About Turtle Inn
Turtle Inn is a boutique beachfront resort owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, on the Placencia peninsula in southern Belize. Francis and Eleanor Coppola found this stretch of beach in 2001, and the resort now has 28 thatched, open-air cottages and villas with Balinese wood furnishings and private decks facing the sea.
What sets it apart is its relaxed, personal style and its food. There is Italian-influenced seafood, Neapolitan pizza, a big wine cellar and local Belizean cooking. It suits couples looking for a barefoot luxury escape and families who book one of the multi-bedroom villas with a private pool and kitchen.
At a glance
Highlights
- Owned by Francis Ford Coppola
- 28 thatched cottages and villas on the beach
- Wine cellar with more than 1,200 bottles
- Family villas with private pools
Amenities
Rooms and suites
Accommodation ranges from one-bedroom cottages for couples to family villas:
- Garden View Cottages and Poolside Garden View Cottages
- Seafront Villas
- Francis’ Family Pavilion with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen and private pool
- Roman’s Lagoon Bungalow with multiple bedrooms and private pool
- Sofia’s Beach House
The cottages are open to the breeze, and Forbes Travel Guide notes that more than half of the units have air conditioning, so ask when booking if that matters to you. Continental breakfast is included.
Restaurants and bars
Turtle Inn has several venues for a small resort:
- Mare Restaurant: Italian-influenced seafood with Belizean flavors
- The Pizzeria: Neapolitan-style pizza from a wood-burning oven
- Gauguin Grill: beachfront charcoal-grilled seafood
- Auntie Luba’s Kitchen: local Belizean fare
- The Wine Cellar: tastings from more than 1,200 bottles
- The Laughing Fish Bar and Skip White Bar: cocktails
- Kid’s Gelato Bar
Placencia Village has more casual restaurants and bars within walking or biking distance along the shore.
Beach, pools and spa
The resort sits right on the beach in Placencia. There is a shared beach pool, and the family villas have private pools.
Sunset Spa is an open-air spa built in the style of a traditional Balinese rice house.
Activities and entertainment
Placencia is a base for snorkeling and diving trips to the barrier reef and cayes, fishing, and visits to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Nearby, the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and Mayan ruins can be visited on day trips. On site there is pickleball.
Placencia Village, a small fishing village at the tip of the peninsula, is a short walk or bike ride along the shore.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: couples who want barefoot luxury, food and wine lovers, families who book a villa with a private pool.
- Consider another resort if: you need air conditioning in every room, a large resort pool scene or nightlife.
Getting there from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Placencia is about three hours by road from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City.
Many guests save time by taking a short domestic flight from Belize City to the Placencia airstrip.
English is the official language of Belize, and the Belize dollar is fixed at two to one with the US dollar, which is accepted almost everywhere. Visitors need a valid passport. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air run short domestic flights from the international airport to San Pedro and Placencia, which saves a long drive or boat ride.
Good to know
- Continental breakfast is included
- More than half of units have air conditioning
- Listed as pet friendly
- Multi-bedroom villas have full kitchens and private pools
Location of Turtle Inn
FAQ about Turtle Inn
Is Turtle Inn all-inclusive?
No. Continental breakfast is included, and other meals are paid separately.
Is Turtle Inn adults only?
No. Families are welcome and there are multi-bedroom villas.
How far is Turtle Inn from Belize City airport?
It is about three hours by road, or a short domestic flight to Placencia.
Who owns Turtle Inn?
Turtle Inn is owned by Francis Ford Coppola.
How many rooms does Turtle Inn have?
There are 28 cottages and villas.
What restaurants are at Turtle Inn?
Dining includes Mare, The Pizzeria, Gauguin Grill and Auntie Luba's Kitchen.
Does Turtle Inn have a pool?
Yes. There is a shared beach pool, and the family villas have private pools.
Is there a spa at Turtle Inn?
Yes. Sunset Spa is an open-air spa in a Balinese-style building.
Do all rooms have air conditioning?
No. More than half of the units have air conditioning.
Can I walk to Placencia Village?
Yes. The village is a short walk or bike ride along the shore.
