Do you want to spend the night in style in the rainforest of Belize? The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is located on the Sibun River, at the foot of the Maya Mountains, and is a little heaven on earth. This luxury lodge is named after the impressive mountain opposite it, shaped like a sleeping giant. The Rainforest Lodge is a place where you can relax in one of the beautiful rooms, enjoy the facilities and go out every day to explore the green surroundings. In this article I will tell you more about The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize and what to do in this natural reserve.
Welcome to The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize
As soon as you turn off the main road and drive towards the Sleeping Giant, you will see the surroundings become greener and greener. This is when you start to realize that you are going to end up in a very special place. The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is part of the Sibun Nature Reserve, consisting of 10,000 hectares of greenery, with an idyllic river and mountains in the background, including the famous Sleeping Giant.
Upon arrival it is absolutely obvious that one of the owners of the lodge is a landscape architect. The paths are beautifully designed and surrounded by lush vegetation of tall trees, plants, towering bamboo and countless tropical flowers. And in this area there are several luxurious rooms, located at different places around the complex.
Do you also want to stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize? Check the latest prices and availability here.
Suites
The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize has 31 rooms and they are all different. The Riverview suites and Creekside cottages are spacious and stylishly decorated with natural colors and materials. These rooms have a terrace, from where you gaze out from your hammock over the jungle, or river. A number of suites and cottages have an outdoor bathtub or even private pool. And believe me, this type of luxury is something you won’t forget soon.
But that’s not everything. If you really want to spoil yourself, there are also the mountain suites and penthouse. And as the name suggests, you are located on a mountain where you look out over the Sleeping Giant and the jungle, through the large sliding glass doors. With an area of 1,200 m² and a large outdoor terrace, including a private plunge pool, the mountain penthouse will make you feel like the queen of the rainforest. All suites are furnished with local materials such as mahogany and wicker, a king-size bed and a spacious bathroom connected to the outdoor terrace. The walls are decorated with art and photographs from Belize.
Do you also want to stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize? Check the latest prices and availability here.
The restaurant
The Grove House Restaurant is located on the complex in the middle of nature, decorated with natural materials. From the open-air terrace you look out over the impressive bamboo, tropical garden and mountains while enjoying one of the delicious meals. Think of fresh fish, good cuts of meat and tasty pasta. In Don Tonito’s you take a seat in the garden and enjoy fresh, crispy pizzas from the wood-fired oven.
Activities – The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant Belize
Hiking trails
The nature reserve around the Sleeping Giant invites you to go for walks that you can do easily on your own. A path through the rainforest takes you up the mountain to a viewpoint where you look out over the Maya mountains and the Sibun river valley. Depending on your pace, the hike takes half an hour. The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant also has an easy trail taking you along five suspension bridges, through both the valley and the rainforest.
Rent a bicycle or golf cart
Don’t feel like walking? It is also possible to rent a golf cart or bicycle and explore the surroundings that way.
Enjoy the river
There are several kayaks available, giving you the possibility to enjoy the area from the river.
Swimming pool
Belize is warm and humid, so you definitely want to cool off at the pool. While enjoying a drink, take a dip or relax on one of the sunbeds, listening to the many jungle sounds around you.
Do you also want to stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize? Check the latest prices and availability here.
Take a Mayan cooking course
Do you like cooking and good food? The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant offers Mayan cooking courses. In a traditional Mayan house you can dive into the culinary world of the Mayans and get started with corn tortillas, chocolate, soup and typical snacks.
Visit the Mayan ceremonial caves
One of the activities that should not be missed, while staying at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize is a visit to the cave, a former ceremonial place of the Mayans. In this dark underworld, illuminated by wooden torches and fire pits, rituals and ceremonies took place. In some cases even people were sacrificed. As a guest of the lodge, you can enter this special world exclusively, led by a guide. You will not only experience the beauty of the cave, but you will also walk past ancient Mayan artifacts and human remains dating back to 600 BC. A unique experience that will stay with you for a long time.
A 45-minute walk through the jungle leads to the entrance of the cave, that is completely taken over by the jungle. With a light on your head, you walk through cathedral-like rooms full of limestone formations.
Halfway through, you will come across a special section where remains of Mayan attributes can be found, just next to you. It is incredible when you think about the fact that these pots and vessels are more thousands of years old. Even more impressive are the human remains, evidence of ancient rituals and human sacrifices that took place here. Even though this is a surreal experience, the guide explains a lot about Mayan culture and the role of caves in the society of the time, so you can put everything around you into context.
The cave is huge and as a visitor you only discover half of it. Just enough for a unique experience, where you learn more about the fascinating history. The cave is spacious and high on all sides, making it easy to navigate. Be sure to wear good shoes because of slippery conditions.
ATM cave versus the Sleeping Giant
Are you planning to visit the ATM cave in Belize and are you unsure which one is more worth it? You cannot compare the caves so definitely go on both excursions. Moreover, the Sleeping Giant Cave is less known and exclusive to visitors to the lodge, so there is a good chance that you will be the only one there.
Do you also want to stay at this beautiful lodge? Check the latest prices and availability here.
Mini Travel Guide The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
How to reach The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize
The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is located in the rainforest, approximately half an hour’s drive from the capital Belmopan and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Belize City. You can rent a car in Belize City and drive there yourself. But it is also possible to book a transfer service through the lodge.
Car rental
Looking for a rental car for your trip to Belize? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
Travel insurance
Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. With with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.”
Combine the rainforest and the beach
When you are in Belize you definitely want to enjoy the amazing beaches, blue sea and unique marine life. And one of the best places to do this is at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef in Hopkins, a hotel that is also part of The Belize Collection. In one of the luxury villas you will stay directly on the beach, use the comfortable facilities and discover the area through high-end tours. Curious? Read more about staying at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef in Belize here.
More about The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant
More information about The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant Belize can be found on their website, instagram and facebook. Do you also want to stay at this beautiful lodge? Check the latest prices and availability here.
More about Belize
Did you enjoy reading this article? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit in Belize. In the next articles you will find my Belize travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
- Things to do in Belize – 30 tips
- Things to do on Caye Caulker Belize
- The Lodge at Jaguar Reef – boutique hotel in Hopkins Belize
Disclaimer: I was invited to stay The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant Belize. Bbut this review is based on my personal view and is independent from the invitation. This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.