From Jungle to Sea: Our Family’s Belize Itinerary
In June, my family of six packed our bags for an unforgettable Belize adventure—from lush jungle hideaways to serene white-sand beaches. What made this trip so special wasn’t just the stunning beauty of Belize (although it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds), but how we were able to experience the country in two totally different ways: through the wild, vibrant jungle and then the laid-back, soul-soothing coast. We split our stay between three standout properties, each one unique, beautiful, and perfect for families, especially those with a wide range of ages like ours. Here's our full, adventure packed itinerary and what we learned along the way.
About Our Family:
We’re a family of six - my husband and I, along with our four boys, ages 21, 18, 10, and 7. With such a wide age range, we’re in that unique season of parenting where we’re balancing teen and young adult independence with the energy and curiosity of younger kids. It means we’re always looking for destinations that speak to both ends of the spectrum: adventure and exploration for the older ones, space to play and be curious for the younger ones, and quality time woven in for all of us. This trip to Belize hit that sweet spot, offering a way to connect as a family while still letting everyone experience something just for them.
Our First Adventure: THE JUNGLE
From the Belize City airport we took a private transfer to deep in the heart of the jungle at Blancaneaux Lodge, part of The Family Coppola Hideaways. This property is for those who find peace in birdsong, the rush of nearby waterfalls, and the thrill of being completely off the grid (don’t worry, they still have WiFi).
Location: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Nights Stayed: 4
Our Setup: 2-bedroom Villa + Riverfront Cabana for our young adult boys
Ideal for: Nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone who wants to truly unplug
The two-bedroom villa that my husband and I along with our two youngest stayed in had an open-air living room that made you feel completely immersed in the wild surroundings. Each morning started with strong local coffee and bird watching from the deck. Our youngest two boys loved keeping a journal of all the birds spotted, and by the end of our stay, we had seen toucans, motmots, and even a keel-billed beauty.
Since we are a large family we also reserved a riverside cabana for our older boys. All Riverfront Cabañas at Blancaneaux Lodge feature an expansive deck ensuring a spectacular view of the Privassion River. The Belize luxury accommodations are elegantly themed with native art and local textiles. Having the two seperate villas was ideal for our family - ensuring that everyone had their own space to retreat to.
Must-Do Experiences at Blancaneaux Lodge:
Barton Creek Cave Tour: A guided canoe trip into a sacred Mayan cave. Between the ancient artifacts and the eerily beautiful rock formations, we were all completely captivated by the history behind this cave.
Caracol Maya Ruin Tour: If you only do one Maya Ruin temple, make it this one! A full-day adventure, complete with a gourmet picnic lunch. Deep in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve lies one of the most impressive Maya sites in Belize, Caracol, at the base of the Maya Mountains in the Cayo District. Covering an area of nearly 25,000 acres, Caracol is one of the largest Mayan sites. The views from the top of the temple are a must see!
Hike to Big Rock Falls: My husband and oldest son spent a morning hiking from the lodge to a nearby waterfall. Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot waterfall that crashes into a cool emerald pool surrounded by massive granite boulders. Note: that this is somewhat of a strenous hike, but worth it!
Dinner in the Organic Garden: We were invited to the resort’s organic garden for a vegetarian feast made up of localy sourced produce. Dinner begins with welcome drinks and a garden tour, followed by a communal three-course meal served in the open-air thatched kitchen. Soups, salads, and stir-fry dishes are prepared just moments after harvest. Even our most skeptical omnivores left the table satisfied. The showstopper of the evening: The freshly made bingets!
Morning Birdwatching Tour: For early risers, the sunrise birdwatching tour is a highlight. With binoculars in hand and expert guides leading the way, we spotted colorful toucans, motmots, and other native species greeting the day. Our guide was able to identify and point out each Belizan bird, alerting us to the unique call that they make.
