The Cayo District is a treasure trove of hidden gems. At the end of canopied roads, you discover resorts as singular as hand-crafted jewels, nestled within dense jungles teaming with brilliant birds and vibrant foliage. Table Rock Jungle Lodge is one of these hidden nuggets, synonymous with all things uniquely Belize.
To get there, you drive through the picturesque village of Cristo Rey, turning off at mile five on Cristo Rey Road south of the community. A corridor of majestic royal palms line the driveway leading to the resort, flanked by the expanse of orange orchards where donkeys and fluffy sheep peacefully graze. Along the way, Sammy’s Play Park and picnic tables bask under Cieba tree shade, inviting families with youngsters to come and play. As the foliage thickens, Table Rock Jungle Resort lies within the lush embrace of the jungle.
The intimate resort keeps it cozy with ten eco-friendly cabañas scattered along cobbled pathways under dense treetops. Nature beautifully borders the walkways, popping with colorful flowers and buzzing with hummingbirds. Squawking parrots and the howl of monkeys can be heard in the distance; all contained within the warm hush of the jungle. The stage is set for a perfect getaway.
Home is thatched cabañas cheerfully decorated with colorful Guatemalan textiles accented with dark woods. Screened windows are abundant, showcasing the wild landscape, with quaint porch areas to sit and commune with nature. A kerosene lantern illuminates the evening veranda, charming the dusky ambiance and shedding light on your door.
They say mountain air makes you hungry, but that also applies to the jungle! The inviting covered dining area is perched overlooking treetops and the ravine to the Macal River below. There’s also a view of the bridge to the infinity pool that showcases a seamless illusion of cascading waters over the edge into the ascending jungle. With a tasty variety of tropical libations at the bar and a menu full of farm-to-table local and international options, your thirst and hunger will be happily satiated.
Each evening, a special menu is offered in addition to the house menu, offering fresh, seasonal dishes, such as citrus and beetroot salad, chaya tarts, spiced rubbed pork chops, and plantain-crusted fish. With homemade desserts, locally made ice cream, and wines recommended by your server, your meal is the pinnacle of a perfect day. The super-friendly staff is attentive and happy to accommodate special dietary needs.
Although the leisure of the compound begs for a lazy day around the pool or in a hammock with a good book, many adventures are waiting right on site. With the Macal River just a short pathway away, guests can enjoy canoeing or innertube floating, with guided options for more extensive water journeys. There are more than two miles of well-marked hiking trails to explore, with different levels to match your fitness. There’s even a guided night hike offered for the brave at heart.
The area also has world-class birding, with many to spot along your hikes. Birding guides are available to identify birds you may not even notice and are well worth it for those passionate about their feathered friends.
Looking for just a pleasant stroll while learning more about the property? The Farm Walk is for you! Before heading out, ask the kitchen for a bag of veggie scraps to feed the tethered donkeys that graze within the orange orchids, stop and say Hi to the resident chickens and rabbits, and tour their vast garden where much of your meals originate. After all this excitement, perhaps a therapeutic massage to top off the day is in order?
However you choose to spend your time, Table Rock Jungle Resort answers the call of the jungle and leaves you wanting more. For information, please visit their website at https://www.tablerockbelize.com.
