A peaceful escape awaits” at this eco-hideaway on 300 jungle acres between Dangriga and Placencia. Opened in 2002 by an Italian businessman, Kanantik, which means “to take care” in Mayan Mopan, is four miles from the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (a jaguar preserve) and a short boat ride from the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

The dock at Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort, Belize.

The biggest benefit the Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort’s isolation is the potential to behold some of Belize’s most thrilling wildlife, from the crocodile to the tapir. In fact, Kanantik’s acreage links with the world’s first jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to all five of Belize’s cats: the jaguar, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi and puma. All are famously elusive, but they’re definitely there: when we woke one morning at Kanantik, the sand around our cabanas was laced with jaguar paw prints. It was remarkable!.

A small but refreshing pool waits for you after long walks on the beach. Photo by Kirsten Hubbard.

Dotting the beach are Mayan thatched-roof cabanas with wraparound decks, canopied beds, and wood floors. The restaurant features fresh seafood and organic produce grown on-site and makes its own breads, tortilla chips, and jams. “Staff are warm and polished.” Now.. go have the holidays you always dream of, away from all the tourist traps you’ve been to you know it didn’t bring you that happiness you were looking for.. Get out of your square box and try something new and experiment with your life.

In the resort’s restaurant, the thatched roof arches so high you have to crane your neck to see the top. The Creole-Mediterranean cuisine is unerringly delicious, often featuring freshly caught local seafood, but lunch and dinner choices are limited to what your server tells you. If you have dietary restrictions, we recommend you inform the resort before you arrive. All-inclusive and room-only options are available; if you choose the latter, remember that there aren’t any dining alternatives nearby.

The huts are good in size and all balcony are surrounded by canopy. Photo by Kirsten Hubbard.

Kanantik offers a bounty of tours and activities to take advantage of its unique location, like visiting the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich by the Guatemalan border in one of the lodge’s tour vans, hiking to the waterfalls of the jaguar preserve; borrowing a kayak or heading out 45 minutes by boat to snorkel the barrier reef at South Water Caye. The facilities has a full bar that specializes in espresso drinks and blended tropical beverages. Adirondack chairs and hammocks are scattered across the beach, perfect for reading a book, listening to music on your mp3 player, or simply enjoying the sound of the sea.

Cabins or huts are so spacious and comfortable.

Total Number of Rooms: 25
Published rates: For cabana only, $300 for double occupancy. All-inclusive packages (including tours, meals and drinks) start at $407 per person, per day.