We recently had clients reach out to us asking about Belize? Did we have any suggestions for a spring break trip with their 9 year old son? Something authentic and immersive with a little bit of beach time, but not all in one place?

Of course we did.

Many years ago, Francis Ford Coppola purchased a couple of private estates in Belize, and now, those properties are available for you to enjoy as luxury eco resorts. Here’s what we planned for our clients:

Airport Transfer - Arrival

Upon arrival, transfer from airport to your accommodations -- Approximate 3 hours over land (or air transfer, which is approximately a thirty minute flight).

Check in at Turtle Inn

Francis Ford Coppola has lovingly overseen every detail of Turtle Inn’s creation, using materials available in Belize’s tropical region. Today, it’s a hideaway praised for its rustic elegance and every imaginable indulgence. The seafront villas are prized features, with their screened porches, spacious living rooms, and private walled gardens. When you’re not “on siesta,” consider becoming a certified diver, swimming in either of the two infinity-edge pools, snorkeling, kayaking, or indulging in your choice of three restaurants. Excursions are available to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s only jaguar preserve.

Just beyond your private deck at this 5-star beachfront resort, the white Caribbean sands dissolve into a clear-water world of unspoiled coral reefs, playful dolphin,s and bright exotic fish. Hang a hammock from the shady coconut palms and watch colorful iguanas and the gentle tides unfold against the white sand beach. North of the Creole fishing village of Placencia, this marine retreat combines natural wonders with luxury amenities, two restaurants, attentive staff, and fine dining. Welcome to your own Caribbean paradise.

Some of the amenities you’ll find at this resort:

Charming beach front cabanas of bleached thatch and native wood mingle with the beach’s palm and sea grape. Under the thatched roofs, quiet ceiling fans invite sweet sea air and flora-scents to perfume the tropical interiors.
Each Balinese-inspired cabana has artisan-crafted furnishings, a luxury private bath and a panoramic view of the sea
The seafront units and Francis' pavilion Villa are only steps from the sea, while the seaview units are less than 200 feet from the sea
2 full restaurant offering daily specials made from their own fresh organic garden & a sunken sand-floor bar; a 3rd restaurant offers authentic Belizean food overlooking the Lagoon
Open-air dining room or candlelit table on the ocean's edge
Sea front pool, beach bicycles and sea kayaks

Morning juice and cappuccino herald the call to adventure. Experience the world's best salt-water fly-fishing or go snorkeling in miles of untouched barrier reef. Visit the world’s only jaguar reserve, or cruise up the Monkey River and observe tropical birds, iguanas, manatees, crocodiles, and howler monkeys. From scenic strolls to scuba diving, the Turtle Inn staff will provide the region's most knowledgeable and trusted guides. Water exploration begins on the shores of Turtle Inn. Dive the turquoise waters of the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere, kayak through the lagoons of Placencia, or swim along the beaches of the luxurious Turtle Inn Resort. From the reef to the rainforest, tours are ecologically and culturally diverse.

Traditional family recipes are prepared in an Italian wood-burning oven. Select a table in the open-air dining room or something more romantic – a candlelit table on the ocean's edge. Francis Ford Coppola family recipes are made using fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the Blancaneaux Lodge's organic garden. Before sitting down, enjoy a cocktail or sample from exclusive Niebaum-Coppola wines in the sunken sand-floor bar.

Belize is considered one of the top diving locations in the world. At Turtle Inn we specialize in attentive, professional dive services dedicated to safety and our guests' individual needs. We offer scuba diving, snorkeling and a wide range of PADI certification courses for both the beginner and the more experienced divers.

Rates include Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent credit to be used only towards tours/excursions offered by property (Not applicable to spa, food, or beverage. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Check out at Turtle Inn

Over Land Transfer

Transfer from your Inn on the coast inland to your eco lodge. (Approx. 3 hours)

Check in at Blancaneaux Lodge

Francis Ford Coppola's secluded mountain retreat, Blancaneaux Lodge is every bit as dramatic and inspiring as one might hope. Guests choose from an array of luxuriant accommodations, including the owner's villa, with its open-air living area, and the peaceful riverfront cabanas, with their decks overlooking the waterfalls of Privassion Creek. Active types enjoy riding horseback to hidden falls, hiking, exploring caves, and “discovering” hidden Mayan cities. Of course, there are myriad spa treatments, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and two gourmet restaurants (Montagna and Guatemaltecqua) to boot.

Blancaneaux Lodge is outside of San Ignacio, Belize in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a 300-square-mile national wildlife reserve in the Maya Mountains.The Sofia, our private Islander aircraft, can transport you from Belize City in less than an hour. The adventurous may choose to travel by road; the Lodge can be reached from Belize City and Belmopan via the Western Highway.

Here amid the pines and tropical foliage, Francis Ford Coppola and his wife Eleanor first found this modest forest hunting lodge while hiking in 1981 and for years it was a private hide-away for his family and friends. In 1993 it opened its doors to a discerning public who were looking for comfort and style in a remote and adventurous location. Blancaneaux Lodge is designed to provide rustic comfort in harmony with its surroundings, and it definitely succeeds.

The Lodge's accommodations mirror the rainforest's vibrant hues. Each bungalow features a soaring hand-woven thatched roof, artisan-crafted and antique colonial furnishings and a luxurious Japanese bath with views of the jungle sky.

Food is prepared from fruits and vegetables grown in our own Organic Garden .The Lodge is a guest in this fertile natural forest. To complement this, our chef has established a three-acre, self-sustaining organic garden that produces all of the fruits and vegetables used to make traditional Coppola family recipes. Dine on fresh seafood, smoked meats and authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning Italian oven. Local rum punches await at the Jaguar Bar. The Privassion River courses through the Lodge's grounds.

Above the river, a kaleidoscope of forest birdlife plays against the palmettos. All of the electricity used at the Lodge is generated by a hydroelectric plant that harnesses the power of the river. Blancaneaux Lodge is surrounded by many cave complexes that vary from the tiny to the vast.On the vast side is the Rio Frio Cave, an enormous two-ended cave carved out of a mountain by the Rio Frio River.Many other caves surround the Lodge. Some, such as the popular Barton Creek Cave and the newly opened complex at Actun Tunichil Muknal, contain pottery and bones left by the Mayans.

The hidden Big Rock Falls are a short trip away by car, horse or mountain bike. Hike down to the misty base of the falls, and swim in the warm pools.Or take a trip to the Rio On Pools, where small waterfalls spill between pools carved by the river out of the mountain granite. Some of the pools are connected by natural waterslides. The Lodge houses a number of handsome horses in its private stable. Our friendly guides will lead you on horseback to local falls and caves or will take you deep into the jungle where you can spot unusual birds and other wildlife. Mountain bikes are also available at no charge.

Rates include Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant
$100 USD equivalent credit to be used only towards tours/excursions offered by property (Not applicable to spa, food, or beverage. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Check out at Blancaneaux Lodge

Airport Transfer - Departure

Prior to your flight, transfer from your accommodations to the airport. (Approximately 2 hours).

This vacation was completely turn-key with the transfers and resort stays and activities all packaged up together. We’d love to plan something like this for you. So, why not reach out to us to get started?

Contact Us