Blancaneaux

Cayo District

Tucked away in a pocket of the Maya Mountains, Francis Ford Coppola’s 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 a world of natural and archaeological wonders.

The intimate ‘Montagna Ristorante’ serves classic Italian cuisine is served in a romantic tropical setting. The menu features traditional Italian dishes with a special focus on the Coppola’s own family recipes, drawn from their history in the southern region of Basilicata. Pastas, fresh fish, and braised or grilled local meats are all prepared with organically-grown herbs and vegetables from the onsite organic garden.  Also on offer are made-to-order pizzas, cooked in an authentic brick oven.

The poolside ‘Guatelamtecqua Restaurant’ specializes in the cooking of Guatemala, a mildly-spiced cuisine that draws on Mexican, Caribbean and Mayan traditions. Local favorites include Salpicon, shredded beef salad flavored with sour orange and cilantro, Jocon, chicken cooked with green herbs and spices, and Rellenitos, a delicious dessert consisting of plantains filled with sweetened black beans.

The ‘Jaguar Bar’ is a perfect place to relax after a day of activities. The hand-carved slate bar, ceiling fans from the set of Apocalypse Now, framed pictures of local archaeological digs and handmade furnishings create a truly eclectic atmosphere.

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. At the request of Francis Coppola, 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.

Region: Cayo District
Type: Luxury Jungle Resort
Price: From US $180 per person per night plus 9% hotel tax and 10% service charge

Accommodation at Blancaneaux: