 Luxury Resorts: Inspired by a love for Thailand, Francis Ford Coppola, acclaimed motion picture director, writer, and producer knew exactly the type of resort he wanted to create: one with a Balinese theme in the jungles of Belize, rugged yet luxurious, that even his family could enjoy. Built along the southeastern coast of Belize, a three hour drive or 40-minute flight from Belize City, the resort lies on a beautiful sandy bay just north of the tiny fishing village of Placencia. A tropical paradise, the region offers stunning white sand beaches, mangroves that line the perimeter of serene lagoons, and nearby rivers, lush rainforests and Mayan ruins.
Luxurious Indonesian-inspired cabanas at Turtle Inn sit among the mangroves  facing the Belize Barrier Reef, which is second in size to that of the Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Each villa is within steps of the sea, featuring a private garden with outdoor shower, private Chinese baths, a screened porch, and artisan-crafted furnishing. The Chinese Matrimonial Suite features a 200 year old, hand-carved Chinese fertility bed. Accommodations are granted upon special request as there are only twenty-three cabanas and villas available.
The inns own gardens produce four varieties of tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Each restaurant boasts a menu that consists of fine  Italian cuisine, including gourmet pizzas made in brick ovens. Excursions include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and hiking; or relax in a hammock, bask in the sun, get a Thai massage, or simply do nothing at all. The village of Placencia, a short walk away, offers restaurants and watering holes that feature a cultural experience: local food, live music and warm hospitality.
Coppola owns two other exclusive resorts: Blancaneaux Lodge in the Maya Mountains of Belize and La Lancha in Tikal, Guatemala. Visit the Turtle Inn website for more information on all of them.
For LxM Sherry Martin |
