Placencia is a favorite for a reason—sun, sea—it has a great vibe! But if you’re looking for something quieter, more personal, and a bit off the beaten path, you might want to check out Exotica Jungle Lodge. Tucked away on a … Read More
Read MoreACCOMMODATION
"A hacienda with a pool in the garden of Eden."
Aliya, M.
Connecticut, USA
The large living and dining area has a cathedral ceiling. The fully equipped kitchen has an island with beautiful quartz counter tops, next to a 10-person dining room table.
A sliding door connects the living/dining area to a huge balcony from which you have a marvelous view of a big garden, the rainforest, the Mayan mountains, and fabulous sunsets. The enormous wrap-around balcony with swinging loveseat overlooks the fruit plantation. Its Western exposure guarantees lovely sunsets most evenings, and by night, you have first-rate stargazing.
Designed for rest! Two firm luxurious king-sized beds and 2 queen-sized beds with top quality mattresses. Bed linens of highest quality (Egyptian cotton, etc.), extra pillows and blankets.
“This is a vacation of a lifetime destination.”
Doug D., VRBO guest
Bonnyville, Alberta
Rows of high royal palms line our driveway. Our furniture is mostly hand-made Belizean hardwood, including mahogany.
Our home is decorated with art from some of the best Belizean artists (Anton Leslie, Ernesto Gomes, Erwin Chan, Sami).
Watch the parrots, toucans and other exotic birds direct from your deck around the pool! Or if you wake up early morning and just lie in bed, most days you will be treated to a beautiful avian concert!
The apartment meets and exceeds AirBnB and VRBO standards.
Our property is powered by solar electricity, but is also hooked up to the grid for back-up on cloudy days.
Our farm manager and his wife, who live in a separate house 3 minutes walk away, are also on standby to make your stay as enjoyable as possible!
They deliver a basket of fresh organic farm-grown exotic fruit and veggies every morning to your door, at a time of your choosing.
“We had an amazing time at Les's Eco farm.
The house is smartly designed and spacious, the farm is beautiful, the fruits - tasty, and the birds plentiful.
The kids enjoyed the swimming pool and the hot tub.
Placencia village and the beaches are about one hour drive away.
There are good restaurants and bars as well as interesting art shopping.
We also enjoyed the nearby natural reserve and Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit, where we were the only visitors!
The staff at the Estate was helpful and Les and Julia very welcoming and accommodating.
We highly recommend this great place a bit away from the beaten track.”
The house is smartly designed and spacious, the farm is beautiful, the fruits - tasty, and the birds plentiful.
The kids enjoyed the swimming pool and the hot tub.
Placencia village and the beaches are about one hour drive away.
There are good restaurants and bars as well as interesting art shopping.
We also enjoyed the nearby natural reserve and Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit, where we were the only visitors!
The staff at the Estate was helpful and Les and Julia very welcoming and accommodating.
We highly recommend this great place a bit away from the beaten track.”
Leah U.,
Toronto, Canada
FEATURES
To help make your vacation comfortable and memorable
Luxury:
- Pool, jacuzzi and outdoor shower
- All year-round lovely flowers and plants (heliconia, birds of paradise, hibiscus, bougainvillea etc.) It’s like living in a botanical garden!
- New mattresses, bedding and décor in “tropical” style.
- Bed linens of highest quality (Egyptian cotton, etc.), extra pillows and blankets.
Total Comfort:
- Air conditioners and fans in all indoor areas, fans on the balcony
- Swinging chairs
- Picnic table and barbecue
- Dimmer switches everywhere to create the perfect mood to entertain or just kick back.
Full retreat:
- Private entrance
- 20 acre private exotic fruit plantation
- Miles of rainforest trails for your walking pleasure
- Hundreds of bird species
- Mountain view
- Fresh air, excellent rest
- You will be unaware of any neighbours
Equipment and Appliances
- Broadband WIFI, 55” HDTV in the living room with Netflix, etc.
- Games: monopoly, chess, playing cards, puzzle, etc.
