Turtle Inn sits directly on the Caribbean shore just north of Placencia, a fishing village at the tip of a long, narrow peninsula in southern Belize. Francis and Eleanor Coppola came across the place in 2001, and the family still shapes it. Its 28 dwellings stand on the sand, thatched and open to the air, furnished with hand-carved Balinese wood, with screened porches, walled gardens and the sea breeze moving through them all day. The style is rustic and unhurried, with names such as Francis' Family Pavilion that give a sense of the family's hand. There are two infinity-edge pools, three restaurants, the Laughing Fish Bar and the Sunset Spa, and diving, including certification, can be arranged along with other time on the water. Inland, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is an easy excursion. A short walk or bicycle ride along the beach brings you into the village, where shops are small and locally run, and the fish on the menu is whatever came in that morning. Placencia's airstrip is close by, so arrival from Belize City is quick.
- Nearest airport
- Placencia Airport (PLJ), less than 1 Mile / 1 Kilometre
- Rooms
- 28 thatched villas and pavilions
Insider tip Borrow a bicycle and ride the shoreline into Placencia village in the morning, when the boats come in.
Why I choose it The Coppola eye makes it feel personal, and its beach setting near a working village gives a gentler, more local Belize than the cays.