Turtle Inn

The hotel offers luxurious resort accommodations on one of Belize’s nicest stretches of beach. Designed and owned by famous director Francis Ford Coppola, the hotel has an enviable view and lots of outdoors activities for guests.

Without leaving the resort, you can fish, snorkel, kayak, and swim, or borrow one of the resort’s bicycles for some inland exploration. There’s even an on-site dive shop for diving enthusiasts. When you venture out, you’ll be close to some of Belize’s most scenic beaches, including Maya Beach and Seine Bight, known for their sandy shores and clear, tropical waters—perfect for swimming. You can also take a day trip to the Caribbean islands of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, or explore the nearby Belizean atolls within the Belize Barrier Reef. Be sure to visit a local organic farm to sample some seasonal fruit.

The resort offers various types of accommodations, including cottages near the pool, on the beach, or nestled in the garden. While the cottages may have a rustic exterior, the interiors feature upscale amenities. For larger groups, options include villas, family pavilions, or modern beach houses. Each guesthouse comes with a screened deck and ceiling fans, as well as an iPod docking station for music. Safety deposit boxes are available for your valuables.

All accommodations are furnished with hand-carved Balinese furniture, including a desk and chair, a sofa, a coffee table, and a dining area. The resort provides everything you need to make coffee and tea, along with a mini-fridge stocked with refreshments and local Belikin beer. Bathrooms include plush bathrobes, spacious tubs, and organic toiletries.

When it’s time to eat, you’ll have several restaurants to choose from. One offers authentic Belizean dishes, while another features a beachfront seafood grill. The Mare restaurant focuses on locally grown produce and has a wood-burning oven for fresh pizza. Enjoy a delightful sunset at one of the two open-air bars, one of which overlooks the beach, serving Coppola wines along with local drafts and spirits.

After a day of fun in the sun, treat yourself to a service at the resort’s Sunset Spa, where massages are offered in an open-air parlor overlooking Placencia Lagoon. The massage professionals specialize in Thai techniques, and you can also choose from facials and skin treatments. Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy the resort’s gelato bar, designed especially for kids.