Fodor's Expert Review Banana Bank Lodge

Set on the banks of the Belize River, this lodge is a good spot for families, especially those who like to ride horses, as equestrians of all skill levels have a choice of horses from their herd of about 100. Owners John and Carolyn Carr and daughter Leisa Carr-Caceres arrange canoe trips and hikes on the lodge's 4,000 acres. Naturalists may disagree with the lodge's policy on keeping wild animals, but you'll get the chance to see deer, a jaguar, and a spider monkey on the lodge grounds, along with many birds in an aviary. A bar and grill, conference area, art studio, and art gallery are in a building next to the swimming pool.