Hidden Valley Inn

Hidden Valley Inn is a retreat from the world, set in the gorgeous Mountain Pine Ridge district in Belize's Maya Highlands. The lodge has 12 extremely comfortable cottages surrounding the central lodge with its bar, restaurant, comfortable living room-cum-library and a lovely swimming pool.

The lodge has some 90 miles of trails through the extensive estate, encompassing some of the most unspoilt pine forest and jungle gorges in the country. Around a dozen waterfalls, including the 800-foot King Vulture Falls, can be reached, and the bird watching here is superb, with rare species such as the Orange-breasted Falcon a notable sighting. Even the uninitiated will not fail to be impressed by the colourful hummingbirds and tanagers that are regularly seen. Mountain bikes are also a great way to explore this diverse ecosystem.

There are three yoga platforms that are ideal spots for some peaceful meditation and other activities such as horse riding, canoeing and excursions further afield to the Mayan site of Caracol or the many cave systems in the area can all easily be arranged.