Francis Ford Coppola's Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn, Belize. The Lodge's accommodations mirror the rainforest's vibrant hues. Each bungalow features a soaring hand-woven thatched roof, artisan-crafted and antique colonial furnishings and a luxurious Japanese bath with views of the jungle sky. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/blancaneaux/hotel/364/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:49:44 EST Visit Blancaneaux Lodge, a jungle retreat in an entirely self-sustained sanctuary. Discover a paradise where waterfalls spill into turquoise pools and Mayan ruins spring from the forest. Ensconced in a region of pristine rainforest, Blancaneaux Lodge offers modern comforts in an entirely self-sustained jungle sanctuary. At the resort, attentive staff, spacious accommodations and experienced guides await you. Adventures abound in the surrounding 300-square-mile Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Some of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Central America are a short drive away. Walk in the steps of the ancient Mayans or explore pristine rivers in a canoe. Cool off in the Lodge's river cascades. Explore the rainforest on horseback or mountain bike. Spot iguanas, rare howler monkeys and brilliant butterflies – all with the region's most trusted and knowledgeable guides. Unwind in the Jaguar Bar. Dine on Coppola family recipes in our Restaurant. In the restaurant, daily specials are offered from the Lodge's own garden. Dine on fresh seafood, smoked meats and authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning Italian oven. Local rum punches await at the Jaguar Bar. The Privassion River courses through the Lodge's grounds. Above the river, a kaleidoscope of forest birdlife plays against the palmettos. Enjoy the jungle sounds from your private deck. All of the electricity used at the Lodge is generated by a hydroelectric plant that harnesses the power of the river. Food is prepared from fruits and vegetables grown in our own Organic Garden. The Lodge is a guest in this fertile natural forest. To complement this, our chef has established a three-acre, self-sustaining organic garden that produces all of the fruits and vegetables used to make traditional Coppola family recipes. GETTING THERE Belize is less than two hours by air from Houston, New Orleans and Miami. Blancaneaux Lodge is outside of San Ignacio in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a 300-square-mile national wildlife reserve in the Maya Mountains. The Sofia, our private Islander aircraft, can transport you from Belize City in less than an hour. The adventurous may choose to travel by road; the Lodge can be reached from Belize City and Belmopan via the Western Highway. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: Explore the ruins of Ancient Mayan Cities. Ancient Mayan cities dot the landscape in this part of Belize. An hour's drive south of Blancaneaux is Caracol, a city that once covered 35-square miles and was home to 150,000 people. Here you can explore vast plazas, descend into ancient tombs and climb pyramids that provide sweeping views of the surrounding jungle. Watch for groups of endangered Black Howler Monkeys in the trees above Caracol--this rare and beautiful animal is only found in Belize. Other ancient cities such as Xunantunich are nearby. A day trip away and across the border in Guatemala is Tikal, one of the largest and best-known Mayan cities. Explore the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve's many Caves and Caverns. Blancaneaux Lodge is surrounded by many cave complexes that vary from the tiny to the vast. On the vast side is the Rio Frio Cave, an enormous two-ended cave carved out of a mountain by the Rio Frio River. Many other caves surround the Lodge. Some, such as the popular Barton Creek Cave and the newly opened complex at Actun Tunichil Muknal, contain pottery and bones left by the Mayans. Take a dip in nearby Pools and Waterfalls. The hidden Big Rock Falls are a short trip away by car, horse or mountainbike. Hike down to the misty base of the falls, and swim in the warm pools. Or take a trip to the Rio On Pools, where small waterfalls spill between pools carved by the river out of the mountain granite. Some of the pools are connected by natural waterslides. Ride a Horse deep into the rainforest. The Lodge houses a number of handsome horses in its private stable. Our friendly guides will lead you on horseback to local falls and caves or will take you deep into the jungle where you can spot unusual birds and other wildlife. Mountainbikes are also available at no charge. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Resort Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/blancaneaux/hotel/364/3/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:49:44 EST