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Lighthouse Reef Resort – reviews, photos

Lighthouse Reef, Belize
Hotel amenities
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6 reviews from our community

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A TripAdvisor Member
Seeley Lake, Montana
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Go Before They Upgrade”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 December 2004
4
people found this review helpful

This 15-year-old secluded resort comfortably accommodates 10-30 people with personal service to a man, great diving, and well prepared meals that include interesting local dishes well worth trying. The facilities are well maintained, although they are starting to show a little wear. The cabanas are OK, but upgrading to a suite is well worth the extra expense comfort-wise. It's more the kind of place where the problems guests have are the ones they bring with them. The facility is scheduled to close down in August 2005 for a major renovation that will handle over 150 guests. Don't wait until it becomes like every place else! Belize has been discovered, but doesn't have the infrastructure to manage the demand. This situation is being addressed, and the character of Lighthouse Atoll will soon change. Dive boats are already making long trips from Belize City and San Pedro. A San Pedro-type town is under construction on Long Cay, and stops by cruise ships could ensue. Until then, you can enjoy the laid-back 1950's style British colonial flavor and the sense that you really have a remote tropical island and its extensive atoll pretty much to yourself. Its catch phrase, "You'll think you've dived and gone to heaven" is spot on. It's a great getaway for non-divers too. There are many resorts where one can dive and be well cared for in the Caribbean, but there is only one Lighthouse Reef Resort. I never had a better time.

  • Stayed December 2004
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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A TripAdvisor Member
Las Vegas
1 review
“Awesome”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 December 2004

We are novice divers but have traveled the world. This place is great. Remember, Lighthouse is about diving, not foie gras. The diving was superb. The trip organization flawless. Food so so but we weren't there for food. Accomodations in the villa were fine, freezer air conditioning. Maybe our timing was perfect, no bugs, rain, wind, etc. I will go back. Papa's bonefishing was superb. Island master Thomas was able to get my wife over the hump, she's now a diver thanks to Thomas. This was the most relaxing trip I've ever had. No distractions; diving, meals, fishing, sleep. If you need 5-star accomodations, don't go. If you want awesome diving, great dive masters, well planned out trip, go. Doubt you'll find a better dive trip.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
minneapolis, MN
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
209 helpful votes 209 helpful votes
“Great diving, but facilities tanked”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2004
21
people found this review helpful

Diving out of this world, but lodgings tank
We stayed one week at the Lighthouse Reef Resort in Belize. We are both divers, and took advantage of the opportunity to dive 2-3 times/day. The diving was beautiful, and the divemasters were excellent. However, the lodgings and resort manager did not measure up.
We stayed in a junior cabana, which was a small concrete structure containing our 2 beds, a mini-fridge, a poorly running shower, and bathroom. Although clean, our lodgings were pretty poor. Screens on the windows didn't fit, and I was covered with mosquito bites by the end of the trip. The ceiling fans, which we initially used to try to keep the bugs away, were screech-y and loud. If we ran them, we couldn't sleep. It was basically an outdoor tent, without the bug protection which a tent would offer.

The resort staff, with the exception of the resort manager, were affable, helpful, hard-working, and wonderful. The resort manager, Tomas, seemed to view the resort as more for his use than that of the guests. We didn't like him at all.

The resort solicits a "tip" for all of the workers (kitchen staff, dive masters, maids) at the end of the trip, and passes out envelopes for these to be placed in. One of the divemasters told us, in confidence, that he often never received the tips which guests told him they left for him. It seems that someone may be "skimming" the tips. Therefore, I strongly suggest DIRECTLY tipping each person you wish to tip, so that they receive it.

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Lighthouse Reef Resort Also Known As

  • Lighthouse Reef Hotel
Address: Lighthouse Reef, Belize

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