Turtle Inn - Francis Ford Coppola's Beachfront Resort in Placencia, Belize

About Turtle Inn

Turtle Inn is the jewel of Placencia and one of the most distinctive luxury resorts in all of Central America. Owned by legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and his family, this five-star beachfront property combines Balinese-inspired design with the warm Caribbean charm of southern Belize. The resort was originally built by Coppola after he fell in love with the pristine beaches of Placencia Peninsula during a family vacation in the early 2000s.

Each detail at Turtle Inn reflects the Coppola family's passion for authentic craftsmanship and cultural immersion. The thatched-roof cottages were designed and constructed by Balinese artisans flown in specifically for the project, featuring hand-carved furniture, traditional textiles, and open-air living spaces that blur the line between indoor comfort and tropical paradise. After sustaining damage from Hurricane Iris in 2001, Coppola personally oversaw the complete reconstruction, resulting in the stunning property guests enjoy today.

The resort has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes as one of the finest boutique resorts in the Caribbean, earning praise for its unique aesthetic, impeccable service, and commitment to showcasing the best of Belizean culture and cuisine.

Location

Turtle Inn is located on the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in Stann Creek District, Belize. The resort sits directly on one of Belize's most beautiful stretches of Caribbean coastline, with powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters just steps from every cottage.

Placencia is approximately 150 miles south of Belize City. Guests can reach the resort via a scenic 30-minute flight from Belize City's municipal airport to Placencia airstrip, or by a 3.5-hour drive along the Southern Highway. The resort arranges airport transfers for all guests.

The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest barrier reef in the world, lies just 20 miles offshore. Nearby attractions include the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (the world's only jaguar preserve), Monkey River, and the ancient Maya ruins of Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. For arrival planning, consult our Belize airport arrival guide.

Rooms & Villas

Turtle Inn offers 25 individually designed cottages and villas, each reflecting Balinese craftsmanship adapted for Caribbean living:

• Seafront Cottages – Spacious one-bedroom thatched-roof cottages directly on the beach with hand-carved four-poster beds, Japanese soaking tubs, outdoor garden showers, private verandas, and unobstructed sea views. Approximately 90 m² of living space.
• Seafront Two-Bedroom Villas – Ideal for families, these expansive villas offer two bedrooms, a large living area, private garden, and direct beach access. Each features the signature Balinese design with local Belizean touches.
• The Francis Ford Coppola Pavilion – The resort's crown jewel, a stunning three-bedroom beachfront estate with a private pool, full kitchen, personal butler service, extensive gardens, and indoor-outdoor living spaces inspired by traditional Balinese palace design.
• Garden View Cottages – Set among lush tropical gardens, these cottages offer a more secluded atmosphere with the same Balinese-crafted interiors, outdoor showers, and easy access to the beach and pool.

All accommodations include air conditioning, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, Coppola family wine selections, organic bath amenities, and nightly turndown service.

Things to Do

Turtle Inn provides an extraordinary range of experiences both on the property and throughout southern Belize:

• Snorkeling & Diving – The resort's dive center arranges daily excursions to the Belize Barrier Reef, Silk Cayes, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, and Whale Shark sites (seasonal). Equipment and PADI certification courses are available on-site. Learn more about diving in Belize.
• Private Island Picnic – A signature Turtle Inn experience: a boat ride to a private island where a chef prepares a gourmet beach picnic surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
• Fishing – Deep-sea and fly fishing excursions for tarpon, permit, bonefish, and snook in the productive flats and channels around Placencia.
• Mare Spa – Overwater treatment rooms connected by wooden walkways offer massages, body wraps, and facials using organic local ingredients including seaweed, coconut, and tropical botanicals.
• Monkey River Tour – A guided boat trip up Monkey River to spot howler monkeys, manatees, crocodiles, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.
• Maya Ruins Excursions – Day trips to Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun, ancient Maya archaeological sites nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains.
• Cooking Classes – Learn to prepare traditional Belizean dishes including rice and beans, fry jacks, and fresh ceviche with the resort's chefs.
• Pool & Beach – A stunning infinity pool overlooks the sea, while the private beach offers kayaks, paddleboards, and hammocks strung between palm trees.

Dining

Turtle Inn features two exceptional dining venues that celebrate Belizean and Italian-inspired cuisine:

• Mare Restaurant – The resort's signature overwater restaurant serves fresh seafood and Italian-Belizean fusion cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Specialties include wood-fired pizzas from the outdoor oven, whole grilled snapper, homemade pastas, and ceviches prepared with the day's catch. The wine list features selections from the Coppola family's own Inglenook vineyard in Napa Valley. Dinner on the candlelit overwater deck, with the sound of gentle waves below, is one of the most romantic dining experiences in Belize.
• The Laughing Fish Bar – A casual beachside bar serving tropical cocktails, Belizean beers, ceviche, and light bites throughout the day. The bar doubles as a social gathering point and the perfect spot for watching sunsets over the Caribbean.

The resort also offers private dining experiences on the beach, in-villa dining, and custom picnic baskets for island excursions.

Why Stay at Turtle Inn

Turtle Inn offers an experience unlike any other resort in Belize or Central America. The marriage of Balinese artistry and Caribbean warmth creates an aesthetic that is at once exotic and completely at home on the Placencia coast. Francis Ford Coppola's personal touch is evident everywhere — from the curated wine list to the film-screening nights to the thoughtful design of every cottage.

Beyond the beauty, Turtle Inn delivers genuine five-star service with a laid-back Belizean spirit. The staff, many of whom have worked at the resort for years, create an atmosphere that is both polished and warmly familiar. Whether you spend your days diving the barrier reef, exploring Maya ruins, or simply swaying in a beachside hammock, Turtle Inn creates lasting memories.

The resort is consistently ranked among the top hotels in Belize and stands as a flagship property of the Coppola Resorts portfolio. It is also an ideal complement to Belize's interior lodges — guests often combine a stay at Turtle Inn with time in the jungle lodges near San Ignacio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Turtle Inn from Belize City?

The easiest route is a 30-minute domestic flight from Belize City Municipal Airport to Placencia airstrip, followed by a 5-minute resort transfer. Alternatively, the drive takes approximately 3.5 hours via the Southern Highway.

Is Turtle Inn good for families?

Absolutely. The two-bedroom villas and the Coppola Pavilion are designed for families. The resort offers children's activities, shallow beach areas, and family-friendly excursions. There is no formal kids club, but the staff happily accommodates families.

What is the best time to visit?

The dry season from November through April offers the most consistent weather. February through May is prime time for whale shark encounters. The resort operates year-round with the exception of brief closures for maintenance.

Can non-guests dine at the restaurant?

Mare Restaurant welcomes outside guests for dinner with a reservation. It is one of the finest dining options on the Placencia Peninsula.

How far is the Belize Barrier Reef?

The reef is approximately 20 miles offshore, reached by a 45-minute to 1-hour boat ride depending on the dive site. Daily excursions depart from the resort's dock.