BLANCANEAUX LODGE

Where: Maya Mountains, Belize

The crowd: Buddies of owner Francis Ford Coppola who arrive by private plane; frolicking nature lovers looking for some R&R

How's the water? Au naturel. As the nearby river cascades downstream, it creates clear rock pools perfect for swimming. Plus, the beautiful setting and natural water are just made for skinny-dipping. There's also a horseshoe-shaped warm-water rock pool and hot tub for the months when the river water is a bit cool. The resort will set up romantic picnics on the riverbank, with a gorgeous waterfall as the backdrop.

Poolside tipple: Jaguar juice, a special rum punch

The hotel: A gorgeous retreat in a 300-square-mile wildlife reserve, it apparently reminded Coppola of the Philippine jungles where he shot Apocalypse Now. Now the director shares his hideaway with guests and even rents out his private villa. The 17 villas and cabanas in the riverside collection have tall ceilings and screened-in porches overlooking Privassion Creek. Days are spent exploring the forest by mountain bike or horseback, accompanied by the sounds of tropical birds high up in the canopy. Or venture further afield to the famous Mayan ruins at Caracol or across the border to Guatemalan markets. And the restaurant, with organic produce from the property's self-sustaining garden, has Coppola's wine on tap.

Blancaneaux Lodge
Tel: 800 746 3743
Tel: 501 824 3878
Doubles from $250

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