The Inn at Robert's Grove, Belize's only 5-star Beachfront resort is nestled on 15 lush acres between the Caribbean Sea and Placencia Lagoon. The inn offers 32 luxury beachfront guest rooms and suites on the finest white sandy beach of the Placencia Peninsula. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/robertsgrove/hotel/373/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 6 Sep 2008 02:40:22 EST The Inn at Robert's Grove is situated on the Placencia Peninsula, an 18-mile stretch of paradise that juts out from the mainland in southern Belize, where the best beaches in Belize are located. We are 100 miles south of Belize City and the International Airport; five miles from Placencia Village, and a half-mile from the village of Seine Bight. We are two miles from the Placencia airstrip. Guest Rooms and Suites at Robert's Grove: Caribbean View Standard Rooms First Floor Caribbean View Standard Rooms Our first floor beachview standard rooms are 16 ft. x 24 ft. with king or twin beds. The rooms also have a futon couch for an additional person. The first floor rooms have a front entrance and overlook the pool and beach or beach trees and the beach. Private bath, air conditioning, ceiling fans and private terrace. Equipped with jalousie windows, screens, hairdryer, safe, phone, small refrigerator. Decorated with handcrafted furniture in native woods, woven fabrics and rugs, Mexican terra cotta tiled floors, original artwork and antiques. Second Floor Caribbean View Standard Rooms Our second floor beachview standard rooms are 16 ft. x 24 ft. with king beds only. Second floor rooms have a similar layout to the first floor rooms, though the second floor rooms have cathedral ceilings and front and back doors, rear entrance and rear balcony. The rooms also have a futon couch for an additional person. Second floor rooms, which overlook the pool and beach or beach trees and the beach - have better beach views than first floor rooms. Private bath, air conditioning, ceiling fans and private terrace. Equipped with jalousie windows, screens, hairdryer, safe, phone small refrigerator. Decorated with handcrafted furniture in native woods, woven fabrics and rugs, Mexican terra cotta tiled floors, original artwork and antiques. Oceanfront Junior Suites Our oceanfront junior suites are 24 ft. x 24 ft. with king beds only. Junior suites also have a futon couch in the main bedroom for an additional person and a tiny room with bunk beds off the main bedroom (suitable for 2 children). The junior suites have large private terraces and direct views of the beach and sea. Private bath, air conditioning, ceiling fans and private terrace. Equipped with jalousie windows, screens, hairdryer, safe, phone, small refrigerator. Decorated with handcrafted furniture in native woods, woven fabrics and rugs, Mexican terra cotta tiled floors, original artwork and antiques. Junior suites also have cable TV. Oceanfront Deluxe Suites One Bedroom Oceanfront Deluxe Suites Our oceanfront deluxe suites (first and second floor) have a king-bedded master bedroom and a separate living room that has a futon couch that opens into a full-size bed that can sleep two persons and a day bed that can sleep one person. Both the bedroom and living room have separate access to the bathroom, and both rooms have separate access to the huge, wrap-around deck that overlooks the beach and sea. Private bath, air conditioning, ceiling fans. Equipped with jalousie windows, screens, hair-dryer, safe, phone, small refrigerator. Decorated with handcrafted furniture in native woods, woven fabrics and rugs, Mexican terra cotta tiled floors, original artwork and antiques. Deluxe suites also have cable TV. Second Floor Deluxe Suites have cathedral ceilings and more expansive views of the beach and sea. Two Bedroom Oceanfront Deluxe Suites The two-bedroom deluxe suites (first and second floor) have two bedrooms, living room (with a futon couch that opens into a full-size bed), a kitchenette and one-and-a- half bathrooms. The bedrooms and living room have separate access to the deck that overlooks the beach and sea. The master bath has separate access from the master bedroom and living room. The two bedroom suites, like the one-bedroom suites, have air conditioning, ceiling fans and are equipped with jalousie windows, screens, hair dryers, safe, phones, and cable TV. They are also decorated with hadcrafted furniture in native woods, woven fabrics and rugs, Mexican terra cotta tiled floors, original artwork and antiques. The Second Floor two-bedroom suite has cathedral ceilings and more expansive views of the beach