When you hear the name Francis Ford Coppola, what comes to mind? Director? Screenwriter? Wine maker? All true, but did you know he also happens to be a hotelier? Through his Family Coppola Hideaways, the Hollywood icon has properties in the U.S., Italy, Guatemala, Argentina, and three resorts in Belize.
I recently visited his Blancaneaux Lodge in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve district of south central Belize. Coppola bought the formerly abandoned hunting lodge in the 1980s and used it as a family getaway for about a decade before developing it into a resort featuring 20 luxury cabanas and villas. Varying in size and amenities, the residences offer unmatched privacy and breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and Privaisson River. Travelers in larger groups, or those seeking the ultimate luxe getaway, will want to consider the expansive Francis Ford Coppola Villa or Enchanted Cottage.
After an afternoon of exploring the grounds and lounging by the pool, we headed to Jaguar Bar for a pre-dinner drink. The well-stocked venue features a number of craft cocktails, as well as a large selection of wines, including bottles from Coppola’s winery in Sonoma County, California. Be sure to try a Jaguar Juice, a delightfully simple mix of aged rum and fresh pineapple juice.
We dined at Montagna Ristorante, an Italian venue that features everything from fresh pasta to locally sourced fish, including several dishes from Coppola family recipes. It’s one of three on-site restaurants at the property. Another highlight is the Garden Spot, where guests can imbibe fresh cocktails as they get a guided tour through the organic gardens then enjoy a spectacular three-course vegetarian meal al fresco.
The next morning, we set off on a hike through the rainforest to Big Rock Falls. It was a somewhat challenging trek, but the waterfall and swimming hole at the end made it well worth the effort. We rewarded ourselves by spending time at the Waterfall Spa, where we indulged in the Stress Recovery Wrap, Scrub, and Massage.
Other amenities at Blancaneaux Lodge include sunrise guided birding experiences and river tubing, as well as horseback riding and mountain biking excursions. After a few days in the rainforest, we shifted gears and headed to another Coppola property, the seaside Turtle Inn. Situated along white sandy beaches and just a short walk or bicycle trip from the charming Caribbean fishing village of Placencia, the luxe, 25-room resort feels like a private estate. Well-appointed cottages feature handmade furnishings, outdoor garden showers, and screened-in porches for enjoying sea breezes.
With five onsite restaurants, dining options range from fresh seafood at Mare to woodfired pizzas at The Pizzeria. Be sure to have at least one meal at Auntie Luba’s Kitchen, where we enjoyed the curry chicken and the standout Key lime pie.
Taking advantage of its seaside locale, Turtle Inn offers scuba diving, snorkeling, guided fishing trips, and other water activities. If you’re more of a landlubber, options include the property’s pickleball courts, two swimming pools, or bicycles for exploring the neighborhood.
No matter how you choose to spend your time at the Coppola resorts, they—and Belize itself—will be sure to impress.
The Cool Waters Lure Jessica Nunez to Belize
When Jessica Nunez wants to get away from it all, she heads to Belize. The president and founder of TruePoint Communications says it has been a favorite destination for the past decade. Home to one of the world’s largest coral reefs, it’s ideal for ocean activities, such as fishing, lobster hunting, and paddle boarding. “The peaceful energy of Belize allows you to truly unplug and relax,” she says. Nunez and her family typically stay at the Victoria House or the Grand Caribe, both located in San Pedro, and enjoy fresh fare at the beachfront Blue Water Grill. She also recommends The Truck Stop, a collection of local restaurants in shipping containers that offer Belizean cuisine, including her favorite, pupusas. —Bridget Reis
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