Blancaneaux Lodge is movie director Francis Ford Coppola's romantic Mountain Pine Ridge retreat in western Belize home to 20 villas and cabanas surrounded by Mayan ruins, shimmering waterfalls, turquoise pools, lush vegetation and exotic wildlife.
There is something for everyone. You can explore the jungle on horseback, read a book suspended in the hammock, gaze at the colourful hummingbird fluttering amongst the bright flora around or potter to the ancient ruins.
The Lodge’s 20 or so villas and cabanas are scattered alongside the meandering Privasson River, being the perfect spot to cool off in.
For those Italian food lovers, enjoy the Coppolas family recipes with many ingredients sourced from the lodge’s organic garden!
Blancaneaux Lodge is located in the northwest corner of the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in western Belize's Cayo District. This rustic forest lodge reflects movie director Coppola’s vision of tranquillity and comfort. The thatched cabanas and villas have been based on local homes and structures that he saw in the Philippines whilst shooting ‘Apocalypse Now’. Each of these feature a soaring hand-woven thatched roof, artisan-crafted, antique furnishings and a Japanese style bathroom with jungle views.
The fast flowing river running beneath the cabanas has been harnessed for energy and this combined with the organically grown produce provides an ecological haven for those who want a break from conventional resorts. Blancaneaux Lodge also boasts an excellent restaurant serving Italian cuisine and even features a wood-fired pizza oven.
Given Blancaneaux Lodge's privileged forest location, you can explore the nature reserve with ease by mountain bike, on horseback or by foot. There are also plenty of cultural tours on offer including one to the Rio Frio Cave, an ancient Mayan burial site located close by.
When to visit
If the ceiling fan in the bar looks familiar, then that is because it is the fan used in the iconic opening scene of Acopalypse Now, Coppola's most famous film.
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