and sea. The second bedroom in the second floor suite has twin beds, while the first floor second bedroom has a king bed. Both master bedrooms have king beds. Make Your Next Meeting An Adventure…. Imagine holding your next business conference in a lush oasis nestled on 15 sumptuous acres at the foot of the Caribbean Sea and just moments from a vast tropical rainforest. Envision a place where you can hold a meeting poolside overlooking the world's second largest barrier reef. Now, imagine that place is just a two-hour flight from the continental US - a place where English is the national language. There's a name for that oasis - The Inn at Robert's Grove - a true state-of-the-art paradise - located on the beautiful Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize. CONFERENCE ROOM The Inn at Robert's Grove, a full service luxury resort, features a fully equipped and beautifully appointed conference room that can comfortably accommodate up to 70 guests. This idyllic setting is completely outfitted with top-of-the line audiovisual equipment and features a Sony digital TV/Video/DVD system. Dining For those special events that require catering, the Inn features two dining venues - its acclaimed Seaside Restaurant, where Chef Frank Da Silva is available to create a variety of temptations for the palette and Habanero Mexican Café and Bar, overlooking the Placencia Lagoon at the Robert's Grove Marina. The Inn can help you throw a variety of festive culinary experiences from lavish cocktail receptions and picnic lunches at its private island, Robert's Caye to sumptuous Poolside Barbecue Buffets with local Garifuna and Reggae entertainers, Mexican Fiestas at Habanero Cafe, or an elegant 4-course sit-down dinner or lunch in it's spacious dining room and adjacent dining terrace overlooking the Caribbean. According to your specific needs, the Inn will work with you on menu details and pricing for meals, receptions and themed parties. HOW TO GET TO BELIZE? Both American Airline and Continental Airlines fly daily to Belize City. American flies through Miami and Continental through Houston. Taca Airlines has daily flights out of Miami and New Orleans. Check with the individual air carrier or your travel agent for prices and the most convenient connection from your area. HOW TO GET FROM BELIZE CITY TO PLACENCIA... AND ROBERT'S GROVE? There are three ways you can get to us - fly, drive or take a bus. Because the roads are only partially paved, it takes 3 hours to drive down from Belize City, and you can never be sure what the road conditions are going to be like. The Bus Taking the bus is the least desirable way to get to us. The busses are not air-conditioned, and they have a reputation for breaking down. Driving If you are planning to make a tour of the country, spending a few days in the mountains and a few days at the beach, you might want to rent a car. However, if you are just coming to Robert's Grove, we suggest that you fly to Placencia. The scenery driving down is quite lovely, but chances are, once you make the drive down, you won't feel like driving back (and if you are renting a car in Belize, you must return your vehicle to where you picked it up). Car rentals are also very expensive in Belize. Flying Flying down to Placencia from Belize City (a 30 minute flight) is the method we most recommend. There are frequent flights to Placencia from Belize City throughout the day on Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, Belize's two local airlines. The round-trip fare is approximately $140 US per person. We offer our guests complimentary pick-up and return service to the Placencia Airstrip. We are also happy to arrange your local flights at no extra cost. FYI, the main points of interest on the Placencia Peninsula are so close in proximity that you'll be able to reach most places by foot or taxi cab. Our own vehicles go back and forth to the village so often, you'll probably be able to hitch a ride with us anyway. Most Travelers to Belize head into the jungle and then to Ambergris Caye for some beach time. Now there's an up-and coming alternative: Placencia. This little-trafficked peninsula to the south, flanked by a barrier reef to one side and a rainforest to the other, harbors The Inn at Robert's Grove, a luxury resort for eco-tourists who don't fancy camping or cold-water cottages. Two New Yorkers (wouldn't you know) opened this small hotel three years ago, and it's a beauty, with 32 rooms and suites done up in native woods and woven fabrics, terrific Caribbean cuisine, and rooftop Jacuzzis for nature-loving sybarites." --ELLE Magazine