American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola originally bought the run-down Blancaneaux Lodge as a private writing retreat - before transforming it into a luxury eco-lodge on a secluded hillside overlooking Privassion River. Palm-thatched cabanas tucked into the immaculate gardens (the most secluded, at the far end of the property) come with private plunge pools, alfresco showers and are filled with local woodcarvings and colourful tiles and textiles.
Begin the day with a dawn bird watching tour, before setting out on horseback to explore the lowlands of the neighbouring Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve or walking to Big Rock Falls. Over one thousand streams begin their journey here, and the smooth granite boulders, sandy beaches and waterfalls of Privassion Creek provide fantastic natural swimming holes. Trips can be arranged further afield too; to the Mayan ruins at Xunatunich and Caracol, or across the border at Tikal. The small Waterfall Spa specialises in Thai massage (a favourite of Francis Ford Coppola's), as well as offering a variety of treatments using locally sourced organic ingredients.
