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Daydreaming About Blancaneaux

A secret rainforest paradise destination need not be limited to your Friday afternoon daydreams. Neither are jungle hideaways only for secret lairs of James Bond villains. Such places actually do exist and are open to the public. Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize stands out as a special place. Francis Ford Coppola thought so too, in the 1980s when he first visited he fell in love with the place. He subsequently purchased the abandoned resort. In 1993 Blancaneaux opened to the public and the rest is history.

Hidden away in a cozy corner of the Maya Mountains, Blancaneaux Lodge is a 20-room luxury resort hotel in Belize where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy. Its remote mountain setting makes it a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The region is also home to ruins from the ancient civilization of the Maya. Exploring the sacred sites and ceremonial caves is a magical archaeological and natural experience.

04Photo: Blancaneaux website

The cabañas with private decks overlook the Privassion River or waterfall. Family cabañas offer plenty of space and the Honeymoon cabañas are obviously designed to be the perfect setting for a romantic vacation. If Blancaneaux wasn’t already remote enough, the Deluxe cabañas take privacy one step further. These premier accommodations are located on the eastern end of the property and overlook the Privassion Creek.

For activities, it may come as a surprise that Blancaneaux has horse stables. You can enjoy an equestrian sightseeing tour through the lowlands of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Avid glamping enthusiasts are no strangers to horseback riding or dude ranch experiences, but the novelty is in combining it with a tropical environment.

24Photo: Blancaneaux website

Getting wet is a big deal at Blancaneaux. Thousands of streams and waterfalls begin in the nearby mountain range. Natural streams and swimming holes are supplemented by the resorts beautiful pools. Stunning hidden pools and waterfalls amongst smooth granite boulders and sandy beaches are a must for the adventurous guest. The pools are great too, especially with the ‘captains’ nearby to provide fresh towels and take drink orders. Speaking of pampering, the Waterfall Spa is set on the banks of the Privassion Creek and offers a variety of treatments, wraps and massages, as well as access to a rejuvenating hot pool overlooking cascading waterfalls.

Another unique feature of Blancaneaux is the Organic Garden. The gardener and chef consult daily about what produce is available for the daily menu. The vegetables are local and definitely fresh. The growing season is year round so with careful rotation fresh tomatoes are always available for salads and pastas.

42Photo: Blancaneaux website

The pictures of Blancaneaux really do the convincing when considering a visit. Find out more about Blancaneaux Lodge.

 

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Spotlight: Turtle Inn, Belize

Turtle Inn is a seafront getaway that combines natural wonders with luxury style. The friendly, attentive staff, three restaurants, a rejuvenating spa and idyllic seafront setting make Turtle Inn a perfect glamping refuge.

The 25-rooms range from villas, cottages, and beach houses. The classic thatched cottages and bungalows make you feel right at home on the beach. All the accommodations are decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishing. The continual sea breezes keep everything cool. And, just steps beyond your private deck, the white-sand beach dissolves into the clear Caribbean ocean.

The unique location provides a wealth of exciting activities. The coral reef just offshore offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba opportunities in the world. Troll, spin-cast, or drop-fish in some of the most populated waters in the Caribbean. Barracuda, king mackerel, snapper, grouper, tuna and snook are among the many species that thrive here. Inland hikes to hidden lagoons, canoe trips up the Monkey River and the short bicycle ride into town will also enrich guests’ experiences in this magical country.

turtle-inn-3Photo: Turtle Inn website

Turtle Inn’s dive shop can accommodate the needs of both beginner and experienced divers. The Caribbean’s largest barrier reef lies just offshore from Turtle Inn, offering divers a magnificent diversity of coral and marine life to explore. There are a number of easily accessible cayes (tiny islands) with their own reefs and underwater ecosystems. Turtle Inn is dedicated to providing the best diving experience possible, regardless of skill level. They offer tours and a wide range of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification courses. Visit the Dive Shop for a complete listing of our classes as well as some important information on diving tours and snorkeling options. Belize proudly maintains a reputation as one of the world’s best scuba destinations.

The best beach swimming in Belize is located in Placencia. The sandy beach and calm, clear waters create perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling as well as a host of other water-related adventures. Visit the Dive Shop for more information on renting sailing boats, snorkel gear, kayaks, and beach bicycles. Turtle Inn also has two infinity swimming pools, an oval-shaped infinity pool located between the Mare Restaurant and the Laughing Fish Bar and a triangular infinity pool with its striking ceramic turtle tiling and tranquil surroundings is located to the north of the property close to the Gauguin Grill.

turtle-inn-4Photo: Turtle Inn website

Dining open-air along the ocean’s shore is a feast for the senses. Savor fresh seafood and shellfish, the pure flavors of homegrown fruits and vegetables, or pizza from an authentic wood-burning oven. Then, relax with a cocktail at the seaside beach bar. Fresh seafood and traditional Italian cooking come together at Turtle Inn’s flagship restaurant, the Mare Restaurant. The Gauguin Grill features fresh, charcoal-grilled seafood including lobster, jumbo shrimp and snapper all served on woven plates accompanied by Balinese-inspired sauces. The Laughing Fish Bar provides a shady retreat to enjoy a wide selection of drinks. Bar stools sit directly on the golden-sand beach.

jpegPhoto: Turtle Inn Website

Turtle Inn’s history makes it a true labor of love. Less than a year after Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired the beachside refuge in 2001, it was swept out to sea by the forces of Hurricane Iris. Turning disaster into triumph, the Coppolas led a two-year reclamation project, creating a magnificent resort that is consistently ranked among the best in Central and South America.

Learn more about vacationing here on the Turtle Inn website.