Blancaneaux Lodge

The story goes that Francis Ford Coppola discovered this property in the early 1980s and converted it into a private writing retreat.

What became Blancaneaux Lodge is now made up of 20 villas and cabañas available for visitors, all featuring charming décor and art. Many of the building styles are based on architecture Coppola saw while filming Apocalypse Now in the Philippines.

There are several accommodation options to choose from, all with quirky ‘Shellphones’ for contacting reception. Naturally, Francis Ford Coppola’s Villa is the most luxurious abode here – with two bedrooms, a Japanese bathtub and a 14-seat dining table – but there is a range of options to suit every visitor on their Cayo District holiday. Garden View, Honeymoon, Riverfront and Luxury Cabañas are well-suited to couples, while families and groups can opt for the Family Cabaña or Two Bedroom Villa.

Activities around the resort and surrounding area include birding and horseback riding expeditions, swimming, hiking and venturing into the Chiquibul Forest at night to spot amazing wildlife. A range of ancient Maya ruins can be explored nearby; the resort arranges tours of Caracol, Xunantunich and even Tikal over the border in Guatemala.

At mealtimes, choose between Guatemaltecqua Restaurant’s local flavours and the Mediterranean menu filled with Coppola family recipes at Montagna Ristorante; eating authentic Italian cuisine deep within the Belizean jungle is quite an experience! A twice-weekly ‘convivial dinner’ is served for all guests at Garden Spot. Jaguar Bar serves delicious cocktails and Coppola wines and features décor taken from the set of Apocalypse Now. The production of the film was famously fraught – but the jungle experience offered at Blancaneaux Lodge is guaranteed paradise.