Belize, with its hidden gems like Coco Plum Island Resort and the coastal haven of Belizean Dreams, affords travellers the opportunity to experience the serenity of private island life, and to explore the beachfront Garifuna village of Hopkins. This can easily be accomplished in a single visit.
Join me as I spill the beans on why this match-up is like a perfect cocktail, blending luxurious private island exclusivity with mainland fun in the sun. Buckle up for the ultimate Belize adventure that’s got the best of both worlds – and then some!
Location and How To Get There
Just a short hop, skip and a jump from the mainland, getting to Coco Plum is half the fun! The majority of people will be arriving into Belize International Airport, BZE. From here, you will get a short puddle jumper flight down to Dangriga with either Tropic Air or Maya Air – if you book directly with the resort, they can handle all of the logistics for you. It is a short 15 minute flight and offers exceptional views of the Belizean coastline. Be sure to ask early if you can sit in the co-pilot seat – an experience like no other!
Aerial View of Coco Plum 
Tropic Air plane – your puddle jumper to paradise!
Once you land in Dangriga you will be met by one of the staff of Coco Plum who will drive you the short distance to the boat dock. The boats leave for the island twice a day at 2pm and 5pm so be sure to plan accordingly with your international flight. If you arrive at Dangriga early, the staff will take you to Pelican Beach Resort where you can relax, grab a snack and a drink by the water until it is time to take the boat. The boat journey is a short but comfortable 15-20 minute ride to the island.
Check in Process
The check in process at Coco Plum was nothing short of effortless. We were greeted like long-lost family members, and that feeling never left us during our stay on the island. As we disembarked the boat, we were met by friendly members of staff offering us a cold towel and a welcome drink – the “Mosquito Bite” – a delectable concoction of coconut rum, brandy, mango juice and a splash of grenadine – a mix that was like a tropical symphony with a hidden ‘sting’ in every sip. It’s the kind of drink that bites back later, but in the most delicious way possible – no actual mosquitoes involved, I promise!
We were then guided into the reception area, which moonlights as a gift shop where you can snag some Belizean treasures to take home. There, we received personalised WiFi codes for our entire stay. Then, Alex took us under his wing for a quick tour around the island, promising to make our stay legendary and handle all the fun activities. The staff wheeled our luggage over to our villa before being shown to our room.
Rooms and Villas
There are just 18 cabanas and 1 villa on the island which allows for a castaway-like experience, minus the talking volleyball—although, you can bring your own Wilson if you fancy a chat, no judgement here! It’s an intimate setting that’ll have you feeling like you stumbled into your own secret slice of paradise, but with way better room service and no need to fashion a coconut into a phone. Win-win!
I was fortunate enough to stay in the three bedroom overwater cabana and it really is just as stunning as it sounds. The villa has its own gate and walkway across the water to it, an oversized wrap-around porch with an expansive deck complete with hammocks, lounge chairs and your own direct expressway into the waters. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom, there are two bedrooms downstairs and one upstairs – the perfect configuration for couples travelling together. The master bedroom has panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea. The open plan living and dining area has a full kitchen and bar seating, with a large refrigerator and coffee machine. There is also a small lounge area upstairs by the third bedroom.
Now, let’s talk about survival in the tropics – multiple air conditioning units are scattered throughout the villa, and they’re the unsung heroes. Despite the weather feeling like a sauna outside, inside felt like the sweet spot between comfy-cozy and Arctic chill.
Food and Drink
At Coco Plum, throw away the ‘typical all-inclusive’ rulebook because here, they’ve penned their own script. The drink game? Oh, it’s a personalised affair where every cocktail is a masterpiece, carefully crafted by the A-team of the bar staff. It’s like having your own mixologist on speed dial – they can whip up a drink that tastes like a beachside sunset in a glass.
At breakfast time, you are given a choice of two delectable dishes and the menu changes every day to ensure you never get bored! From banana pancakes that are basically sunshine on a plate to huevos rancheros that’ll give you a taste of Mexico without leaving your beachside paradise. And let’s not forget the amazing staff who always made sure we were grinning from ear to ear.
Now, let’s dive into the dinner scene – you’ve got three mouthwatering options every single night! And guess what? They’re like culinary wizards when it comes to special dietary needs. I’m battling the gluten villain due to my celiac disease, and these folks handled it like seasoned pros. Any item on the menu? They’ve got a gluten-free solution ready to roll! Craving some bread? No sweat – they swapped it out quicker than a magician’s hat trick.
Worried you might get hungry between meals? Fear not, because the staff at Coco Plum have you covered! The bar snacks are a feast for your taste buds, and then there’s the pièce de résistance – a daily special. On our first night, we went with the chicken sliders, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Facilities
As an exclusive private island, Coco Plum is the treasure trove that completes your ultimate vacation checklist.
