Press/Awards

Frommer's Review

This family-run lodge is situated overlooking the Macal River, with jungle-covered limestone cliffs opposite. duPlooy's has everything from clean budget rooms with shared bathrooms to luxurious new bungalows and a two-story casita with a large Jacuzzi and wraparound balcony. This, combined with the stunning location and personalized attention, make duPlooy's one of Cayo's most popular jungle lodges. My favorite rooms here are the spacious bungalows, which come with a king-size bed, futon couch, and large wooden veranda. The older lodge rooms are housed in three stone-and-stucco buildings with tile roofs, and have aged well. Each has two queen beds and a screened porch area. Another option is the Belize River House, two separate multiroom suites that can be rented separately, or as one huge unit sleeping up to 14 people.

The lodge's open-air bar features a spacious deck overlooking the river. There's a beach on the river, as well as several trails through the forest. Horses and canoes are available for rent. One of the nicest features here, though, is an elevated walkway running at the level of the forest canopy, which connects much of the complex and also juts out into the forest, offering up wonderful opportunities for bird-watching. Neighboring Belize Botanic Gardens provides even greater bird-watching opportunities, in addition to an abundance of tropical flora.

Fodor's Review

High above a bend in the Macal River called Big Eddy is this remarkable, relaxing lodge whose grounds include the 45-acre Belize Botanic Gardens. From your vantage point on the covered deck and 200 feet of canopied walkway, 30 feet above the forest floor, you'll see iguanas sunning in the trees and, perhaps while sipping a beer, you can do your bird-watching in comfort. You can swim and dive off the rocks from the sandy beach below. Bungalows are filled with hardwood furnishings. The two-story La Casita has wraparound porches, king-size beds, whirlpool bath, fridge, and great views. There are less expensive rooms in the jungle lodge, and the River House has family suites. The food is terrific (full meal plan is BZ$80 a person), and there's always a vegetarian option.