Belize: Chapter Three

The Greatest Hotel

Well after a couple nights in San Ignacio we were moved to another area of Belize known as the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve (not too far from San Ignacio actually). They had booked us for a couple of nights at two places and divided the group. Lucky for my Mom and I we were taken to Blancaneaux Lodge, which is easily the nicest place I have ever stayed. I look forward to a return trip on day because it is so serene, relaxing and comfortable. Check out the link for more info and on the lodge:

http://www.blancaneaux.com

The Pine Ridge Reserve is kind of a sad story in itself because apparently there is some bug that is killing all of the trees and they don't know how to solve the problem. It was beautiful though when I was there with plenty of trails to hike and I saw a large cave with a beach and river going through it that was a pretty amazing site. Hopefully it is still as pristine 4 years later.

The lodge itself is located along a river, which is great for swimming, and if you follow it for a few minutes you reach huge waterfall and pools for swimming and lounging about. I however made the mistake of walking through 10 foot-tall grass in search of said amazing waterfall in a bathing suit and towel and was eaten alive by mosquitoes. That night I counted 47 bites on my back alone. Needless to say I was uncomfortably itchy for a few days. Let's not even get into the probability of snakes that must have been lurking in grass just waiting for a nice piece of flesh to bite into. I still can't believe I escaped that trek relatively unharmed.

Anyway, the resort is comprised of various cabanas around the property, which have lavish decorations and showers that look out into the wilderness (not to worry, no one but the animals are going to see you because each cabana is secluded). It was founded by Francis Ford Coppola (yes the movie maker) and he flies in wine from his Napa Valley vineyard and fresh food each week on their private landing strip. The resort also has an organic garden of it's own for fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. The one little restaurant serves the most scrumptious food, and they offer an abundance of activities if you want to explore the area.

Anyway, Blancaneaux will always be fresh in my mind as a place I spent a couple of glorious days of natural and quiet surroundings. I can't wait to get back there one day.