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Pine Forest Heaven Date of stay: June 2021 |
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Extremely Special Place and Even More Special People I could spend days writing, revising and perfecting this review, but perhaps more simplicity is called for when you are fortunate enough to visit a one of a kind place like Blancaneaux. 26 years ago I came to Belize, and in route to a much less appealing place, I detoured to Blancaneaux for an unforgettable drink at the Jaguar Bar. I swore then I would return as a hotel guest, and so at age 51 my husband and I decided to spend four blissful nights here in late May/early June as the world started opening after Covid. We splurged on the gorgeous and remote Enchanted Cottage, and I would highly recommend this option if you are the traveler looking for private yet unassuming luxury with a constant window on gorgeous Belize. Yes, it comes with a golf cart (which is super fun and cool) but Blancaneaux will forever remember us as "The Walkers," as we often ditched the cart for the lovely and relaxing walk to and from the main building. I second all of the wonderful food/setting/ambiance details described by previous reviewers, but what sets Blancaneaux apart is without question the people. We have traveled around the world and stayed at many five star boutique and luxury hotels, but never have we found a staff with such an unassuming and genuine yet wholly professional demeanor. Literally every person we touched paths with was friendly, helpful, warm and inviting. From Bernie the manager (super great guy all around), to all our drivers (Geronimo, Virgil, etc.), to our regular bartender at the Jaguar Bar and his young trainee (the names are escaping us-ugh-sorry), we could not find a single fault in any of them. However, our Butler JAIRO is the stand out for sure. Jairo was (is) nothing short of a rock star for reasons that transcend being a spectacular employee, which he most certainly was (is). Jairo is an innately kind, interesting and caring person, and we left the hotel describing him as a new friend rather than a hotel staff member. In addition to tending to our every request and need and going above and beyond any and all possible call of duty, he tuned into who we are as individuals, and modified his recommendations accordingly. Early on, he recognized our need for more "athletic" activities, our aversion to things too "touristy" and our desire to learn more about the Yucatec Maya (of which he is one). Jairo was most of all interesting, funny and fun. He had not explored the sacred ATM cave yet, so actually accompanied us on this part of our trip, and became the butt of the guide Frances' (he was spectacular too) jokes regarding being our sacrificial Mayan to be left behind with the other human remains in the cave. Having Jairo along on this once in a lifetime experience made all the difference. Date of stay: May 2021 |
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Our stay is was wonderful. The honeymoon cabana has fantastic views and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the staff. The staff knew our names, set up a wonderful birthday dinner and were just all around wonderful! Great remote location with accessibility to Caracol, ATM cave, etc. food is wonderful, Coppola wines and liquors and local rum cocktails. Daily happy hour in the Jaguar bar is a great stop after excursions. Just book it- you won’t regret it! Date of stay: May 2021 |
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5 perfect nights in the Rainforest! What an amazing 5 nights at Blancaneaux. Our family of four (kids 13 & 8) had a family cottage. It was a large one bedroom with a queen bed, two twins, living room, screened in porch with a hammock, bathroom with shower/tub combo. I would have preferred a two bedroom villa-but this cottage was a good value. Date of stay: June 2021 |
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This area is almost quaint - tucked away from a (being updated) dirt road. We stayed in one of the luxury cabanas with a plunge pool. The cabana itself was wonderful. Extremely comfy bed and plenty of space to relax. Please be aware that these cabanas have bathrooms with no ceiling, meaning that there is only a partial wall separating it from the rest of the room. So privacy is kind of an issue. Turtle Inn did not have this design; the bathrooms were entirely enclosed from the bedroom portion. Personally I prefer privacy so I might not have booked this resort had I known. But alas, we still very much enjoyed our stay. The wait staff was so nice, all of them learned our names, introduced themselves, they were all superior. The front desk knew our schedule, down to our flight departure times! We got covid tests scheduled with no issue so we could get back to the US just fine. I loved that the nights cooled down moreso than Turtle Inn. Date of stay: June 2021 |
