Turtle Inn

LOCATION: Turtle Inn is situated between the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and the Creole fishing village of Placencia at the tip of a narrow 26-mile-long sandy peninsula. To the East, the Caribbean Sea is studded by a patchwork of coral cayes and the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage site, the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Directly behind Turtle Inn to the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. South of the Placencia Peninsula is the Monkey River, formed from the Swasey and Bladen rivers that flow from the jungle-clad peaks of the Maya Mountains across the coastal savanna, and out into the extensive mangrove flats and barrier islands that hug the coastline.

HISTORY: Turtle Inn, Francis Ford Coppola’s beachside hideaway situated just north of the Creole village of Placencia, is a seafront hideaway combining natural wonders with luxurious style.

Less than a year after Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired Turtle Inn in 2001, it was swept out to sea by the forces of Hurricane Iris. Turning disaster into triumph, the Coppolas led a two-year reclamation project, creating a beautiful beachside refuge perfect for those seeking a stress-relieving escape. Turtle Inn’s unique location also provides a wealth of exciting activities, from the clear Caribbean waters to the magical inland rainforests, making it an ideal destination for an adventurous vacation or rejuvenating getaway.

DÉCOR: Francis Ford Coppola has always been drawn to the rustic, al fresco Balinese style of living. Wanting to bring that same relaxed ambiance to Turtle Inn, he worked with renowned architect Made Wijaya to design Turtle Inn. Wijaya incorporated the signature architecture and design details of Bali into Turtle Inn, creating individual thatched roof villas and cottages. A spacious floor plan surrounded by screened windows and porches allows the ever-present sea breezes to naturally cool each villa and cottage.

The décor is reminiscent of the traditional Balinese style of living, with rich colors and hand-crafted natural wood carvings, creating a warm and inviting space. Authentic Balinese textiles accent the rooms with colorful bedspreads and hand-woven artisan rugs, and Indonesian artwork adorns the walls. Handcrafted wood doors with intricate carvings and framework evoke the feel of a true Balinese home. Comfortable sofas and chairs complement the deep chocolate-hued woodwork and floors, while soft lighting and the subtle hum of ceiling fans set a laid-back beach atmosphere throughout each unit. Expansive screened-in bathrooms offer guests plenty of room with double vanities and deep baths - modeled after Japanese soaking tubs - featuring hand-painted tiles from Thailand. A screened door leads outside to a lushly landscaped private walled garden featuring an outdoor shower where bamboo nozzles are used as faucets.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Turtle Inn's 25 individual cottages and villas offer guests privacy and relaxation just steps from the Caribbean Sea. Accommodations are a variety of one-bedroom cottages; two-bedroom, two-bath villas, perfect for families or friends traveling together; one Family Pavilion, a large Beach House, the Star Fish Cottage with private pool, and the Lagoon Bungalow with private pool.