Background to this new Coppola lodge
Francis Ford Coppola had searched Belize and it's beautiful island and beach properties long before he heard about the mysterious Blancaneaux Lodge in the Pine Ridge Mountains in the Maya Mountains. He was so charmed by the setting of Belize's first resort in the lush pine forest set against the backdrop of waterfalls, that he chose it as his personal paradise. But years later, and with Blancaneaux established as one of Belize's most desired and visited eco-resorts, the thought of a beach companion began to inspire the idea of another search.
The same guests who enjoyed the charm and solitude of Blancaneaux, with its proximity to ancient Maya ruins, mountain swimming and countless exciting activities, also wanted to enjoy the snorkeling, and diving and fishing as well the joy of a perfect Caribbean white sand beach. All this he found at The Turtle Inn in the small Creole fishing village of Placencia.
The Turtle Inn has been a favorite for adventurers and marine biologists for over twenty years, and so the Coppolas' wanted to enhance it's unique charm and bring it to the level of luxury and comfort that guests of Blancaneaux have come to expect, but in style totally different than the rich Mayan textures, fabrics and artifacts used at the first resort. Spending nights on the beach and witnessing the calming sunsets, Coppola found a serenity, peace and beauty that remind him of the Balinese culture. This became the distinctive style for the treatment of the new Turtle Inn, with gardens, stones, fabrics of Bali.
The Turtle Inn offers both privacy and convenience for our guest. Seven palm-roofed cabanas, a beach house, and a bar and restaurant comprise the resort. A small inn on a big beach; the thatched cabanas built by Mayan Indians provide just the right amount of tropical ambience. Each is comfortably rustic and has a private bath with hot water, 110 volt electricity, ceiling fans and tropical hardwood interiors. Hammocks hung on the verandas provide a real feeling of manana. The two bedroom fully equipped beach house is ideal for honeymooners, couples and families desiring a little more independence.
Blancaneaux's Turtle Inn is small and intimate, consisting of traditional thatched-roof raised wooden cabanas with a distinct Balinese ambiance and decorative style. The bleached thatch and ocean weathered, textured wood blend into the hibiscus, palms and sea grape that fringe Belize's finest white sand beach. More secluded are two larger accommodations which are ideal for families or honeymooners wanting more privacy and space. These are only a few feet away from the sea, making unplanned sunset and sunrise swims a matter of sudden urge. Quality, comfort and style are fused with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that define the property.
There are four beach-front cabanas which can accommodate up to four people and all have a small kitchenette and private bathroom. Each cabana has a queen-sized bed, a convertible sofa. The spacious wooden decks have teak deck chairs and hammocks.
The beach-view cabanas are situated just behind the beach-front cabanas and are raised on tall wooden posts to maximize the panoramic views and cooling sea breezes. Slightly smaller than the beach-front cabanas, they each have one queen-size bed, outside deck and private bathrooms, of course.
The "Dragonfly" house (Dragonfly is the beautiful secret agent heroine of Roman Coppola's new sci fi movie "CQ") is an igloo-style 2-bedroom bungalow with full kitchen, private bathroom, living area and roof deck for great sunrise and sunset views. Each bedroom has a queen-sized bed. Situated at the far end of the beach property it is perfect for honeymooners and those wishing to enjoy the solitude of close proximity of the beach.
Mr. Coppola's Beachcomber or Pavilion House is a cozy 2-bedroom house with outside wooden deck, full kitchen, two bathrooms and living room featuring a floor to ceiling library of books, CD player and comfortable pull-out sofa bed. One bedroom features a queen sized bed and the other two twin beds. It is a fine family accommodation.
All accommodations are steps away from the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
As total capacity is less than thirty, each guest is assured of receiving just the right amount of personalized attention. Individuals, couples, families and small groups return to The Turtle Inn year after year. The inn provides a casual, warm atmosphere, great excursions and outstanding meals.
fresh food and fine wine
Bordered by a large wooden beach deck and sheltered under a bay palm thatch roof, the dining room at Turtle Inn is relaxed and comfortable. In the evening cooling sea breezes flow through the open-air dining room where you can enjoy an innovative menu featuring authentic Neapolitan pizza (prepared from the only wood-burning in Placencia), a wide variety of pasta and Italian specialties, organically raised vegetables, salads and freshly caught seafood.
In addition to the main restaurant, there is "romantic, barefoot style sea-food only dining" right on the beach under umbrellas. Plates are traditional wooden platters covered with banana leaf. Choose your lobster (in season), prawns, river lobster and fish, conch cooked on the beach over glowing coconut husks and served to your table at the water's edge.
The sand floor "Pirate" bar is a fun place full of relics and tradition from Turtle Inn's rich and quirky history featuring Southern Belize's widest range of enticing cocktails, traditional Belizean favorites such as draft Belikin beer and fine Niebaum-Coppola's wine selection.
In addition Exclusive Niebaum-Coppola wine, the pavilion features a daily tasting of fine wines from Mr. Coppola's estate in the Napa Valley.
Activities:
Watch the sun ease above the Caribbean. Hang in a hammock. Rent a kayak. Read a book. Organize a round of beach volleyball. Stroll along sixteen miles of white sand beach. Take a dip in the Caribbean. Watch the waves. Stargaze.
Check out the excursions and activities the inn can provide. Everything from snorkeling to bird watching to SCUBA diving to hiking in the rain forest to sport fishing to kayaking to swimming in waterfalls to visiting contemporary Mayan families and the cities built by their ancestors. And more . . .
"Dine under lantern light. Great verandas. Great food. The menu is changed daily. We serve fresh seafood prepared our own way. Other entrees including vegetarian dishes are also offered. The bar is well stocked with cold beer, cold juice, soft drinks, stronger spirits and we offer an interesting selection of wines."
Situated midway between the airstrip and Placencia Village.
Placencia is located at the southern tip of a narrow 15-mile peninsular in the Stann Creek District and is only a short 35-minute domestic flight from
Blancaneaux Lodge's private airfield, Belize City or Belize International Airport. Separated from the mainland and the Maya Mountains by a pretty lagoon, the miles of white sandy beach considered the finest in Belize face due east toward the spectacular coral cayes and the hemisphere's longest and largest barrier reef.
Placencia is much more than a beach paradise, it is equally easy to experience Belize's diverse ecotourism and adventure activities from
Placencia by exploring the nearby rainforests, nature reserves and spectacular Monkey River.
