Turtle Inn
Turtle Inn is a rustic Indonesian style resort set alongside a narrow stretch of fine pearly white sands gently lapped by the warm Caribbean Sea on Belize’s southern coast, just 2 miles (3km) from the sleepy village of Placencia.
An attractive link in Francis Ford Coppola’s small chain of superb Central American resorts, this chic beach setting hosts a collection of shaggy thatched cottages and villas, including the film directors own Pavillion House. All interiors are adorned with rustic Balinese style décor complemented by vivid geometric patterned textiles and ornate furnishings including decorative door ways. Private bathrooms comprise a large bathtub, shower and dual vanity sinks, while many cottages also benefit from an outdoor shower set amid private tropical gardens. Rooms are cooled with ceiling fans and many cottages are raised on stilts to improve ventilation with a screened balcony area overlooking the immaculate gardens or out towards the Caribbean Sea. For a unique experience stay in the Chinese Matrimonial Suite and sleep upon a stunning, intricately carved fertility bed rumoured to be more than 200 years old. The two-bedroom en-suite villas, ideal for families, offer a generous lounge and seating area while the impressive Pavilion House, surrounded by tropical gardens just steps from a private beach, offers steam showers, a Japanese bathtub and a custom tiled private pool.
Ristorante Mare prepares a sumptuous menu of Italian cuisine coupled with seafood and local Belizean specialities served with a selection of wines from Coppola’s Napa Valley estate. All meals are prepared with organic ingredients grown at Turtle Inn’s sister property Blancaneux Lodge and baked in a traditional brick oven. For lighter fare and exotic cocktails guests can choose from the Skip White Bar and the Laughing Fish Bar.
The dive shop at Turtle Inn is operated by a team of professional divers who offer a number of PADI Certification courses suitable for all levels of experience. In addition, guests have complimentary access to kayaks and paddle boats for local exploration. Thai style massage and body treatments are appointed in the Turtle Inn Spa with further refreshment available at the circular sea-green pool overlooked by the Laughing Fish Bar or the infinity pool buffed by chaise lounges adjacent to the cottages.