Blancaneaux Lodge by Francis Ford Coppola

Blancaneaux Lodge is a hidden gem tucked into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The property is stunning - perched above rushing waterfalls with views that stretch across the dense forest canopy. They've managed to create something truly special here, where luxury exists in perfect harmony with nature. The staff at Blancaneaux are incredible - they're passionate about the property and the surrounding environment, and it shows in everything they do. They're always ready with recommendations for hikes, eager to share their knowledge about local wildlife, and make you feel completely taken care of while giving you space to enjoy the serenity of the location. The dining experiences here are unforgettable. The restaurants serve amazing farm-to-table dishes, with many ingredients coming straight from their organic garden. Each meal feels special, whether you're having breakfast overlooking the forest or dining under the stars. The chefs work wonders with local ingredients and traditional recipes. The activities are endless - from horseback riding through the jungle to exploring nearby caves and ancient Mayan sites. The grounds themselves are a joy to explore, with winding paths through beautifully maintained gardens. The natural swimming pools along the creek are a highlight - there's nothing better than cooling off in the crystal-clear water after a day of adventures. The whole place reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and conscious design. From their hydroelectric power system to their organic farming practices, everything is done with environmental stewardship in mind. It's the perfect example of how eco-friendly practices can enhance rather than detract from a luxury experience.

Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize is absolutely incredible—one of the best places we’ve ever stayed! The lodge is tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, and it feels like your own private jungle retreat. The garden dinner was a huge highlight. Everything is made with fresh ingredients straight from their organic garden, and the food was amazing. Eating under the stars with the sounds of nature all around was such a special experience—it felt magical. Swimming in the river on the property was another favorite part of our stay. The water is crystal clear and so refreshing, and the setting is just beautiful. It felt like we had our own secret swimming spot in the middle of the jungle. We also took a trip to the Mayan ruins at Caracol, which was unforgettable. Our guide, Hugo, was the best! He was so knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of the area. He made the ruins come alive with his stories and insights, and we learned so much while having a great time. Blancaneaux Lodge is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and amazing food. The staff were so kind and attentive without being overwhelming. If you’re looking for a getaway where you can connect with nature, enjoy delicious meals, and have some incredible experiences, this is the place to go!

We stayed at Blancaneaux for two nights in November. Our Riverview Cabana was amazing with gorgeous views of the river. The bed and pillows were so comfortable. The food was delicious. We went horseback riding with Edgar through the pines and rainforest. The horses were so good and Edgar took great care of us. We had wonderful massages too. The entire staff knew our names and treated us like royalty. My husband forgot his backpack and the lodge arranged to have it transferred for us to Turtle Inn in a matter of days (during tropical storm Sara). We will be back! Thanks to the entire staff for making our trip so enjoyable.

We celebrated our anniversary with a trip to Belize. I am a beach person so this part of the trip was my husband’s selection however when it was time to go I hated leaving! Customer service above and beyond. Food was outstanding. Knowledge of the area on point. Little extra touches and special treatment was common at this beautiful place.

The Blancaneaux Lodge is truly an amazing place to spend any time. My wife and I spent four nights there in August of 2024 and hated having to leave. The staff is wonderful, the three restaurants served wonderful food, much of it locally sourced and the grounds are beautiful. We stayed in a riverfront cabin with the sound of the nearby waterfall (a small one) coming thru the screened in back of the cabin. While there, we visited a Mayan ruin, rode horses, had a sunset carriage ride, did a jungle hike, had a massage and visited two nearby caves. We had breakfast delivered to our room each day, with the food and coffee always made properly and at the correct temperature. The nightly turndown service, with an extra edible treat left for us as well as 3 lit candles awaiting us after dinner was a pleasant surprise to finish each day.

We had a wonderful stay! The property is beautiful, the lodging and food excellent, and the staff is committed and warm. There was no shortage of fantastic activities of all kinds. We will definitely be back! Our thanks to the entire team at Blancaneaux.