I was also in the Hopkins area in June and had a hard time finding open restaurants or at least ones that were serving at about 8:30pm. Tried the hotels and local places. Ended up eating at Hamanasi as it was the only place still serving. Food was good. Some guests there said they had been staying at Hamanasi for a few days and were on the meal plan but were a bit disappointed with it as the menu never changed the whole time they were there - even specials remained the same! Maybe that was why several guests were at B & D. I have also eaten at B & D a few times on previous trips and found the food very good. Used to be a great place in Hopkins called "Over the waves" with Ms Enselma cooking, but I think Hurricane Iris wiped it out. She used to own Jabiru Rest/Bar as well but I heard she was no longer affiliated with that one (restaurant is still there at the entrance to town).

Food is great at Beaches and Dreams, I though Hamanasi was pretty good too.. Jabiru is also nice, so is Iris... I was there in November and all restaurants (Jude's, Innis, Iris, Jabiru, and a couple of other small ones) were open.... A garifuna meal prepared by Therese Castillo is also something not to be missed !...

WOW, Thanks for all the input! This is going to be one FUN trip! I am glad we will be able to have our choice in unique places to dine in Hopkins.

Karin, I saw Therese Castillo on the Hopkins website!!! She looks so nice, we will have to have dinner with her-did you have the gibnut, armadillo or iguana? LOL!!!

Ok, don't kill me people but I just found out about Tobacco Caye. Belize has so much to offer...and we only have 2 weeks

Would anyone recommend splitting up our time on Hamanasi with Tobacco caye lodge? Uggh-why did I have to see that? It looks so romantic and beautiful. I am driving my husband nuts-EVERYTHING looks so cool & interesting in Belize. Our first 6 days our still up in the air-what do you think of 3 (or 4)days at Hamanasi and 3(or 2) at Tobacco Caye? I know I'm crazy but help me figure this out! My husband is cool as long as he can kayak, fish and lay in a hammock. He is no help-LOL! Hamanasi (tree house) is a definite though. Then there is also the Mtn pine region...UUGGHHH! What would you guys do in these 6 days?

Do the Hopkins area and Tobacco Caye.
We did it just last year and it's great.

Don't hesitate, make plans now LOL.

We stayed at Beaches and Dreams, went to Tobacco and then back to Beaches and Dreams. ( then home, ugh )

Reefs End was nice, of course now you will need to decide which resort you want there too. If you are making the decisions, do what you want, he doesn't seem to mind.

No matter what ya do, it will be memorable.

Go slow and remember, it's a third world country. They are eager to please us and we are anxious to be their guests.

Lan, the age and sandflies may be your downfall, not bashing ya. Those little sandflies only show up at daybreak and nightfall, if there's no breeze, otherwise they aren't a problem.

Just as in AC, wear DEET or long pants and socks.
It's a lovely walk.

Thanks NYgal! You have GREAT advice. We are going to do it! We will have to stay at blancaneaux or 5 sisters next trip. Plus we will at least tour the area while at Hamanasi. I figure we will stay at Hamanasi first then head to Tobacco Caye before going on our second part of trip. Ok, you knew I was going to ask...which hotel in Tobacco Caye? I'm thinking Tobacco Caye Lodge but up for suggestions. Do you know if the blue cabanas are private or are they attached to another cottage? On their website it looks like you share the front porch. ? We are not picky but do like our privacy from time to time. I'm thinkimg 4 days at Hamanasi and 2 days on Tobacco Caye, do you think that is a good mix? thanks again

OK, you have the right idea and a good amount of days for each place. You won't want to leave one to go to the other, but once you do you won't regret it.

If I remember right ( may not ) Tobacco Caye Lodge was attatched, what you see is like a duplex. There are several resorts, 5 or six, on the caye.
We stayed at Reef's End, they have cabanas, separate from the other building. We had asked for one, they were full, but had an absolutely great room, second floor facing west, #4. Many people told us we had the best view on the caye. ( the cabana did not face the water )
There is also Oceans Edge, which we will try next visit or back to Reefs End.

The east side of the caye has wind that made my hair stand out, funny but true. Nice breeze. Not gonna blow you away.

I am trying to remember the names of the resorts as the circle of the caye. Starting with Tobacco Caye Lodge, but can't for sure. Next may be Oceans edge, then Giavotti, Reefs End Resort, somewhere is Lanas and then the one that is reopening, Tobacco Caye Paradise. I don't even recollect that one by sight, but it's there.

Prices are all per person per night. The boat ride to Tobacco Caye itself is $35 US per person, that's round trip I think. You pick up the boat in Dangriga.

FYI, most of the snorkelers waded into the water right in front of Reef's End Resort, plus they have just rebuilt their Bar & Restuarant, opening was last Feb. We watched them building and what fun that was.
Ok, here I go babbling, but obviously we had a good time. We really enjoyed our mealtime since we had set times ( which I was hesitant of) but the time spent was fun. Met people from Germany, France and Australia. Great conversations and laughable, since we only speak one language.

Just take in the moments, they are all grand. Go slow and don't worry, it will all work out. Let them guide you and ask questions, they love to talk.

OH, there is a dive shop there as well.

The resorts will not be filled, you can change to another one after you get there if you want. Don't hesitate to make the change, it happens. Pick any of them.
They are not all on the internet. I think 3 are. Giavoti, Lanas and the one reopening are not. At least I can't find them.

Now I can't wait to go back, see what you have done to me ?




[This message has been edited by NYgal (edited 09-12-2002).]

Thank you Nygal, your info is priceless. I can't find any info on Oceans Edge-what kind of lodging do they have?

http://www2.symet.net/beltex/

This is all I have found for their resort. It's kinda neat.

You will also need to remember, this will not be like Ambergris Caye. These are not lush accomodations. We liked it since we don't spend all day in the room anyway. It's the outdoors that counts.

It's not expensive. It's like a small community in a 5 acre area.
We spent some time talking with the people at Ocean's Edge and had a cocktail there. BrendaLee and her husb are really hospitable. I heard the food is good there too.
Hope this helps.

Great! I searched & searched and couldn't find anything. This place looks cool. I don't mind rustic, as long as it is cheap and on a little island in Belize! LOL! So when are you going back?

January or Feburary, 2003