I’m not one to rave about all-inclusive resorts. Sure, we stayed at a few when the kids were little, mostly to take advantage of the kid’s club and buffet (immediate gratification in the food department is a must when travelling with the five-and-under set), and had a great time. But I thought we’d closed that travel chapter.
Until: Caves Branch, Belize. This resort has completely upped the all-inclusive game and turned me into a Belizer (sorry).
Bennett swims in a cenote (limestone sink hole filled with water) that’s in a national park just a 15-minute walk from Caves Branch.
Caves Branch is an all-inclusive adventure resort that caters to families with children ages eight and up. Who knew such a concept existed? Well, my brother-in-law, who recommended it after staying there with his family several years ago. They even offer a discount for Canadian travellers, so we booked a 2-day/3-night package.
Caves Branch is set along a river in the lush, forested Belize countryside near Belmopan. Guests stay in comfortable cabanas or posh tree houses, eat delicious buffet breakfasts and dinners in the open-air dining area, and partake in extreme adventures during the day.
Avery all set to go cave tubing on an excursion from Caves Branch.
While my husband and daughter were off cave tubing through a 7-mile underground cave river system on Day 1, and spelunking and waterfall rappelling on Day 2, my son and I hiked to Blue Hole National Park to swim in a cenote and adjacent cave, and followed that up with jungle horseback riding the next day.
Bennett enjoys his first real trail ride in Belize.
After each day’s explorations, we met up poolside and shared stories over cold panty ripper and bra ripper cocktails (those are pretty much the Belize national cocktails! Stay tuned for a write up…), which of course were included in the package.
The kids formed a posse that hung out by the pool and hot tub every afternoon.
The kids (and adults) loved the adventures and the resort’s great amenities (including a botanical garden), and we thought the super-friendly staff was awesome. The resort was also a great value, considering the quantity and quality of the food (and booze) and the cost of individual activities — it almost works out like you stay and eat for free.
The Botanical Gardens at Caves Branch boasts the largest orchid collection in the country.
Yes, I realize I am gushing. And even though I couldn’t do some of the activities because of my bum shoulder, and Bennett couldn’t participate in the more extreme offerings due to his autism, everyone left after three days feeling happy. Expectations = exceeded.
Dinner at Caves Branch, where happy adventurers refuel.
Drink - Play - Love 