Inside Belize: Coppola Hideaways
From jungle mornings to seaside sunsets - here’s why we loved it
Well Placed Travel recently explored Belize and The Coppola Hideaways. For travelers seeking an off the beaten path destination or alternative to Costa Rica, Belize offers a relaxed pace, beautiful beaches and adventure. Here you’ll find rich culture, rainforest lodges, world-class diving and snorkeling, and a welcoming local spirit.
Arrival & First Impressions
Belize is a country of contrasts where dense jungle gives way to white-sand beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins are a short leap from barefoot luxury. With only 450,000 residents, it’s one of Central America’s smallest nations, yet it carries an outsized sense of character, history, and adventure.
After landing in Belize City, customs moves quickly, but luggage inspection can be intense as they scan every bag before exiting the airport. Saturdays are the busiest, so pack a little patience. Private arrivals and domestic transfers must still clear customs, though your driver will be waiting with a cool drink and local snacks; plantain chips and kale dip make a fine welcome in the luxury SUV transfer provided by the hotel.
On the road, the drive opens a window into Belizean life. Along the way, we paused for a village funeral procession: a white Cadillac hearse led a line of cowboys on horseback, their hats glinting in the sun, boots and shirts perfectly matched. Throngs of people followed on foot. Locals stepped out to pay respect as the cortege passed, gathering near an above-ground cemetery, a vivid reminder of how community and tradition shape daily life here.
As the miles unwind, the road signs turn wild: crossings for jaguar and tapir warn drivers.
Jungle Sanctuary: Blancaneaux Lodge
Hidden deep within the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Blancaneaux Lodge, a personal getaway of the Francis Ford Coppola family, feels like a secret you’re lucky to uncover. Arrival comes with a cold towel and a welcome drink- fresh juice with a splash of local rum, garnished with pineapple.
Each thatched-roof cabana feels deeply rooted in place: rustic yet refined, with Guatemalan textiles, pristine linens, and an open-air design letting in the forest. There’s no air conditioning, but in the mountains with the crisp evenings, we didn’t notice. We loved the symphony of frogs at night and a dawn bird chorus that wakes you gently with the sunrise. Candlelit turn-down service adds a touch of magic, and simple pleasures abound- wooden Jenga, a deck of cards, and a hammock overlooking the river. WPT relished the “Shellphone” technology- an actual conch shell to communicate with the front desk.
Days here move at their own rhythm. Mornings begin with coffee delivered to your deck, followed by a light breakfast of fruit, yogurt, and pastries, or perhaps a Dutch baby pancake to share. Afternoons bring jungle adventures or slow hours by the pool. Evenings end with cocktails at the Jaguar Bar or a glass of Coppola wine from the afternoon tasting before settling in for a homemade Italian dinner at Montagna. The meatballs and wood-fired pizzas standout. The concierge personally visits each table to confirm the next day’s plans- small touches that make the hospitality shine.
A culinary highlight included an evening in the vegetable garden, with welcome drinks and appetizers made with their fresh ingredients. Drinks in hand, we followed the head gardener and chef through the extensive garden as they plucked herbs, legumes and veggies out of the earth. We loved the proud showcasing of peppers, zucchini, mango, tomatoes, ginger, and other abundant plants and trees. Their own chicken coop yields fresh eggs for the resort. Our dinner at The Garden Spot under twinkle lights consisted of salads, sauteed vegetables and stir fry made with the garden’s bounty. Of course, accompanied with Coppola wines, the family-style dinner delighted.
Adventures in the Highlands
From Blancaneaux, adventure is never far. The Caracol and Xunantunich Mayan sites are two of Belize’s most fascinating archaeological treasures, and day trips to Tikal in nearby Guatemala are easily arranged, especially from their nearby hideaway La Lancha. For something more immersive, explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, where you’ll wade and climb through caverns lined with ancient artifacts. Barton Creek Cave, reached by canoe, offers a gentler but equally beautiful glimpse into the Mayan underworld.
Along the way, look for local wildlife: toucans, howler monkeys, and the elusive jaguar.
Coastal Contrast: Turtle Inn
When it’s time to trade jungle greens for ocean blues, a drive (or short flight) to Placencia brings you to Turtle Inn, a beachfront retreat with a completely different energy. Like Blancaneaux, it carries the same blend of character and comfort, but with a barefoot, seaside spirit.
Accommodations range from thatched-roof cottages with garden showers to beachfront villas for the extended family. Roman’s Bungalow facing the lagoon, designed like a chic 1970s ship cabin, brings pure nostalgia in compact design, while the spacious oceanside villas welcome groups or families of any size. The open-air design connects guests to the rhythm of the sea. The sand flies can be persistent so consider this your cue to pack the good bug spray.
Create days here as active or languid as you like. Borrow a bike, book a massage in the lagoon-side spa, or simply wander from the pizzeria to the tea house to the seafood grill. Don’t miss the coconut or mixed berry gelato, imported from a local shop in town. Despite the sign ‘No Adults Allowed’ in the colorful gelateria, they served us. We appreciated the vintage movie reel projector set up at dinner one night, showing silent black and white films as guests dined. Turtle Inn succeeds at balancing an atmosphere of chic romanticism and family-friendliness. It’s the kind of place where you can drink good wine, meet interesting people and let your kids run free with new friends. Should you prefer a less interactive vibe, the resort provides ample privacy and an adults-only pool.
Life on the Water
No stay in Placencia is complete without a boat day. We set out on with a small group, stopping at a private island where a local caretaker watched for turtle hatchlings. Snorkeling revealed coral gardens, schools of bright fish, an eagle ray, shark, and even a sea turtle gliding by. A beachside barbecue of grilled fish, chicken, salads, and fruit made for a perfect island lunch. The return cruise brought rain, cold beer and wine, and the sense that not even a passing shower could dull Belize’s beauty.
The night before our departure, we took a sunset sail through mangroves and open waters with appetizers and wine. This activity would have been better on our first night, but Mother Nature dictated our schedule.
Final Thoughts
If Blancaneaux represents Belize’s soul- quiet, elemental, and connected- then Turtle Inn represents its heartbeat, pulsing with salt air and laughter. The contrast between the two captures what makes Belize so compelling: wild yet welcoming, rough-edged yet refined.
Belize is ideal for travelers who value authenticity over polish, those who don’t mind a bit of rustic charm in exchange for genuine connection with nature and culture. It’s more casual and relaxed than Costa Rica, often at a lower price point, and offers many of the same experiences: lush jungle, abundant wildlife, ancient ruins, and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean.
For travelers drawn to discovery and ease, this journey delivers both adventure and soul.
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