Turtle Inn

Hollywood producer Francis Ford Coppola‘s seafront hideaway

The Turtle Inn is Francis Ford Coppola's seafront hideaway dream. Located in Placencia (Caribbean) and only 4 hours away from mainland USA, the 25 Balinese inspired cabanas, personally decorated by Francis Coppola, make up a harmonious little piece of paradise where one can enjoy the deep blue sea, crystal clear turquoise waters, and neon coloured fish. This boutique hotel, committed to ecology and close to Belize's most beautiful diving spots is perfect for nature aficionados.

Like in Coppola's movie "Apocalypse Now", and only one year after opening, a hurricane badly damaged the property. The producer tamed the elements though and the new Turtle Inn reopened its doors in Jan 2003. Says Coppola: "The new Turtle Inn is a personal joy; it was built out of the rubble of a hurricane's wrath and rose up entirely under my supervision. It features any number of original ideas and details which, I confess, continue to delight me. I made the resort as rustic as I love, and as luxurious as I could, so that my family would join me there."

25 charming Balinese cabanas at the Caribbean sea-side

The Turtle Inn boutique resort features both cottages and villas (the latter have 2 rooms and 2 bathrooms). All are luxuriously spacious, decorated with hand-carved wooden doors and archways, feature a screened porch, and have a luxury bathroom equipped with a Chinese bath. The cabanas all have their private garden and outdoor shower. Guests can choose a sea view to let their thoughts wander away or the scenic view of the beautiful lush tropical vegetation. Some rooms are situated closer to the resort's centre and others are more intimately located further away.

2 villas/pavilions are particularly luxurious and exceptionally furnished:

The Francis Coppola pavilion is the perfect accommodation for those who like to dine from their private terrace/deck facing the Caribbean Sea. It features a private tropical garden with swimming pool (local ceramics tiles). Inside, the pavilion is very luxurious and its bathroom has a steam shower and Japanese bath. WIFI does not work from the villa.

The Chinese Matrimonial Suite is steps away from a beautiful stretch of sea and features a two-century old, hand-carved, Chinese Fertility Bed; a private terrace; a hyper spacious bathroom; and a private garden with outdoor shower from which you can see the sea.

The tempting Experience: Exquisite fly-fishing in crystal clear waters

The Turtle Inn diving shop can organise saltwater fly-fishing excursions for you ... Fly fishing was made famous to the baby boomer generation with Robert Redford's movie "A river runs through it". Who has not dreamed of throwing his fly-line like a lasso over the water ... (even without Brad Pitt around)?

South Belize is renowned for fly-fishing thanks to the quality of its marine bottoms, perfect habitats for fish, as well as due to its beautiful coral rivers and Lagunas with crystal clear water throughout the year. You can fish various species including the tarpon (large coastal fish) abundantly present from April till September. May (low-wind season) is thus the ideal moment for guests to try-out their (hidden) talents.

Services and Activities: beach and Caribbean diving at its best

Of course you will enjoy the white-sand beaches, turquoise sea, and the inviting simmering infinity swimming pools.

On the beach try-out the complementary beach-bicycles, hop in a kayak or a trimaran to discover the turquoise coastal Caribbean waters.

Alternatively take advantage of the professional diving services of the diving shop. Whether simply snorkelling or whether scuba diving as a beginners or as a professional, Placencia's reefs and marine life is beautiful. The Belize barrier reef is a one hour speedboat ride away and you may be able to see rays, nurse sharks, bonefish, tarpon, or snook. The combination of certified PADI instructors and high-tech diving equipment will make ensure this to be a safe and enjoyable experience - you can choose to bring your own equipment too of course.

The Turtle Inn supports the NGO Friends of nature of Placencia / Stan Creek by providing coral reef data in support of the nature conservation efforts.

South Belize: The Maya region

Enjoy day trip excursions in the rich Maya region of Cayo!

• Lubaatun. This Maya site was actually discovered by Dr Thomas William Francis Gann in 1903. However it became famous in 1924 when Mitchell Hedges discovered a mysterious crystal skull - the same skull that inspired "the Crystal Skull" Indiana Jones movie...
• Nim Li Punit is famous for the recent decryption of the meaning of its mythical pillars. It is also a nice place to watch the beautiful wildlife (fish, birds, birds of prey, ...)
• Finally stop by the Cockscomb Basin wildlife sanctuary (world's only Jaguar reserve, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing) and the Monkey River (Creole cuisine, tropical birds, crocodiles)

Press awards

• Travel & Leisure magazine: the 500 best hotels in the world (2007 and 2008)
• Conde Nast Traveller's Readers' Choice Awards : 3rd best hotel complex in south and central America (2007)
• Outside magazine: The Perfect 10 best hotel complex of the Caribbean in 2004
• Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue featured location 2005
• Best Life Magazine: 9 best beaches less than 5hours away from Mainland USA
• Elite Traveller - The 101 Top Suites of the world - 2005
• Belize Tourist Board: Hotel of the year in 2004