preserve, and a pair of binoculars are fun too!
What about Nightlife?
Hopkins is a simple rural area of Belize, with a few bars where you can meet local people but that's it! So if nightclubs and excitement rather than some local drumming or community Karaoke is your idea of a good holiday, then we are probably not the place. Ambergris Caye would probably be a better choice..
Do you have TV/DVD at your resort?
We have satellite TV in our one and two bedroom family suites and in our Veranda Suites - against the wishes of some of our female guests I would add! - so guys go easy on watching sports! TV/DVD's are available in our family suites and Poolside Rooms, and can be made available in other rooms. A limited supply of DVD's are available at the front desk (why not bring down one of your favorites and donate it to other guests)?
Can I bring my laptop?
Yes, we "normally" have wireless service throughout Almond Beach. (I say normally as the internet satellite source can be temperamental but is available 95% of the time ). As the rooms are constructed of cement the reception in some rooms may be low, but we have good reception by the Tiki Bar, so order a Beliken and catch up on your email! By the way we have limited ability to download large files, so ask your office to hold them till you return. Streaming video is also not possible as downloading an episode of Dancing with the Stars would cost us over $200!!!
Will I need to bring beach towels?
No we provide beach towels
What else would you like to know?
Send us an email at abrbelize@yahoo.com if you can think of questions you would like us to add. |
