Yeah, couldn't resist that one. We just returned from a few days in Belize, and the Banana Bank is definitely worth a look if you want to stay inland from the Cayes. We used it as a base to go onto Tikal, cave tubing etc.Owners John and Carolyn Carr are lovely people, staff was attentive and friendly. We visited with them every day at meals.
If you are looking for '5 star' treatment with waiters scurrying around in uniforms, then this ain't it! But if you want an unpretentious lodge with a local flavour, then this is certainly worth a look. We would return in a second. Very kid-friendly.

My teenage daughter and I spent a few nights at this ranch during our trip through Belize and were pleased with the experience. My daughter is an experienced rider and found the horses were of great quality and class. What's even more wonderful is that they roam about the huge property, more or less like wild horses would. The staffs were amazing and the family setting felt very welcoming. Meals are home cooked and the owners join you for supper with great stories about their adventures in Belize. The owners have a passion for animals (birds, jaguar, and monkey) and that is observed throughout the ranch. Some of the structures aren’t in perfect shape but it almost adds to the rustic feel of the property.

It's a dramatic arrival, banging a gong to summon a boat to cross the river (though the sound is more frying pan than Japanese emperor). Then it's a stride across beautiful open grass, with cabanas tucked around the place and horses trotting in the background.

We had great fun every meal time. It's a "family-style" sit with anyone affair, which meant chatting to other guests and staff - really interesting, open, welcoming people. The food was plentiful and delicious too.

We went on a guided horseback ride through the jungle. It was exciting and varied, going through jungle, teak plantations and open field. Cesar, our guide was friendly and had many interesting things to say. The cabana was beautifully decorated and they were spaced well apart from each other. We enjoyed the pool.

Cons
- We didn't go on any of their other tours, but the prices seemed more expensive than San Ignacio, despite being closer to some of the attractions. (Around 20-40 USD pp more expensive, we reckoned.)
- They keep a leopard in a small pen. I think it was rescued from somewhere, but still. It looked really depressed, and didn't have anywhere near as much room as the animals do in Belize Zoo.
- The toilets near the pool were dirty for two days in a row.
- The mosquito net on the bed was a bit dodgy.

Book ahead. Even in low season, the place was full. It's popular with groups. We were sadly only able to stay for two nights.

I thought the “Maryann” room was very nice, and the food was good during my brief stay.
However, my pool water test indicated zero chlorine.
Frank Helsell
Iowa, USA