Coppola Lodges of Belize

8 nights from £807

Stay in two luxury lodges owned by American film director Francis Ford Coppola, combining the beautiful forested interior with a beach wind down on Belize’s Caribbean coast.

Firstly, spend four nights at Blancaneaux Lodge, set amongst the hills and forests of Mountain Pine Ridge. On the fifth day, you will be driven to Placencia (four hours) on the coast for four nights at Turtle Inn.

Suggested holiday itinerary (flexible)

Day 1: Spend four nights at Blancaneaux Lodge, which has an outstanding location amongst the hills and forests of Mountain Pine Ridge. It is an exclusive hideaway of 17 thatched-roof cabins and villas raised on stilts and built on the side of a forested hillock.

Each is rustically decorated with regional textiles and artefacts, with private bathroom and a screened viewing terrace. There is a restaurant and a well-stocked bar.

Excursions include horse riding, canoeing on the Macal River, exploring the Mayan river caves, hiking to a delightful natural swimming hole surrounded by lush forest, or visiting the ruins at Xunantunich.

Days 2-4: At leisure at Blancaneaux Lodge.

Day 5: Continue (land transfer included) to Placencia (4hrs) to Turtle Inn for a further four nights. This delightful property is located 3km outside town behind a small sandy beach.

The dining area is a vast open thatched-roofed construction with hardwood floors and a bar. Beyond are 19 large, thatched individual cabins dotted around a deep, central pool, each with its own secluded garden and outdoor shower. All are designed with attention to detail: hand-carved hardwood furnishings, large plush armchairs and sofas, huge ornate doors, grand comfy beds, and large luxurious bathrooms.

Kayaks and large bikes are available for hire, and scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing excursions can be organised from the dive shop along with a variety of land-based trips.

Day 6-8: At leisure. Depart day 9.