Turtle Inn Belize

Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired this beachside hideaway in 2001 and created an idyllic refuge for those seeking a relaxing or adventure-filled getaway to Belize.

This 25-room seafront escape delights guests with individual thatched cottages, decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, naturally cooled by the ever-present sea breezes. Just steps beyond your private deck, the white-sand beach dissolves into the clear Caribbean Sea.

In addition to offering an ideal location to experience the sea, Turtle Inn is located a short bicycle ride or walk from the charming sea-front fishing village of Placencia, where local artisan shops and dining spots can be enjoyed.

Turtle Inn is located between the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and the charming Creole fishing village of Placencia, at the tip of a narrow 26-mile long sandy peninsula. To the east, the Caribbean Sea is studded by a patchwork of coral cayes and the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage site.

Directly behind Turtle Inn to the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. South of the Placencia Peninsula is the Monkey River, formed from the Swasey and Bladen rivers that flow from the jungle-clad peaks of the Maya Mountains.

Poolside Garden View Cottage
Nestled in our lush gardens and a few paces from the Caribbean Sea, each Poolside Garden View Cottage has a private screened porch, spacious bathroom with a Japanese bath, and a private walled garden with an outdoor shower.

All Belize dwellings feature Balinese hand-carved doors and décor, and ceiling fans. Our luxury hotel resort in Belize also offers tranquil Seaview Cottages, with partial views of the Caribbean Sea.

Poolside Seaview Cottage
Each Poolside Cottage has a private screened porch, spacious bathroom with a Japanese bath, and a private walled garden with an outdoor shower. All our luxury Belize hideaway dwellings feature Balinese hand-carved doors and décor. All rooms feature Balinese hand-carved doors and décor, and ceiling fans.

Seafront Cottages
Just steps from a beautiful stretch of beach and the Caribbean Sea, the Seafront Cottages at Turtle Inn are our most desirable dwellings for couples or individuals.

Each includes a private garden with an outdoor shower, screened porch, and a bathroom with a Japanese bath. All rooms feature Balinese hand-carved doors and décor, ceiling fans, and thatched roofs that naturally cool the cottages.

For a more spacious and secluded accommodation, our Belize luxury beach hideaway also offers two-bedroom Garden View Villas, nestled in our lush gardens and only a few steps from the Caribbean Sea.

Seafront Villas
The most desirable villas at our Belize luxury hotel are just a few steps from the Caribbean Sea. These Balinese themed 2-bedroom/2-en-suite bathroom villas provide luxurious proportions with a living room, separate sitting rooms, and an extended screened porch surrounded by a private walled garden with an outdoor shower.

Ceiling fans and thatched roofs naturally cool the villas, as do the sea breezes. Turtle Inn prides itself on being one of the leading family hideaways in Belize, even offering a large Balinese-inspired Family Pavilion large enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Roman’s Lagoon Bungalow
Roman’s Lagoon Bungalow features a full kitchen, an expansive living room and bedroom, and a private pool and large deck offering spectacular sunset views. The house is cleverly designed with a mirror and wall which open up on either side of the bedroom for an open-plan feeling (but can be closed for privacy).

Should the creative spirit move you during your getaway, there is a very spacious desk with plenty of room for a writing project or an afternoon of watercolor painting.

There are many areas inside and out to curl up with a book–and when you are ready for a change of scenery you can wander across the street to the two resort pools and beach.

The Lagoon Bungalow is best suited for 2 adults and 2 children, as the second small bedroom features bunk beds. Continental breakfast is included in the nightly rate. A portable A/C unit is available for the bedroom upon request.

Francis’ Family Pavilion
This exclusive Balinese-inspired pavilion, located at the southern edge of the property and surrounded on three sides by a high walled garden, is designed to maximize privacy. There are two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a third loft bedroom accessed by a ladder.

Francis’ Family Pavilion features antique hand-carved wooden doorways and detailing, stone sculptures, and artwork selected by Francis and Eleanor Coppola.

