Where to start? We're a 30 something couple, travelling from Canada, who were looking for a unique but accessible/affordable getaway, somewhere in the Caribbean. Having done much research -and it seems to me the negative reviews here, some of which utterly laughable, are due in part to poor research on the traveller's parts- we decided on Belize. First good decision.
Upon arrival, Moe, the boat captain, was more than happy to welcome us to San Pedro, take our luggage, and inform us that we had a few minutes to get Ice cream (or Belikins) while we waited for other travellers. Mannelli's makes awesome ice cream too btw. Try the coconut. To be honest, it was great having a friendly and welcoming face to greet us in a new land, a town lifted straight out of a story book.
It's about a 15 minute boat ride (you go most places in Ambergris by boat) to Portofino. The water on the inside of the reef is comparatively calm, so it's an enjoyable ride where you can just take in the beauty of the Caye. As we pulled up to the dock, we laid witness to the quaint paradise we'd be spending our nights in, and siad aloud "Wow, look at this place". Truly worthy of a postcard.
David was the next Portofino faculty that we had encounter with. He is a handsome, soft spoken young man who really did a good job with introductions, and a basic briefing of the resort. You can really tell the staff here care to make your stay enjoyable. You call tell they find their work enjoyable as well, how could you not if you worked in paradise?
The food was delicious, the inclusive continental breakfast was a great touch as well. It's not a massive buffet or any such thing, but fresh fruits, juices, and toast is a good start to the day. Complimentary coffee,is a nice touch too. Very reasonable prices for the rest of the breakfast menu, but dinner is a little more pricey. But, keep in mind, you're on an island, and any other resort in the same league will be more expensive. None the less, we enjoyed every meal we did eat at the resort, and we're vegetarians so that tends to pose more trouble to accomodate, but not here. Truth be told we spent alot more just on dessert and drinks at Matachica. Pirate Pizza in San Pedro works well too if you're in town and want to eat more for less, bring it back on the boat with Moe, or they deliver, by boat. It seems comedic to us city folk, but it's true.
Lorraine is so cute, and is a professional in the truest sense of the word. Her smile was a superb addition to the atmosphere around the resort.. She went out of her way to make us, and the other guests, comfortable on a daily basis. When we moved from Sunflower to Seahorse, the first night was a little unrestful due to the sea breeze causing one of the branches of a palm tree beside our cabana to scrape against the thatching of the roof, making a dull ruckus. She had the grounds crew on it immediately, and apologized for the unrest. Kudos to the grounds crew as well, they clipped the branch right off, kept the grounds looking tidy, pool cleaned daily, and contrary to some of the complaints about the bug spraying, did very well not to come around at unreasonable times. And again, what few bugs there were, kept the geckos all pleased as punch. They enjoyed their dinner right along side us.
The bar staff were both friendly fellows as well. Yappin' with them was quite entertaining. We shared alot of laughs, and they told us tales of life in Belize. Ted & Roberto were awesome too. Roberto is the divemaster, and he really made me feel alot more comfortable with the idea that I would soon be swimming with sharks. Ted was our snorkeling tour guide and was very friendly, knowledgeable, and according to the girls, just as easy to look at as Roberto. I guess that's a bonus for the female visitors. He showed us a whole range of sea creatures we might have not otherwise noticed on our own, from lobsters, to moray eel, to lionfish, to spotted eagle rays. an amazing experience to say the least. I faced my fears of the open ocean and literally jumped in feet first, only to find myself in my element, or so it seemed. The complimentary kayaks/snorkel gear were great for cost free excursions as well. The resort is mere minutes from Mexico rocks, a snorkel site that tourists pay up to 75$ to visit!! Just paddle out, tie off, hop in, and Bob's your uncle.
Anyway, in sum, Portofino is a 10. We found it on a very good promotion (keep your eye out for these promos. you won't be sorry!) Referred friends to come with us, and the resort compensated us with an open ended, no strings 200$ voucher to use if we return, which we most likely will. For those travelling to Ambergris, just keep in mind, exactly what you're looking for, this is a secluded locale, and perfect if you want to really escape. It is not Casino-land, or all inclusive-ville, so please take these things into account when considering Belize as a destination. Portofino is far more romantic and relaxing, than it is cheap and convenient, and that's exactly why we chose it. They've created a niche' here where the pre-packaged tourist destinations are a far cry from what they do offer.
Kind regards to all the staff and the owners.
Jan & Sandra. You've done an excellent job making your dream a reality, and inspiring us to quite possibly attempt to do the same.
Micah Herrington & Marika Palovaara.
Room Tip: You can't really miss, but I really enjoyed the Sunflower room, the views, breeze, ambience are...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
