Blancaneaux Lodge

When Francis Ford Coppola  first visited Belize, he was searching for the same jungle paradise he discovered it tucked away in the Maya Mountains and invite you to do the same.

Blancaneaux Lodge is located in the northwest corner of the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize’s Cayo District. The lodge itself is nestled on the bank of Privassion Creek and is set among tropical pines, oaks, palmetto, craboo and ancient melastome shrubs. Within a couple of miles of the lodge lie the steep limestone hills and valleys of the 13,000-acre Noj Kaax Meen Elijio Panti National Park. The dense jungle, steep ravines, spectacular waterfalls and fast flowing rivers are uninhabited and home to many rare or endangered species of flora and fauna.

Nestled in the hills above the Privassion Creek, the mountain retreat of Blancaneaux Lodge offers the comfort of spacious villas or cozy cabañas opposite the spectacular Privassion Creek waterfall.

Honeymoon Cabañas

Perched over a Privassion Creek waterfall, the Honeymoon Cabañas offer the ideal getaway. Both honeymoon cabañas have huge private decks overlooking the falls.

Riverfront Cabañas

An expansive deck with wrap-around walkway ensures a spectacular view of the Privassion River. Elegantly themed with native art and local textiles, each cabaña offers a queen-size bed and hand-painted tile bath.

Garden View Cabañas

Nestled in our beautifully manicured gardens, the comfortable Garden Cabañas showcase native arts and antiques, plus a large screened-in porch with hammock.

Deluxe Cabañas

Since it opened the Deluxe Cabañas in early 2008, they have quickly become the most sought after accommodations on the property. Surrounded by lush vegetation and just a stone’s throw from deep pools and tumbling waterfalls, the two Deluxe Cabañas offer a secluded setting at the far eastern end of the property overlooking Privassion Creek.

Family Cabaña

A large dining table, queen-size bed, and a pair of twin beds highlight this spacious Family Cabaña. A large screened-in porch overlooks the beautiful gardens, which can also be enjoyed while idly swaying in the room’s hammock.

Two-Bedroom Villa

Skirting Privassion Creek, the roomy 1,600 square foot villas feature a large comfortable open-air living room with a small kitchen. Off the living room are two luxurious bedrooms, each with its own full bath.

Francis Ford Coppola's Villa

Enjoy dramatic views from the elevated open-plan living area, take a dip in the private plunge pool or relax on the hardwood sun deck set in a lush tropical garden. The Villa features a small kitchen with Delonghi espresso machine, fridge and wet bar. A hand carved antique dining table with seating for up to 14 overlooks the tumbling waterfalls and deep rock pools of Privassion Creek. Accommodations include two large bedrooms each with a spacious bathroom featuring showers with hand-painted tiles and Japanese tub. The eclectically furnished Villas combine regional antiques, Guatemalan fabrics, artisan masks and hand carved figurines’. Francis’s personal art and antiques are displayed throughout adding a personal touch to an already comfortable and stylish environment.

The Coppola Villa also features monogrammed bathrobes and wine glasses, locally produced organic bath products, goose down or hypo-allergenic pillows, iPod docking station, WiFi Internet access and a Shellphone intercom system linked to the resort’s front desk. The Coppola Villa has a full-time attendant to anticipate your every need or to arrange an evening bar-b-q next to the pool. The attendant is on-call using a walkie-talkie radio system.

Enchanted Cottage

Blancaneaux Lodge’s ultimate retreat. Reflecting Francis’s desire to create a haven to reflect, write and create, the cottage sits atop a steep forested bluff offering panoramic views over the tumbling waterfalls of Privassion Creek and the distant jungle clad Maya Mountains.

With an emphasis on luxury, the cottage features a bedroom with a king-size bed, writing desk and fireplace. The bath house provides understated luxury with its under floor heating, open fire, shower, Japanese tub and steam room. The cottage has a spacious kitchen that includes a wine cooler, Delonghi espresso machine, a breakfast bar and a heated slate floor. Adjacent to the kitchen is an airy day room with queen-size sofa bed, large coffee table and comfortable armchair. Screened doors open onto the hardwood deck and the infinity pool. The Enchanted Cottage is secluded and surrounded by lush tropical gardens and spectacular panoramic views. There's a hammock for lazy afternoons.