- Kitchen: toaster, blender, Cuisinart pots and pans, Nespresso, drip coffee maker and French press, wine glasses.
- Bathrooms equipped with hair driers, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, shower gel, etc.
- Brand new dishwasher, washer and drier, ironing board and iron.
Security
- Security cameras (only outdoors)
- Safe for valuables
- Smoke alarms, CO detector, fire extinguishers, and flashlights
- First aid kits
- At least one staff member always on site (24/7)
“We had a lovely time in Les his beautiful Eco retreat!
Exploring the land and region, using the pool and the jacuzzi and had nice family dinners together.
Les was of great help and very communicative. 100% recommend!”
Exploring the land and region, using the pool and the jacuzzi and had nice family dinners together.
Les was of great help and very communicative. 100% recommend!”
Susan V.,
Haren, Netherlands
AMENITIES
Enjoy all the creature comforts!
Near numerous tourist destinations
Parking
Private Entrance
Safe
2 King Sized Beds 2 Queen Beds
Kitchen equipped
Barbecue
Washing, Dryer, Ironing, Hangers
Pool
Hot tub
Solar power
Web and TV Entertainment
Board Games
Mountain View, Rainforest trails
Birding
Fruit Farm
Near numerous tourist destinations
Parking
Private Entrance
Safe
2 King Sized Beds 2 Queen Beds
Kitchen equipped
Barbecue
Washing, Dryer, Ironing, Hangers
Pool
Hot tub
Solar power
Web and TV Entertainment
Board Games
Mountain View, Rainforest trails
Birding
Fruit Farm
Floor Plan
"Enchanting surroundings
Wow! This is a magical place to discover the southern region of Belize.
Well located with grocery stores nearby, it's well worth the detour to escape the crowds of Placentia!
4 beautiful large rooms, fully equipped kitchen and breathtaking outdoor facilities.
Great welcome by Calet and Les! Fresh fruit delivered every morning!”
Wow! This is a magical place to discover the southern region of Belize.
Well located with grocery stores nearby, it's well worth the detour to escape the crowds of Placentia!
4 beautiful large rooms, fully equipped kitchen and breathtaking outdoor facilities.
Great welcome by Calet and Les! Fresh fruit delivered every morning!”
Mireille, J.,
Quebec, Canada
Book Your Jungle Vacation
Personal itineraries (excursion suggestions)
We provide seaside, adventure or birding tour itineraries for 5-7 days
to illustrate the wealth of activities that are available in the vicinity, using your own care.
Complementary Guest Birding Tour
We are happy to provide house guest who book 4 nights or more with a free tour of the all-organic fruit farm and/or the rainforest.
A unique bonding opportunity!
Bond with Nature and bond with each other Ideal for large families or small groups!
WHAT TO SEE
Visit nearby National Parks and Tours
WHAT TO DO
Lots to do, on and off site
WHERE TO EAT
Taste the local cuisine, even invite a chef
Network of trails in your private rainforest!
Ideal for hiking, jogging, birding
Stroll through the 20 acre organic exotic fruit garden
Basked of fresh fruit and veggies delivered to you every morning!
A 15-minute walk to the Wafa Leaf creek
Splash in rainforest mountain water to cool down.
“We had an incredible time at Les’ place. Would highly highly recommend.
We went with our eight year old, and it was very kid friendly. We went swimming in the pool everyday, enjoyed the hot tub.
The place was very clean, and there were all the basics - spices, coffee, oil, salt.
We were also given fresh fruit upon arrival, as well as fresh greens.
It was very well situated to check out various towns and communities in Belize.
Les was very communicative, and the house manual can basically act as a travel guide.
If visiting Belize, we would for sure stay here again. Thank you Les!”
We went with our eight year old, and it was very kid friendly. We went swimming in the pool everyday, enjoyed the hot tub.
The place was very clean, and there were all the basics - spices, coffee, oil, salt.
We were also given fresh fruit upon arrival, as well as fresh greens.
It was very well situated to check out various towns and communities in Belize.
Les was very communicative, and the house manual can basically act as a travel guide.
If visiting Belize, we would for sure stay here again. Thank you Les!”