After a day exploring Belize's magnificent barrier reef or the wonders of its tropical rainforest, pamper yourself with Caribbean hospitality and world class accommodations at The Inn at Robert's Grove. The Inn at Robert's Grove is situated on Placencia's finest white, sandy beach Robert's Grove offers every modern convenience, yet you'll feel transported to another time and place by the gracious colonial decor and attentive staff. The perfect place to dream of tomorrow's adventure ...your spacious, beautifully appointed beachfront bedroom with king-size bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, private deck, and modern, Mexican tile bathroom. Share the day's adventures with other guests in the Inn's Great Room, featuring a bar, library, satellite TV, VCR, CD and tape player, chess and backgammon boards. Our fine dining seaside restaurant and poolside bar and grill serve superior local and international cuisine, prepared by our talented North American trained chef, Frank Da Silva. AMENITIES: "Suite -er" Than Ever We have added a second bedroom to two of our 12 oceanfront deluxe suites, which opened in 2001. The two-bedroom suites also have kitchenettes and one-and-half bathrooms. Along with our one-bedroom suites, the new two-bedroom units are housed in a colonial style hacienda right on the beach and also have a living room and huge decks overlooking the beach and Caribbean Sea (All 12 deluxe suites are spread among 3 haciendas). The bedrooms and living rooms of all the suites have separate entrances from the deck. Atop each hacienda is a rooftop terrace and Jacuzzi. Furnished with Mexican tiled floors, handcrafted furniture, original artworks and antiques, our one and two bedroom suites are definitely the finest accommodations in all of Belize. Water Water Everywhere!! Robert's Grove guests now have TWO SWIMMING POOLS to choose from. We've added a second 50-foot freshwater pool, also directly on the beach, so that there is a pool flanking each side of our Great House. Staying Tuned For those who can't survive without their daily dose of CNN or CNBC, rejoice! All of our rooms - suites and guestrooms alike - have cable TV. Staying Fit Get away and relax - and stay fit in our new an air-conditioned Fitness Room that includes both fitness machines and free weights. The fitness equipment is available to Robert's Grove guests on a complimentary basis. Go Online Keep in touch with home and office via email in our new Guest Internet Center, outfitted with computers and printer. Dive In! with the Inn at Robert's Grove PADI International Dive and Snorkel Center. Our dive staff is the best in southern Belize, and in addition to our daily dive and snorkeling trips to the reef and cayes we offer a wide range of scuba classes and certification courses. For additional information on the diving opportunities at Robert's Grove, check out our dive website at www.diverobertsgrove.com or call us at 1-800-565-9757. Our email address is information-request@robertsgrove.com. Gone Fishing... The Fly-Fishing Center at Robert's Grove makes us the first resort in southern Belize to operate its own fly fishing program complete with boats and licensed guides. Southern Belize is one of the very few fly-fishing locations in the world where anglers get an excellent shot at a Grand Slam (permit, bonefish and tarpon) in a single day. And Robert's Grove is one of the only resorts in Belize that is not only ideal for fisherman, but also the family of anglers who can enjoy the many complimentary activities provided by the resort, including our two 50-ft. pools, tennis court, rooftop Jacuzzis, canoes, kayaks, windsurfing boards, sailboats, fitness equipment and bicycles. Additionally the resort has a dive shop, open air massage room and day trips to the rainforest and Maya ruins. For more information about our Fly-Fishing Center and details of our all-inclusive Fly-Fishing Packages, Click here. Shop 'Til You Drop (well almost) We've expanded our boutique and gift shop! In addition to T-shirts, local crafts, jewelry and toiletries, we have introduced a selection of exotic beach fashions that are certain to enliven romantic Belizean evenings. All Our Own Trips Robert's Grove now operates all its own sea and inland tours, including scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, and a picnic at our own private island Robert's Caye. We also offer day trips to the Monkey River, Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, the Mayan Ruins and Red Bank Eco Project (to see the Red Macaws) plus many, many more tied in with seasonal sightings and attractions. The