Salamander was a little more remote than we envisioned, but what an awesome place! The food is some of the best i've ever eaten, staff friendly and helpful and the weather was fantastic!
We didn't relaise how far it was from shops etc (about 25min boat ride) so take supplies like sunscreen and any other goodies you need. Other than that, you get all the fresh, delcicious food you could ask for, reat cocktails too!
Overall i found the place very relaxing, but some mosquitoes do show up in the evening... easily dealt with by wearing some linen trousers or something.
To get truly relaxed and be alienated from the outside world, it is a great place to visit. Oh, and if you like diving it is an absolute must!!

PS - if Hans could have supplied even a little competition in backgammon the holiday would have been even better!!

We were the last guest to stay at the Salamander Hideway before it closed on May 31st. We had booked our trip over six months ago before the hotel was sold so when we heard that it was closing at the end of May we were really concerned. As well, we saw a few of the last reviews which were not very positive. We arrived in San Pedro Wednesday the 23rd and were greeted by Owen who helped get all our luggage to the boat for the trip to the resort. We were greeted by Hans at the dock and he tooks us to our cabana and gave us a very good overview of all the things that were going on and what we could expect during our stay. Our stay meet our of expecatioins, the food was excellent, the staff very friendly and willing to provide us what ever we asked for. During our stay there we other couples at the Salamander and they too expressed how enjoyable their stay was. We could not have asked for a better time. Hans help set up our diving with Belize Academy of Diving a local dive operation and they too were excellent. Mike, one of the staff was generous with his time and took our son on some local fishing adventures. The beach was raked each morning and the overall grounds at the resort were immaculate
Hans and the entire staff were very helpful and gracious during our stay. We left with great memories of the Salamander and its staff!

We are writing this review having returned to work following a wonderful honeymoon, both wishing we had never left Salamander. Our experience there was perfect, wonderful food, great location, obliging staff and great company.

Firstly we would like to thank the manager Hans. His relaxed 'nothing is a problem' attitude was first evident when American Airlines left us out of synch with our flights in Miami, one brief phonecall later and everything was back on track. From then on he made us feel very welcome, even after I beat him consecutively at backgammon. Ok, not that often but sometimes!

We would also like to thank The Boat Captain Owen for keeping us entertained while he learned to juggle, keep up the good work chap.... and for mixing the perfect lime juice!

The food was plentiful, very tasty and authentic (not a fast food place in sight - hooray!). We were fortunate enough to be treated to a spur-of-the-moment cookery lesson too, that hopefully my wife has remembered!

The Cabanas are simple, unfussy and the no-lock policy is something to treasure, a far cry from the lifestyle we are used to in London. The thatched roofing gives a wonderful sense of character and the little balconys are a great place to sit and watch the clouds (or rather blue sky!) go by.

The reef is only a few minutes paddle away for a great snorkel or if youre more adventurous, the Padi Diving is awesome, Lemon Sharks, Sting-Rays, Eels and a plethora of fish.
Apparently the lagoon (out the back) is well worth a trip too but we never managed to drag ourselves out of the hammocks long enough to see it!

If you are looking for discos and partying then this is not the place for you. Although, we did manage to make a significant dent in Hans's red wine cellar, assisted by various other guests and hopefully now have some new friends dotted around the globe. (Hangover permitting!)

Thanks to all for making our honeymoon such an unforgetable two weeks!
Adam & Louisa

I suppose it all boils down to 1) expectations, and 2) a person's character. In other words, if you expect Salamander to be a resort with every accommodation usually provided in 4 start hotels, and if you have a finicky character...Salamander is not for you. On the other hand, if you expect seclusion, simplicity, and a natural setting, and if your character leans toward appreciation for the most basic things in life, Salamander IS for you.

My husband and I just returned from a week's visit to Salamander and for us the small resort was perfect. The entire vacation, full of rest, snorkeling, kayaking, exploring, and eating, eating, eating, is one my husband and I will not soon forget.

Thanks to Hans, Owen, Mielee, Winfield, Mike, and the two FABULOUS cooks! You all worked so hard to make our vacation run smoothly and we appreciate everthing you did for us!!! A a big hug too to Cato and Sandy. Woof!

I wish Salamander the best of luck in its future, although I hope it doesn't give in to the demands of those Europeans and Americans who want luxury in place of simplicity. For those visitors, let them go to the high rise 4 star resorts, while you remain a special and unique place that respects the land and sea and provides such a wonderful staff. Thanks again for a spectacular vacation!