Gaïa Riverlodge Resort
GAÏA Riverlodge Resort
San Ignacio, Belize
www.gaiagiverlodge.com
To truly appreciate all that Belize offers, guests are invited to the adventure of discovery beyond the golden Caribbean shores of Matachica, from reef to rainforest, two very unique experiences recognized by Trip Advisor and Travel and Leisure for their excellence.
Sequestered in a beautiful natural setting nestled in the Pine Forest Reserve above picturesque Five Sisters Waterfall, sister property GAÏA Riverlodge stands as a gateway to the rich diversity of the Belize experience, the stunning landscapes, layers of dynamic ecosystems rising from fertile plains and green valleys where farms and ranches thrive, to forested hillsides and mountains, abundant beauty in rivers, cascading waterfalls and dramatic caves. A marvel of lush rainforests conceal breathtaking wonders of an ancient Mayan civilization with an awe inspiring architectural treasury, iconic ruins, hidden temples, palaces, and once thriving cities no longer forgotten. This proud Mayan heritage remains, reflected in the beautiful people, the vibrant culture, lands where timeless villages and communities cherish their language and traditions, the ancient foundation of the rich diversity that has created modern Belize. A history formed from centuries of Spanish and English colonization, arrivals of Caribbean, African Garinagu, Mestizo, Mennonite, East Indian, and Chinese, people together creating a beautiful nation reflecting the pride and contributions of its communities in the amazing blend of cultures, cuisines, art, music, dance, languages, traditions and stories. Renowned for its welcoming hospitality, travelers from around the world are discovering all that Belize has to offer.
GAÏA Riverlodge manifests a sense of harmony with nature, integrating its presence in this beautiful setting with a respect for the environment in every element of design, creating an ambience of intimate luxury in a retreat where each cabana blends local materials, hardwoods, tilework and furnishings, exteriors incorporating palmetto sticks, and thatched roofs of local bay leaves, while boasting mesmerizing waterfall and mountain views. The ultimate in design for casual relaxation, GAÏA greets guests with its breathtaking signature welcome showcasing its expansive open air lobby, chic friendly bar, and multi-level restaurant dramatically overlooking the beautiful rock formation of Five Sisters Waterfall flanked by its inviting cozy beach, an easy hike or tiny tram ride down to the crystal waters and sun loungers, refreshments and snacks to go.
The cabanas envelop guests in a soul soothing space, the sounds of nature, the rushing river waters, the air so fresh and clean, an equal blend of modern comforts with a dreamy bit of rustic charm, a picture frame screened window captures the panoramic view, luxurious netted King size bed with divine Matouk and Frette linens, spacious seating area with games and books, bath with walk-in shower and Haeckel's top amenities. Perched above the river and falls creating a tree house sensation, the Waterfall View cabana offers two storied family suites, a lower level with a living room, queen sofa bed, and ensuite. 
The secluded Mountain View cabanas inspire romance with all the charm and modern amenities, stunning views from the privacy of your sheltered cabana within a lush green paradise where time takes a pause to breathe and connect with nature and each other.The grassy green common area is an inviting space, perfect for evenings gathered around the firepit making s’mores beneath a canopy of stars, or for afternoons to unwind in the sun.
Renowned for its organic gardens, GAÏA has pioneered the concept of fresh, farm to table sustainability in its amazing gardens, the pride and joy of multi-talented Sam who will enthusiastically share his wealth of knowledge of plants, organic farming, natural cultivation of soil, and protective pest control. His happy chickens provide the eggs for breakfast omelets, Belizean tortilla breakfast specials, and baked goods. With guided tours of his remarkable realm, he brings a perspective of Mayan historic traditions, an encyclopedic knowledge of the natural healing properties of his fruits and vegetables, and a lovely joy in partnering with the chefs of GAÏA, Matachica, and other properties producing the amazing ingredients making each dish deliciously flavorful and healthy. His Mayan community nearby embraces his principles of organic farming and provides an extended range of local commitment and economic success.
Dining at GAÏA is a taste phenomena, salads with freshly picked assorted greens, colorful peppers, sweet juicy tomatoes, herbs and spices to enhance every dish. The Cultural Table dining experience led by Nigel Richardson, GAÏA Riverlodge General Manager, was a highlight beyond expectation, featuring a multi course celebration of Belizean diverse cuisines reflecting its many cultures and traditional specialties, fresh seafoods, local meats, all with a modern twist. Even our picnic lunch after our excursion to the Mayan pyramid site of Caracol, served by our extraordinary guide, Randolph, was quite a tasty fiesta. Congrats (and thanks) to the GAÏA Chefs for winning the young picky eaters International Award for #1 best cheese pizza in Belize and beyond!
Choose your own adventure when at GAÏA Riverlodge. Hiking and biking rainforest trails abound, swim at nearby Big Rock Falls, and choose from several exceptional tours. The Caracol ancient Mayan site is located deep in the Chiquibul Rainforest, an iconic pyramid revealed by archaeologists whose discovery revealed a once thriving kingdom dating back to the 7th century AD. Climbing the stone steps to the top is rewarded by an extraordinary vista of beautiful forests and hills that may conceal even more architectural Mayan wonders. Guided by Randolph whose knowledge brought the site to life, its history and symbols meaningful. Our first cave experience was the Rio Frio Cave, a short hike to its entrance where a small river flowed from its depths and a display of stalactites and stalagmites once hosted Mayan rituals, sacrifices, haunting songs and chants seeming to echo through time.
The Barton Creek cave exploration required a canoe, a hard hat with a light to illuminate the natural spectacles of stalactites and stalagmites, some joined to form natural columns, crevices sheltering colonies of bats, deep in the darkness of the most ancient Belizean site of Mayan rituals, sacrifice, burials and ceremonies, where 2000 year old skeletal remains and original pottery have been found, stories our guide, Greg, illuminated as we navigated the cave waters.
Additional tours include chocolate making, Mayan markets, weaving and more. So much of Belize to discover in culture, nature, and history. A return visit, reef to rainforest, will definitely be in our future. Matachica Resort and Spa, with Jorge Cante General Manager, and GAÏA Riverlodge with Nigel Richards at the helm, represent the SHL family of hotels with exceptional leadership, talented Belizean staff, exceptional properties, beautiful locations, with the promise of luxury and comfort, exceptional dining, adventure and repose.
The story of Belize has been of European conquerors and colonial influences, arrivals of Caribbean, African, and Central American ethnicities and more recent settlers that have created a beautiful modern diversity of people and cultures reflected in the pride and contributions of communities, in the amazing blend of cuisines, art, music, dance, language, and stories. Renowned for its welcoming hospitality, travelers from around the world are discovering all that Belize has to offer. The amazing diversity of ecosystems on land and sea, the beauty of diverse cultures, rich histories, and natural wonders make Belize an extraordinary treasure.
The best of Belize travel is to experience both the beach and rainforest environments for the perfect getaway. The discovery of beachfront Matachica Resort and Spa paired with her sister rainforest resort of GAIA Riverlodge provides top Tripadvisor Travelers Choice ratings. Extraordinary dining with freshest ingredients brought from the noteworthy organic gardens of sister GAIA Riverlodge are created to incorporate classics, traditional, culturally authentic foods, and innovative menus reflecting health and sustainability. Fresh catch fish and grass fed meats from local ranches contribute to the menu variety,
Exploring rainforests where ancient Mayan civilization thrived reveals pyramid temples, trading centers, roads, terraced farmlands, and extraordinary natural formations in caves once sheltering sites for rituals and sacrifice.