There are a number of palapas and overwater decks sprinkled around the property, all with exceptional views and the most relaxing situ. You can also choose to have lunch seated at your relaxation point of choice. There are water hammocks stretched over the water and a number of nets that you can lay in off the deck, and if swimming in the crystal clear water isn’t enough, there’s also an overwater pool conveniently situated right by the bar.
There’s a number of watersports equipment available for guests to use from kayaks, to SUPs and even Hobie Cats (more on that below).
And if you’re in need of some pampering, they’ve got a spa ready to work its magic. Oh, and a yoga deck where you can bust a move in their weekly yoga sessions, because even paradise needs some Zen moments. Namaste in the middle of nowhere, anyone?
Activities
If you’re thinking, “What on earth would I do on a private island for days on end?” Hold onto your sunscreen, because boredom is banished from this resort faster than you can say “paradise”! Even though this place is a bit off the beaten track, they’ve got a treasure trove of activities and excursions up their sleeve – from snorkelling near the second largest barrier reef on the planet to time-travelling through ancient Mayan ruins. And that’s just the tip of the coconut tree!
On the island too there are many things to keep you entertained including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks for solo or tandem adventures, but let me tell you about my absolute favourite – the Hobie Cat. Now, I’d only tried one once before, so we opted for a guide on our maiden voyage. And let me tell you, it was the right choice. Our guide was like the Yoda of Hobie Cats, showing us the ropes so masterfully that within an hour, we were ready to captain our own ship. Talk about a smooth sail!
For the perfect relaxation and rejuvenation, the spa is an absolute haven! Take your pick: indulge in a treatment at the serene overwater palapa with a refreshing breeze and a view to die for, or opt for the indoors if you’re an air conditioning connoisseur.
If you’re lucky enough to hit the jackpot like I did during Lobster Fest, which rocks the island every Wednesday in October, get ready for a real treat. The whole day is a lobster love affair. They even take you lobster hunting on a boat ride – guides become your lobster senseis, showing you the secret lobster spots among the corals. You get two chances to catch ’em before they let the experts step in (because, hey, lobsters need a fighting chance too).
And the best part? Lobster lands on your plate for lunch, dinner, and even afternoon snacks. I’m talking lobster cakes, tartar sauce, and three-bean salad for lunch, followed by three-grilled lobster tails with rice for dinner, and a lobster extravaganza for an afternoon snack while we enjoyed a local Garifuna dance performance.
But Lobster Fest isn’t just about food – it’s a full-blown celebration. After the dance-off, you’re invited to join in on activities such as sack races, limbo, drinking contests (beer for the guys, frozen “Panty Rippers” for the gals), and the island’s own spin on the classic egg-and-spoon race. The grand finale? Karaoke, of course, because no celebration is complete without a waterfront serenade.
Service
The service I experienced at Coco Plum was more than just top-notch; it was like stepping into a tropical version of Cheers, where everybody knows your name (and your favourite cocktail). We landed on the island as mere vacationers and left feeling like we’d joined an exclusive club; and by the end of the first day we were on a first name basis with the entire crew, who all knew our preferred tipple! I mean, they made accommodating my dietary quirks look like a piece of (gluten-free) cake. Despite having different wait staff each meal, they were all informed before I even made my order. Kudos to the dream team!
Closing Remarks
My time at Coco Plum was an outright fairy tale come to life, from the mind-blowing overwater villa to the staff who seriously should have capes for their exceptional service, to Ms Jude’s mouthwatering culinary creations, and those wild water adventures. It’s the kind of place that leaves you in a bind: part of you wants to keep it all to yourself like a hidden treasure, while the other part wants to shout from the treetops about this little slice of paradise. It’s like having the world’s best-kept secret and a duty to let others in on the enchantment – a dilemma every traveller dreams of!
Location and How To Get There
Nestled in the cozy embrace of Hopkins village, Belizean Dreams is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Belize City – just a short flight on a puddle jumper. But let me tell you, it’s even more convenient if you’re coming from the resort’s sibling, Coco Plum (which, lucky me, I was!). If you’re arriving on an international flight, buckle up for a quick 15-minute flight to Dangriga via Maya Air or Tropic Air (the reservations team can easily handle these arrangements for you), followed by a breezy 30-minute car ride to the hotel – easy peasy!
And if you’re making the leap from Coco Plum, it’s as easy as a boat ride back to the Dangriga marina, followed by a short transfer to the Hopkins haven.
Check in process
Coming from the sister resort, Coco Plum, my transition to Belizean Dreams was as smooth as a tropical breeze. The minute our boat waved goodbye to the island life and pulled into Dangriga, a friendly face from Belizean Dreams was right there, ready to whisk us away on a swift 30-minute ride to Hopkins. To top it off, our names were all dolled up with a welcome note on a board outside the reception.
