Ian Anderson Cave Branch or Ka'ana + PACZ?

I've stayed at both. They're very different types of places, and I guess it boils down to what YOU want.

Caves Branch is in a real jungle-like setting (though in the dry season the river that runs by the lodge usually goes completely dry). It is now owned by the people who also own Jaguar Reef Lodge in Hopkins, and they have taken Caves Branch a good ways upmarket, with a new swimming pool, botanical garden, deluxe tree houses and other cabanas. It still focuses on adventure tours and trips, though.

Ka'ana is boutique hotel located on the main road a little west of San Ignacio, not in the jungle at all. The original facilities were redone into pretty fancy digs, and there's an upscale restaurant, salt water pool, small spa, etc. The new owner/manager seems to do a good job with this place, but again it's a hotel, not a lodge.

If you want to stay near San Ignacio in a lodge setting, places like Chaa Creek and duPlooy's give you the upscale lodge experience. Plus there are many much less expensive options around Belmopan and San Ignacio.

--Lan Sluder
http://www.belizefirst.com

In my opinion Caves Branch has lost most of its rustic appeal. We loved it there in 2003 but were disappointed at how resortish it looked when we stopped by last summer, though the setting is still lovely. The adventures are great but it's pretty ridiculously expensive imo, meals especially.

For a really great jungle setting close enough to San Ignacio to take advantage of other tour ops, consider Chaa Creek's jungly cousin, Macal River Jungle Camp - sweet tent-cabins, great camp host, great setting (parrots, toucans, iguanas, and motmots in the trees above your hammocks) and the delicious food is served in a nice open air palapa. Cost is $55/pp including dinner and breakfast.

Lan's website has great downloads of lodging and island info. Lots of photos and recommendations below - enjoy Belize!