First of the three Francis Ford Coppola's Paradise resorts in the Belizean jungle from where a truly nature experience starts with luxury and comfort. This indulgent lodge offers thatched cabins and luxury villas overlooking waterfalls and beautifully manicured tropical gardens. Heavily recommended by travel magazines everywhere.

Located within the remote mountains of Western Belize, Blancaneaux Lodge is shrouded in forest green overlooking the flowing waters of the Privassion River. Here, amid the pines and tropical foliage, film director Francis Ford Coppola and his wife Eleanor, first found this modest forest hunting lodge while hiking in 1981 and for years it was a private hide-away for his family and friends. In 1993 it opened its doors to a discerning public who were looking for comfort and style in a remote and adventurous location.

Blancaneaux Lodge is designed to provide rustic comfort in harmony with its surroundings. The setting is unbelievable - the cabanas and villas are laid out on a hillside above the Privassion River which besides being beautiful is also useful. In true ecological spirit Coppola invested in a hydro-electric plant to harness the power of the river to provider around-the-clock electricity for the Lodge. Coppolas personal vision for the lodge is apparent everywhere - from the river-powered hydro-electric plant that provides 24-hour electricity, to the extensive organic gardens which provide fresh fruits and vegetables for the restaurant.

The food at Blancaneaux is as unique as the decor. Guests can start their day with freshly squeezed orange juice--you pass the groves on the way to the Lodge, bread baked that morning and plates of fresh fruit. The restaurant boasts the only wood-burning pizza oven in the country, and Coppola imported both an espresso machine and coffee roaster. The menu features many Coppola family recipes and proudly reflects his Italian heritage. Local chickens are home-smoked behind the restaurant, and virtually all the produce and fruit come from the large garden on the property. In addition to pizzas and pastas, there are a changing array of daily specials, including Mrs. Scorseses Lemon Chicken, and a second chicken dish credited to Coppolas mother, Italia. Fresh fish from the coast also appears frequently on the menu. Coppolas wines from his Napa Valley estate, Niebaum-Coppola, are available on the wine list.

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST INCLUDED

3-NIGHT MINIMUM STAY REQUIRED FOR CHRISTMAS AND EASTER

The luxury thatched cabanas and villas were designed by Mexican Architect, Manola Mestre based on local Mayan homes and structures which Coppola had seen in the Philippines whilst shooting "Apocalypse Now" - the fan in the bar even came from the film set! The villas he created rise from the jungle on stilts and have soaring hardwood and hand-woven thatch ceilings. Francis and Eleanor Coppola chose the furnishings for each villa themselves from Mexico and Guatemala. The mahogany furniture on the decks and in the restaurant is hand-crafted in San Ignacio - the closest town to Blancaneaux - and the slate bar carved with ancient Mayan symbols was created by a local artisan.

Each thatched-roof cabana and deluxe villa is decorated with handwoven bedspreads, carved animals and masks, set against warm wood tones. The focal point of each cabana and villas is the panoramic screened deck with spectacular views of the fast flowing river below, its waterfalls and rock pools - ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Luxurious tiled Japanese baths come with a view of the jungle sky and local herbal soaps to wash away urban worries.