My sister and I spent a week at Black Rock Lodge and could have stayed even longer! During the planning phase and prior to our arrival, communications with the lodge, particularly with Jorge, was prompt, professional and friendly. The entire staff was amazing! Staff from housekeeping, the restaurant and bar, the concierges, front desk, maintenance, landscaping and tour guides were all so helpful and friendly. Whatever you want to do, they make it happen! Our main reason for visiting BRL was for the birding and it did not disappoint! We saw so many beautiful and unusual species, most within a few miles of the lodge. About half-way through our visit we went on a birding expedition with Isaias and he asked what we still wanted to see. We gave him a long list, thinking we were being unreasonable, but Isaias found us about 80% of the list plus many more we weren't expecting! We went on several off-site excursions and each time the guide was professional, extremely knowledgeable and well-spoken, explaining everything we were seeing. And spotting birds for us all along the way! We did the morning bird walk with Victor, canoed the Barton Creek Cave with Lloyd, explored the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich with Roque (and had a bat falcon fly over when we were at the top of the tallest monument!), kayaked down the river for lunch at Sweet Songs Lodge and a tour of the Belize Botanical Gardens with Lloyd, did a night drive with Henery, went to the Belize Zoo with Lloyd on our way in from the airport, did some hiking on our own and ended the week with massages by the river. It was heaven! The spring-fed pool is the perfect place to cool off after a hot day, followed by a frosty drink at the bar. The food was always delicious and healthy and the atmosphere warm and inviting. The entire property was very well kept and clean. Transportation to and from the airport was educational and on-time. Again spotting birds along the way! This is definitely a birder's paradise, but also an awesome place to just get away into nature and enjoy the peace of the jungle.

We stayed with our two teen girls at Black Rock Lodge for 4 nights/5 days. It was amazing, truly. The staff was phenomenal, food top notch, guides incredibly friendly, professional, knowledgeable. We felt like we were their only guests (and we weren't). Black Rock Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge, and they are proud of it and eager to show you what they do on their sustainability tour (complimentary). Highlights of our trip included guided tours to Xunantunich, canoeing Barton Creek cave, a bird tour, and tubing down the Macal River. We loved all the wildlife and the very well-manicured grounds. They take pride in their work to maintain the property and serve their guests. The cabin we stayed in was also wonderful with great views. This was a great family vacation, but we also saw couples and singles as well. It is a small location, so they are able to give you personalized attention. They were also wonderful to work with ahead of time with the many questions we had and arranged transportation for us. We will be back!

My husband and I stayed at Black Rock Lodge for five nights in late June. The entire experience was nothing short of amazing and extraordinary! The setting is remote, pristine forest along the Macal River across from a national park. Grounds are beautiful and natural, not overly manicured, with all kinds of flowering plants. Cabins are spotless and well-appointed, each with a ceiling fan, comfortable beds, hot showers, and private patio with hammocks. There is a swimming pool, swimming hole, and yoga studio as well.
I have traveled to 50 countries on 5 continents. Of all the ecolodges I experienced, this lodge is my favorite! What sets Black Rock apart is the wonderful staff--friendly and warm, making you feel special and well cared for but also welcoming you like family. The guides are experts, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. Victor effortlessly arranges any activities and transport, wait staff remember your food preferences, guides enthusiastically share the wonder of a rare bird or impressive Mayan ruin.
Because of the remote location, most guests eat at the lodge. The dining hall is the main gathering place to meet other guests. Food is delicious with a good variety, much of it from the farm/garden. Try the Belizean breakfast with fresh fry jacks! Four course dinners are surprisingly elegant for a jungle lodge, similar to what you might expect in a big-city restaurant in the US (price is similar too). My only suggestion is maybe for more lighting at dinner. While dining by candle light is romantic, it can be difficult to see the food in the low light.
A wide variety of activity options are available and all of the details are taken care of for you. You can be as active or as relaxed as you like. We loved a day of canoeing on the river with Lloyd and another day exploring Mayan ruins and local cuisine with Victor. But we also relished a day at the lodge, just hiking around, swimming, relaxing in the hammocks.
And the birds!!! Did I mention the birds?!? As a birder, I was excited to see new tropical birds, springing out of bed to listen and see the birds from my patio. I enjoyed the various toucans nesting on the grounds. I watched in wonder as 7 species of hummingbirds zoomed around the feeders every evening. But I never dreamed I would add 125 new birds to my life list in a matter of days! A special thank you to Isaias, our expert guide and the best birder I ever met. His passion for birds is evident and his enthusiasm is contagious! If you are not much of a birder before you experience Black Rock, you will be a birder when you leave!
We cannot say enough about the role of the staff in making our vacation experience memorable. From the first moment we arrived at the lodge, the attentive and friendly staff enabled us to decompress and really soak up the natural, pristine setting. Before the end of our stay, we were already planning our return. Black Rock is truly a magical place and an unforgettable experience!