Blancaneaux Lodge

Francis Ford Coppola's first property 

Blancaneaux  Resort is one of the properties of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola who fell in love with this small country, Belize, in the 1980's. Coppola first bought the property, in the center of Belize, for his personal use and in 1993 decided to open up his paradise to the public. It is now a eco boutique hotel with 20 luxury villas scattered in the forest and welcomes families, friends, couples, and nature lovers far from the tumult of the world.

The Blancaneaux Lodge is a small collection of lodges in the middle of the fauna and flora of the lush jungle. Located in the natural park of Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, the boutique hotel is also close the most beautiful Mayan ruins of Belize. And if you're lucky you'll come across the owner (make sure you review your cinema classics before going, just in case!) or a member of his family who often stop by to recharge their batteries.

Villas and lodges: chic, charm and ecology

Coppola has designed this property using only natural elements so that travelers feel in harmony with nature. You will be in the middle of the smells, sounds and lights of the natural environment.

Francis Ford Coppola's own villa is the most impressive. It features a small kitchen, a large table that can seat 14 guests, 2 large bedrooms, and above all a very persoal decoration, as the works of art and antique pieces belong to Mr. Coppola himself ... a swimming pool, a terrace for sunbathing and a tropical garden will conclude to make you feel at home.

Alternatively you may choose to stay in a villas with 2 bedrooms, the family cottage, the luxury honeymoon cottage, or the enchanted cottage which is the jewel of the lodge.

the owner chose against setting-up air conditioning for environmental reasons but also because the spacious villas and cottages' thatched roofs have been designed to naturally maintain their freshness thanks to the natural ventilation, the wind, and the freshness of the river and lake. And all rooms are equipped with a ceiling fan.

Coppola likes the idea that the river water is clean and that the energy to power your mobile be hydro-electric power. The prestigious director sees himself as a a key actor in preserving nature and this is why he actively supports ecotourism in Belize.

Blancaneaux resorts project supports Dr. Marcella Kelly's Jaguar Density project which builds on the long works of Virginia Tech, and counts and controls the jaguars, pumas and ocelots in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

Tempting Experience: 100% nature

Each of the hotel's 20 rooms, in addition to providing privileged privacy, all ensure a true experience with nature. Take advantage of the very priviledged location of the hotel nestled between the jungle and the river.

Services and activities: relax in the middle of a jungle

Blancaneaux Lodge is a paradise of relaxation and tranquility, but if you want to explore the surrounding area, meet local people, or simply explore the culture of Belize, then janitors and guides are at your disposal to help you organize visits and activities. The property has its own vehicles and boats and the accredited guides have great knowledge of the surrounding nature, birds, archeology and activities of the region.

If however you decide to stay and relax at Blancaneaux Lodge, then you will enjoy the Waterfall spa and the horseshoe shaped swimming pool that is heated by hydropower. You can also enjoy a traditional Thai massage or stroll around the property by foot, by mountain-bike or on horseback ...

The region of the Maya

Several sites of the Mayan region of Cayo are easily accessible for day trips:

• The ancient Mayan city of Caracol was founded in the year 331, and saw more than 29 sovereigns. His Caan temple is one of the most grandiose of the Maya world.
• Xunantunich, a Mayan archaeological site known for its well preserved stucco frescoes
• Cahal Pech, one of the oldest Mayan cities in Belize and founded between 1200 to 1000 years BC. It high altitude location means it offers impressive views of the surrounding Mayan mountains.
• El Pilar, a Maya site, left virtually unchanged. The ruins blend with the nature.
• The caves of Barton Creek and Actun Tunichil Muknal
• And also Pac Bitun, Buena Vista ...

You can also choose to cross the nearby border and visit Tikal and Yaxhá in Guatemala.

Awards and Special Press recognitions

• Andrew Harper's Hideaway of the year - 1998
• Travel & Leisure - 500 Best Hotels in the World from 2001 to 2008
• Conde Nast Traveler - Reader's Choice Awoards: Top 10 Resorts in Central & South America 2007 and 2008
• Travel Holiday Magazine - Editor's Choice 2003 Best Buy
• Elite Travel101 Top Suites in the World 2005