Gavrel F.
Toronto, Canada
ACCOMMODATION & PRICES
ALL PRICES IN USD
Before booking please choose the apartement size of your needs below
3 Bedrooms
Sleeps 3-6
$449/night
- 1 King, 2 Queen Beds
- Top quality hotel-grade mattresses
- Crisp white linen
- Have the whole estate to yourselves!
4 Bedrooms
Sleeps 4-8
$559/night
- 2 King, 2 Queen Beds
- Top quality hotel-grade mattresses
- Crisp white linen
- Have the whole estate to yourselves!
Certified
This property has recently been approved by the Belize Tourism Board
Our solar farm provides the electricity for our farm, except for during long stretches of cloudy weather, the grid serving only as a back-up.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We have collected frequent questions from our guests. Find the answers here!
Travelling here
1. Which airport should I use when coming to Exotica?
If you are coming to Belize for a longer time, and wish to obtain good value-for-money on car rental, you should fly in to Belize City International Airport and rent a car there.
If you want to fly closer to Exotica, and don’t need to rent a car, then use Placencia or Dangriga airports, each about 40-45 minutes drive. Flights from Belize City to Dangriga are generally cheaper than to Placencia. There is no rental car company located inside the airport terminal, you have to go off-airport, with Dangriga being more difficult than Placencia.
2. Driving in Belize
It is similar to driving in most developing countries. Two things in particular that we’d like to bring to your attention, for the uninitiated:
First, there are many “sleeping policemen”, basically speed bumps designed to slow down traffic. These can cause damage to vehicle and suspension if you don’t slow down!
Second, pedestrians and bicycles often do not carry lights or reflective clothing at night, and there are quite a few dogs and other animals on the roadside.
Better to avoid driving at night, if you are not experienced with driving in developing countries.
3. Where is it best to rent a car in Belize?
Best place to pick up rental cars is typically at Belize City Airport. A wide choice of rental car companies at the airport. Rental cars are typically on the expensive side in Belize, but less so at the airport (e.g. more competition).
From the airport, the Hummingbird Highway between Belmopan and Dangriga give you one of the most scenic rides in Central America.
Without a doubt, Belize City International Airport, (Goldson), is the best place to rent a car. There is a wide choice of rental companies, and prices are also generally more competitive than elsewhere.
4. Why is car rental so expensive in Belize?
All cars running on Belizean roads are imports, and import duties are generally high (e.g. over 60%). This translates through to higher rental car prices. An automobile of half decent quality is generally USD 70 and up per day.
5. How do I drive from Belize City International Airport to Exotica?
You have two choices. There is a longer more scenic route, traversing the Hummingbird Highway, one of the most panoramic roads in Belize, that takes about 3.5 hours.
And there is a shorter road, the so-called Coastal Highway (where you don’t see any of the coast), that takes about 2.5 hours. If you take the Hummingbird Highway, we recommend a stop at the Sleeping Giant lodge, which has a lush tropical garden.
6. Does Waze or Google Map Navigation work in Belize?
Yes, these works quite well.
The location of the accommodation is ideal because it is close to popular excursion sites and the beach is 25 minutes by car.
Expolre nearby activities here.
About our surroundings
1. How do we get groceries?
There is a supermarket which carries the majority of grocery items available in Belize, only 7-8 minutes drive from our place.
There are numerous boutiques, gift shops, bank, other grocery stores, etc. in Placencia, less than an hour away.
2. How is the local restaurant scene?
The closest restaurant is about a 7 minute drive from our property.
There are dozens of dining opportunities of all types on the Placencia peninsula, all within an hour drive.
Expolre the them here.
3. What clothing should I bring?
Bring bathing suits!
If you want to walk the property or do jungle walks, bring long pants and boots.
4. Is it dangerous residing in the jungle?
Generally not, if you exercise normal precautions. There are a number of venomous snakes in the jungle, so watch your step, and don’t deviate from trails.
The main residence is 10 feet above ground level, and the pool areas is about 7 feet higher than ground level. This is a great deterrent for snakes.
