About this hotel
General information
Blancaneaux Lodge sits high in western Belize, in the pine and rainforest uplands of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where Privassion Creek spills over granite boulders into deep, clear pools. Twenty thatched cabañas and villas are tucked into the slope above the water, spaced well apart, their screened walls letting in the sounds of the forest. Interiors draw on local hardwoods, hand-carved furniture, masks and handwoven Guatemalan textiles.
Most of the lodge’s power comes from its own small hydroelectric plant on the creek, and a large organic garden keeps the kitchens in vegetables and herbs, for everything from brick-oven pizza to Guatemalan dishes. Days revolve around water and forest: swimming holes and waterfalls close by, a riverside spa known for Thai massage, sunrise birding, trails for walking and mountain biking, and day trips to the Maya sites of Caracol and Xunantunich. The lodge boutique sells huipils handwoven in Guatemala and carved wooden masks like those in the rooms.
Location
The lodge lies on the banks of Privassion Creek within the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, in the west of Belize’s Cayo District, among tropical pines, oaks and palmetto, steep ravines and waterfalls. The drive from Belize’s international airport (near Belize City) takes about 2–2.5 hours; the lodge’s vacation planning office arranges road transfers in air-conditioned cars, domestic flights, private charter flights and helicopter transfers.
Spa
Waterfall Spa stands on the riverbank in an open, light-filled building. Beside it, a hot pool looks over the creek and the rock pools below; heated by the lodge’s hydroelectric power, it is a quiet, adults-only spot. The spa’s speciality is traditional Thai massage, and the menu also runs to essential-oil, foot and back-and-shoulder massages, a papaya body polish, a honey-and-banana wrap, herbal and salt scrubs, and facials with Monastery botanical products, including a 30-minute treatment under LED light. Treatments are best booked with the concierge on arrival.
Sports & leisure
Most activities start from the lodge and are guided; longer outings are best booked a day ahead.
- For every guest: a guided sunrise bird walk, the hiking trails, bikes and river tubes, guided river tubing, and tours of the organic garden and the lodge’s hydro plant.
- Walks along the creek to Big Rock Falls (about 2.5 hours there and back), a short orchid trail – some 150 orchid species grow within 16 km of the lodge – and half- or full-day birding with a guide.
- Guided mountain biking on the reserve’s trails, by the half day or full day.
- A full-day trip to Caracol, a sprawling Maya city in the Chiquibul forest whose main pyramid rises over 40 m, combined with the walk-through Rio Frio Cave and a swim at the Rio On Pools.
- Xunantunich, reached by a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River, with a pyramid over 36 m high, and Cahal Pech on a hill above San Ignacio.
- A cooking class with the lodge’s chefs: guests pick vegetables in the garden, then cook a three-course Belizean lunch.
Restaurants & bars
Four venues share the grounds above the creek, with vegetables and herbs from the lodge’s own garden; meals can also be served in the dwellings.
- Montagna Ristorante — Italian classics: pasta, fresh fish, braised and grilled local meats, and pizza from a brick oven
- Guatemaltecqua Restaurant — poolside Guatemalan cooking, such as salpicón (shredded beef with sour orange and coriander) and jocón (chicken in green herbs)
- Garden Spot — a communal three-course vegetarian dinner on the open porch of the thatched garden kitchen, after cocktails and a walk with the head gardener; it can also be arranged privately
- Jaguar Bar — a hand-carved slate bar hung with photographs of archaeological digs, serving wines, classic cocktails and the house Jaguar Juice of craboo liqueur, aged rum and pineapple
Swimming
There is no sea here; swimming is in fresh water. Right by the lodge, Privassion Creek forms deep, cool pools between smooth granite boulders and small sandy banks, with more hidden rock pools on the way to Big Rock Falls. Between the main lodge and Guatemaltecqua Restaurant lies a freshwater infinity pool lined with brightly coloured ceramic tiles and edged by a stone terrace, with handmade mahogany loungers and attendants bringing towels and drinks from the bar. Next to the spa is an adults-only hot pool.
Rooms
The 20 dwellings are thatched cabañas and villas on the hillside above Privassion Creek, from garden and riverfront cabañas to two-bedroom villas and two secluded retreats at the top of the grounds with private pools. None is air-conditioned: screened walls, ceiling fans and cool mountain evenings keep them fresh.
Each dwelling has a screened porch, ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, Cuddledown bedding, a writing desk, sofa, Illy espresso machine, a minibar with water, wines, Belizean spirits, beer and snacks, a safe, Bluetooth speaker, T3 hair dryer, Guatemalan textile bathrobes, handmade organic toiletries, yoga mats, a Shellphone to reception, in-room dining, laundry service and evening turndown; some have telescopes for stargazing.
Garden View Cabaña
A cabaña in the manicured gardens, furnished with local arts and antiques, with a queen-size bed and a large screened porch with a hammock. For two guests.
Honeymoon Cabaña
Set out over the creek and its waterfall, with a large private deck facing the falls and steps down to private loungers by the water; queen-size bed and Guatemalan décor. For two guests.
Luxury Deluxe Cabaña
A secluded cabaña at the far eastern end of the grounds with mountain and treetop views, a king-size bed, Guatemalan décor, a private plunge pool and an outdoor shower. For two adults.
Luxury Cabaña
Also at the quiet eastern end of the grounds, looking over the garden, with a king-size bed, Guatemalan décor, a private plunge pool and a second shower outdoors. For two adults.
Riverfront Cabaña
A cabaña with a wide deck over Privassion Creek, native art and local textiles, a queen-size bed, an indoor sitting area and a hand-painted tiled bathroom; layouts vary from one to the next. For two guests, up to three.
Family Cabaña
A large screened porch with a hammock looks over the gardens; inside are a queen-size bed plus up to two single beds, a sitting area and a tiled bathroom with bath and shower. Up to four guests.
Two-Bedroom Villa
A villa along the creek with a large open-air living room and small kitchenette flanked by two bedrooms, each with a king-size bed and its own bathroom. Four guests, up to six.
Enchanted Cottage
A one-bedroom stone cottage on a forested bluff with panoramic views of the Privassion waterfalls and the Maya Mountains: king-size bed, fireplace, a large bathroom with underfloor heating, Japanese tub and steam room, a guest half-bath, a kitchen with wine fridge and breakfast bar, a day room with sofa bed, and a hardwood deck with a private infinity pool. For two guests, with a full-time attendant on call.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Villa
An elevated open-plan living area with river views, a small kitchen and wet bar, and a hand-carved antique dining table for up to 14 overlooking the waterfalls; two large bedrooms with king-size beds and bathrooms with hand-painted tiled showers and Japanese tubs. Regional antiques, Guatemalan fabrics and carved masks, a private plunge pool and a full-time attendant who can arrange a poolside barbecue; up to four guests.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.