The secret of life is to say yes all the time, because when you’re old, you don’t want to say, ‘I wish I’d done this, I wish I had done that.
― Francis Ford Coppola
To avoid feeling regretful later in our lives, famed director and screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola recommends saying “yes” more often than not. It’s advice that undoubtedly comes from years of first-hand experience. After all, Coppola has managed to see success not only in filmmaking but in the worlds of wine-making and hospitality, too.
Photo by the Family Coppola Hideaways
Coppola, on one faithful trip to Central America, said “yes” to making the untamed pine forests of Belize his own personal hideaway for writing, which ultimately led to the creation of Blancaneaux Lodge. Today, the lodge is an eco-luxurious retreat surrounded by lush greenery and beloved by travelers the world over.
If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating about whether or not to take that long overdue vacation, take it from the legendary auteur himself. Say “yes” to new experiences, and more importantly, say “yes” to Coppola’s two family hideaways in Belize.
The Mountain & Beach Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed
From the sandy shores of the Placencia Peninsula to the otherworldly pine forests of the Cayo District, the Family Coppola Hideaways offer, quite literally, the best of both worlds in Belize. Add to that an alluring touch of Balinese-inspired decor and what you get is a stay that’s quite unlike any other in the country. Both Placencia’s Turtle Inn and the Mountain Pine Ridge’s Blancaneaux are private, intimate, and exclusive, earning them the designation of “hideaway” rather than ordinary resorts.
Caracol, Belize. Photo by Aaron Colussi
Spend a week luxuriating in the offerings of both locations, thanks to the Family Coppola Hideaways Mountain & Beach Package. Spend three nights in a riverfront cabana at Blancaneaux, where moments of respite are punctuated by the sounds of the cascading Privassion Creek. Explore Belize’s verdant interior—by canoe at Barton Creek Cave and by foot at the magnificent Caracol and Rio Frio Cave.
A seafront cottage at Turtle Inn in Placencia, Belize. Photo courtesy Coppola Hideaways
Then, enjoy four nights by the Caribbean Sea in a cottage at Turtle Inn, where winding stone pathways lead the way to Placencia’s picturesque beach. Get a first-hand look at Belize’s vibrant underwater world through a day of snorkeling. And, get to bask in the beauty of a Belizean sunset on a romantic evening cruise. The package also includes meals at each hideaway’s restaurants, serving up cuisine both local and Italian.
Say “Yes” to Belize
Horseback riding in Mountain Pine Ridge. Image courtesy Blancaneaux Lodge
Though small, Belize boasts everything from luxurious retreats offering bespoke experiences to far-flung lodges perfect for escape. Far beyond that, though, the dually Caribbean and Central American nation is a beautiful tapestry of culture, history, and unspoiled nature.
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- Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
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- Dining at Auntie Luba’s. Image via Aaron Colussi/Turtle Inn
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- Placencia Village, Belize. Photo by Turtle Inn
Saying “yes” to this hidden gem of a country means saying yes to endless possibilities for travel. From its coral reefs to its ancient caves and Maya cities, Belize is a world of memorable adventures just waiting to be had. Explore it with the Family Coppola Hideaways by booking a stay here.
Featured Photo by The Family Coppola Hideaways / Belize My Travels. All photos courtesy of the Family Coppola Hideaways unless captioned otherwise.
