Director Francis Ford Coppola’s off-the-grid hideaway was inspired by his love for the jungle when he was filming Apocalypse Now.
Indagare Loves
The regional craft filled gift shop with items curated by Eleanor Coppola
Airstrip next door for chartered flights
In- room “shellphones” that connect you to the reception desk made from massive conch shells (there are no phones, TVs, WiFi or air conditioning in the rooms)
Review
Built as movie director Francis Ford Coppola’s private family retreat in the jungle, this lodge has evolved into a twenty-room, luxury hideaway without losing its homey feeling. Coppola first laid eyes on what became Blancaneaux Lodge back in 1980, shortly after wrapping Apocalypse Now. Reportedly, the area reminded him of some of his filming locations in Vietnam and he arranged to buy the abandoned property (which was originally owned by Francis Blancaneaux, hence the name).
Blancaneaux is located on 70 acres within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which encompasses more than 100,000 acres and was one of the first nature preserves established in Belize. It was built on the banks of an elegant curve in Privassion Creek and the multi-level grounds (be prepared to climb plenty of stairs) include a pool with each side tiled in a different striking color and a horseshoe-shaped “warm tub” that’s heated to 98 degrees. The creek is also full of tranquil swimming holes and provides the energy needed to power a small hydro plant downstream that produces electricity for this way-off-the-grid resort.
The Academy Award-winning director still maintains a spacious multi-bedroom villa here with a full kitchen, which can be booked when he’s not in it (perfect for families). It’s decorated with a number of Coppola’s personal effects and the property itself is studded with Coppola mementos including a ceiling fan used as a prop in Apocalypse Now, which spins lazily over the resort’s Jaguar Bar (jaguars have been spotted in the area). In addition to Coppola’s villa, there are 19 other accommodations, all under thatch roofs with white-washed walls, hardwood floors and simple wooden furniture, providing a muted backdrop for the vibrant colors of the tropical trees and plants outside and the exuberant hues of the rich local textiles and crafts that adorn the insides. The best villas (there are eight altogether) overlook the river, and there is a two-bedroom family cabana but you have to climb a steep set of stone stairs to reach it, so it’s not toddler-friendly.
The Italian, family-style Ristorante Montagna, meanwhile, serves up classics like homemade tagliatelle with ragu and Neopolitan-style pizzas (the best in Belize), using produce from the resort’s vast and expanding organic garden. The cellar is stocked exclusively with Coppola wines. When it’s time for a change, make a dinner reservation at Guatemaltecqua where gourmet Guatemalan food is served in a rustic four-table setting.
Dedicated foodies may be interested in booking the property’s Enchanted Cottage. Originally built as the home of a writer who was researching a book on the region’s orchids, the cottage (which is located on its own section of the property) has been expanded to include a full gourmet kitchen with a wine refrigerator and your own concierge plus a private pool with views over the rolling hillsides.
The lodge’s twenty-plus horses (all bred and trained at the resort) are available for rides on the property and they’re kept in a stable, which is basically an equine version of the resort. The spa, which is housed in a building which was built using Balinese designs, materials and techniques, is staffed by two Thai masseuses who are on call at all times.
Who Should Stay
Anyone who needs a fast-track to relaxation (it’s guaranteed here); couples looking for secluded romance. Visitors should understand that the resort is truly off-the-grid (there is no air conditioning or WiFi in the rooms).
From Indagare members Meredith and Paul Reilly who honeymooned in Belize:
“For the second leg of our trip, we stayed at the Blancaneaux Lodge, which is tucked away in Belize’s stunning rainforest. Our accommodations were amazing—we loved the private pool––and the staff went above and beyond for us. They were all friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The highlight of our trip would have to be the dinner we had on our last night at the Blancaneaux. It was just the two of us and so romantic. The staff laid out flower petals and lit candles–they really went out of their way to make us feel special.”
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From Indagare members Meredith and Paul Reilly who honeymooned in Belize:
“For the second leg of our trip, we stayed at the Blancaneaux Lodge, which is tucked away in Belize’s stunning rainforest. Our accommodations were amazing—we loved the private pool––and the staff went above and beyond for us. They were all friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The highlight of our trip would have to be the dinner we had on our last night at the Blancaneaux. It was just the two of us and so romantic. The staff laid out flower petals and lit candles–they really went out of their way to make us feel special.”