The two spacious bathrooms feature indoor showers and beyond the airy bathrooms are private walled gardens with outdoor showers. The two bedrooms flank a living area and screened porch with comfortable sofas, writing desk, and wet bar area with an espresso machine and refrigerator.

Overlooking the pool is an open air, thatch-roofed dining terrace with a spectacular view over the beach to the Caribbean Sea. Below the dining terrace is the private pool crafted with original tile art and surrounded by a tropical walled garden.

Guests at Francis’ Family Pavilion also enjoy luxurious bathrobes, locally produced organic bath products, goose down or hypo-allergenic pillows, an iPod docking station, Wi-Fi Internet access, and our Shellphone intercom system linked to the resort’s front desk.

Francis’ Family Pavilion also has a full-time butler to anticipate your every need. The butler is on call using a walkie-talkie radio system. As one of the top luxury beach hideaways in Belize, Turtle Inn offers several types of accommodations that are sure to fit your specific needs.

Coral Caye – Your Own Private Island

Imagine slowing down time and inhabiting an intimate island where your only neighbors will be your traveling companions, exotic birds, and attentive caretakers to prepare your meal, pour your wine or chop a fresh coconut.

Your trip to Belize and Turtle Inn will be an even more exquisite memory when you add on a few nights on our two acre, isolated, private island, just a 25 minute (8 mile) boat ride from the resort.

Sheltered behind the world famous Belize Barrier Reef, Coral Caye is a completely private island that can be yours alone for a romantic, restorative or adventurous get away. You and your lucky travel companions will feel like you are castaways with all the comforts needed to leave all of your cares behind.

The island features a small coral sand beach and fascinating mangrove ecology. Once used as a commercial fishing camp, it has now been enhanced for travelers who want a once in a lifetime experience, while still preserving the natural, local flavor.

Your dwelling will be a comfortable, rustic cottage that suits the untouched nature of your surroundings. A true sanctuary that is eco-conscious in every way and allows the soothing sounds of the Caribbean sea to lull you to sleep or beckon you to spend your afternoon snorkeling directly from the island.

Do as much or as little as you please in complete privacy and solitude among your loved ones. Your meals will be prepared daily by the island caretakers whether that be a morning coffee, fresh fruit or egg breakfast, a refreshing light salad or sandwich lunch and a fresh caught seafood dinner – BBQ Creole style.

Robinson Crusoe would be challenged to find a more exquisite retreat and we’ve added all the extra touches so that you may truly unwind.

We can also customize your experience with add-on items (at extra charge) such as al-fresco massages, a private chef and private attendant for a more elaborate meal, a guided fishing tour, pre-ordered specific grocery items, a cake or special treat to celebrate an occasion. The options are only as limited as your imagination.

The coastal decor consists of airy fabrics, open space, seaside-inspired colors, beachy accents, sturdy woods to withstand sandy feet and salty air, and tones to reflect the sea and sky. Two dwellings and a great house are the only buildings on the island and can accommodate from two to ten guests.

The Coral Cottage, our newly built dwelling, is ideal for a couple or family with young children. It has a king bed and a sleeper sofa in the cozy living area, front porch, hammocks and full bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower.

The Seahorse Cottage, ideal for extended family or additional friends, is situated near the Mangrove Cove where one can find many seahorses. It features two queen beds, two twin beds and in-cottage bathroom plus an outdoor shower.

The Great House is a charming sand floor indoor/outdoor living room space with amenities including a full bar, music system, half bathroom, kitchen, dining table, board games, dart board and more this space for celebration or family meals. Additionally, there is a full-size day bed for napping or an optional additional overnight stay accommodation.

Mare Restaurant
Fresh seafood and traditional Italian cooking come together at Turtle Inn’s flagship restaurant. Local fish is brought in daily from the fertile reefs just offshore and fresh vegetables are delivered from our organic garden.

Our changing daily menu offers such dishes as ceviche and gazpacho, fish cooked in a sea-salt crust, and a selection of pizzas made to order in our wood-burning oven.

On Monday and Thursday evenings a traditional Dutch Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner is served (as pictured above). The Mare offers a relaxed dining experience beneath the towering vaulted thatch roof, with incredible views out to sea.