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The best place we've ever stayed in Belize!: My wife and I just spent our 2nd anniversary at Blancaneaux Lodge. It's an amazing place. Beautiful and everything was just perfect. We cannot say enough good things about it! The staff, EVERY ONE OF THEM, was kind, helpful, polite, and all great people! We were treated very special there. We are so grateful and we will never forget it. Be sure to put on the complimentary bug spray when you are there and the complimentary lotion in the room helps prevent bites too. The two public pools = the warm pool and the larger cool pool are both awesome, so don't fret if you can't get the room with the private pool. It's really super nice of course, but just saying the other public pools are great too. Calm, peaceful, and most of the time was just us or maybe one other couple on occasion when we were there. Be sure to take the combined same day trip to Rio Frio Cave, Caracol, and Rio On Pools. All amazing places! The three (!) restaurants at Blancaneaux Lodge are all so wonderful. The bar too. You have to visit each one. The main restaurant for Coppola's Family Recipe of meatballs, The Guatemalan restaurant was sooo good, and the Garden tour and Restaurant was real fun and interesting...and super tasty! The bar is a cool place to hang out and chill as well. All the trees, plants, flowers and foliage there at BL make the grounds beautiful, shady (and sunny too). The place was almost always breezy and nights were very comfortable even in the summer. We never wanted to leave BL and cried when we did and got back to the main highway 25 minutes after leaving there I don't mind telling you. We will be back for sure soon as we can! We loved it and everyone that works there who made it so so special to us. Coppola should be very proud. I'm sure he is. Thank you, folks! Date of stay: June 2021 |
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I traveled with my cousins and we stayed in the Francis Ford Coppola villa. It was enchanting. Caesar was incredible! He made our stay just perfect. We ate in the Guatemalan restaurant, which was charming, the vegetarian restaurant, which was delicious and had the chef dinner in the villa, which was amazing. The garden that supplies the property is beautiful and when you eat at the vegetarian restaurant, you get a tour and watch the chef collect the food that he’s going to prepare for you. I had a wonderful time with the attentive staff and the location is breathtaking. Date of stay: May 2021 |
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Better than the honeymoon we dreamed of. My wife and I visited Blancaneaux for our honeymoon and had the absolute best time. The service from the staff was top notch and they even surprised us with a special dinner one night. We were able to walk to a waterfall and spend most of our evenings relaxing by the pool at this intimate resort. The staff was extremely friendly and catered to all of our needs. Would definitely recommend this resort for any couple who enjoys swimming, hiking, and great service. Thank you Blancaneaux, Bryan and Cali. Date of stay: May 2021 |
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Group of Belizean friends trip Some friends and I were very interested in visiting the famous Belizean Mayan Archaeological Site for years after mentioning to a few of them of my personal interest, but did not get the opportunity for doing so. Date of stay: May 2021 |
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There will forever be a tiny hole in our hearts only Blancaneaux can fill. This was the third stop on our Belizean honeymoon and easily our favorite resort. Pros: Gorgeous, romantic, serene. Amazing food! The main Italian restaurant was fantastic. Delicious pizza and pasta. The Guatemalan restaurant was great as well. You MUST book a garden dinner during your stay. You get a tour of the gardens and a vegetarian dinner with a private chef. We also had a private romantic dinner on the river. The Jaguar Bar- The only bar at this intimate hotel (they only allow up to 60 guests total). Happy Hour every evening and the bartenders are engaging, hilarious, and fun. All of the staff went above and beyond. Wonderful people and we truly miss them! Date of stay: April 2021 |
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A Wonderful (delayed by Covid) 40th Anniversary Adventure Coppola’s Blancaneaux is a beautiful 5 -star resort hidden in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve of the Cayo District, Belize! We’ve been up and down the Belizean coast a number of times, but decided on a inland adventure for our 40th anniversary. And we couldn’t be happier with our choice. The river, the falls, the property, the location, the experience and the staff were all first class! We did a 6am bird watching tour on property with Aaron who was very knowledgeable and full of good information about the birds, their colors, looks, sounds they make and more. That was followed by a wonderful breakfast experience in the dining space of the on-site organic garden - where the foods were grown and then prepared! We hiked from our cabin down to the Big Rock falls (3+ miles) along the Privassion Creek and back. Moderately difficult but quite an experience! From the resort we drove to the Saturday morning market in San Ignacio (a must if you visit Cayo). Had breakfast at Pops, bought some locally made linens at the market and then drove to explore Xunantunich - our only Qui Des tour besides our bird-watching experience. Lunch followed at Guava Limb restaurant in San Ignacio- all very good! What sets the nicest properties apart? It’s the staff…. And the staff at Blancaneaux are at the top of the list for professionalism, politeness & knowledge! A wonderful 3-day experience for us - we will be back to Blancaneaux! Date of stay: November 2022 |
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Luxury in the Mountains of Belize This lodge was incredible. The staff was amazing and attentive, and the variety of activities and food options were wonderful. Our cabana was close to the waterfall and made for the perfect white noise to fall asleep to each night. Highly recommend! Date of stay: November 2022 |