5. How is the bug situation on our property?
It is interesting to note that yours host seemed to experience fewer bugs on the property than when he lived on the Placencia peninsula. There are a few mosquitos, but during most parts of the year, they are extremely rare!
The one bug to worry about are a tiny bug known by multiple names: midges, sandflies, sandfleas, or “no see’ems”. Once again, our host experienced many more of these when he resided on the Placencia peninsula, than at the property. Midges are generally most active around dusk. They love wet flesh (e.g. after you get out of the pool). Just be vigilant when you are outdoors—it feels like tiny pins pricking you—in which case go indoors for a while or at least dry and cover yourself.
Accommodation usage
1. When is check-in?
Check in is any time after 3 pm. Please let us know your expected arrival time beforehand.
Our farm manager will open the gate and hand over the keys.
2. When do we need to check out?
Check out before 11 am. Meet the farm manager.
3. Will I have the property all to myself?
There is a one third acre fenced area, which you will have all to yourself (with the exception of some locked storage areas).
The fruit orchard is a working farm, with staff. They will steer clear of your house and fenced area to ensure your privacy.
4. Can anybody help me in case of any trouble?
The guestbook on site contains detailed information about the area and important telephone numbers.
Our farm manager (his name is Calet) and his wife, who live in a separate dwelling 3 minutes walk away, are close enough to be on standby to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, but far enough so that you will feel total privacy.
He will be available should you need anything or require assistance.
5. Are children welcome?
Of course! We ask though, that they be supervised at all times, particularly their use of the pool and jacuzzi, as well as due to the rare presence of snakes. Please mention the number of children at the time of booking.
6. Are pets welcome?
Yes! We love pets! We just ask that you mention them at the time of booking. Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times when outside the fenced area. Please mention any pets at time of booking.
7. Cleaning fee
There is a one time cleaning fee of USD 50, payable in cash, on arrival, to the property manager. Whether you stay for a day or a month, the fee is still USD 50.
This covers a one time cleaning after you move out. If you would like additional cleanings during your stay, these can also be arranged a few days in advance, also USD 50 per occasion.
8. Languages
The owner is a Canadian citizen.
Based on his travel experience, he will be happy to answer any questions and with 14 years of local Belize experience, he can offer personal advice in any of the languages English, French, German, Spanish, Hungarian, Russian.
Ecological awareness and security
1. Drinking water
We have two dispensers with 5 gallon containers in the house. If you run out, just ask the property manage for a refill.
While we don’t believe the tap water will cause you any problems, it’s better to be extra prudent for those coming from abroad.
2. Why is our property called an eco lodge?
Our property is 90% powered by solar. We use the grid only on rainy/cloudy days, and for back-up.
Waste from the house is classified as non-organic and organic. The organic goes straight to our farm’s compost heap.
3. What else are we doing to be sustainable?
Composting and using mostly using regenerative, sustainable and organic agricultural methods: no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides are used.
4. How is the security on our property?
We have never had a break-in on our property. As a matter of policy, we always require at least one member of staff to be on the property.
We have numerous security cameras, all outside and focused on access windows and doors to the house.
To respect guest privacy there are no interior cameras or by the pool.
Our security and safety equipment also includes:
- Smoke detector
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Carbon Monoxide detector.
Accommodation Policy
Our farm manager will meet and greet you on arrival, show you around, answer any questions, and give you the keys. Couldn’t be easier!
- No smoking allowed indoors.
- Maximum one small dog allowed, must be on leash at all times.
- Children under 18 must be under supervision at all times.
- Use of pool at own risk.
- Our property is part rainforest, part reclaimed rainforest. Hence guests may encounter venomous snakes or other wild animals.
Guests agree to exercise caution and not deviate from marked trails, and to wear long pants and boots in rainforest. - Guest agrees to compensate host for damaged caused, or items removed from premises.
Detailed Reviews
“Arriving at Les’ farm and being his guest is a rich experience in many ways. Enjoying the freshly picked fruits and lettuce, the fresh herbs for cooking, getting up early for bird watching, walking among the banana bushes, going to the neighboring villages to buy fish, ordering a Belikin and a delicious Garifuna soup.
