Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
Exploring the Legacy of Francis Ford Coppola in Belize
Perched atop a rugged cliff, I find a solitary wooden chair, overlooking a meandering creek below and an intricate expanse of pine forest ahead, teeming with wildlife. It’s easy to see what inspired renowned director Francis Ford Coppola to acquire a dilapidated hunting lodge in this stunning corner of western Belize in 1981. Over the years, this spot transformed into a cherished family retreat, eventually becoming Blancaneaux Lodge, a 20-room sanctuary favored by those in search of adventure.
For Coppola’s children, Blancaneaux Lodge was more than just a getaway; it served as a magical backdrop for many childhood memories. His daughter, Sofia Coppola, reminisces, “I’d hop around on rocks and swim in the river with my brothers. I feel so lucky to have had these jungle adventures.” This strong bond with both the lodge and Belize influenced Sofia’s recent collaboration with Monastery, a botanical skincare brand based in San Francisco that has garnered a dedicated international following.
At the serene Turtle Inn, another of Coppola’s Belizean properties, Sofia enjoys the simple elegance of her beach bungalow, a perfect complement to the lush surroundings. The pathways are lined with vibrant hibiscus, leading visitors into charming thatched cabanas.
Athena Hewett, the founder and esthetician behind Monastery, shares Sofia’s passion for nature. “I once struggled with severe acne, which caused me significant stress,” Hewett explains during a meeting at Blancaneaux, where she is imparting her facial techniques to the spa staff. “So, I embarked on an Eat, Pray, Love journey to Indonesia and spent ample time in its rainforests—and that experience transformed my skin.” Upon returning to San Francisco, she began exploring the use of botanicals to create her first product: a cleansing oil rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
A long-time admirer of Coppola, Hewett once gifted her a bottle of the cleansing oil. Earlier this year, Coppola indulged in a treatment at Monastery’s spa. “Sofia appreciated our plant-based and small-batch philosophy,” reveals Hewett. Shortly after, the two began collaborating on a facial mist infused with rosewood sourced from Central America, rose, and orchid oil. This product was intended for use in the Blancaneaux spa and aims to serve as a memorable keepsake from Belize. “It’s exhilarating to discover new experiences when on vacation and take the time to relax and treat yourself,” Coppola notes.
The region surrounding Blancaneaux also presents myriad opportunities for exploration. One afternoon, I joined Hewett and a small group for a kayaking adventure into a cave system where we navigated through towering columns of stalactites, wrapped in an ancient darkness. On another occasion, we mounted horses to journey to a nearby waterfall, where we took a refreshing dip. While access to Blancaneaux has significantly improved since the Coppola family’s arrival, the essence of the lodge remains unchanged, characterized by its airy cottages, the wood-paneled Jaguar Bar adorned with historical archaeological photographs, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. “I adore that Blancaneaux has retained its charm over the years—rustic yet comfortable,” reflects Coppola.
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www.cntraveler.com