Inn's Fleet Of Sea And Cycling Equipment Has Grown Robert's Grove guests can enjoy an even greater assortment of complimentary resort activities, including the use of 6 sailboats, 6 kayaks, 4 wind surfing boards, 4 canoes and 12 bicycles. Also available to our guests, on a complimentary basis, are the inn's two 50 ft. swimming pools, fitness equipment and tennis court (the only one in southern Belize) Luxury Rooms and Jacuzzis with a View With the addition of the 12 new ocean front suites, The Inn at Robert's Grove now has 32 beach front and beach view rooms. Spread amongst six haciendas, all the rooms at Robert's Grove have king size beds (we have twins too), air-conditioning, ceiling fans, telephones,cable TV, private baths and terraces. Each hacienda has its own roof-top terrace and Jacuzzi, where guests can enjoy a soothing dip in the hot tub while taking in panoramic views of the Caribbean and Placencia Lagoon (great spots to view the starlit sky as well!!). One of Belize's Leading Resorts Robert's Grove is a member of the prestigious Rainforest and Reef Resorts of Belize, a group of the country's top hotels located in various parts of the country. Experience a 2003 Beach Odyssey Select one of our All-Inclusive Winter or Summer Packages, Honeymoon Packages, Scuba Diving Packages, and Fly-Fishing Packages. ACTIVITIES: Day or night, take a dip in our two fresh water swimming pools overlooking the beach. We also have a tennis court, Jacuzzis, canoes, sea kayaks, sailboats, windsurfing boards, fitness equipment and bicycles for guest use. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of our on-property dive shop, fly fishing center, conference center and resort-operated day trips to the rainforest and Maya ruins. We also have an open air massage room and gift shop. For the days when work is not on the agenda, The Inn at Robert's Grove offers a wealth of activities and adventures to keep even the most active group satisfied. Some of the featured amenities include: - Rooftop Jacuzzis · Two 50-foot freshwater swimming pools that overlook the Caribbean Sea - Tennis Court - A fleet of sailboats, canoes, kayaks, windsurfing boards, and bicycles, all at guest disposal. - A fully equipped PADI Dive and Snorkel Center that offers daily trips to the reef and cayes, and PADI instruction and certification - A fully equipped Fly-Fishing Center - An open-air massage room that overlooks the beach - Guest Computer/Internet Center - Daily tours to Maya sites, the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, and Monkey River SCUBA Diving Dive in, to the wonders of the magnificent Barrier Reef of Belize. The Dive Center at Robert's Grove stands ready to guide you through this remarkable underwater paradise with multitudes of Gorgonian fan corals, enormous sponges, hundreds of colorful fish, sheer coral-encrusted walls and the wondrous Palegics. As our experienced PADI Divemaster will show you, Placencia is the springboard to some of the best diving in Belize if not the world. The reason is that as the edge of the Barrier Reef comes south along the coast of Belize, it separates itself further and further from the mainland. The result is a broad expanse of coral reef with channels going down from 90 to 110 feet, but rising abruptly into shoals and cayes providing many nearby SCUBA locations. At last official count there are a minimum of 20 named dive sites in the southern waters of Belize, off Placencia. The new Dive Center at Robert's Grove has brand-new, state-of-the-art Oceanic equipment and a 30 ft. dive boat that will make your journey to the reef comfortable and easy. Our normal daily schedule is a two-tank dive leaving at 9 am and returning late afternoon. A picnic lunch at our private island, Robert's Caye, will give you time to relax between dives. Snorkeling and Fishing The Inn at Robert's Grove has its own 30' skiff and resident guide. We'll whisk you away to Belize's Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world) and the many beautiful cayes nearby, such as Laughingbird Caye National Park, for great snorkeling and fishing. We'll stop for a picnic lunch at Robert's Caye, our very own white sandy island where the only inhabitants -- a family of osprey -- will greet you. Fly Fishing, Spin Casting, Trolling It's easy to get hooked on fishing in the pristine waters around Placencia, where year-round it's possible to catch eight to ten different species in a day. There's bonefishing in the flats, trolling along the outer cayes and fly fishing and spin casting anywhere along the coast. Our Fishing Center will set you up with excellent licensed fishing guides equipped with boats and rods and tackle (it is suggested that fly fishermen and spin casters bring their own gear). Monkey River To the south lies Monkey River, a birdwatcher's paradise up a tropical river. Much of Monkey River has been declared a Special Conservation Area, with howler monkeys and toucans in the forest, and manatee at the mouth of the river. We'll take you up the Monkey River by boat. You'll be able to hike over newly cut trails in the rainforest and get a close-up view of the many animals that call this fascinating river home. Lunch at a local restaurant in Monkey River Town is an extra treat. Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit The Mayan Ruins of Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit lie to the south in the beautiful Toledo District and are reachable by road from Robert's Grove. Lubaantun is the largest Mayan site in Toledo sitting high on a ridge above a valley cut by the Columbia River. Nim Li Punit is a ceremonial center with splendid views of 25 stelae, 8 of them carved. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary For the real adventurous, to the north lies the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or Jaguar Reserve, the world's first protected area set aside to preserve the greatest cat in the new world - the jaguar. While you will be lucky to spot the great cat, you will experience his habitat of a tropical rainforest. Our guide will point out medicinal plants and herbs, animal life and habitats. You can bring along a picnic and swim under the waterfall! Imagine waking up on a secluded island with the one you love -- no TV, no phones, no pagers -- only the sun, white sand and turquoise sea beckoning, as well as the best fishing, snorkeling and diving in Belize . Add to this natural setting an island cook who will start your day with a hot breakfast and end it with a romantic dinner featuring authentic Caribbean dishes and freshly caught fish (maybe by you). Where is this island paradise - and how can you get there?? Ranguana Caye is a privately owned two-acre island, which is maintained and managed by The Inn at Robert's Grove, Belize's pre-eminent mainland beach resort. Ranguana is located ˝ mile from Belize's Barrier Reef and only 18 miles (a 45 minute boat ride) from the Placencia Peninsula, where Robert's Grove is located and from where trips to Ranguana depart. The caye has three charming, rustic wood cabanas built high on stilts with outside decks that offer cool breezes and breathtaking views. Each cabana is outfitted with one queen and one double bed and a small kitchen area with a gas cook top and dishes (no running water). Showers with hot and cold running water and bathroom facilities are just a few feet away. A housekeeper will freshen your room daily. Meals are served in a large palapa covered dining area. Island Activities Chilling out is the number one activity on Ranguana. But for those who require more activity Ranguana is a water sports utopia. Excellent fishing opportunities are available in the evenings and morning - whether you wade in for bonefish or take the 2-minute ride to the reef for trolling. Ranguana's proximity to the reef makes it one of Belize's prime diving and snorkeling locations. Robert's Grove Dive Center will maintain tanks and dive and snorkel equipment on the island. Back on Ranguana's beach guests can work on their kayaking skills (kayaks are available), take a dip in the gorgeous blue Caribbean or merely sway the day away in a beach hammock. There is a minimum 2-night stay requirement. Transport Weather and sea conditions permitting, Robert's Grove makes scheduled trips to Ranguana throughout the week. If your visit to the island coincides with one of these trips, transport will be included in the cabana rental price. An English Speaking "Foreign" Destination in Your Own Backyard . . . Only an hour and forty minutes from Miami, two hours from Houston and a phone call away, Belize is the ideal "foreign" destination for North Americans to visit in 2003. The only English speaking country in Central America, Belize is a beautiful, friendly country that offers visitors a myriad of activities and adventures- from the second largest barrier reef in the world right off its crystal clear Caribbean coast to one of the most imposing rainforests in the region. The peaceful Placencia Peninsula, located 100 miles south of Belize City, is where The Inn at Robert's Grove is situated - a perfect location for experiencing all of Belize's top attractions - the reef, rainforest and Maya ruins. We're Seeing