I just returned from a long weekend at Blancaneaux Lodge in the heart of the Belize jungle, and while it's not a direct flight, it's worth every take-off and landing. Owned by Francis Ford Copolla, and where Prince Harry reportedly stayed when he visited Belize, the Lodge offers rustic-chic luxury in a wild, exotic setting. With thatched roofs and mosquito-netting walls, the cabanas emerge seamlessly from the landscape (and do quite well at keeping the insects out). We woke up early to the sounds of the jungle and set off to adventure through rain forests, caves and ancient Mayan ruins. At the end of the day, we unwound at the bar, swam in the tranquil "jungle jacuzzi" and ate long, candle-lit dinners.

Do: Spend your first day exploring the fascinating Mayan ruins of Caracol. The Lodge will provide transport, lunch, and an excellent guide. The next day, hike to Big Rock Falls, and spend the day swimming in the natural pool and admiring the enormous waterfall. That evening, take a sunset horseback ride into the jungle. At the end of the day, meet up with other guests (most of whom will be honeymooners) at "jungle jacuzzi" and compare adventures over cocktails. If you have any free time left over, swim to the natural waterfall of the Privassion Creek, relax by the pool, or enjoy a Papaya Body Polish at the Waterfall Spa.

Eat: There is a complimentary breakfast of fruit, pastries, coffee and juice, and you'll typically eat a packed lunch during your daytime adventures. For dinner, the hotel has two restaurants, one Italian and one Guatemalan, both of which incorporate vegetables from the Lodge's organic farm. The food is good (not amazing) but there is enough of a variety in the selection and restaurants at the hotel that you'll find something you like. There is a good wine list, but the cocktails are your best bet. Try the Jungle Juice and the Pineapple Mojito.

How to get there: Fly into Belize City (BZE). Coming from New York, you'll likely transfer in Miami or Houston. An SUV stocked with water and snacks will be waiting when you arrive to take you on the 2.5 hour drive through the jungle to the Lodge.

Jungle Juice Welcome Drink

Waterfall in the Privassion Creek, steps from our cabana

Jungle Jacuzzi

The perfect place to relax after a long day of adventures

Blancaneaux Lodge

Steps from the Privassion Creek to the Lodge

Blancaneaux Lodge

The pool is a perfect place to relax, get some sun, and order some exotic cocktails.

Blancaneaux Lodge

Rio Frio Caves

We stopped by this cave on our way to Caracol. Apparently, this is one of the places that the Mayans would conduct ritual human sacrifices to please the rain gods.

Caracol

Our guide through Caracol was an expert in Mayan hieroglyphics, and interpreted many of the carvings for us.

View from the top of Caracol

Caracol

This is a bird's nest, set in front of the astronomy center of Caracol. The male birds create the nests to attract the females, who choose their mates based on the adequacy of the nests.

Rio on Pools

You'll stop here on your way back from Caracol for a refreshing dip and waterfall back massage.

Blancaneaux restaurant

River leading to Big Rock Falls

Walk to Big Rock Falls

Big Rock Falls

Blanceaneaux Lodge

Coconut water to rehydrate after a long day at Big Rock Falls.

Driveway to Blancaneaux

Blancaneux Gardens

All of the vegetables at the restaurant are organic and grown on the lodge grounds.

Blancaneaux Stable

Blancaneaux Stables

Horseback ride through the jungle

My horse was a retired thoroughbred racehorse named Magnum. The guide thought it was best not to gallop on him, because he would automatically revert back to his racing days and it could be a little fast, even for me!

Horseback ride through the jungle

Sunset horseback ride

Blancaneaux Lodge

Waterfall steps from our cabana, taken at sunrise.

Blancaneaux Lodge

Colorful tiles around the pool set a funky, jungle-chic vibe.

Blancaneaux Lodge

Final breakfast by the pool. Breakfast is complimentary every day and consists of fresh fruit, bread, coffee and juice. There's also an a-la-carte menu.