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Gorgeous Resort, Excellent Service, Amazing Excursions I loved my experience at Blancaneaux. It was the perfect spot for a girl’s weekend for relaxation, restoration, and adventure. The grounds are stunning, and the lodging was so peaceful, being immersed in nature with sound of the waterfall as a beautiful backdrop. The service was TOP NOTCH. Their attention to our villa throughout the day made went above and beyond. The staff were so very helpful and friendly, talking care that we enjoyed every minute of our stay. Each person from restaurant servers to front desk to tour guides and masseuses, it felt like they genuinely took joy in our happiness. The vegetables were delicious. They're freshly harvested from the on-site farm, with outstanding recipes. Delicious. I hope they add more plant-based meals to all their menus because they were AMAZING. We took the trip to the cave, Caracol and the Rio On; horseback riding to Big Rock with lunch at the falls; tubing on site: farm tour with dinner; and bird watching. I highly recommend them all or whichever suits your desires. The guides made each experience personalized, and I felt cared for and with friends every step of the way. I also enjoyed just lounging in the hammock reading, walking around the grounds enjoying the creek and the beautiful biodiversity, and hanging out at the pool and bar. The weather in November was wonderful. Warm during the day and chilly at night to sit by the fire in the lodge. I came back fully refreshed and can't wait to return! I might even bring my family next time; my husband kids would also love it. Date of stay: November 2022 |
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A Relaxing & Invigorating Retreat I almost don't want to write this because I want it to remain a hidden gem, but this is hands down in my top 5 hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Went with my husband for a few days before heading to the coast, and it far exceeded expectations. Not only is the setting stunning, but the staff make the experience exceptional. They pre-empt whatever you might need, they make the best cocktails, they cook delicious food. And they make it look effortless. They honestly should go train people at other hotels. The rooms are rustically beautiful - sleeping to the sound of the waterfall rather than having to listen to it via the Calm app was lovely! The pool - if chilly - is a lovely spot to relax after a day out exploring. Only watch out - lots of steps - so best if you're mobile. But you're going to enjoy the location the most if you're mobile anyway as can tube down the river, visit the ruins at Caracol or go for a hike. Date of stay: November 2022 |
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Fabulous Stay with Great Service This may be some of the best overall service I have ever received, having traveled to 20+ countries. The staff is very friendly and aims to please. They learn names immediately. They learn likes and dislikes. They are hardworking and pleasant. Excellent service in every category. The food is superb. We have enjoyed all 6 of our meals here. They are excellent. We do not drink alcohol so cannot comment on the wines and drinks. They offer numerous excursions with tremendous guides. We have done 3. All have been great. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, do the extra things to make it enjoyable. Our "picnic lunch" on one of our excursions was amazing, served with glasses, plates, wooden bowls for serving, fresh fruit, dessert. All the little touches, including the actual picnic basket. They grow organic vegetables and fruits on the property and use them in their cooking. The location is picturesque right on the river. Our cabana overlooks the waterfall. Every detail of landscaping and final touches is addressed. WIFI is available and adequate, but not tremendous. However, I also have 3 or 4 bars on my phone.We loved our stay and tended to be picky. This exceeded our expectations, and that is hard to do. Would highly recommend. Date of stay: November 2022 |
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Blancaneaux Lodge did not disappoint. We truly enjoyed the location and took advantage of the restaurants, spa and activities available to us. We found that the food was stunning and on one of our outings took a walk in their beautiful gardens. The staff was helpful and kind. We were lucky enough to have the private plunge pool, outside shower and a private location which made for a romantic time. Our only real complaint and reason for the four stars vs. 5 stars was no air conditioning...but we did bring our own fan which helped immensely. Date of stay: November 2021 |
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I can’t say enough good things about this magical place. I traveled with a friend, and we stayed in Francis Ford Coppola’s Villa. It was beautiful 2-bedroom 2 bath with a kitchen and living area in between. And a private pool. A nice private setting. Ceaser was out butler, and he was fantastic. We did a day hike to the waterfalls and floated down the river on inter tubes. We were celebrating my 50th birthday and they did a surprise dinner. It was fantastic. I did hear the private pool will be heated soon. That will be a nice addition. Date of stay: August 2022 |
