When staying at Beaches and Dreams or Cabana Village we offer an all-inclusive meal plan that gives you many options for dinner. You can eat at the Barracuda or venture out to some of the best local restaurants in Hopkins. We call this offering the Village Pass, and we just introduced it a few months ago when we opened Cabana Village.
A Map of the Village Pass Restaurants
Cabana Village: 13 Cabanas & a Pool Bar
Ryan and I have owned and operated Beaches and Dreams (B&D) for 8 years and we spent the last 3 years developing our second location, Cabana Village (CV), just 1/2 mile up the beach from B&D. We have big plans for Cabana Village, including a full service (two-story) restaurant/bar, 4 more cabanas, a dock and staff housing. All of that will take several years to build, so we decided to open in December of 2025 with 13 cabanas and a small pool bar cafe, called Come As You Are, serving only breakfast and lunch.
The decision to open with a small pool bar cafe, was not an obvious one. We knew that we could accomodate our guests for dinner at the Barracuda. But, we wondered if the Cabana Village guests would feel disappointed not having dinner on site. Knowing the cafe would have a small footprint, we came up with creative menus and seating areas, so you could take your lunch by the pool, eat at your cabana balcony, or sit at one of our 5 cafe tables. We also wondered if the Barracuda, our full service restaurant at Beaches and Dreams, could handle the rush of both CV and B&D guests during our busiest dates.
The Village Pass Connects our Guests with our Community
And then, in the middle of all the planning and wondering, Ryan came up with, might I say, a truly brilliant idea. Why not partner with some of the best local restaurants in Hopkins and send our guests to them for dinner? Not only will our guests have more options and variety for dinner, but we will also be supporting our community and fellow small businesses by sending customers their way. The Village Pass has been such a joy from day one. Each morning, we ask our guests where they want to eat for dinner that night, so we can make the reservations for them. Guests use golf carts or our free shuttle van to go into Hopkins for dinner. Seeing our guests bopping around Hopkins and back and forth between CV and B&D has changed the whole vibe. I know our guests feel more connected to Hopkins and more energized to get out exploring.
The Village Pass Restaurant List
Ella's Cool Spot
Situated in the heart of Hopkins Village, across from the basketball court, you can’t miss Ella’s Cool Spot. It has a lively facade that reflects a livey atmosphere inside. Some late nights Ella’s has kareoke or a DJ.
J&Js
With lots of sea front dining, you cannot choose a bad seat at J&J’s Cool Spot. Tucked down a sandy lane on the North side of Hopkins, J&Js is a popular choice.
Maximo's
Maximo’s Bar & Grill is another restaurant that will have you dining sea side. You’ll find Maximo’s on the South side of Hopkins with picnic table seating right on the beach.
Tugusina Garifuna
Tugusina Garifuna is a small restaurant located on the main road of Hopkins. While Tugusina is not a sea side restaurant, they are popular with locals. I’m told they will be doing a renovation and upgrade in the next year, so this small & mighty spot may just get a bit fancier in the year to come.
Swinging Armadillo
Swinging Armadillo is a sight to behold with its over the water seating platform and grand upper floors. Located on the North side of Hopkins.
Semeti Giffiti
Semeti Giffiti is known for live drumming and traditional food. Pro tip: If you want to try the traditional Garifuna dish, Hudut, place your order ahead of time.
Jalapeños Latin Grill
Our newest addition to the Village Pass is Jalapeños Latin Grill. Jalapeños is located at the center of Hopkins, where North and South sides meet! They have all your bar food favorites plus some Mexican dishes on the menu.
Visit Us at Beaches & Dreams and Cabana Village
If you are interested in visiting Belize, drop us a inquiry here. We’ll customize your vacation to suit your timeframe and interests. Besides great food, we care about showing you what makes Belize truly unique by bringing you on marine and jungle adventures and by immersing you in Belize’s natural wonders and local culture.
