Black Orchid Resort

Black Orchid Resort sits at Burrell Boom, a village on the Belize River in the Belize District, about a sixteen-minute drive from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport according to its property page. The resort is on the riverwalk, steps from the water, with an outdoor pool with a lazy river and sun loungers, a poolside bar, a rooftop terrace, an on-site spa, the Black Orchid restaurant and bar, and activities including kayaking, boat tours, canoeing and fishing. Rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, premium bedding, balconies, ceiling fans and smart televisions, and the property page lists a strong guest score. It is a good way to start or end a trip, close to the airport and to day trips to the Belize Zoo, Community Baboon Sanctuary and Altun Ha.

Location and getting around. Burrell Boom is a small village on the Belize River, to the northwest of Belize City, and Black Orchid is within easy reach of the airport, which makes it an ideal first or last night. The page lists Bacab Eco Park about eleven minutes away and Old Belize about half an hour, and the village is close to the road that leads to Bermudian Landing and the Community Baboon Sanctuary.

An airport shuttle can be arranged for a per-room charge at limited hours, so book it in advance, and a rental car or driver suits those who want to explore further.

The rooms. The property page lists a double room with garden view that sleeps three with two double beds, and all rooms are described with balconies, air conditioning, free bottled water, premium and hypoallergenic bedding, down comforters, designer toiletries and free cribs. The rooms are a step above a basic airport hotel, and the resort feels like a small riverside retreat. The location scores lower than the service and cleanliness on the page, which is fair, since the village is quiet and you will want transport for dinners and tours beyond the resort.

Who it suits and what to know. It suits travellers who want to be close to the airport without staying in Belize City, families who enjoy a pool with a lazy river, and visitors planning day trips to the zoo, the baboon sanctuary or Altun Ha. Kayaking and boat tours on the river add a wildlife element, and the spa is a welcome treat after a long flight.

Full breakfast is charged separately, check-in runs from the afternoon to the evening with no after-hours check-in, pets are not allowed, and free cancellation applies to selected rates. Do not expect a beach: for sea and reef, plan to continue to the cayes or the south.