Wine Cellar
Turtle Inn now offers an exciting new wine tasting package in our brand new “wine aquarium,” designed by Laurent Deroo and built by local Belizean builder & architect Margarito M. Ortiz.

The “wine aquarium,” which features a wall-to-wall glass-encased wine cellar, holds more than 1200 bottles of award-winning selections from Francis Ford Coppola’s two wineries in Sonoma County (Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Virginia Dare Winery) as well as his Inglenook estate in Napa County, along with many other vintages from Chili, Argentina, Italy, France and the US.

Gauguin Grill
Our beachfront restaurant features fresh, charcoal-grilled seafood including lobster, jumbo shrimp, and snapper all served on woven plates accompanied by a choice of Balinese-inspired sauces and spices.

Tables are set just a few feet from the sea, affording fantastic views of the offshore cayes (tiny islands) and starry night sky. The sandy-floored bar and lounge also offers an excellent selection of Belize-brewed beer, wine, and cocktails.

Auntie Luba’s Kitchen
Our own authentic Belizean diner, Auntie Luba’s, overlooks the calm, shallow waters of Placencia Lagoon. The menu of our rustic-style restaurant is filled with regional fare like curry chicken, coconut shrimp, seasonal conch fritter, beef stew, and the best home-baked key lime pie.

The atmosphere is casual yet festive and a memorable event may include finishing the evening with s’mores made over the firepit and sending off wish lanterns over the lagoon.

The Laughing Fish Bar
Just steps from our luxurious infinity pool, a towering thatch roof provides a shady retreat to enjoy a wide selection of drinks.

Bar stools sit directly on the golden-sand beach, offering panoramic views over the sea to the offshore cayes (tiny islands). You may even catch your bartender preparing your cocktail in a coconut, picked from the palms above.

Skip White Bar
Named after the charismatic original owner of Turtle Inn, the Skip White Bar displays antique microscopes used by Skip and his marine biology students.

This open-air bar offers an excellent selection of drink options throughout the day and into the evening, and is an ideal place to chat about the day’s adventures over a glass of wine from Francis Ford Coppola Winery or a Belize-brewed beer.

Kid’s Gelato Bar
Neatly tucked to the side of the Skip White Bar hangs a sign ‘Gelato Bar – No Adults Allowed.’ Superb local gelato that changes seasonally makes this a favorite hangout for children of all ages.

Sunset Spa
Set in an open-air Balinese Rice House featuring hand-painted murals inspired by ancient art, the Sunset Spa relaxes those who’ve spent a full day touring, swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

All treatments use locally-sourced organic ingredients. At the request of the Coppolas, our Belize spa hideaway specializes in traditional Thai massage, practiced by a professional staff that has studied these ancient techniques at the Sacred Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok.

Beach & Pool
The sandy beaches of Placencia and calm waters create perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a host of other water-related adventures. Visit our Dive Shop for more information on renting sailboats, snorkel gear, kayaks, water bicycles and paddle boards.

Turtle Inn also has two infinity swimming pools. Our oval-shaped infinity pool is highlighted by views of the sea and is enjoyed by all of our guests, while our triangular infinity pool is available to adults only.

Scuba Diving
The Caribbean’s largest barrier reef lies just offshore from Turtle Inn, offering divers a magnificent diversity of coral and marine life to explore.

In addition, a number of easily accessible cayes (tiny islands) have their own reefs and underwater ecosystems, cementing Belize’s reputation as one of the world’s great scuba destinations.

We are dedicated to providing you with the best diving experience possible, regardless of skill level. In addition to our selection of tours, we also offer a wide range of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification courses.

Snorkeling
Clear, calm waters combined with an abundance of fascinating coral and fish make Placencia a premier spot for snorkeling in Belize. Spend a full or half day exploring exotic coral species and keep an eye out for the dazzling stoplight parrotfish, queen angelfish, squirrelfish, and the great barracuda.

Trolling the Reef
Troll, spin-cast, or drop-fish in some of the most populated waters of the Caribbean. Barracuda, king mackerel, snapper, grouper, tuna, and snook are among the many species that thrive here. Tour includes all necessary fishing gear. (Please note this is not ‘blue water’ fishing for pelagic species.)

