Blancaneaux Lodge
Rustic-chic eco-luxury. Guatemalan textiles, hand-painted tiles, wooden masks, and Coppola family art throughout. The vibe is a writer's retreat that Hollywood built — private, personal, and unmistakably personal.
Book the Garden Spot dinner in advance — it fills up and is one of the most memorable meals on the property
Why It Matters
Owned and personally designed by Francis Ford Coppola; powered by its own hydroelectric plant; one of the only places in Belize serving both Italian and Guatemalan cuisine using produce from a sprawling on-site organic garden; the Enchanted Cottage is a standalone stone house with a steam room and Japanese soaking tub at the top of a forested bluff.
Francis Ford Coppola came to Belize in the early 1980s, stumbled upon an abandoned lodge in the Mountain Pine Ridge forest, and bought it. He used it as a private family retreat for over a decade before opening it to paying guests in 1993. Today it is 20 thatched-roof cabañas and villas set above the Privassion River, where the water is clean enough to drink and the property runs entirely on its own hydroelectric plant. No air conditioning, no TVs. But an Italian restaurant with brick-oven pizza, a Thai massage spa, and that famous ceiling fan from Apocalypse Now hanging in the Jaguar Bar.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Enchanted Cottage
Blancaneaux's most private and extraordinary accommodation. A secluded stone cottage perched atop a steep forested bluff with panoramic views over Privassion Creek waterfalls and the distant Maya Mountains. The bedroom has a king-size bed, writing desk, and fireplace. The bathhouse features underfloor heating, an open fire, Japanese soaking tub, and a steam room. The kitchen has a wine cooler, DeLonghi espresso machine, and heated slate floors. 24-hour butler service included.
King
Family Cabaña
A very spacious cabaña with a queen-size bed and two single beds, large screened-in porch overlooking the gardens, a hammock, and an ensuite with bath and shower. The best family option short of a two-bedroom villa.
Queen + 2 SinglesFrancis Ford Coppola's Villa
The crown jewel. An elevated open-plan living area with Francis's personal collection of art and antiques, an oversized hand-carved antique dining table seating 14, and two large bedrooms each with ensuites featuring hand-painted tiles and Japanese tubs. Private infinity pool with sundeck. Monogrammed bathrobes, goose-down pillows, and Coppola wine glasses.
2 x KingGarden View Cabañas
One-bedroom cabañas set within lush gardens featuring a large screened-in porch and an ensuite bathroom with shower. Decorated with Guatemalan textiles and indigenous art. The entry-level option here, and still genuinely lovely.
Honeymoon Cabaña
Spacious romantic cabañas with either a large private deck overlooking a waterfall or a private garden. Queen-size bed and an ensuite bath with shower. The slate-lined, mineral-salted plunge pool and oversized double-sink bathroom make this one a step above the standard cabañas.
Luxury Cabaña
Secluded cabañas at the far eastern end of the property overlooking Privassion Creek, featuring private plunge pools, king-size beds, Guatemalan décor, and a second outdoor shower near the pool.
KingLuxury Deluxe Cabaña
The highest-spec single-bedroom cabañas at the eastern end of the property with private plunge pool and creek views. Slate-lined mineral-salted plunge pool, king-size bed, alfresco shower — essentially the Luxury Cabaña upgraded.
KingRiverfront Cabañas
These have a roomy deck with a wrap-around walkway that delivers dramatic views over the Privassion River. Queen-size bed and a hand-painted tile bathroom with bath and shower. Elegantly themed with native art and local textiles.
Two-Bedroom Villas
Creekside villas measuring approximately 1,600 sq ft with a large open-air living room, small kitchen, and two bedrooms each with a king-size bed and indoor/outdoor ensuite bathroom. Some have telescopes for stargazing. Six of these villas on the property.
2 x KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Canoe trip into Barton Creek Cave, a ceremonial Maya cave accessible by canoe through crystal-clear water past stalactites and ancient Maya burial sites.
Full-day 4WD excursion to the vast Maya citadel of Caracol deep within the Chiquibul National Park — one of the largest Maya sites in Belize. Usually combined with a stop at Rio Frio Cave.
Guided mountain biking through the forest reserve. Complimentary bicycles are also available for independent use on the property.
Guided horseback rides through the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The property maintains its own stables with 17 horses. Rides can be combined with a trail to Big Rock Falls.
Guided hikes through the lodge's trail network and into the surrounding Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Access to nearby waterfalls, swimming holes, and jungle terrain. Telescopic walking poles available on request.
Guided tours of the organic garden and farm with the head gardener. Private or group cooking classes with the head chef using freshly harvested seasonal ingredients. Guests receive a recipe booklet at the end.
Complimentary river tubing along the Privassion Creek, right on the property.
Two pools on property: a large main outdoor pool plus a smaller heated horseshoe-shaped pool near the spa. Natural waterfall pools in the Privassion Creek are also accessible on foot.
Early-morning guided bird-watching sessions in and around the property. The Mountain Pine Ridge area is home to over 400 species of birds. Runs every other day — sign up at check-in.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary bicycles available for guest use to explore the property and surrounding area.
On-site stables with 17 horses available for guided horseback riding excursions.
WiFi available throughout the property. Remote forest location — don't expect blazing speeds.
Continental breakfast included in all room rates. Welcome drinks with freshly squeezed juice from fruits picked on the property at check-in.
Large square main outdoor pool with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a refreshment station with towels and bug spray. Not heated.
A smaller horseshoe-shaped heated pool near the spa and riverfront cabañas, heated by the lodge's hydroelectric plant.
On-site gift shop in the main lodge building.
All rooms include: ceiling fan (Haiku fans), minibar stocked with water, wine, soft drinks, Belikin beer and local snacks, Illy espresso machine, iPod dock, organic handmade soaps, safe deposit box, bathrobes, flashlight, alarm clock, copy of Zoetrope: All-Story Magazine, and a 'Shellphone' intercom linked to the front desk. No air conditioning or television.
The lodge runs entirely on its own hydroelectric plant powered by the Privassion River — including the spa's hot pool. Genuinely off-grid sustainable luxury.
An extensive on-site organic garden and orchard that supplies the majority of produce for all lodge restaurants. Guests can tour the garden with the head gardener.
Complimentary on-site parking.
The lodge has its own private airstrip for charter flights, bypassing the long road drive from Belize City.
BUILD YOUR BLANCANEAUX LODGE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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