Guest at the cottage enjoy monogrammed bathrobes and wine glasses, locally produces organic bath products, goose down or hypo-allergenic pillows, iPod docking station, WiFi internet access and a Shellphone intercom system linked to the resort's front desk. The cottage also includes a full-time attendant to light fires, cook breakfast, prepare cocktails and anticipate your every need. The attendant is on-call using a walkie-talkie radio system. Guest are provided a robust four-seat golf cart for driving around the property and visiting the main lodge and restaurants.

All dwellings at Blancaneaux Lodge feature:

•  Bathrobes
•  Safe deposit box
•  Mini-bar stocked with water, wine, soft drinks, Belikin beer and local snacks
•  Shellphone for communicating with reception
•  Ceiling fan
•  Writing table & chair
•  Coffeemaker & Tea making supplies
•  Umbrellas (2)
•  Organic, locally sourced, handmade soaps
•  Alarm clock & iPod docking station
•  Hairdryer
•  Copy of Zoetrope:All-Story Magazine

The Privassion River: Tumbling directly through Blancaneaux, The Privassion River thoughtfully leaves crystal clear pools along the way that are ideal for swimming. The more adventurous can traverse a length of the river in search of a private riverside picnic spot.

Riverside Spa: Relax in paradise. Enjoy a dip in the massive hot Pool followed by traditional Thai Massage.

Horse Stables: The Horse Stables allow you both convenience and the assurance that your riding adventures meet Blancaneaux standards.

Organic Garden: The impressive Organic Garden features acres of vegetables and herbs, plus plus fruit and nut orchards. This Garden provides up to 80% of the produce for both Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn. Additionally, the carefully maintained chicken coop provides fresh eggs daily.

Gift Store: Tour the crafts of Belize and its neighbouring countries through the Gift Store. Eleanor Coppola personally gathers many of the offerings in an effort to ensure your access to the best native fabrics and artwork the area has to offer.

Hiking and Biking: Miles of trails await your visit to Blancaneaux and surrounding 300sq.ml. Mountain Pine ridge Reverse. Pass through diverse environment as you travel in the footsteps of the ancient Maya people. Spot iguanas, rare howler monkeys and butterflies, along with an impressive list of birds that call the area home. Complimentary bikes are provided.

Explorations:

Adventures abound in the surrounding 300 sq.ml. Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve and beyond. Some of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Central America are a short drive away. Walk, horseback ride, or bike in the steps of the ancient Mayans or explore pristine rivers by canoe.

Mountain Pine Ridge: Mountain Pine Ridge is the largest and oldest of Belize's national parks, with an extensive network of waterfalls, white water rivers, Mayans ceremonial caves and sweeping views. Bring swimsuits to swim in the Rio On Pools.

Barton Creek Cave: An exciting canoe trip travelling two miles deep into a remote cave, once used by the Mayas as s burial site, and for ceremonial purposes. The cave are aborned with stalagmites, Mayan pottery and bones.

Xunantunich: Once the ceremonial center in the Mayan classical period with a spectacular view from the top of El Castillo, the main Pyramid. the Frieze on the eastern wall of the Pyramid is one of the finest Mayan Sculpture in Belize.

Caracol: Accessible only by 4 wheel drive deep in the Chiquibul Forest is the most extensive Mayan site in the country. On the way, drive through rain forest, home to several species of cat, as well as such rare birds keel billed motmot, toucan and aracari.

Tikal: Travel over the borders into Guatemala to visit the most impressive Mayan sites in Mundo Maya. Experience area customs and culture.

Horseback Tours: Explore the surrounding area by Horseback. Take a short ride to hidden waterfalls, explore a nearby rain forest at sunrise, view the surrounding mountains and forest at sunset or pack a lunch and your swimwear and go for the entire day.

Montagna Ristorante

Classic Italian cuisine in a romantic tropical setting. The menu features traditional Italian dishes with a special focus on the Coppola's private family recipes, drawn from their history in the southern region of Basilicata. Pastas, fresh fish, and braised or grilled local meats are all prepared with organically-grown herbs and vegetables from its own garden. It also offers made-to-order pizza, cooked in an authentic brick oven.

The intimate dining room sparkles from candlelight and is decorated with handmade wooden furnishings, colonial era antiques and Guatemalan fabrics. An open veranda offers moonlit views of Privassion Creek.