Blancaneaux Lodge

Tucked away in the remote mountains of western Belize, Blancaneaux Lodge, owned by US film director Francis Ford Coppola, overlooks the gentle rapids and waterfalls of the Privassion River where jungle and pine forest flora intertwine within the beautiful scenery. The villas rise from the jungle on stilts and have soaring hand-woven thatch ceilings. The mahogany furniture on the decks and in the restaurant is handcrafted in San Ignacio, the closest town by local craftsmen, who also created the slate bar carved with its ancient Mayan symbols. Luxurious tiled Japanese baths come with a view of the jungle sky and local herbal soaps help to wash away urban worries.

The food is good and fresh, being mostly home grown, cooked using a fusion of Italian and local recipes. There is an authentic pizza oven imported from Italy, and a selection of wines from Coppola’s California estates are served.