Since January 2025, The Belize Collection has been welcoming guests to The Banks—the newest addition to our collection of dreamy destinations and unforgettable experiences—found in the heart of Belize’s Sibun River Valley. With wide open fields, rolling misty mountains, and the winding Sibun River, the valley is easily one of the most picturesque places in the country’s westernmost district of Cayo, and this postcard-worthy setting can now be enjoyed in a whole new way.
Seamlessly blending the tranquility of nature with the tailored comforts of a chic and contemporary resort, The Banks sits flanked by the Sibun River and the verdant foothills of the Maya Mountains. With fourteen villas, it offers an intimate escape right in the heart of Belize’s untamed outdoors. Choose the perfect sized accommodation for you and yours—whether that’s a one-bedroom Jungle Villa, a two-bedroom Riverfront Villa, or a three-bedroom Riverfront Villa. Each serves as its own private oasis, complete with seamless outdoor-indoor spaces, a private courtyard, and a private pool.
A Thoughtfully Designed and Tranquil Haven
Surrounded by 10,000 acres of greenery, The Banks makes it easy to unwind and escape in nature, and that is not by chance. This new riverfront resort is far more than just another luxury stay, fusing architectural finesse with an ethos of elevated living that is harmonious with nature, community, and the environment. In fact, guests can find glimpses of that ethos woven throughout the property, including inside each villa. From sustainably sourced furniture and artwork by Indigenous Central American artisans—handpicked by one of our designers, Eliza Babarcy—to traditional, wood-fired cooking at onsite restaurant Humo, The Banks pays homage to the setting that inspired its creation in a multitude of ways.
Interior designer Michelle Oliver believes that this, ultimately, adds to The Banks’ allure as a truly tranquil and truly Central American sanctuary.
“I want people to feel like they’re in a tropical paradise,” said Oliver. “I hope it builds joy, curiosity, and happiness. I want them to walk around and wonder, ‘What is this made of? Where did it come from?’…Being in a tropical climate surrounded by the Caribbean and Central America, the design might feel like stepping into a time warp, creating a dreamy experience.”
As far as elevated living goes, the villas at The Banks are all fully equipped with everything one needs for an unforgettable experience. Each boasts an open-concept kitchen and living room. The two-bedroom villa features a rooftop terrace with a wet bar, and the three-bedroom villa is the only unit type with a bedroom on the second floor. All villas come with outdoor spaces cloaked in nature that are perfect for lounging and relaxation.
Over at Humo Restaurant and Bar, guests can enjoy a wide selection of menu items, many of which offer a taste of the traditional cooking techniques passed down for generations in Belize. Whether it’s dry-aged pork chops served with a spiced molasses lacquer for dinner, slow-braised oxtail and eggs for breakfast, or an elegant cocktail made with aged Belizean rum at sunset, Humo, which partly overlooks the river, is elevated dining at its finest.
Meanwhile, thanks to its position just one mile from the revered Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, The Banks gives its guests the chance to enjoy the amenities of not one but two resorts. That includes everything from the hiking trails and The Stables to scenic locations like The Cliff and The Nest as well as both resorts’ pools, restaurants, and bars.
Win a Free 2-night Stay at The Banks
Want to experience this new, tranquil riverside sanctuary for yourself? Enter our ongoing giveaway for a chance to win an intimate escape at The Banks. One lucky winner will be given a two-night stay for two adults in our One-Bedroom Jungle Villa along with a complimentary three-course dinner for two at Humo Restaurant. Entering is easy. Simply:
- Like our Giveaway post on Instagram
- Tag three people in the comments
- Follow @thebanksbelize, @thebelizecollection, and @humobelize on Instagram
- Like The Belize Collection, The Banks, and Humo Restaurant & Bar on Facebook
Plus, earn yourself an extra entry by sharing the giveaway post to your story. (If your Instagram or Facebook account is private, you must screenshot proof of share and send that proof to The Banks)*
Whether you love traveling to see it all or simply want to get away from it all, The Banks undoubtedly has everything you need for a scenic escape in Belize. We can’t wait to welcome you!
*The giveaway closes on February 28th, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST. The Banks will announce the winner on March 4th, 2025 after the winner is contacted and thoroughly vetted. You must be 18 years or older for your entry to be valid. The giveaway is open to Belize, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Additional travel expenses are not included. Some restrictions may apply.