Salt Water Fly Fishing
The productive sand and coral flats off Placencia combine to offer the chance of salt-water fly fishing’s grand slam: permit, bonefish, tarpon, and snook.

Our waters provide some of the best fishing in the Caribbean and we offer experienced and professional local guides. Select fly fishing gear is available to loan from our tackle shop.

Swimming
Our sandy beach and calm waters create perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling as well as a host of other water-related activities. Visit our Dive Shop for more information on renting sailing boats, snorkel gear, kayaks, water bicycles and paddle boards.

Turtle Inn also has two infinity swimming pools to enhance your stay. Our oval-shaped infinity pool is highlighted by views of the sea and is enjoyed by all of our guests, while our triangular infinity pool is available to adults only.

Birding
Whether you are an amateur or professional birder or have not even considered this as an activity while on vacation, joining our on-site ornithologist Melvin on a guided bird watching experience at Turtle Inn will delight you.

Enjoy the morning sun rising over the Caribbean Sea while strolling through the grounds of the resort with Melvin who will ensure you don’t miss seeing a large variety of beautiful birds. More experienced birding enthusiasts may want to schedule an adventure further with our guide.

Of the country’s 590 recorded species, some of the most spectacular, and some of the rarest of species can be seen here versus elsewhere: the Lovely Cotinga, Ornate Hawk-Eagle and Rose-throated Tanager, as well as a host of colorful toucans, parrots and hummingbirds.

Yoga
Stephanie’s deep passion for yoga infuses every aspect of her life. Her teachings are full of joy, compassion, and an authentic desire to help students connect to their own limitless potential.

What Stephanie loves most about yoga is the balance between physical and spiritual – the opportunity to transcend the physical body and find a deeper truth. Yoga classes are adapted depending on the ability and needs of the person, from gentle flow to a fun and challenging Vinyasa.

Sunset Cruise
The sunset over the distant Maya Mountains is nothing short of spectacular and there is no better place to see it than from the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon.

The cruise generally lasts from 60 to 90 minutes and includes hors d’oeuvres and wines from Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Stay on the lookout for dolphins and manatees that are often visible from the deck of the boat!

Placencia Village
In many ways the Placencia Peninsula presents a microcosm of the best Belize has to offer. The beach view is of the enchanting cayes, barrier reef and beyond. It is an ideal base for amazing diving, snorkeling, and world-class fly fishing.

The village of Placencia has maintained its charming appeal with annual events such as the Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival, and Lobsterfest.

A rich multi-cultural utopia awakens in the night at local bars and clubs where free spirits can opt to dance barefoot to the rhythms of Garifuna drums, electrifying riffs of guitars, or dance tunes from beloved local DJs.

Bicycling
We offer complimentary beach cruisers to guests who wish to pedal around the beautiful surroundings. To explore bicycling at Turtle Inn, please ask our concierge upon arrival for more information, including trail maps and other related equipment.

Paddle Boarding
The often calm waters in front of Turtle Inn provide an ideal opportunity for beginners to try stand-up paddle boarding for the first time. It is also perfect for the seasoned paddler to go for a long ride to one of the Mangrove Islands, or try to spot manatees in the lagoon.

Zip Lining
Bocawina Adventures boasts the longest zip-line in Belize and is the hotspot for waterfall rappelling. We offer day or night zip-lining with 12 platforms, and one of the longest zip-line runs is 2,300 feet long!

Located in the saw-toothed Maya Mountains in the Mayflower Bocawina National Forest, the park is outside of Silk Grass Village on the Southern Highway, and takes about 75 minutes to reach from Turtle Inn. We also highly recommend this as a stopover when coming from or going to Blancaneaux Lodge.

Organic Farm Visit
Miss Emma of Emma’s Gardens is a warm and welcoming farmer, originally from the Philippines, who has been planting fruit trees, vegetables, orchids, and flowers for the last 25 years, in her garden covering over 2000 acres.