Inside the beautiful house we were able to enjoy a large table for the large group of family that we were. It is a house made with much love and exquisite taste. Les is a very kind and attentive host as well as Calet who welcomed us and was always looking after our well being.
I recommend one hundred percent this great experience!”
- Susan V., Haren, Netherlands
“This was an exceptional exchange – Les is the best host. Right from the start communication was straightforward – all my questions were answered promptly. Once the exchange was finalised Les kept in contact. It’s important to say that Les was great with directions and advice on getting there. You need a car to get to the property and also to explore the tropical beaches close by.
His home in Belize-Exotica Fruit Farm is just that – it really was delightfully different and certainly for more adventurous home exchangers, Belize is a place to explore.
The house is great – spacious with local timber and artwork as a feature. Fabulous pool hot tub and outdoor area. The house manual with all its recommendations on local places to visit and experience was excellent.
Les helped organize various things – a cook one night, massages and the highlight – a brilliant birding guide. Christian is one of Belize’s best birders – we had an amazing time with him. So thank you Les – great exchange from start to finish. We’d love to host you in Australia sometime.”
- Rosemary G., Shelly Beach, Australia
“A little piece of paradise
We stayed here for 3 weeks in February. This place is definitely 2and is 5 star. Our trip was very important to our family. Our accommodations being beautiful, very clean, well maintained made our vacation much more memorable. The property, pool, hot tub, swing and picnic table were used daily and enjoyed immensely. The pool was a highlight. The caretakers were very helpful to us, brought fresh fruit or coconut water daily.
We would like to thank them and Les for their help and support during our medical emergency. The ambulance service was modern and fully equipped and the hospital was very efficient and well trained. We had family coming and going during the time we were here. Anywhere from 3 to 8 at a time. For some of them it was the first time they had not stayed at an all inclusive and they feel that the trip was magical and amazing.
The kitchen was fully equipped and was used daily. We found the location was central to our needs, there was a decent store a few minutes away and we were close to shopping, restaurants, groceries (Publix in Seine Bight was the best place) and excursions.
Les helped arrange some of our excursions so we were able to not pay the resort tour prices. He also had some arrangements with other local resorts that allowed us access to the ocean and use of their facilities for a beach day with food and drinks. We would and are recommending this as a vacation of a lifetime destination.”
- Doug D., Alberta, Canada
“Our stay at Exotica Farm in Belize was nothing short of magical! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a serene atmosphere that made us feel instantly at home.
The farm is nestled in a lush, natural setting, surrounded by vibrant tropical plants and stunning wildlife. The accommodations were impeccably clean, thoughtfully designed, and offered a perfect balance of comfort and authenticity. We loved waking up to the sound of birds and enjoying our morning coffee with breathtaking views of the countryside.
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the farm itself. The owners are passionate about sustainable living and shared fascinating insights about their eco-friendly practices. Their dedication to preserving the environment and supporting the local community is truly inspiring.
The location is ideal for anyone looking to experience the best of Belize. It’s a short drive to incredible attractions, including Mayan ruins, waterfalls, and adventure activities. The hosts were incredibly helpful in offering recommendations and even arranged a guided tour for us, which was a fantastic experience.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature while enjoying genuine Belizean hospitality, Exotica Lodge is the perfect choice. We can’t wait to return someday and highly recommend it to anyone travelling to Belize!”
