A dramatic hideaway in a rainforest wonderland, tucked away in a pocket of the Maya Mountains, Blancaneaux Lodge is a 20-room luxury resort where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools above the jungle canopy. Its remote mountain setting makes it a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
Guests can also explore the ancient civilization of the Maya, which still endures in the sacred sites throughout this magical region. From the ceremonial caves along the white-water rivers of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve to stalactite caverns and the vast ruins of Caracol deep within the lush rainforest, Blancaneaux is your window into the world of natural and archaeological wonders.
Guest Accommodation
Nestled in the hills above the Privassion Creek, the mountain retreat of Blancaneaux Lodge offers the comfort of spacious villas or cozy cabañas opposite the spectacular Privassion Creek waterfall. All dwellings at Blancaneaux Lodge feature:
- Bathrobes
- Safe deposit box
- Mini-bar stocked with water, wine, soft drinks, Belikin beer and local snacks
- Shellphone for communicating with reception
- Ceiling fan
- Writing table & chair
- Coffeemaker & Tea making supplies
- Umbrellas (2)
- Organic, locally sourced, handmade soaps
- Alarm clock & iPod docking station
- Hairdryer
- Copy of Zoetrope:All-Story Magazine
Riverfront and Garden View Cabañas
Enjoy spectacular views of the Privassion River or nestled in the beautifully manicured garden, each cabaña is elegantly themed with native art and local textiles. Each offers a queen-size bed and hand-painted tile bath. The Garden View features a large screened-in porch with hammock and the Riverfront includes an expansive deck with wrap-around walkway
Deluxe Cabañas
Since opening the Deluxe Cabañas in early 2008, they have quickly become the most sought after accommodations on the property. Surrounded by lush vegetation and just a stone’s throw from deep pools and tumbling waterfalls, the two Deluxe Cabañas offer a secluded setting at the far eastern end of the property overlooking Privassion Creek.
Family Cabañas
A large dining table, queen-size bed, and a pair of twin beds highlight this spacious Family Cabaña. A large screened-in porch overlooks the beautiful gardens, which can also be enjoyed while idly swaying in the room's hammock.
Two-bedroom Villa
Skirting Privassion Creek, the roomy 1,600 square foot villas feature a large comfortable open-air living room with a small kitchen. Off the living room are two luxurious bedrooms, each with its own full bath.
Enchanted Cottage
Blancaneaux Lodge's ultimate retreat. Reflecting Francis Ford Coppola's desire to create a haven to reflect, write and create, the cottage sits atop a steep forested bluff offering panoramic views over the tumbling waterfalls of Privassion Creek and the distant jungle clad Maya Mountains.
With an emphasis on luxury, the cottage features a bedroom with a king-size bed, writing desk and fireplace. The bath house provides understated luxury with its under floor heating, open fire, shower, Japanese tub and steam room. The cottage has a spacious kitchen that includes a wine cooler, Delonghi espresso machine, a breakfast bar and a heated slate floor. Adjacent to the kitchen is an airy day room with queen-size sofa bed, large coffee table and comfortable armchair. Screened doors open onto the hardwood deck and the infinity pool. The Enchanted Cottage is secluded and surrounded by lush tropical gardens and spectacular panoramic views. There's a hammock for lazy afternoons.
Hotel Amenities
Waterfall Spa
Set on the banks of Privassion Creek, the Waterfall Spa offers a variety of treatments, wraps and massages, as well as access to the rejuvenating hot pool overlooking cascading waterfalls. The spa specializes in the art of Thai massage, and features a professionally trained staff that has studied the ancient techniques at the Sacred Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok.
In addition to providing the best spa experience possible, the hotel is also committed to maintaining strict sustainability guidelines. With a hot pool heated solely by hydro-electricity, spa treatments that use only locally sourced organic ingredients and an open building design utilizing natural light, the Waterfall Spa is eco-luxury at its best.
Natural Wonders and Pool
Over a thousand streams begin their journey in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve while smooth granite boulders, sandy beaches and waterfalls of Privassion Creek provide some of the reserve's best natural swimming holes. You can swim in the deep, cool pools close to the lodge or explore the hidden rock pools leading to the stunning Big Rock Falls, a must see for the adventurous.
On the resort, the fresh water infinity pool is set between the main lodge and the Guatemaltecqua Restaurant and is decorated with brightly-colored ceramic tiles and surrounded by a stone patio. Handmade mahogany sun loungers surround the edge of the pool while "Captains" are on-hand to provide towels and take drinks orders from the bar.
Organic Gardens
At Blancaneaux Lodge the produce is truly local. The gardening staff grows all the organic vegetables and many of the fruits used at the lodge. Despite the challenges presented by gardening in the jungle, Francis and Eleanor Coppola felt fresh, flavorful produce was worth the effort. "We want to offer our guests the best there is, and by growing it ourselves we can guarantee the quality," says Francis. "Besides, what's a good brick oven pizza without fresh basil?"
Guests who visit the garden will see familiar backyard varieties growing next to exotic fruits and vegetables. Blancaneaux's elevation and cool evening temperatures make it possible to grow a myriad of leaf lettuces, radishes, beans, carrots and beets as well as fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, cilantro and dill.
The gardener and chef consult daily on what is available for the day's menu and what will soon be ready to make an appearance. The year-round growing season and careful crop rotation means there are always fresh tomatoes for salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas.
Horse Stables
Enjoy an equestrian sightseeing tour through the lowlands of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The hotel's own horse stables allow you both convenience and the assurance that your riding adventures meet Blancaneaux standards.
You are invited to explore the surrounding area on horseback. Horseback riding tours are ideal for all riders, regardless of skill level. The staff will take care to match the rider with the most suitable horse to ensure comfort and safety. Riding helmets are available upon request.
Gift Shop
Explore the crafts of Belize and its neighboring countries in the gift store. The family personally gathers many of the local artisan-made items. Hand-carved and painted wooden masks, which are featured in the room decor, are available for purchase and make an impressive display. The shop also carries an excellent collection of one-of-a-kind hand woven huipils bought directly from weavers in Guatemala. An assortment of traditional jewelry made of silver, jade and other precious stones is also available.
