Just beyond your private deck, the white Caribbean sands dissolve into a clear-water world of unspoiled coral reefs, playful dolphins and bright exotic fish. Hang a hammock from the shady coconut palms and watch colorful iguanas and the gentle tides unfold against the white sand beach north of the Creole fishing village of Placencia.

Charming cabanas of bleached thatch and native wood mingle with the beach's palm and sea grape.

Under the thatched roofs, quiet ceiling fans invite sweet sea air and flora-scents to perfume the tropical interiors. Pictured above is a villa's luxurious living room, directly on the beach.

Each Balinese-inspired cabana has artisan-crafted furnishings, a luxury private bath and a panoramic view of the sea.

Enjoy a tropical drink on your own beach-side porch.

Cool trade winds brush the southern shores as they fan the coconut palms. Plant a lounge chair at the water's edge and dip your toes into the warm tide.

This marine retreat combines natural wonders with luxury amenities, two restaurants, attentive staff and fine dining. Welcome to your own Caribbean paradise. Morning juice and cappuccino herald the call to adventure.

Traditional family recipes are prepared in an Italian wood-burning oven. Select a table in the open-air dining room or something more romantic - a candlelit table on the ocean's edge.

Coppola family recipes are made using fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the Blancaneaux Lodge's organic garden. Before sitting down, enjoy a cocktail or sample from exclusive Niebaum-Coppola wines in the sunken sand-floor bar.

You can go snorkeling or explore the barrier reef or just sip a limon fresca and enjoy a siesta. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Whether you want to slip on a diving mask and explore the waters around the Inn or hire a water taxi to take you to spectacular reefs at nearby cayes, Turtle Inn is the ideal base while exploring this natural wonder.

Experience the world's best salt-water fly-fishing or go snorkeling in miles of untouched barrier reef. Visit the world's only jaguar reserve, or cruise up the Monkey River and observe tropical birds, iguanas, manatees, crocodiles, and howler monkeys. From scenic strolls to scuba diving, the Turtle Inn staff will provide the region's most knowledgeable and trusted
guides.

Belize is less than two hours by air from Houston, New Orleans and Miami. Turtle Inn is on the southern coast of Belize, just outside of the town of Placencia. The Sofia, the resort's private Islander aircraft, can transport you from Belize City to Turtle Inn in less than an hour. Commercial airlines also fly between Belize City and Placencia.