Palmento Grove Garifuna Eco-Cultural & Healing Institute

We did the cooking class and drumming lesson. From the moment we arrived via kayak, we were immersed in Garifuna culture. After a tour of the grounds and some introduction Garifuna, we made one of the most delicious and unique meals we’ve ever had. We made coconut milk from scratch—even husked the coconuts—and mashed plantain with a giant mortar and pestle. Along with fried fish, this made the Garifuna specialty of Hudut. It was delicious and we gained an appreciation for the work that goes into making it. After the meal, we had a drumming lesson which was also great. Definitely take them up on the offer to borrow traditional Garifuna clothes!

What an incredible experience! We booked the culinary experience as a group of 6 (3 couples). Such a wonderful evening of learning and prepping and cooking! Then we got a surprise invite to join the nighttime kayak trip up the mangroves. Wow!!! Just wow!! Thank u all so much for having us. What a treat!!!

We were on a fact finding mission to visit different parts of the country to possibly relocate. After visiting Corazol for a few days, we wanted to see the southern areas. So we picked a place near a town we were interested in. It was advertised as a place to learn about the Garafuna culture so we made reservations and off we went. As we nesred the town, our driver asked for the address to plug it in because his GPS doesn't find how to get to the address.i couldn't find it either! We called and the owner/operator answered and gave us directions. We would have never found it alone. The drop-off location said Kayak Pickup Point. Yes. You reach the resort via a quick kayak ride across a channel! We were given a tour of the island as we walked to our bungalow. I was really impressed with all the things to explore and experience. Our room was not for the Ritz Carlton crowd. It was perfect for people who go with the flow however. We were told what time breakfast begins and invited to help cook. I thought she was kidding. We helped cook learning new ways to prepare foods. The fried bread was amazing! We were the only guests staying in the island so it was just so quiet and we could see the sky like rarely before. We spent 3 days exploring the area, the food, and learning. It was sad we had to leave. We made a friend.

This cultural immersion experience of cooking( that included pulling cassava root from the ground, opening coconuts and grinding them to make coconut milk, pulling fresh herbs from the land, and cooking fish they caught), learning about spiritual cultural and family structure of the Dangriga, and learning to drum-was the best way to spend my birthday! This is the most unique thing we did in Belize and should not be missed! I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!

My son and I had a fantastic stay. Beautiful grounds. Solar powered with conveniences such as wifi. Our hosts were friendly, helpful, and available. Looking forward to returning.

The island is located North of the village of Hopkins. However there are plenty of signs to help you find it easily. The island was beautiful and the freedom to take a kayak out and explore was terrific. If you choose to have meals prepared, Uwahine is not only a wonderful hostess, but a great cook. It is an eco-friendly resort so keep that in mind. Limited electric and cold water bathing. There is a good wifi signal.