We were warmly welcomed by the front desk staff before completing our check in process and going on a quick tour of the property. They showed us where the restaurant and bars were (the hubs of happiness), the hours of operation (so we didn’t miss any fun), and introduced us to the water sports equipment that was available for us to use was before receiving another of the notorious welcome drinks, the “Mosquito Bite”. After that delightful sip, it was off to our room to unpack and get the vacation show on the road.
Rooms
The accommodation offerings at Belizean Dreams range from one bedroom boutique rooms to expansive three bedroom villas so there is something to suit most budgets. I was lucky enough to stay in one of the premium suites, perched perfectly on the second floor with views to die for. I’m talking about vistas that could make you forget your morning coffee (almost). It was equipped with a large king sized bed, flat screen TV, water dispenser and kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave. The bathroom had double vanity sinks and a stand up shower. My favourite aspect of the room was the covered balcony where I spent many an hour watching the tropical birds fly by. I also had a chance to look in one of the two bedroom villas which have an additional full kitchen separating the two bedrooms, making it the perfect setup for families or couples who like their privacy but still want to share secrets over breakfast.
Food and Drink
The resort has two bars and one restaurant, but the menu was extensive enough that we did not get bored with the food choices during our stay. There are also themed nights including the cultural evening which hosted an traditional Belizean buffet accompanied by some live music and drumming entertainment.
There was a large range of breakfast items, ranging from the traditional Belizean choices, (don’t even think about leaving without trying fry jacks – they’re a must) to American and continental choices. I was even able to order off the menu and the staff were more than happy to customise my order.
I opted for the all-inclusive plan during my stay, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. No need to bring your wallet to the bar or restaurant – it’s all covered. Cocktails, local liquor, the works; however, please note that wine and imported spirits are not covered under the all-inclusive plan. I’m happy to report the cocktail menu has an assortment of flavorful concoctions for every palate, and I did not feel at all that I was missing out in the least. Oh, and don’t miss the daily happy hour where imported drinks take a dip in the price pool.
The lunch and dinner menu had a wide variety of choices, and although not something I usually do at home, I found myself ordering an appetiser with every meal which did not disappoint – the seafood chowder, in particular, deserves its own round of applause – it was more than fantastic; it was soup-erb!
Facilities
Situated right on the beach in Hopkins village, there’s no shortage of watersports activities that you can partake in during your stay – use one of the stand up paddle boards or kayaks to explore the coastline or take one of the inflatable floats out to simply relax in the warm waters.
And speaking of prime spots, the main pool is like the resort’s golden nugget, conveniently wedged between the restaurant and the tiki bar. It’s the kind of setup that screams “grab a drink, take a dip, repeat” without breaking a sweat or your leisurely stride. The resort also offers various spa services and has a gift shop near reception for all of the last minute gifts!
Activities
What is really great about Belizean Dreams is its location – it really is the perfect jumping off spot for a range of land and water based activities throughout Belize – and what’s even better is that you can book one of the many packages through the resort that can include tours – so you don’t even have to organise it yourself! There is a large board outside reception which lists all the weekly activities going on – from cave tubing to snorkelling adventures – you can do it all! All you need to do is sign up at the front desk at least a day before and they’ll handle the rest.
I was lucky enough to tag along on a snorkelling adventure, and let me tell you, it was fin-tastic! We hopped from the hotel lobby to the marina, where our trusty vessel awaited. After a quick half-hour ride, we suited up with snorkel gear and plunged into the Belizean barrier reef – the world’s second-largest, mind you! It was like swimming in a colourful dreamland, with Spotted Eagle Rays and Tarpons as our snorkel buddies. The guides? Absolute legends at spotting the tiniest ocean treasures. I was very impressed with their ability and knowledge of the area.
And lunchtime was no joke – we docked at South Water Caye, gobbled up some BBQ chicken, rice, and watermelon. There was time for a bit of island exploration before heading back to base.
Throughout my stay, I crossed paths with folks who’d joined other activities, and they were all buzzing about the experiences – praising the guides and the seamless arrangements.
Oh, and let me drop some wisdom on you: grab one of the hotel’s golf carts and explore the village of Hopkins. There’s a treasure trove of cute spots – gift shops, coffee joints, and local eats that are like little pockets of charm waiting to be discovered. And guess what? You can snag one of those electric golf carts directly from the hotel by the hour – it’s like sightseeing made simple. No more taxi-hopping to get your wheels!
Closing Remarks
Belizean Dreams boasts an exceptional location close to the cultural village of Hopkins, offering the perfect base camp to enjoy all that Belize has to offer. Picturesque beachfront and the ability to customise and book an all inclusive package makes the time you spend on vacation all the more relaxing.
You can find out more about my stay on my “Coco Plum and Belize 4” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.
Disclosure: chasetherainbows.com participates in affiliate advertising programs as a way to earn revenue. Some links to products and services are affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you click an affiliate link and finalize a purchase at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
CHASE THE RAINBOWS 
One thought on “A Tale of Two Worlds – Private Island Serenity Meets Tropical Beach Bliss in Belize”