A picnic basket can be packed for you (complete with a bottle of wine from Francis Ford Coppola Winery) or Miss Emma can cook lunch for you in her kitchen. This is a wonderful, authentic Belize Farm experience that even includes all the fruit you can carry.

The transfer to the farm takes about an hour and you will return right after lunch. Fruits are seasonal, but a visit is worthwhile year round.

Nim Li Punit Maya Site and Blue Creek Cave
Located in the beautiful rainforest of the Toledo District in Southern Belize, an hour’s scenic drive from Turtle Inn leads you to the late-classic ceremonial site of Nim Li Punit.

After a fascinating guided tour of the ruins and small but informative museum, we’ll quickly drive to Indian Creek Village for a short demonstration of traditional corn tortilla making. Following an authentic Maya lunch, there will be a demonstration of traditional Maya weaving using a back-strap loom.

Lubaantun Maya Site and Rio Blanco Waterfalls
Excavated Maya ruins looming above the subtropical jungle, Lubaantun (Place of the Falling Stones), is a spectacle to behold. With three plazas and rounded walls made in the distinctive Maya style, you can enjoy a picnic lunch and then venture to the Rio Blanco Waterfalls where water cascades 20 feet from a cliff into a large blue-green pool below, making it perfect for an afternoon swim.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve
The world’s only jaguar preserve is a superb place for birding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Hiking trails are well marked and range from easy to more challenging, and it’s possible to see howler monkeys, agouyi brocket deer, and peccary.

The 128,000 acre wildlife sanctuary is a jaguar hotspot and provides a critical habitat for an estimated 80 jaguars. Take a picnic lunch, float down the river in an inner tube, and then cool off under refreshing waterfalls.

Monkey River Wildlife Adventure
Explore Monkey River by boat, observing howler monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and many other species of wildlife.

Our experienced guide will take you through mangrove estuaries at the edge of the lagoon, home of the manatee, and you’ll hike trails through the rainforest to view families of howler monkeys. On the return downriver, you will stop in the village of Monkey River for a traditional Creole lunch.

Cassa Zenda
As an extension to your journey in Belize and Guatemala, consider this exclusive use, waterfront villa, perched on the banks of Lake Izabal, in Guatemala’s stunning Rio Dulce region.

With four elegantly- appointed suite bungalows accommodating a maximum of 16 guests, Cassa Zenda is ideally situated where the fresh waters of the Rio Dulce meet the vast expanse of Lake Izabal, Guatemala’s largest lake.

Guests experience unparalleled service at their fingertips with a concierge and house manager, house butler, private chef, housekeeping service and boat captain. The villa’s staff will tailor adventure experiences — adding to the sense of exclusivity.

Guests can customize itineraries that include exploration of Cassa Zenda’s jungle ecology and immersion in the local Izabal culture; water sports adventure with water skiing, kayaking and hydrofoiling; hiking to nearby thermal pools; restorative yoga under a palapa; or lying by the saltwater Jacuzzi pool while sampling Guatemalan cuisine al fresco.

Cassa Zenda is ideally situated for a two- three or four-resort getaway together with Turtle Inn, Blancaneaux Lodge and Coral Caye in Belize and/or La Lancha, Guatemala.

Guests will embrace the highlights of these two countries’ greatest features – the Barrier Reef in Belize, Rio Dulce in Guatemala and Tikal in Guatemala.

For a stunning sense of arrival, guests ideally travel by boat from Turtle Inn to Cassa Zenda, first taking in the coastal views of the Belizean great barrier reef dotted with famous local cayes and islands, passing to the coastal town of Livingston where a seamless passport check in is handled by the captain of your vessel.

Next is the breathtaking views on the winding Rio Dulce river approach, flanked by verdant green cliffs teaming with bird life (egrets, pelicans, cormorants) – perhaps the tallest living wall journey to any vacation experience one might find outside of Vietnam.

For a two-resort stay combined with La Lancha, guests may opt for a road, helicopter or private charter flight transfer.

Website: www.thefamilycoppolahideaways.com

Rooms: 25

Price: from 417 EUR per night