Blancaneaux Lodge
Coppola cabana
Majestic Mayan mountains
As well as boasting the best (okay, the only) Italian restaurant the jungles of Belize have ever seen, Blancaneaux Lodge offers unprecedented luxury on a wild and remote hillside where palm trees meet pines. The Lodge's 20 villas and cabanas are dotted alongside the meandering Privasson River, with water pure enough to drink and waterfall pools perfect for back-to-nature bathing. Explore the jungle on horseback, visit ancient Mayan ruins, or just hop into a hammock and watch the hummingbirds plundering the colourful flora…
Facilities
Rooms
Twenty, including six two-bedroom Villas, a Family Cabana, the Francis Ford Coppola Villa, and a private cottage.
Checkout
Noon, but later check-out can be arranged.
More Details
Rates include Continental breakfast.A minimum two-night stay is required.
Also
If the bumpy three-hour drive from Belize City airport seems too much, charter a five-seat Cessna plane to zip you over the jungle canopy to the Lodge’s own airstrip.
Free Internet Access
Pool
Spa
At the Hotel
Stables, spa, small library, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: iPod docks, unique ‘shell phone’ intercom system, hand-made organic toiletries.
Our Favourite Rooms
Although Francis Ford Coppola’s own villa is the largest, with a kitchenette and a vast open-air living area, we were most taken with the Honeymoon Cabanas and their soft cream sofas and carved beds. Number 5 has a secluded terrace with a sweeping waterfall view, as well as a private, heart-shaped garden. The Deluxe Honeymoon Cabanas are even more impressive, boasting slate-lined, mineral-salted plunge pools, huge bathrooms decorated with double sinks, vast square baths and colourful hand-made tiles.
Poolside
The Privasson River has plenty of hidden swimming spots at the feet of its many waterfalls, but a huge horseshoe-shaped hot pool and a new infinity pool cater to less adventurous tastes.
Packing Tips
Francis himself recommends bringing a journal to capture any screenwriting ideas the setting may inspire; insect repellent would be the more practical, if mundane, suggestion.
Also
Smoking allowed throughout.
Children
Although sloping grounds and steps make it a tricky proposition for babies and the buggy-bound, kids are welcome. Cots (free) and extra beds ($50 a night) are provided; babysitting can be arranged.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
For the best view, head for the table to the far right of the wrap-around terrace. From here, you can ogle jungle views in two directions, and, at breakfast, marvel at the birds and butterflies that fill the forest air.
Dress Code
Jungle casual; closed-toed shoes or sandals will keep the evening ants from unwelcome nibbling.
Hotel Restaurant
The tree-house-like Montagna serves up the owner’s Italian culinary favourites – the Belizean jungle is not where you’d expect to find a wood-fired pizza oven. At the poolside Guatemaltecqua you’re more likely to savour authentic Mayan dishes.
Hotel Bar
The ceiling fans in the Jaguar Bar are souvenirs from Apocalypse Now, and the hand-carved bar counter is decorated with glyphs of Mayan gods. Throughout the day, hummingbirds feed on the tropical flowers while guests sup hibiscus daiquiris.
Last Orders
Blancaneaux’s restaurants both take last orders at 9pm, but the bars stay open until the last guest leaves.
Room Service
Meals drinks and snacks can be brought to your cabana until 9pm. There’s butler service 24 hours a day in the Enchanted Cottage.
Planes
The nearest major airport is Belize International, 85 miles from the hotel. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, US Airways and TACA all fly here. The drive should take two and a half hours. The lodge also has its own private airstrip for charter flights.
Automobiles
Driving from Belize City will take roughly three hours. Parking at the lodge is free.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
