Hopkins Bay!!
The drive to Hopkins was scenic with mountainous and jungle views. We drove through several small villages that resembled some African villages that I have been to. Hopkins is a small village on the coast of Eastern Belize. It is considered to be the cultural center of the Garifuna people by the locals. It is completely different from the other areas that had visited in Belize not because it's a beach destination but the people are totally different. The Garifuna people are descendants of West Africa. Their story is very unique. In 1635, two Spanish ships carrying Nigerian slaves sank near St. Vincent. The survivors swam ashore and settled in that region and it seems majority never left. It literally looks like an African village by the shore because 90% of the people in that region are black. Their music, culture and food remind me so much of Ghana. I really felt at home in Hopkins.
We stayed at Hopkins Bay, one of the nicer oceanfront hotels in Hopkins. Their rooms are set up like apartments with one bedrooms and 3 bedroom rooms. Our room was gorgeous, situated right on the water on the upper floor. With a restaurant , two bars, the beach and water sports right within the compound of the hotel,we didn't really have any reason to leave. But it would not be us if we did not explore our village. We split our time between the hotel and a little spot within the village serving the best drinks and food. We even made some friends there and enjoyed some African drum circle. I really enjoyed Hopkins. Hubby and I even contemplated the idea of extending our stay in Hopkins for two additional night but the price didn't make sense. It is truly my favorite place in Belize. We even joked about moving there. Life in Hopkins seems so easy and carefree. We will definitely be back!
Stay tuned and follow my social media as I am heading on another adventure in less than 24 hours! I cant wait to share the tales with you! Happy traveling!
