Blancaneaux Lodge

Need to know

Rooms

20, including six two-bedroom Villas, a Family Cabana, the Francis Ford Coppola Villa, and a private cottage.

Rates

Low season, $230–$800; high season, $285–$1,200, including Continental breakfast; excludes nine per cent tax and 10 per cent service charge.

Check-out

Midday, but later check-out can be arranged.

Facilities

Stables, spa, small library, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: iPod docks, unique ‘shell phone’ intercom system, hand-made organic toiletries. The Enchanted Cottage has its own pool, underfloor heating and an open fireplace.

Poolside

The Privasson River has plenty of hidden swimming spots at the feet of its many waterfalls, but a huge horseshoe-shaped hot pool and a new infinity pool cater to less adventurous tastes.

Children

Although sloping grounds and steps make it a tricky proposition for babies and the buggy-bound, kids are welcome. Cots (free) and extra beds ($50 a night) are provided; babysitting can be arranged.

Eco-friendly

Sustainability is Blancaneaux’s buzzword: it’s powered by its own hydroelectric plant, sources its food from an organic garden and orchard, and eschews air-conditioning in favour of a naturally cooling open plan design scheme.

Also

There’s a two-night minimum stay during winter and a three-night minimum at peak times (20 December to 5 January; 16–24 March). The Enchanted Cottage requires a five-night minimum stay throughout the year. Smoking allowed throughout.

In the know

Our favourite rooms

Although Francis Ford Coppola’s own villa is the largest, with a kitchenette and a vast open-air living area, we were most taken with the Honeymoon Cabanas and their soft cream sofas and carved beds. Number 5 has a secluded terrace with a sweeping waterfall view, as well as a private, heart-shaped garden. The Deluxe Honeymoon Cabanas are even more impressive, boasting slate-lined, mineral-salted plunge pools, huge bathrooms decorated with double sinks, vast square baths and colourful hand-made tiles.

Packing tips

Francis himself recommends bringing a journal to capture any screenwriting ideas the setting may inspire; insect repellent would be the more practical, if mundane, suggestion.

Also

If the bumpy three-hour drive from Belize City airport seems too much, charter a five-seat Cessna plane to zip you over the jungle canopy to the Lodge’s own airstrip.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant

The tree-house-like Montagna serves up the owner’s Italian culinary favourites – the Belizean jungle is not where you’d expect to find a wood-fired pizza oven. At the poolside Guatemaltecqua you’re more likely to savour authentic Mayan dishes.

Dress code

Jungle casual; closed-toed shoes or sandals will keep the evening ants from unwelcome nibbling.

Top table

For the best view, head for the table to the far right of the wrap-around terrace. From here, you can ogle jungle views in two directions, and, at breakfast, marvel at the birds and butterflies that fill the forest air.

Last orders

Blancaneaux’s restaurants both take last orders at 9pm, but the bars stay open until the last guest leaves.

Room service

Meals drinks and snacks can be brought to your cabana until 9pm. There’s butler service 24 hours a day in the Enchanted Cottage.

Hotel bar

The ceiling fans in the Jaguar Bar are souvenirs from Apocalypse Now, and the hand-carved bar counter is decorated with glyphs of Mayan gods. Throughout the day, hummingbirds feed on the tropical flowers while guests sup hibiscus daiquiris.

Smith card offer A half-hour Thai massage each

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Blancaneaux Lodge

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo District