Lodging, Belizean
Hospitality, & Cuisine
The Belize River Lodge, previously known as
Barothy's Lodge Ltd., was the first of three
fishing lodges built in Belize. In the early
1960's, Vic Barothy came to Belize from Cuba,
fleeing the late 50's situation there. In
Belize, he located the ideal settings for three
different fishing lodges; one on the southern
end of Turneffe Atoll, one on Spanish Creek,
about thirty miles inland, and one about four
miles up the Belize Olde River, which is the
present day Belize River Lodge. After operating
these three Lodges for a few years, he decided
logistically that the four mile river site was
best suited for a wide variety of fishing
opportunities. This setting allowed easy access
to a few different rivers, several creeks, and
also very easy access to the FLATS & mangrove
cayes, & the Barrier Reef.
The
Lodge was built amongst the palm, coconut,
mahogany, logwood & mango trees, in a genuine
jungle setting. Many native trees were left in
place around the Lodge for atmosphere & shade.
Mahogany was the wood used for building the
Lodge.
Today the Belize River Lodge still rests
quietly on the banks of the Belize Olde River,
amidst the lush green tropical setting. Balmy
breezes, rich with bird song, drift among the
private mahogany cottages. The Lodge can
accommodate up to sixteen people. The Guest
House is a two story mahogany building. It
contains four rooms, each with two single beds,
private hot & cold showers, ceiling fans, &
screened verandas overlooking the Belize Olde
River. The Cottage is set up for two groups of
two or for a family of four.
Each room has separate hot & cold showers,
ceiling fans, & two single beds. Both are
separated by a connecting door and share an open
veranda. One of the cottage rooms has a cozy
sitting area. The Bungalow has two rooms, each
with a double & a single bed, private hot & cold
shower, ceiling fan, a/c, & a large screened
veranda, which allows the tropical trade winds
to blow through. All of the Lodge rooms are air
conditioned and decorated with a tropical
Belizean ambience. When you return from fishing,
fresh water and ice will be ready in your room,
and your bed will be turned down for you during
dinner.
The
main Lodge houses the kitchen, office, Mags'
gift shop, Mike's fishing closet, the dining
room, lounge area, screened in porch & self
service bar. From the Belize River Lodge's
kitchen comes an excellent combination of the
best Belizean, Creole, and American cuisine. The
Lodge cooks use the freshest and finest
ingredients (even coconuts off the trees in the
front yard), and along with some of Mags' old
family recipes, create some of the most
memorable tasty meals, which will have you
asking for a few of her recipes. Remember, save
room for coffee or tea and dessert!
The dining room's claim to fame are the three
solid slab mahogany tables, where you can find
some of the finest dining and socializing in
Belize. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, and tell
a couple of stories yourself. After dinner, you
can retire to the lounge or the porch for an
after dinner refreshment. Located within this
area is our self service bar and the fly tying
table.
