Turtle Inn is north of the Creole fishing village of Placencia, this marine retreat combines natural wonders with luxury amenities, two restaurants, attentive staff and fine dining. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/turtleinn/hotel/377/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:32:11 EST Just beyond your private deck, the white Caribbean sands dissolve into a clear-water world of unspoiled coral reefs, playful dolphins and bright exotic fish. Hang a hammock from the shady coconut palms and watch colorful iguanas and the gentle tides unfold against the white sand beach. Welcome to your own Caribbean paradise. Morning juice and cappuccino herald the call to adventure. Experience the world's best salt-water fly-fishing or go snorkeling in miles of untouched barrier reef. Visit the world's only jaguar reserve, or cruise up the Monkey River and observe tropical birds, iguanas, manatees, crocodiles, and howler monkeys. From scenic strolls to scuba diving, the Turtle Inn staff will provide the region's most knowledgeable and trusted guides. RESTAURANT Lobster, prawns and conch cook over glowing coconut husks at the Gauguin beach grill. Traditional family recipes are prepared in an Italian wood-burning oven. Select a table in the open-air dining room or something more romantic – a candlelit table on the ocean's edge. Coppola family recipes are made using fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the Blancaneaux Lodge's organic garden. Before sitting down, enjoy a cocktail or sample from exclusive Niebaum-Coppola wines in the sunken sand-floor bar. Miles of white sand beach dip into the azure sea. Cool trade winds brush the southern shores as they fan the coconut palms. Plant a lounge chair at the water's edge and dip your toes into the warm tide. You can go snorkeling or explore the barrier reef or just sip a limon fresca and enjoy a siesta. Belize is less than two hours by air from Houston, New Orleans and Miami. Turtle Inn is on the southern coast of Belize, just outside of the town of Placencia. The Sofia, our private Islander aircraft, can transport you from Belize City to Turtle Inn in less than an hour. Buses and commercial airlines also fly between Belize City and Placencia. AMENITIES: Enjoy accommodations in the spirit of this natural landscape. Charming cabanas of bleached thatch and native wood mingle with the beach's palm and sea grape. Under the thatched roofs, quiet ceiling fans invite sweet sea air and flora-scents to perfume the tropical interiors. Each Balinese-inspired cabana has artisan-crafted furnishings, a luxury private bath and a panoramic view of the sea. ACTIVITIES: Explore spectacular Coral Reefs Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Whether you want to slip on a diving mask and explore the waters around the Inn or hire a water taxi to take you to spectacular reefs at nearby cayes, Turtle Inn is the ideal base while exploring this natural wonder. Take an unforgettable wildlife cruise up the Monkey River. A boat will pick you up at the Turtle Inn beach and take you down the coast past Placencia to the mouth of the Monkey River. Enjoy a quick lunch or refreshing drink in the village of Monkey River before continuing your cruise into the jungle. From exotic birds to brightly colored snakes and from wildcats to crocodiles, spectacular wildlife awaits you along the river. A short walk into the dense forest will take you into the habitat of the rare and endangered Black Howler Monkey. Enjoy the Caribbean seaside town of Placencia. Bike, hike or take a water taxi down the tip of the peninsula to the sleepy town of Placencia. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Resort Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/turtleinn/hotel/377/3/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:32:11 EST