Beauty in Belize

Beauty in Belize

By Stephenie Rodriguez

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the pristine beaches of Belize for sensational diving or a yoga retreat, Norwegian Escape Cruise Lines just made it easier. With the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is an ideal destination if nature is what you seek. The Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape now have regular routes from Miami that include a stop in the port of Belize City.

If you are looking for a far more discreet and luxurious experience, the Coppola Resorts’ latest development – Coral Caye might just be paradise you seek. If meandering around your own private island is a part of your dream getaway, then channel your inner Margaret Mead whilst enjoying the services of a private butler and masseuse assigned to serve the two-cottage homestead that sleeps up to twelve.

“Belize has it all — sensational diving conditions, pristine beaches and some of the nicest locals in the world.”

If you aren’t ready for the full Robinson Crusoe adventure on Coral Caye, then the Turtle Inn, (also part of the Family Coppola Resorts) might be your nirvana on earth. Acquired by
Francis and Eleanor Coppolain 2001, the 25-room seafront hideaway is a refuge of beautifully furnished thatched cottages elegantly appointed in Balinese textiles and naturally cooled by the evening’s ocean breezes. We recommend both! The Turtle Inn’s General Manager Martin Krediet is amongst the region’s finest hoteliers. His love for dogs and community have his hotel participating in a notable initiative, PACK for a PURPOSE where guests are encouraged to bring school supplies or equipment for the local Humane Society..

If your idea of vacation involves an endless vista of green over blue then the Blancaneaux Lodge located in the Northwest corner of the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District of west Belize is where you’ll find tranquility in unspoiled surrounds. Francis Ford Coppola discovered this mountain paradise in 1981 whilst searching for a jungle hide away in the Maya Mountains of Pine Ridge. After more than a decade of keeping this enclave a private family retreat where he took solace to write, he made it available to the public in 1993. Blancaneaux Lodge is a self-sustaining eco-friendly luxury resort consisting of 20 rooms and cabanas in the pristine surrounds of the Privassion Creek which flows right through it and provides a sustainable power supply. The property’s 3.5-acre organic garden supplies all the fruits and vegetables served in the hotel’s two restaurants. The Lodge is comprised of a series of stand-alone villas and cabanas that rise from the lush jungle on stilts and have soaring hand-woven thatched roofs.

If you are fortunate enough to stay in either the Enchanted Cottage or Francis Ford Coppola’s Villa, you can’t help but sense the inspiration he drew from these divine habitations. He created a haven in which to reflect, write and create some of the best fiction of all time. His personal art, antiques and photos make this an intimate experience.

The secluded cottage is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and sensational panoramic views of the expansive forest. Equipped with a king-size bed, the one bedroom is complete with a fire place in both the chamber and the bathroom. You’ll also love the heated slate floor, Japanese tub, shower and steam room that open on to the pine forest below.