If you are looking for a genuine, quality Belizean experience with endless possibilities for a stay of any length, you will feel at home here with John, Carolyn and Leisa Carr and their attentive and caring staff. The Carrs have developed Banana Bank Lodge over a period of many years and it reflects their values and their personalities.

Although there are handsome buildings with a somewhat colonial flavor(photo), we chose to spend 14 days in one of their well-appointed cabanas (photo) and ate most of our meals on site. The kitchen also willingly provided a substantial lunch to go when requested. Three imaginative and seasoned cooks delighted us with a wide variety of fresh fruits (fresh squeezed orange juice every morning, a real treat) and vegetables, organically homegrown whenever possible and breads baked daily. A favorite breakfast dish was easy-over fried eggs topped with sauteed diced veggies. The chicken, beef and pork were reportedly excellent and they always offered a vegetarian alternative to us. Long tables arranged for family-style sharing facilitated a friendly contact with other guests as we collectively 'oohed and aahed' over the large circular, artistically arranged plats du jour.

January temperatures in the perfection range--low 60's to high 80's sent us for a daily swim in Carolyn's spacious and uniquely designed pool with adjoining cafe offering a limited selection of drinks and snacks in the afternoon.

No need to visit the Belize zoo if you'd be contented to have a frequent peek at the nation's iconic jaguar, Tika 2, (photo) safely contained behind electrified fencing, and if you'd like to photograph some of the extraordinary collection of tropical birds in Carolyn's aviary, just ask Chico to arrange for a photo op. (photo below) Our granddaughters enjoyed their frequent vocalizing.

My most favorite activity was horseback riding either in the jungle or along the vast agricultural fields with my favorite guide, Jose, who is in training under 'Mr. John' (Carr) to become an experienced horse whisperer. One morning Mr. John graciously demonstrated his astounding natural horsemanship techniques and partnership with an unbroken 2 1/2 y.o. colt, completely subduing him in a respectful manner.

As farmers in New England we particularly appreciated learning about the challenges of John's entrepreneurial agricultural endeavors which gave us a good feel for the gritty endurance required for success in a small country with great potential as it interfaces with the global community.

The office can arrange for a variety of tours from a leisurely float down the Belize River to a terrific caving, tubing or ziplining outing or to an archeological site. If you haven't got a car, Carlos knows the locale like the back of his hand and is available to take you to such places as The Valley of Peace, Spanish Lookout, or the Saturday market in San Ignacio. Banana Bank Lodge is centrally located near Belmopan for your more urban needs such as a pharmacy or a cappuccino or for any of these day trips.

If art is your thing, you will find many of Carolyn's paintings that tell a story documenting Belizean culture hanging in several locations around the lodge. For a real treat, be sure to visit the upstairs gallery of The Art Box on the Western Highway just east of Belmopan. Carolyn's paintings are featured there along with many beautifully crafted pieces of furniture made of choice local woods.

In short, if you are looking for a meaningful, comfortable but not luxurious out-of-the-box experience, we'd put BBL at the top of our list.