Moon Author's Review
Horizon Cottages (US$125/150 each cottage, nightly, low/high, three-night min) define rustic chic, with two waterfront cozy wooden cottages, Sea Ranch and Rasta Ranch on Bluefields Bay in Belmont. Each cottage is tastefully decorated with local artwork and has classic wooden louvered windows, queen-size beds, soft linens, attached bath with private outdoor showers, and cute, functional kitchens. A gazebo and jetty extend off the manicured lawn, an ideal open-air dining room and cocktail bar for enjoying colorful sunsets over Bluefields Bay.
Sea Ranch has one queen bed and is situated at the water's edge, with the waves lapping just beyond the portch. Steps off the porch descend to the small, private, white-sand beach.
Rasta Ranch is a slightly larger cottage set behind Sea Ranch a bit further back into the yard. It has a queen bed and a single bed.
Kayaks and snorkeling gear are on-hand for excursions to the reef just offshore.
Horizon's two-bedroom Main House (USD 250/night), which can also be rented separately for larger parties, was the first built on the waterfront in the area.
Creature comforts like wireless Internet, soft sheets, hot water, specatular sunsets and gentle waves make Horizon a hard place to leave. Meals are self-catering or prepared to order by the caretaker, who doubles as fisherman and watchman, aided of course by the requisite yard dog, in this case a beautiful German Shepherd.
A handful of local cook shops can be found along the main road through Belmont, a community characterized by startling blue Caribbean waters, low key attractions like Bluefields Beach and the unimpressive Peter Tosh Memorial Garden, and a back country, lazy vibe ideal especially conducive to deep relaxation.