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Backpackers trekking through the jungle highlands of Belize a few years ago occasionally stumbled onto a rustic place called Blancaneaux Lodge - then a row of thatched huts above an idyllic valley, where waterfalls drop into granite pools lined with tiger ferns while parrots roost in the palmettos. Francis Ford Coppola himself stumbled upon this same enchanted retreat in the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve in 1981. "I'd been looking for some kind of tropical utopia," Coppola says. "This was the paradise hideaway I was looking for." The rest is history... Welcome to Blancaneaux Lodge.
Blancaneaux Lodge
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
Cayo District, Belize
Cayo District, Belize
Nearest Airport: BZE
Blancaneaux Lodge is one of the most wonderful places I've ever stayed. I've just returned from a family holiday there and can't recommend it highly enough. The location, nestled along the Privasson River, is beautiful, and the grounds and surroundings of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve are stunning. The staff is exceptional - welcoming, polite, helpful, attentive and warm. Loved having a choice of restaurants and thought the food was consistently delicious. One of the highlights for us was the stables on site. Indeed, we did three different horse rides, each of which was unforgettable (including one to Big Rock Falls) and all the guides were brilliant. The horses are clearly very well cared for and loved. We were even lucky enough to be staying during the time one of the horses gave birth, so we were able to see her foal, which was a real treat. After four nights, we were all very sad to leave and would have loved more time to enjoy this very special place. Do not hesitate to go and stay there and discover for yourself just how special it is.
Alice G
We stayed for 4 nights at Blancaneux and it was extraordinary. The rooms were thoughtful, tasteful and extremely comfortable. We did a few excursions including Big Rock Falls, a birding tour but enjoyed spending most of our time on the property relaxing. Above all else, the staff is exceptional - warm, welcoming and helpful on every level. A place not to be missed in Belize!
Sarah C
Outstanding staff and best environment in which to see the beautiful country of Belize. Certainly one of the best ways to see it is with excellent guides. We saw the Mayan archeological sites with Alex. Incredibly knowledgeable and got us to the tops!
lcs20152015 - Bismarck, North Dakota
This is a truly unique property in a wonderful forest setting. We stayed in a private thatched roof cabana with our own plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a private path to a wonderful knoll where we could observe the stars. It was an excellent place to unplug, unwind and reconnect. While there was no air conditioning, the airy design and well shaded setting keep it comfortable during the day, and because of the elevation, temperatures dropped in the evening insuring a good nights sleep. The staff were very attentive and friendly. They made our stay a delight, especially the restaurant staff. The food in the three restaurant choices was excellent. We especially enjoyed the Guatemalan themed restaurant and the tour of the organic gardens combined with a specially prepared plant based dinner. We toured the Caracol ruins while there and hiked to Big Rock Falls for a swim in its pristine waters.
Steve W
My wife and I spent 4 nights at this dry jungle paradise. The cabins are spectacular, the river is awesome and refreshing (no scary creatures!), easy short drive day trips for hiking, Maya Temples, and more great river experiences, and the overall vibe is expeditionary British-Caribbean from the early 20th century. A true gem if you want a higher-end experience.
Troy F
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We stayed at the Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge for a week in October, and it was the best vacation we have ever taken. The cabanas and cottages were lovely, the staff was incredible, and the food was outstanding. It's rare that you come home from vacation without a single negative thing to say - our only criticism is that we couldn't stay longer! It was truly an amazing experience.
-M. Royer