Within the magical Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Francis Ford Coppola’s jungle lodge is a rustic retreat full of character. It’s not new or even really five-star level, but has plenty of charms and a mesmerising setting.
Stay at Blancaneaux Lodge
Strange sounds echo as you swing in a hammock above the river. You inhale fresh smells, take a sip on a vintage Californian wine. Jaguars live around here and tomorrow you’ll follow their trail. But right now it’s just you, alone in a wilderness, exploring another side to Belize. Francis Ford Coppola bought Blancaneaux Lodge as a writing retreat. It’s certainly a place to disconnect and find your own sense of space. Coppola’s eccentric tastes make for quirky and colourful accommodation, although the reason to stay here is the location, rather than any in-room luxuries.
Location
Inside Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Blancaneaux will completely immerse you in nature. It’s the base for an adventure. From Belize City’s airport it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive, or 30 minutes from San Ignacio’s domestic airstrip. Bouncing down the bumpy jungle road is an indication of what’s to come.
Rooms
Blancaneaux Lodge now feels quite dated and the accommodation is more at a four-star level. It’s rustic here and there’s no air conditioning. For couples we recommend only the luxury cabanas, which have a private plunge pool. Or for families either the two-bedroom villa or grand FCC villa.
Who is it for
Both couples and families will find so much to do here, but you do need an adventurous mindset to make the most from your stay. If your ideal holiday involves active days out exploring and quiet evenings in comfortable accommodation, Blancaneaux is for you. High-end luxury seekers should go elsewhere.
Facilities & activities
There are excursions galore, on mountain bikes, horses, walking and bird trails. For example, hike to Big Rock Falls straight from your cabana. Outside the reserve you have more options, like Mayan ruins. The one-room spa is okay and there are two swimming pools, although swimming in the river is more in keeping with the lodge’s style.
Blancaneaux Lodge Photo Gallery
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