Spa Treatments at the Waterfall Spa: Perched right on the banks of Privassion Creek, the Waterfall Spa at Blancaneaux Lodge is a serene sanctuary built for connection and renewal. Designed with natural light, an open-air treatment room, and views of the cascading creek, this spa feels like it belongs to the forest. We started with a relaxing essential oil massage, during which skilled therapists applied locally sourced organic blends from head to toe, using acupressure techniques to ease every bit of tension.
Lounging by the Pool: Their fresh water infinity pool is set between the main lodge and the Guatemaltecqua Restaurant. Sitting by the pool with a cocktail in hand paired with a book is the perfect relaxing afternoon activity. Most of the time we had the pool to ourselves which was an added bonus for relaxation!
Our time at Blancaneaux Lodge was the perfect way to begin our Belize journey. The combination of deep jungle immersion with elevated service and design made every day feel like an adventure with all the comforts of a luxury retreat. We felt completely off the grid, in the best way. Each day brought something new, from the thrill of paddling through ancient caves to quiet mornings spent watching tropical birds from our open-air living room. Evenings ended with family meals, card games by candlelight, and the peaceful hush of the forest surrounding us. With older kids able to explore more freely and younger ones wide-eyed at every waterfall and wildlife sighting, it felt like we had truly stepped into another world.
Next Up…The Beach!
From Jungle to the Coast: Resort #2
Resort Name: Turtle Inn, Located on the Placencia Peninsula
Nights Stayed: 2
Our Setup: 2-bedroom Garden Villa + Garden Cottage for the young adults
Ideal for: Beach lovers, nature enthusiests, dog lovers, foodies, snorkel and diving adventurers
After four days in the jungle, we made our way to Turtle Inn, another Coppola property with a completely different vibe. This was our first taste of the beach and barefoot luxury.
We were first greeted by the 2 rescue dogs that live on the property, named Chips and Salsa. You will see Chips and Salsa keeping guard on the property, chasing away any seagull that may be attempting to steal your poolside snacks.
Turtle Inn Experiences:
Neapolitan Pizzeria in the Garden: Tucked inside the resort’s lush gardens, the pizzeria at Turtle Inn is both unexpected and unforgettable. The chef uses freshly harvested produce from the on-site garden along with locally sourced meats and seafood. Baked in a wood-fired oven, the pizzas are perfectly blistered with chewy crusts and bold flavor. Inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s love for authentic Neapolitan pizza, every bite is a nod to Italy in the heart of Belize.
Full-Day Inner Reef Snorkeling and Coral Caye Visit: This full-day adventure starts with a scenic boat ride over Belize’s inner reef, teeming with nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, spiny lobsters, and vibrant schools of fish. The tour includes a stop at Coral Caye, Turtle Inn’s private island just eight miles offshore. The island is home to a handful of friendly rescue dogs and has a laid-back, castaway feel. While the kids played on the beach and explored, we enjoyed a grilled lunch of fresh fish, chicken, and sides under the palms. The snorkeling here was the highlight of the trip, and the combination of wildlife, great food, and a private island made it a day we’ll never forget.
Kids Only Gelato Bar: A special treat for kids is the Romy’s Gelato Bar. Neatly tucked to the side of the Skip White Bar hangs a sign ‘Gelato Bar – No Adults Allowed.’ Localy made gelato that changes seasonally makes this a favorite hangout for children of all ages.
Golf Cart Village Exploring: Renting a golf cart opened up the charm of Placencia Village, letting us explore the colorful streets at our own pace. We browsed boutiques, admired local murals, and discovered our favorite treat at Tutti Frutti. This Italian-style gelato shop serves handcrafted flavors using local fruits and high-quality ingredients. I was able to meet the owner, who welcomed us warmly, and we quickly became daily regulars during our short stay. The strawberry and cheesecake combo is a must try!
At Turtle Inn, we slowed down and was able to fully take in and appreciate the beauty of the Belize coast. The thatched-roof villas, sandy pathways, and gently swaying palms gave it a laid-back elegance. We loved how easy it was to split our time between adventure and downtime, from exploring the reef and befriending island dogs to devouring wood-fired pizza and wandering the village on a golf cart. Our older boys appreciated having their own space in the garden cottage, while the rest of us soaked in the breezy charm of the villa. Everything here had character, from the hand-carved furnishings to the well maintained gardens and it all added to the sense that we were staying somewhere truly special. It was a short stop, but a meaningful one, and a perfect bridge between jungle energy and beachside ease.
Next Up: Resort #3
Beachfront Bliss at Itz’ana Resort
Location: Placencia Peninsula
Nights Stayed: 4
Our Setup: 3-bedroom Beachfront Villa
Ideal for: Families, beach lovers, sunset seekers
We traded in the thatched roofs for Itz’ana’s modern elegance and refined relaxation. Our villa was over 4,800 square feet and gave everyone in our family their own space to relax, read, or relax by one of the 3 pools in our villa.
Itz’ana Resort Experiences:
Sunset Yacht Cruise on Placencia Lagoon: We boarded Itz’ana’s sleek yacht just before evening light, drifting out across the lagoon to where the Maya Mountains watch over the Caribbean. As the sun dipped, we watched the sun turn magenta with a glass of bubbles in hand. Both our youngest sons deemed the sunset cruise as their favorite experience while at Itz’ana.
Days Lounging Poolside & Beachfront Villa Perks: Our 4,825 sq ft beachfront villa featured two private plunge pools and a large private main pool, an interior garden, and floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean. Mornings were for reading on the veranda; afternoons splashed around the main pool, cooled by sea breezes. The villa’s design blurred indoors with the outside with wide glass doors, natural woods, and breezy, open spaces kept everyone connected yet with space to chat or retreat to introspective corners.
The Great House & Hidden Speakeasy: At the heart of the resort stands The Great House, with crisp white walls, antique lanterns, French doors, and high ceilings evoking colonial-era charm . By day, it’s the social hub with coffee, cocktails and conversation. By night, a hidden speakeasy upstairs opens its unmarked door to a cozy lounge atmosphere. This is where we slowed down, toasted star-lit nights with a Belizean rum cocktail, and lingered in conversation beyond bedtime.
Itz’ana was our final stop, and it offered the kind of effortless luxury that feels both aspirational and completely livable. Our beachfront villa gave us room to breathe and unwind, while the resort’s thoughtful design kept inspiring us to slow down and enjoy the beauty around us. Long afternoons were spent reading by the pool or enjoying a drink under the palms, while evenings brought us together at The Great House or out on the water for a sunset sail we’ll never forget. The kids loved the freedom to roam and the space to relax, and we loved watching them savor these slower, quieter moments. Itz’ana gave us the reset we didn’t know we needed after days of adventure. We left rested, reconnected, and full of gratitude for a trip that gave us exactly what we were hoping for, and more.
Next Up…Home.
Belize gave us the best of both worlds, untamed nature and relaxed coastal beauty. We climbed ancient ruins, explored sacred caves, watched birds at sunrise, and snorkeled with sea turtles, all while staying at properties that made our family feel welcome, well-fed, and completely at ease. Whether you’re planning a multigenerational trip or just want to mix jungle adventure with barefoot beach time, this country makes it easy. We came home feeling connected, both to nature and as a family.
Until Next Time!
“To Blancaneaux Lodge, Turtle Inn, and Itz’ana—thank you for welcoming our family with such warmth and intention at every turn. Each of your properties brought out a different part of Belize and a different part of us. At Blancaneaux, we felt completely immersed in the jungle’s beauty, with early mornings full of birdsong and days filled with history, adventure, and serenity. Turtle Inn offered us a playful, relaxed pace and unforgettable moments—snorkeling with sea turtles, enjoying perfect pizza in the garden, and wandering through the charm of Placencia Village. At Itz’ana, we found space to unwind and reflect, surrounded by thoughtful design, gracious staff, and the kind of coastal calm that brings a family back to center. We’re grateful for the hospitality, the care, and the memories created at each stop along the way. Thank you for showing us the very best of Belize.”
