Hopkins in Belize has grown as a beach destination and Hopkins Bay Resort is one of the best hotels in this Garifuna village on the coast. Here's why…
I awoke to the sound of the waves lapping below me, the sun blazing through the glass doors illuminating the white four-poster bed I was nestled within. Sleepily, I flung open my balcony doors to a warm breeze as it gently flowed through the room, caressing the cream curtains. I turned on the coffee pot and waited, reaching over for the remote to turn on the flat screen to see what was happening in the world.
It felt good to be back in civilisation…
A room with a view
Hopkins Bay Resort
I had left the Mayan village of San Jose well behind and was back on the coast, ready for some relaxation and what better place to relax than Hopkins Bay Resort: the best resort in Hopkins, Belize.
My one bedroom beach loft
Hopkins has only recently grown as a beach destination and is unlike any other place in Belize due to its population of Garifuna people, descendants of African slaves who were shipwrecked off the coast during the 1600s. The coastal village is relatively small providing many opportunities to mingle with the local people with proud traditions, coconut trees and a long sandy beach which I had the pleasure of viewing from my 1 bedroom beach loft.
If you're looking for the best play to stay in Hopkins and complete relaxation by the Caribbean Sea then this is the place for you. Untouristy, with no crowds and very out of the way, you are guaranteed to not be disturbed at Hopkins Bay Resort (unless you want to be of course), and there's always the Beachside Bistro restaurant and happy hour for when you want to mingle.
The Beachfront Bistro
Visit the resort's Drum Beach Bar for traditional drumming or go fishing with the locals then explore the marine life in the Caribbean sea. The resort is actually the closest mainland Belize resort to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and is great for diving or snorkelling.
Drum Beach Bar
There's also Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack; the best pizza place in town practically on your beach doorstep but for those who prefer to cook, there's the choice of self-catering beach houses with supermarkets nearby but you have to try the Hopkins Bay Resort sticky ribs – they are to die for!
For adventure lovers, the resort is close to ancient Maya cities, the Belize jungle and Antelope Falls amongst the rainforest where you can hike and enjoy an invigorating rappel back down to the ground.
As for me; after all my adrenaline adventure sports I am perfectly happy relaxing at the resort pool in a tropical paradise…
How to Book – Find out more through the Hopkins Bay website or check other reviews before you book.
Chilling at the beach
If you are flying internationally, Hopkins Bay Resort can pre-arrange your flight to Dangriga Airport including a short road transfer to the resort. If you prefer a rugged experience travelling with the locals, you can take the public bus which runs daily at 12.15 pm and 5 pm from Dangriga bus station.