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.

Ek Tun is a remote lodge (not resort by any means) at the end of 6 miles of rough dirt/rock road and across a river. It is an absolute piece of paradise once you are there.

Phyllis is a wonderful character, knowledgeable of the area having lived there for many years, an extremely good and creative cook and very caring and sensitive to her guests' needs.

The reason we chose Ek Tun was so we could experience the jungle of Belize in a non resort setting. Even though there was no electiricty in our thatched roof cabana, we cannot say that we were roughing it. We had a spacious bathroom with plenty of hot water, a comfortable and charming atmosphere, kerosene lanterns lit for us each evening, and coffee delievered to our door each morning at the appointed time. We did not see any unwanted visitors in our cabana the four nights we were there.

Bottom line - Ek Tun is not for the "resort" traveler but a jewel for those of us who would appreciate a pure Belizian experience.

Hope you have a chance to meet Phyllis and experience Ek Tun.

In July of 2008 my husband and I booked a trip to Ek Tun for our 1 year anniversary in November 2008. We were so excited by the rugged beauty of Ek Tun and the surrounding tourist attractions and we couldn’t wait to get there.
One week prior to our arrival in Belize, Phyllis contacted us with some upsetting news. Belize had been experiencing torrential rains that had cause the river to rise to dangerous levels blocking the roads to many of the ruins and putting a portion of Ek Tun underwater. Phyllis offered us the hope that it was possible that the rains might let up in time for our arrival so it may not be an issue but she suggested that we think about rescheduling.
We wanted to reschedule but were afraid we couldn’t because the second half of our trip was going to be spent at a hotel in Ambergris Caye (a nearby island). So, we had to check with them first. Our request for a refund or voucher was denied. The resorts website actually specifically stated that no refunds or vouchers would be given for whatever reason.
On top of this mess, we had found out that we were pregnant with our first child. Happy though we were, we knew that if we went to Belize as planned, not only could we not hike, see the ruins and swim in Ek Tun’s glorious pool but we couldn’t scuba dive, rock climb, eat fish or drink alcohol. Our vacation had gone from an adventurous fun-filled trip to something a lot less spectacular. We were bummed to say the least.
We emailed Phyllis back with the news that we wanted to reschedule but couldn’t because the policy at the other resort. We couldn’t afford to lose the money and would have to attempt to make the best of a bad situation. And guess what she did?! She contacted the resort for us and talked them into making an exception! I couldn’t believe it!!
All I could think was what an amazing person she must be and how grateful I was for her efforts. Phyllis’s kindness and thoughtfulness had brought us the hard news about the flooding but if she hadn’t emailed, we wouldn’t have known. And then, if that weren’t enough, she then took the initiative to contact our other resort for us, and saved us thousands of $$.
Were it not for Phyllis kind heart and thoughtful spirit, we would have spent our outdoorsy vacation inside wishing we could go repelling, scuba diving, checking out the ruins and not having morning sickness. We are forever grateful eternal Ek Tun fans and can’t wait to go there next year on our 2 year vacation and temporary (but probably much needed) break from the blessing of parenthood.