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We thought the whole Coppola thing was a gimmick when we first looked at Blancaneaux, but what become clear almost immediately after we checked in is how carefully and intentionally every aspect of the stay here is chosen and bestowed. From the conch shell record player which is actually a phone, to the little wooden tubs with locally made shampoo and conditioner which we became so obsessed with we bought two big bottles to take home with us, to the glass French press full of fresh coffee that gets put on your table at breakfast every morning, to the gluten free pastries that the chef made specially for my husband every day... it was all just beyond what we could have expected. We had asked about the honeymoon suite but unfortunately it wasn't available, so we stayed in a regular old cabana which it turned out was specially decked out for us in bougainvillea petals and swan towels and perfect. Beware that there is no air conditioning there because half of the hut you'll stay in is just walls of mosquito netting, meaning you can hear the rushing of the river and the sounds of some extremely opinionated birds at all hours of the night (but you get used to that quickly). The food at the Guatemalan restaurant was some of the best we've ever eaten. Unfortunately, while we were there, it rotated nights with the Italian restaurant which was fine but not really what we wanted to be eating while in Belize... but the 2 nights we got to eat at the Guatemalan place, and the 1 night we ate at the Organic Garden restaurant –which literally only serves you food from the Blancaneaux garden on the property– more than made up for it. We cannot recommend Blancaneaux enough. Staying there is an extraordinary experience that is absolutely worth every penny. Date of stay: August 2022 |
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We spent 2 nights here and there was not a single second when we did not feel welcome. We stayed in one of the river side cabañas and not only was the view spectacular, but the room was incredibly comfortable. The room was extremely clean. Staff went in during the evenings to further prepare beds, clean the bathroom and lower the window drapes. Towels and sheets were clean. During our first dinner, we met Marty. Marty was very friendly, always making conversation and always attentive to our needs. Staff at front desk were always friendly. Going back. Date of stay: August 2022 |
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It is quite a drive from the airport, but it is worth it. The setting of the resort is stunning. The grounds were perfect, and the villas were more that we could have imagined. After one day all staff knew where we were staying and most knew our names. The food is outstanding and there is something for all members of the family. We traveled with 2 adults and 4 children. We felt so comfortable. We did many tours to see the caves and Mayan sites. The tour guides were fantastic, and we knew most by name. We will visit again and bring more with us. Date of stay: August 2022 |
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Beautiful Property and First-Class Service The property is gorgeous. It is tucked into the landscape perfectly and purposefully. It is well maintained and just feels so peaceful. My wife and I stayed in one of the plunge pool cabanas and loved it. I was concerned about it being hot at night since there was no air conditioning and I like to sleep in a really cool room, but the nights in July were cooler and the fan running was surprisingly perfect. I do wish the plunge pool was heated, as the water was cold, but it did not keep me from using it. The staff was amazing and provided unmatched first-class service. They knew our names every time we came back to the main building where we had breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food in the main restaurant was our favorite, and cocktails were all great too. Date of stay: July 2022 |
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This was our second time staying at Blancaneaux, the first being our honeymoon 14 years ago. It was just as lovely as I remembered it. The grounds are gorgeous, our cabana and views were great. What really makes this place stand out though, is the staff. Every single one of them. They know your name; they know what activity you did that day and what you’ll do the next day. One of our many lovely guides, Heraldo (hopefully I spelled that right) has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area and wildlife, which he shared during our Barton Creek tour. Melvin as well, who guides for Turtle Inn too, is an actual ornithologist! So, if you are into birds, this resort has you covered. Important piece for us: an Excellent bartender, Ernesto, who is both charming and good at his job. We did a… Date of stay: August 2022 |
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Wow don’t know where to start as the entire experience was superlative. My wife and I travel extensively, and the Coppola resorts are in the top 1% of places we have stayed. Bernie and the entire staff make you feel like family and every creature comfort is provided with a smile. We have stayed at Turtle Inn (the sister resort at Placencia) several times and now have found our jungle paradise home away from home (we now live on Ambergris Caye after moving from Ohio). The food was superb and a fantastic culinary experience. Make sure to arrange the Garden dinner and Guatemalan room dinner. There is a plethora of excursions to choose from with world class service provided by the resort. Caracol and ATM cave are bucket list excursions. We loved it so much we extended our Date of stay: August 2022 |
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Incredible Experience in a Beautiful, Unique Environment This resort is spectacular - from the views to the villas, to the landscape - it will take your breath away. We were overwhelmed with how much there was to see and do, and how lucky we were to be there in such a beautiful environment. Our 2-bedroom villa was clean, had that upscale Central American feel but also took advantage of the rainforest atmosphere. My kids loved the hammocks. We had a deck right outside our villa that overlooked the Privassion River with swimming areas (that you can go tubing down). We loved our excursions to the Rio Frio Cave and Caracol - which everyone should do immediately before it becomes a major tourist attraction. And the hike to Big Rock Waterfall was worth the challenge as you can swim right up to the falls. Blancaneaux is a truly unique Date of stay: June 2022 |