The Banks Resort is preparing to nearly double in size with a second phase scheduled to open in December 2026. Part of The Belize Collection, the all-villa retreat sits along the Sibun River in Belize’s rainforest, close to the foothills of the Maya Mountains.
The expansion will increase the property from 14 to 29 accommodations while introducing a new suite category aimed at couples. Additional two- and three-bedroom options will also make the resort more practical for families, small groups and multigenerational vacations.
Despite the growth, The Banks is retaining the low-density, residential character that distinguishes it from a conventional jungle resort.
New private-pool suites for couples
The expansion’s most significant addition is a collection of ten One-Bedroom Jungle Suites with Pool, scheduled to welcome guests beginning December 18, 2026.
Designed for two people, each approximately 800-square-foot suite will have a king bed, kitchenette, private plunge pool, landscaped courtyard, outdoor shower and second patio. The indoor-outdoor layout is intended to keep guests connected to the surrounding rainforest without sacrificing privacy.
The new suites fill an important gap in the resort’s accommodations. While The Banks already has one-bedroom villas, the added category gives couples and solo travelers another option without requiring the space of a larger residence.
Private plunge pools and kitchenettes should also make the suites well suited to longer stays, particularly for travelers who want time to unwind between excursions.
More space for families and groups
Phase Two will also add new two- and three-bedroom accommodations alongside the resort’s existing villas.
These larger configurations will allow families and groups to share common spaces while retaining separate bedrooms. The additional capacity could make The Banks a stronger option for multigenerational trips, milestone celebrations, retreats and small destination gatherings.
Rather than placing guests in a traditional hotel building, the resort’s villa format creates a more residential experience. Private pools, courtyards and outdoor living areas allow each accommodation to function as an individual retreat within the larger property.
Once the expansion is complete, The Banks will have 29 villas and suites—a considerable increase, but still small enough to preserve the intimate atmosphere of the original resort.
Adventures along the Sibun River
The Banks is located beside the Sibun River, placing outdoor activities at the center of the guest experience.
Kayaking provides one of the most direct ways to explore the river and its surrounding vegetation. Guests can also bike or hike through the landscape, go horseback riding or visit a nearby ceremonial cave.
Cave exploration is an important part of many Belize itineraries. The country’s cave systems hold deep significance within Maya history and spirituality, and guided visits can reveal archaeological features as well as striking geological formations.
Travelers should select excursions suited to their fitness and comfort levels, as some cave experiences involve swimming, uneven surfaces or confined spaces. Responsible guided access is essential because these environments can be culturally significant and physically fragile.
The rainforest setting also creates opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Early mornings and the hours approaching sunset are often the most active times in the jungle, rewarding travelers who leave space in their schedule rather than filling every day with organized tours.
Open-fire cooking at Humo
Dining at The Banks centers on Humo Restaurant & Bar, where food is prepared using open-fire techniques.
Menus draw upon Belizean ingredients and flavors, with smoke and flame becoming part of the cooking process rather than simply a visual element. The concept complements the resort’s forest setting and helps give the restaurant a stronger sense of place.
Once a month, Humo hosts a Lights Out evening inspired by Earth Hour. Electric lighting is switched off and the restaurant is illuminated by candles beneath the night sky.
The experience encourages guests to slow down while reducing artificial light for the evening. In a remote jungle environment, the resulting darkness can also reveal stars and nocturnal sounds that normally go unnoticed.
Conservation in the surrounding rainforest
The Banks participates in reforestation and wildlife-monitoring programs with Belize Wild Cats, an organization working to better understand and protect the country’s native feline species.
Trail cameras help researchers document wildlife movement without disturbing animals. In Belize, these monitoring efforts can provide information about species such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays and jaguarundis.
Guests should not expect guaranteed wildlife sightings during a resort stay. However, the camera program offers a reminder that the property is part of a much larger living ecosystem.
The resort’s participation in reforestation also supports the restoration of habitat in the region. As The Banks increases its guest capacity, continuing these programs will be important to balancing tourism growth with the protection of the landscape visitors have come to experience.
Shared access to Sleeping Giant
The Banks is located less than a mile from its sister property, The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant. Guests can access selected amenities and experiences at both resorts, broadening the range of activities available during a stay.
The nearby lodge is named for the mountain formation visible in the surrounding landscape, which resembles a reclining figure. Together, the two properties create a larger base for discovering central Belize while maintaining distinct accommodation styles.
A new gym will also open as part of The Banks’ second phase, adding an indoor wellness option to the resort’s pool, outdoor activities and relaxation experiences.
Building a Belize jungle-and-beach itinerary
The Banks can work as the inland portion of a longer Belize vacation. Travelers might begin with several days in the rainforest before continuing to the Caribbean coast or one of the country’s islands.
A central Belize stay provides access to rivers, caves, hiking trails and Maya heritage, while a coastal extension introduces snorkeling, diving and the Belize Barrier Reef. Combining the two environments offers a more complete perspective on the country than a beach-only vacation.
The resort’s larger accommodations will make that type of itinerary easier for families and groups, while the new one-bedroom suites provide a more intimate option for couples.
A thoughtful expansion in the rainforest
The second phase represents a substantial change for The Banks, but the expansion does not appear intended to transform it into a large resort. Instead, it broadens the range of people who can stay while maintaining the private-villa format and close relationship with the surrounding jungle.
For travelers planning a Belize vacation after December 2026, the expanded Banks Resort will offer more choices for experiencing the Sibun River Valley—from private-pool escapes for two to spacious villas designed for families and friends.
