Welcome to the Jungle at Blancaneaux Lodge

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

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

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

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

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. 

Beautiful St. Barts

The sophisticated and dramatic French island of St. Barthelemy (aka St. Bart's) packs so much into such a small island that it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to do. The restaurants are some of the best in the Caribbean, consistently showcasing gastronomic art and innovative dishes.  From the Parisian chic boutiques in the capital, Gustavia, to the private red-roofed villas that dot the hillsides, St. Bart's is full of charm, allure and beautiful people.  Spend the morning on one of the 22 picturesque beaches, try on the latest French fashions in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the megawatts in the handsome harbor while sipping rose.  There are dozens of excellent restaurants to choose from for an elegant evening, and restaurant owners go to great lengths to see that guests are having as much fun as they are. These perks make St. Bart's the region's most unique and romanticized islands. 

Hotels: Hotel St. Barthelemy - Isle de France; Eden Rock, Hotel Guanahani & Spa 

Villas & Private Home Rentals: Luxury Villa and AirBnB

Restaurants:  L'esprit, Bonito, L'Isola, Le Case a L'Isle, Le Gaiac, Le Ti, St. Barths Caribbean Tavern   

Beaches: For long stretches of talcum-soft pale sand choose La Saline, Gouverneur, or Flamands. For seclusion in nature, pick Corossol. Arguably, the most remarkable beach on the island is Shell Beach, but note, its hardly has sand at all - instead pink shells! 

Sunset Cocktail: The Strand, Gustavi; Nikki Beach

Nightlife: Nikki Beach, Le Yacht Club, Le 88

Shopping: Calypso; Mia Zia; Lolita Jaca; Mandarine Bijoux 

Spa:  Ligne St. Barth, The Guanahani Spa by Clarins  

Activities: Charter a wooden sailboat for a morning or afternoon excursion. Book HERE. 

Hotel St. Barthelemy

This 128 boutique hotel is probably one of the most exclusive (and wonderful) places you can stay in the Caribbean. With exquisite views, service, and cuisine, even stopping here for breakfast or a drink is worthwhile. 

St. Barths Airport 

Hotel St Barts - Isle de France

Gouverneur Beach 

On The Rocks at Eden Rock Hotel

Eden Rock Hotel 

Nikki's Beach 

Viceroy Hotel: Caribbean Cool in Anguilla

The Viceroy Anguilla is one of the most visually unique and captivating resorts you'll find in the Caribbean. Perfectly blending modern elegance with architectural sophistication, the interior designer and wife of Viceroy owner, Kelly Wearstler, sets the bar high with her exquisite touches and perfectly crafted, cutting- edge designs.  The hotel is built on a rocky peninsula with breathtaking views of white, sandy-beaches from both sides of the resort and numerous fitness and leisure activities to choose from.

Keep in mind, the crowd draws LA celebrities, "societal" New Yorkers, understated investment bankers and cigar smoking, rose-drinking Europeans at all times of year. The probability of a celebrity spotting is extremely likely.  So grab a Barnes Bay Rum Punch at the Sunset Lounge and find yourself and that celebrity simultaneously mesmerized by the spectacular sunset view. The drinks will continue to flow throughout the night and you'll meet new friends from all around the globe. 

Before heading to the beach and the hotel amenities for the day, enjoy breakfast at the Coba restaurant.  The food is decent, but the unparalleled views of the ocean will make you overlook it. In the meantime, keep your eyes open for Roman Abramovich's massive "Eclipse" yacht. The Russian billionaire has a tendency to park it directly outside the cliff-side Coba restaurant for his own 'weekend jaunt' from St. Barts.

Trust us when we say, everything about this hotel feels state-of-the art luxurious and Caribbean 'cool.' ...If you can afford it, this award-winning hotel is an absolute must! 

Spa Retreat in the Poconos

This year, I spent President's Day weekend (also Valentine's Day weekend) at the Lodge at Woodloch in the Poconos.  The weather had been freezing in New York, but we figured, go big or go home, and decided to fully indulge in winter with a cozy mountain trip.  Plus, we wouldn't have to worry about air travel, and the drive from the city takes only a bit more than two hours.  Upon arriving at the Lodge, we were delighted by the roaring fires, rustic decor, and stunning views of the snow-capped forrest from almost every room (including ours).  The "farm to table" food is delicious, and since every meal is included with the room, there's never a need to pay a bill.  A snowy trail out the back of the hotel leads to a tiny hut where you can rent snow shoes and cross country skis and has a perpetual fire roaring... perfect to warm up your feet after an hour of adventuring.   

We spent the second day relaxing in the pool and whirlpools in the Spa, taking a yoga class and getting massages.  The spa offers a wide range of new age activities ranging from Journaling, to "Power Napping," and to "Lover's Touch," a class about partner massage.  I forced my boyfriend to attend "Chakra Bowl Discovery" with me, but he drew the line at "Mandala Drawing," a 180 minute class in which you create your own cosmic diagram. 

If you're looking for a cozy, relaxing winter escape that does not require air travel, this one can't be beat. 

Valentine's Day cookies

Lunch at Woodloch

Pumpkin French Toast for breakfast

Woodloch pool

Chakra Bowls in the hotel lobby

We played these bowls in our robes on the way to the spa.  Quite relaxing!

Snowshoeing around the property

Frozen lake at Woodloch