Blancaneaux Lodge: by Francis Ford Coppola
After my adventures in San Ignacio area, I continue my journey in Belize to 2 spectacular accommodations: I am invited to stay over at Blancaneaux Lodge, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, yes, the director of The Godfather movies (!) and will spend the night at Caves Branch in a treehouse with howler monkeys just meters away from my bed…
A driver of Blancaneaux Lodge picks me up at Lower Dover. It is time to say goodbye to Maddy, the 7 dogs and the delicious hibiscus wine. Within minutes we leave the hard paved road and drive further and further away from civilization…
Blancaneaux Lodge is a remote paradise. The ice cold, welcome drink is delicious. In my beautiful, spacious Riverfront Cabana I find divine, complimentary, Creole coconut cookies and the famous Coppola wine in the minibar. The room is decorated with a lot of wood, fine details and Balinese influences. Love it! There is a huge shell on the desk, that has ‘shellphone’ written on it. This is how I can call reception! From my huge balcony I have a stunning view over the river and waterfall. What a place….
The service at Blancaneaux lodge is oustanding. Within an hour everyone knows my name, at night, when I return to my cabana after dinner, I find a hot water bottle in my bed, the candles in my room are lit and there is a glass of water next to my bed! It gets pretty cool here at night, because of the altitude, but that is perfect for a good night sleep! There is an organic farm, there are horses for scenic tours, 3 restaurants, professional Thai masseurs and a landingstrip for private planes. No wonder the Hollywood celebs love this secluded, private paradise. Mr. Coppola and his daughter Sofia both have there own villas at Blancaneaux Lodge. If you have never tried a Coppola wine, you are missing out in life… just so you know;-).