Maruba Resort Jungle Spa

It's a nice resort. For a non-first world country Belize I would rate it a 9 out of 10. Compared to what is a "top resort" in the United States, it would only rank a 7. Their tours are a mixed bag. On the one hand, they've done an excellent job vetting their tour operators which enables you to do and see many interesting things safely. However, they don't offer all tours unless they have minimums sign up, and that's not stated on their website or their tour menu. The resort is run by a family and the owner charged us more to go on a tour with only two people than it would normally be with a larger group, that is not how a luxury resort should operate. The food is very good. However, the kitchen does not offer all items on the menu, the chef didn't want to make a special bread that's featured on the breakfast menu for example, so it just wasn't available. They do not offer coffee before they start serving breakfast and that is an easy fix that they need to make, a luxury resort should not withhold coffee like that in the mornings. Also the menu was unchanged for all four days and by the end of the trip, you were bored of the offerings. It wouldn't be difficult for them to change the menu up more during the week, there isn't any other place to eat and it would be nice if they offered more variety of local foods for each meal. The rooms are nice and were kept well-cleaned. Mosquitos are a serious problem in this area (as is malaria per the CDC's website) and they've done well to keep mosquitos to a minimum in their rooms. The property itself is well tended and the maintenance staff is friendly. When we arrived the bus was 90 minutes late to pick us up, that was not okay. I had to call twice (at $20 / minute) to ask what was going on. When we got to the resort the manager/owner tried to defend that by saying that the website indicates there's a free phone in the airport. Well, I didn't have access to their website while I was sitting around on the curb at the airport, and the airport employees all claimed there was no such phone. I was very surprised that the manager tried to defend that situation instead of just apologizing for leaving us waiting. Then when it was time to return to the airport we were forced to leave four hours earlier than when we needed to be there, because the resort only wanted to make one trip that morning and another couple had an earlier flight. The manager offered to have the driver tour us around Belize City for our inconvenience but only for an additional charge ~ that should have been offered to us for free. It's these little details that these resort owners don't seem to understand are the difference between operating as a mid-level property, instead of a luxury resort. Finally, it bothered me hugely to see that these owners have one very well fed pampered house dog running around freely, and then they own another emaciated dog they keep tied up on a 4' piece of rope to a tree. When I say "emaciated," I mean pelvic bones were showing and the dog could be on an ad for animal abuse, he's obviously not eating every day, or getting off that rope, or getting petted or treated for medical conditions, he's basically condemned to horrible existence right in the owner's front yard. This emaciated dog got loose one evening and came up to me to be petted, I found that he was covered in ticks and shied away when I reached out like he has been physically abused and not just starved. Belize may be filled with starving, neglected dogs but there is no excuse for these resort owners to keep their own dogs like that. They really should be ashamed of what they're doing to that animal.

They will charge you 20% if you need to get cash so you can tip their staff and/or pay for something in cash. They do not offer or take you to an ATM instead. They give you a 'cash advance" - so take as much money as you need -which is impossible to know up front. Whether or not you wear bug spray you will be eaten alive by who knows what... the resort is in the jungle but there were was only one bug zapper. May be more of a Belize thing than an issue with the resort. The spa treatments are WAY overpriced for what you get. I got 6 hours in Costa Rica for $300. It cost $500 for 2 spa treatments at Maruba. The pools are not well kept. There is an abandoned bar at one of the pools that is on their website as open. Their website has not been updated in years, the on-site medical care has not been there in years. I wanted to do a day trip and signed up for it only to be informed that I would be required to go zip lining (even though it's a totally different trip) or wait while the other group went zip lining. Why did they not mention that when I signed up for the trip? Not sure. They try - but it's just not worth the money.

The Maruba Jungle Spa was unlike anywhere I have stayed before. The friendly owners and staff were absolutely amazing. The decor of the resort is fun, playful and entertaining. Comfortable beds, shower, pools and hot tub all great! Small resort in middle of the northern jungle of Belize north of Maskall Village on a rough road (dodging potholes and vehicles coming toward you) all made for exciting atmosphere. Local band played friday night, great fun. The staff took exceptional care of us and even had a birthday party for my husband! Great place, great people, great fun!

I spent 5 nights at the Maruba resort and though it was very relaxing and quiet, a few changes would make a much better impression. Two small tubes of shower gel for 5 nights is a little chincy. The shampoo, soap and shower gel in the suites should have been of a much higher quality based on the reviews and claims of this spa. Absolutely nothing is free with the exception of a glass of water; a bowl of fruit in the lounge or in the breakfast area would have been nice. There were several times items on the menu were not available. A fruit plate consists of 4 slices each of star fruit, thin slices of pineapple and mango with a tiny container of yogurt. The lobster was over-cooked and dry. I was expecting healthier dining but much of the food was breaded, fried and bland; not what I would expect of international cuisine. The reviews I have read about the food are highly over-rated. It was OK but I can prepare better tasting fare and i am not a chef. If I choose to return, it will be for no more than a day or two for the massages. The aromatherapy massage was absolutely wonderful as was the Mood Mud Wrap and the cleansing facial. The spa prices are reasonable for the quality of service rendered. The unshaved security guard at night is dressed in very casual clothes with a rifle slung over his shoulder. When I first arrived I thought I may be at a drug lord's domain. A clean-shaven patrol officer wearing a uniform and badge would make a far more professional appearance at an upscale spa. The few changes I have suggested would certainly leave a far better impression based on the costs to stay at this resort.

wonderful accommodations and services. Beautiful and well cared for property. Staff could not be better. Food is not super spa food but it is vood quality and my stay was fabulous!

wonderful mainland, jungle location...great massages...great meals...excursions available...close to Mayan ruin...horseback riding is special

snorkeling caving, tubing hiking dining visiting the ruins