Many travellers know about the island appeal of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, but this under-the-radar spot in mainland Belize also offers idyllic beaches and rich cultural experiences
In the coastal village of Hopkins, Kenima Williams teaches travellers how to prepare the dishes of her ancestors. Williams runs a small business called Kenima’s Garifuna Cooking Class dedicated to showcasing how to prepare traditional meals like Hudut, a coconut milk-based fish stew served with mashed plantains. And visitors don’t just watch, they lend a hand grating the coconut, chopping the vegetables and mashing the green and ripe plantain.
“The Garifuna kitchen is a sacred space, where tradition meets the present and the flavours of our ancestors come alive,” she says. “In every pot, there’s a story. In every spice, a memory. That’s the magic of the Garifuna kitchen. More than just a place to cook, it’s a gathering place, a heartbeat of the community. The smoke from the fire, the rhythm of the chopping, the laughter shared – these are the sounds of a thriving Garifuna kitchen.”
Located along the Caribbean Sea, Hopkins is a laidback beachfront destination where visitors can unwind at a resort and immerse themselves into the local culture. While many Canadians know about the island appeal of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, the mainland of Belize has its own coastal charms with idyllic beaches and rich cultural experiences like learning how to cook Garifuna dishes.
Featuring modern suites with private plunge pools, yellow and white striped sun umbrellas and bright yellow accessories, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef Resort makes a great home-base to discover all the region has to offer. The picturesque property has many photo opportunities on site with hammocks lining the beach, a beach swing set between two large palm trees and lantern-lit picnic tables full of ambiance.
Restaurant options include The Paddle House Restaurant and the Big Dock Ceviche Bar. The beach is also lined with other dining options so guests can venture out to nearby spots like Chef Rob’s Gourmet Café.
For a deeper dive into the Garifuna culture, the Lebeha Drumming Centre offers drumming and dance lessons. Garifuna, also known as Garinagu, are descendants of an Afro-indigenous population from St. Vincent who were exiled to the Honduran coast in the eighteenth century and subsequently moved to Belize. Following an introduction with chanting, drumming and dancing, the centre teaches novices and musicians-at-heart how to pound the drum to various beats and more about how music is integral to their culture.
Meanwhile, chocoholics can take part in a chocolate making experience at the Maya Centre Village to see how chocolate is made from bean to bar. The tour starts with a visit to the farm where the cocoa beans are grown and cultivated by local farmers.
After learning all about how cacao beans are extracted from the pods, fermented and dried in the process of being ready to be turned into a chocolate bar and hot chocolate, the hands-on tour then continues with an edible demonstration where Che’il Mayan Chocolate is made. Notably, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, even took part in the tour during their jubilee Caribbean visit. The best part of the tour, arguably, is the sampling! There’s also a gift shop to buy souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home.
