Ek Tun was a highlight of our month-long holiday. As soon as we arrived the adventure began with the very welcoming Phylis meeting us to help us across the river into her piece of paradise. The accommodation was simply stunning, beautifully decorated cottages with spacious rooms and huge gardens to roam freely. And the welcome from the host was more than we could hope for, friendly and fun.

Meals were spent at the dinning cottage with Phylis, and the food was also top quality with all our special requirements catered for. We wouldn't get better in any restaurant.
This place is a haven for relaxation by the natural pool but there is plenty to do in the area as well, caving, horseriding, jungle treks. You should be a little adventurous to stay here and be comfortable in amongst the nature of the jungle.
If you are the type of person who enjoys all the mod-cons of a large hotel chain then this is definately not for you. This is a special place, a hidden gem set in stunning jungle surroundings.

Staid 2 nights at Ek Tun and it was lovely: Leave all your sorrows, worries and expectations to civilization back and take the risk to be in nature - real and un-spoiled nature. I never saw such a beautiful natural resort with a landscape that's breath-taking. I already saw a lot of "jungle-resorts" in Belize; Ek Tun ist the only real jungle resort. There are no compromises and it's the perfect place to have only two things in mind: Your loved ones and your environment.
Phillis, the owner, is a very passionate host and you can tell from her eyes that she's into it 100%. We recommend to everyone to try it out: It's brilliant!

My boyfriend and I really enjoyed Ek Tun. The landscape is fantastic! Very remote, yes, it's not exactly easy to get there, but it is a little corner of paradise with a wonderful host. If you are the outdoorsy type and looking for a romantic getaway, this is definitey for you. You don't run into other people anywhere around, but it doesn't feel isolated due to the location on a river valley with majestic views all around. Phyllis serves great food prepared with outsmost care, with fresh and healthy ingredients. If you like to cook, I promise you will be asking for recipes by the end of the trip.
If you decide to go there, plan to spend some time by the pool, there are plenty of hummingbirds around, and the most relaxing sounds of nature. We really enjoyed ourselves and would definitely recommend staying there. Temperature was very nice, in the 70's - at the end of November, and there weren't mosquitoes almost at all. If you need all the amenities, this is not the right place for you. I read some of the negative reviews and it seems that those reviewers did not do their homework before they chose the location. We hiked, cayaked, explored the surrounding, visited mayan ruins, admired the flora and fauna, went to bed early, and not for one second did I miss watching tv, or styling my hair. As for cold drinks, the host had plenty of cold beers, wine, and ice water if you desire. Great vacation, thank you Phyllis!

I have had the privilege of traveling to many parts of the world, and staying in some of the world’s best hotels, but I have never seen a place as beautiful or magical as Ektun. The owner, Phyllis, has created a paradise on earth that I thought only existed in my imagination.

First, the grounds of the property are stunningly beautiful. Insanely beautiful. Rolling green hills sit on the banks of a river. Giant flowers and trees line the walking paths. Gorgeous birds fly above, and the sound of roaring howler monkeys can be heard at sunset. One path leads to an astonishing waterfall that spills turquoise blue water into a perfect circular pool, around which Phyllis has carved steps, so that you can gently enter after a day’s hike. The hundreds of acres of well-maintained trails lead through thick jungle to bat caves, giant boulders and Mayan artifacts. Two horses roam the property, munching on grass and playing with each other. A sand and rock-filled “beach” provides a perfect place to picnic by the river.

Second, the rooms are beautiful. There is a main lodge, which is Phyllis’s home, and two guest houses. Phyllis’s home is simply stunning – an open air palapa structure with a wood fireplace that rests on top of a cliff overlooking the river. The guest accommodations – two separate palapa homes, each with two bedrooms -- are perfect. The rooms are large and beautifully decorated; the bathrooms modern and immaculate; the beds irresistibly comfortable; the ceilings high and light-filled; and when the sun sets, Phyllis fills the rooms with romantic candles.

Third, the food is incredibly delicious. We have dined all over Belize, in some of the country’s most renowned restaurants. Phyllis’s cooking is BY FAR the best we’ve had in the country. She prepares creative, delectable, and healthy dishes – from nut-encrusted tilapia to banana-filled French toast – with only the freshest of ingredients. You enjoy your meals in the open dining room of her home. (Breakfasts are eaten alone, and dinners are often shared with Phyllis and her delightful partner, Lee.)

Fourth, at Ektun, you are joyfully removed from the world, in a sort of hidden sanctuary. Though only 40 minutes from the town of San Ignacio, Ektun feels like another planet. The gorgeous drive takes you past rocky mountains, cows and iguanas, banana plantations, and into the jungle. And the only way to get to Ek-tun is to cross the river by boat, with Phyllis’s assistance. It is very romantic. (Yet, within a 10-mile radius, you can find a wonderful botanic garden, a spa, and three restaurants in nearby lodges.)

Ektun is the closest thing to the Garden of Eden that I’ve ever seen. But, like the Garden of Eden, there is a price to pay for paradise. This is not a Sheraton hotel – it’s the jungle , and be aware that you may confront obvious natural dangers that Phyllis can’t protect you from, i.e. snakes or sharp rocks or bugs or bizarre conversation. And there isn’t a massive wait-staff or receptionist at your beck and call. But hopefully, that’s why you came to Belize.

If you have a chance, go to Ektun. You will be transported to someplace that you thought only existed in your dreams.