Blancaneaux Lodge

Style

Coppola cabana

Setting

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. .