The Soul | Alma Del Rio's Riverfront Eco Hideaway

Alma Del Rio is the perfect place to perform the Belizean art of “chillaxing.” An award-winning riverfront eco-retreat on the Macal River, just minutes from San Ignacio, it offers private river access, paddle boards, a secluded island-beach and swimming spot, authentic Maya cooking classes, and concierge service for tours and massages — all surrounded by pristine nature and wildlife. The space Alma Del Rio is the winner of the Belize Tourism Board award for Best Small Accommodation of the Year and is a unique, natural riverfront homestay on the Macal River. Our house is artfully handcrafted and peacefully nested in the surrounding environment. Guests enjoy our screened lounge with breathtaking river views, often visited by colorful birds, and direct access to the river below. One of the highlights of staying at Alma Del Rio is the river experience itself. Guests can enjoy private river swimming, a secluded river island with comfortable access (seasonal), and complimentary paddle boards to explore the calm waters of the Macal River right from the property. Guests may also take part in an authentic Maya cooking class, offered on site by local partners and available upon request. This hands-on cultural experience is a guest favorite and adds a meaningful local connection to the stay. Please note that Alma Del Rio is located on a small residential stretch along the Pine Ridge Road. While the property is immersed in nature and greenery, it is not in the middle of untouched jungle, and some passing road traffic can occasionally be heard. The benefit of this location is easy access to natural attractions, villages, and services within short driving distance. We offer fast Wi-Fi and beautiful river views, making this a great place to work remotely if needed. Under the large Guanacaste trees, we planted a young food forest and a small herb garden for guest use. There are two houses on the property, separated by approximately 40 feet and dense vegetation. We have made every effort to ensure privacy for each house, while larger groups have the option to rent both houses together if desired. To fully enjoy the river experience, we provide a cooler, picnic mat, bamboo plates, beach towels, and water shoes. Complimentary tropical fruit, handmade soaps, coffee, tea, and drinking water are included. The house offers a fully equipped kitchen, hot and cold showers, board games, a spacious dining table, and a comfortable lounge area with river views. We are kid-friendly. We pride ourselves on heartfelt hospitality and a concierge-style hosting approach. We are always available to assist with booking tours and activities, arranging private massages at the property, coordinating transportation, or simply sharing local recommendations to help you experience the best of the area. There is no extra cost for our assistance — we genuinely enjoy helping our guests create memorable stays. We are environmentally conscious, using a solar water heater, energy-efficient lighting, biodegradable products, and minimizing plastic use to reduce our environmental impact. We aim to offer a true jungle experience. Living close to nature means occasional visits from insects or small critters, as well as the sounds of geckos, birds, falling branches, and howler monkeys — all part of the natural orchestra that surrounds us. Minimum stay: 2 nights. Guest access We have 2 houses on the property, each privately nested in dense vegetation. Guests have the entire property for themselves and can access our laundry room, garden, river below and our hearts :) Other things to note The road to our property is currently under construction and it can get muddy after heavy rains. Our property is still accessible we just thought you should know :)