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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
When I say the Blancaneaux Lodge is magical, I am not lying. It is enchanting. My boyfriend/now husband and I first visited BLX in 2019. It was our first stop on our first trip ever to Belize. When we stepped out of the car on that first visit I was in awe of the lush landscape with beautiful native plants and flowers and pathways. It is a mesmerizing natural paradise with such vibrant colors and beauty. I fell in love. I just left there last week after my eighth visit. The cabanas are lovely, spacious and secluded from others. The bedding is dreamy. And I’m picky about bedding. In the winter months it can get a bit chilly at night but when you return from dinner candles are lit and the bed is warmed with plush comforters and hot water bags. And sweet treats and fresh water on your bedside tables. There are many onsite activities - hike to big rock falls with a packed lunch, float in the cooling waters, birding, horseback rides and so much more. And there are many activities they will arrange off site with a knowledgeable driver/guide and comfortable cars. To say the driver/guide is knowledgeable is an understatement. They know everything! Whether it’s a drive from the airport or an excursion to a Maya site or to the butterfly farm or Barton creek cave or others, I learn something new every time. And the food! The food is outstanding- I have never had a meal I didn’t love. The menus change often at the three different onsite restaurants so you don’t have a chance to get bored. The vegetarian Garden Spot restaurant and garden tour are beyond impressive. The garden itself has to be seen to be believed. Extraordinary. The food that they grow right on site is incredibly fresh and delicious. The Guatemalan restaurant is amazing (sopa maya is a favorite). And the main Italian restaurant never disappoints (meatballs with fresh pasta, any of the pizzas, Belizean breakfast are favorites of ours). And the people!!! I cannot say enough about the staff at Blancaneaux Lodge. Many of the people we met on our first visit are still there. Some for 10-20 years. That says a lot. Everyone is so sincerely kind and accommodating. The manager Bernie is lovely and I always his smile and a lovely conversation. We have been lucky to have Edman take care of us many times when we have stayed in a cabana/villa with a private attendant. And Osmani and Jairo too. They think about things before we even have to ask. Edman took care of me and some girlfriends last week and went above and beyond to make sure we were all comfortable and happy. After leaving I was meeting my husband in a different town and they were kind enough to allow me to make some special requests for things to take away- among them being a large special order of a soup I had two trips ago so my husband and I could enjoy it together. They even gave me the recipe. And also packed us other delicious foods and some Coppola wine. (If you are going from a Coppola property to a non Coppola property - self catering or otherwise, I suggest buying some wine to take with you as retail wine selection outside of a Coppola property can be disappointing.) And Geronimo, Gerald, Gilbert, Alex, Thelma, and many others are always a pleasure to see and talk to and learn from. And it’s the little things. From the small touches that add to the ease and comfort of the stay that are provided resort wide to remembering my favorite meals and that I like green tea instead of coffee that make Blancaneaux Lodge stand far above anywhere else I have visited. Their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Belize and the Cayo district and sustainability practices they employ is more than admirable and much appreciated. Others should take notes. I could go on, but this is already long (and the only review I have ever written anywhere for anyone). I just left there last week and am already planning my next visit. Thank you Bernie and Edman and the whole Blancaneaux family for making our recent stay so very special. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Erin B
One of my favorite hotels of all time. We had a butler and he was excellent. The GM, Bernie is so kind. My family shoukd have stayed a week!!
Katherine B - Mountain Brook, Alabama
Blancaneaux Lodge exceeded every expectation and was truly one of the best vacations of my life. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel so welcome—they were warm, attentive, and genuinely went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. The bungalows were beautiful, private, and incredibly comfortable, making it easy to completely disconnect and relax. Every meal was exceptional, and the restaurants consistently impressed us. One of the absolute highlights was the unforgettable farm dinner, which was one of the most unique and delicious dining experiences I've ever had. What really sets Blancaneaux apart is the incredible number of complimentary activities. We loved tubing down the river, birdwatching, exploring the property, and relaxing by the gorgeous pool. There was always something to do, yet it never felt crowded or rushed. Every evening ended with thoughtful little dessert treats delivered to our room, which was such a special touch. Every detail of our stay felt intentional and luxurious while still maintaining a warm, authentic atmosphere. If you're looking for adventure, relaxation, amazing food, and outstanding hospitality all in one place, Blancaneaux Lodge is hard to beat. I can't recommend this property enough. We'll be talking about this trip for years, and I already can't wait to come back.
Charlotte J
What an incredible time we had at the Blancaneaux Lodge! From the moment we got there we were amazed by the beauty of the Lodge and it's surroundings. The level of service from the staff was outstanding and they went above and beyond our expectations to create a beautiful experience for us. The food was delicious! Our room was magnificent! The spa and the massages and facials were wonderful. The details that were put into the design of the main lodge and the rooms are incomparable to anywhere else we have stayed at - and we travel a lot. You can see how Copolla's vision for the lodge comes to life in every detail. Being surrounded by lush nature and the sounds of the forest at night was simply incredible. We took a tour to Caracol as well as Barton Creek and the excursions were so great - the tour guides made it such a unique personal experience - we learned so much about Belize and it's history. We will be back!!!!
Lisa C
We had an extraordinary experience at Blancaneaux Lodge. Fantastic food, great accommodations, and exemplary service throughout the stay. The location is quiet and beautiful. Rooms and property were well maintained and clean. Loved the remote mountain setting. Lots of bang for the buck!
Travis B - Colorado Springs, Colorado
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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