Turtle Inn- The Family Coppola Hideaways, Belize Placencia, Belize

Sleep and Sanctuary

The 25 individually furnished cottages, villas and bungalows (oh, and a private island villa) are all Balinese-inspired with hand-carved doors, thatch roofs, ceiling fans and spacious Japanese-style bathrooms (with always exciting outdoor showers). Drink in cooling Caribbean breezes and rustic luxury without sacrificing too many modern amenities, Wi-Fi, plush robes, in-room yoga mats, locally-sourced bath products, Illy espresso machines (and a Coppola Hideaways touch), Shellphone to connect with reception, are yours for the taking.

Eat. Pray. Eat.

The casual eateries of Turtle Inn skew towards Italian and local Caribbean flavors and, as always, showcase fresh and local produce and just-caught seafood. There’s the flagship, Mare Restaurant, offering a relaxed dining experience beneath a thatch hut amid fantastic sea views. Gauguin Grill is an intimate sand-floor beach restaurant specializing in the local sea bounty with Indonesian spices and sauces. Also, relax in the oh so freaking charming Auntie Luba’s Kitchen for local Caribbean crowd pleasers. Imbibers will love the two bars on-property, the poolside Laughing Fish Bar and open-air Skip White, respectively, and the 1200+ bottle wine cellar aka the “wine aquarium.” Kind kiddies will be sure to pull you in the direction of Kid’s Gelato Bar tucked beside Skip White but, sorry, according to the signage, “no adults allowed.”

Mare Restaurant - The changing daily menu offers such dishes as ceviche and gazpacho, fresh from the sea fish cooked in a sea-salt crust, and a selection of pizzas made to order in the wood- burning oven. However, on Monday and Thursday evenings a traditional Dutch Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner is served. Dig in.

Gauguin Grill - This beachfront restaurant features fresh, charcoal-grilled seafood including lobster, jumbo shrimp, and snapper all served on woven plates accompanied by a choice of Balinese-inspired sauces and spices. Tables are set just a few feet from the sea, affording fantastic views of the offshore cayes and starry night sky. The sandy-floored bar and lounge also offers an excellent selection of Belize-brewed beer, wine, and cocktails.

Auntie Luba’s Kitchen - Turtle Inn’s own authentic Belizean diner, Auntie Luba’s, overlooks the calm, shallow waters of Placencia Lagoon. The rustic-style shack’s menu is filled with regional fare like curry chicken, coconut shrimp, seasonal conch fritter, beef stew, and the best home-baked key lime pie. The atmosphere is casual yet festive and a memorable event may include finishing the evening with s’mores made over the firepit and sending off wish lanterns over the lagoon.

Sometimes your appetite may call for a little seclusion, so feel free to enjoy in-room dining as well.

The Art of De-stressing

Set in an open-air Balinese Rice House featuring hand-painted murals inspired by ancient art, the Sunset Spa relaxes those who’ve spent a full day touring, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. All treatments use locally-sourced organic ingredients. At the request of the Coppolas, the Belize spa specializes in traditional Thai massage, practiced by a professional staff that has studied ancient techniques at the Sacred Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok. If that is the case, you’d be remiss not to indulge in the Thai massage.

Since Belize is one of the top diving locations in the world, in fact, UNESCO World Heritage Site Belize Barrier Reef is offshore, the Dive Shop has everything to get you going (you being expert or first timer). They also specialize in snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks and just about everything you need to enjoy the sandy Placencia beaches.

Those de-stressing on land can enjoy complimentary beach cruisers to see the town, sunrise group or specialized private yoga classes or even a trip to Emma’s Organic Farm for a tour and garden-inspired lunch (don’t forget your bottle of Coppola wine).