Stars!!! For the second year in a row, Robert's Grove has been awarded a "five-star" rating from Belize First Guide to Mainland Belize and another star-rating from the newest edition of Fodor's Belize and Guatemala. Second Restaurant and Expanded Marina We've just opened our second restaurant - Habanero Mexican Café and Bar, which overlooks the Placencia Lagoon at our newly expanded Marina, now available to pleasure boats seeking dockage or boaters just looking for a spot to stop for lunch, dinner, or sunset cocktails with fabulous views of the Maya mountains in the distance. The marina has gas (diesel and regular), water and electricity. US Imported Beef and More... Or, take a short walk over to the Inn at Robert's Grove restaurant, which sits directly on the beach overlooking the Caribbean. Here boaters and other visitors can enjoy a fine meal or drink at our acclaimed Seaside Restaurant, "Where," Travel and Leisure says "You can taste someof Belize's best cuisine." Here chef Frank Da Silva continues to create dishes influenced by Caribbean, Mediterranean and Pacific Rim traditions, including local seafood and US imported Beef specialties. Best Barbecue In The Caribbean! Our fabulous chef, Frank Da Silva throws his famous Poolside Barbecues every Saturday evening. Hailed by guests as "the best barbecue in the Caribbean," Frank pulls out all the stops with grilled lobster, chicken, pork chops, steak, shrimp, freshly caught fish, tropical salads and vegetables galore. Along with local entertainment and great tropical drinks, Barbecue Night is a memorable culinary evening under the stars. Welcome Moorings Welcome to The Moorings (the yacht charter company), who will be docking and provisioning their crewed catamarans at our marina this season. We look forward to entertaining their guests!! Be Swept Away to Ranguana Caye Ranguana Caye has joined the Robert's Grove family and is now available to Robert's Grove guests and other visitors to Belize for overnights and day trips. Watch our website for special two night packages that can be added on to hotel stays. Ranguana Caye is a beautiful two-acre island situated half a mile off Belize's barrier reef and only 18 miles from Placencia. The island has three charming cabanas and boasts some of the best snorkeling, fishing, swimming and beach opportunities in Belize. The island's white sand and palm trees make it the ideal romantic retreat, leaving the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets as the only distractions. The Sea Spa at Robert's Grove The Sea Spa, which overlooks the beach and Caribbean has expanded its services. In addition to massage, the Sea Spa now offers manicures, pedicures, facials and body wraps. Where The Elite Can Now Meet: THE CONFERENCE ROOM at Robert's Grove For companies and organizations looking for a luxury hideaway to which they can bring their executives and members, The Inn at Robert's Grove now has a beautiful self-contained, air-conditioned conference room that can accommodate 70 persons. The room is also an ideal setting for private parties and special functions. Our conference facility is equipped with audiovisual equipment. Please ask about our group rates. Special thanks go out to The World Wildlife Fund and CHF International, both of whom held large conferences at Robert's Grove this past year. Travel News: It is now possible to find discounted international airfare to Belize from our website (see link on our home page or click here). You can also obtain travel insurance by clicking on the "Travel Insurance" link located on our home page. Good news for guests who want to drive down to Placencia. The Southern Highway is now totally paved to the turn-off for the Placencia Peninsula. So what used to be 90 miles of dirt road has been reduced to only 21 miles of unpaved road. In addition to American, Continental and Taca Airlines, there are two new carriers beginning flights to Belize in 2002/2003: US Air will have direct flights to Belize City from North Carolina, and Air Jamaica will begin direct service as well. Continental is going to begin a weekly (every Saturday) non-stop flight between Newark Liberty Airport and Belize International Airport. Whale Shark Season It's not too early to start thinking about Whale Shark Season, the time between April through June, when southern Belize offers divers and snorkelers the unique opportunity for spotting the large pelagic feeder known as the Whale Shark. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Resort Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/robertsgrove/hotel/373/3/ Sat, 6 Sep 2008 02:40:22 EST