It's only a couple hundred feet between Turtle Inn's grand entranceway (a slightly arched wooden bridge over a reflecting pond) and the lightly lapping Caribbean; walking from one end to the other, you'll pass through a lovely open–air lobby, restaurant, swimming pool, and seaside bar, all of which afford beautifully framed shots of the surrounding beauty.

If you've been to Coppola's other properties (Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge and La Lancha Resort across the border in Guatemala), you are familiar with the film producer's attention to detail. This is evident at Turtle Inn, where hand–carved Balinese doors are one example of the Indonesian, Asian, and local artwork displayed throughout the grounds, all of which is accentuated by lush flowerbeds and tropical vegetation.

If you can afford it, book a "seafront" villa or cottage––you'll be happy you did while watching the sun rise over the Caribbean from your private veranda. You can choose to have meals here as well if the scene is just too beautiful to tear away from. A variety of other cottages, suites, and pavilions are available as well, each uniquely styled with Oriental flair and a wide range of amenities (the photographs and slide shows on the website offer a great virtual tour of each accommodation). Turtle Inn is great for both honeymooners and families, but if you're here for romance, you may wish to request a room away from the bar and pool to cut down on noise.

Get ready to relax––there is no television and plenty of in–room spa services; the only "phone" in your room is a conch shell which you'll use to buzz the front desk or room service (you'll get used to talking into a shell after a few days). Be sure to take ample advantage of the outdoor shower.

Be warned, as in most of Belize, the beach here is narrow, about 15 feet, and the water is often filled with seagrass and other flotsam, depending on the time of year and the currents. Turtle Inn offers the full range of tours and trips, but some guests prefer to walk into Placencia town and use local tour companies, whose rates are significantly lower. Speaking of money, you'll spend plenty of it at Turtle Inn, as there are small fees and charges for room service and other extras, despite some of the highest room rates in the country.

If you're looking for a top–tier experience in Belize, though, Turtle Inn is a standout.


Web Address: www.turtleinn.com
Total Number of Rooms: 12
Published rates: US$355 to US$1,750

Review by Joshua Berman, photos courtesy of Turtle Inn.