- Matthias G., Hungary
Blog for accommodation seekers in Belize
THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL BENEFITS
An ideal place for family reunions
EXOTICA JUNGLE LODGE, BELIZE Exotica Jungle Lodge, nestled in the Belizean rainforest, at the foot of the Mayan Mountains, yet in proximity to all the beaches, restaurants and activities of the Placencia peninsula (one of the major tourism hotspots in … Read More
Read MoreMore Reviews
We just had an absolutely amazing time in this tropical paradise! The house is incredibly comfortable and spacious, with large, cozy beds and beautifully designed rooms. The décor is breathtaking, with every corner thoughtfully arranged in a tropical style. I couldn’t stop admiring all the stunning artwork and pictures throughout the house!The kitchen was a dream—fully equipped with all the modern amenities you could ask for, making our 10-day stay feel like home. Every room has a fantastic ventilation system, so we barely needed the air conditioning. The natural airflow kept everything cool and fresh.One of the most charming touches was arriving to find gorgeous exotic flower arrangements in both the bathroom and kitchen. It was such a thoughtful, welcoming detail!The absolute highlight of the house was the pool area. It’s incredibly spacious, with plenty of lounge spots to relax in. The pool itself was pristine, always the perfect temperature, making it an ideal spot to unwind at any time of the year. Surrounded by lush gardens filled with vibrant flowers and exotic birds, it felt like a slice of paradise.We were also greeted with a fresh fruit basket upon arrival, which was delicious and a lovely touch. Chalet, our guide, took us on a tour of the garden, and he was excellent! He gave us such an insightful, enjoyable walk through the property, showing off all the natural beauty it had to offer.Les, the host, provided an incredibly detailed guidebook with recommendations for the best restaurants, activities, and attractions in the area. Even though we were nestled in the heart of the jungle, Placencia was just a quick 30-minute drive away, so we were able to easily explore the Caribbean coast as well.In short, this place was pure magic. If you ever get the chance, don’t hesitate—stay in this paradise. It’s an unforgettable experience!
This is the type of place that AirBnB was designed for! The rental offers an absolutely unique and pleasurable experience. If you care about what you eat, then this is like renting a hacienda with a pool in the Garden of Eden.Each morning the hosts brought us a variety of exotic fruits and veggies straight from their trees, plants, and vines. I recognized many. Some were absolutely new to us, like “apple bananas” which might bring me back to Belize just to have them again. We also had things like fresh coconut water from actual coconuts every morning.Les and Julia were exceptional hosts! They were very attentive. Les fulfilled each and every request we had. He did a grocery shopping and stocked up our fridge with food. He was very responsive and resourceful. He organized a monkey river tour for us at half the price with an experienced guide. He provided detailed information about the area, things to do and explore, suggested best restaurants and offered to make reservations. He was “on call” for us 24/7. We couldn’t ask for more.Most afternoons we were out exploring or playing in the pool, which is brand new and gorgeous. Sometimes, we’d walk the trail into the jungle or explore the plantation. I had to pinch myself at times that this was real.At night, we would cook our own dinner, sometimes using the new grill out on the deck. The stars and planets are extra clear out here. For dinner out, we would drive 10-15 mins away and eat at Happy Ranch, which has a full menu and a friendly staff. There is also a Taco place nearby in the same little town that my boys loved. We had many lunches there.There are many things to do from the plantation. We did the following: the Monkey River jungle cruise (45 mins away), a day at the beach (20 mins), and Zip-lining + river tubing + ATV riding (30 mins). There are a lot of options out there. We also explored Independencia and another smaller town, which are off the beaten track and offer a glimpse of the non-touristed Belize. Everybody was very welcoming.We left after 5 nights to head up to San Ignacio. We wish we had stayed a total of 10 nights at the plantation. We would definitely come back.The only negatives I can think of:
1) There is a cell tower nearby, but we forgot about that once we settled in.
2) The No-See-Ums bugs are a pain. Bug spray keeps them away.P.S. The photos do not do this place justice. The size is not captured well. Things are bigger and more spread out in person.
One couldn’t ask for a more beautiful serene place to just sit back relax,read a book,walk the gorgeous grounds of this pristine62 acre estate, or take a dip in the lovely waterfall pool after a day of sightseeing. Just a short drive to Hopkins or Placencia Village and excursionsThe porch swing is a great place to listen to the birds in the early morning while eating the freshly picked fruit provided daily.Les and Julia have gone beyond in making their place feel like home and treating you like family. The well appointed kitchen provides you with everything you need and the comfortable beds are a definite plus for any air bnb. Plenty of room inside and out for a family or large group makes it so inviting.Once you’ve been, you will long to return.
