The buzz in Belize? A new resort will debut soon in Placencia, and it’s billed as “an ode to the great Caribbean estates of years past.” Comprised of 47 rooms and 47 private residences, Itz’ana Resort is designed around the Great House, where guests gather for eating, imbibing and relaxing. Inside you’ll find the Limilia restaurant which serves a “sea-to-table” inspired menu with views of the Caribbean sea. Vegetables are sourced from Itz’ana’s own organic farm, while the fish is provided daily by the in-house fishermen.
The Great House is also home to the private Rum Room, where the dedicated Rum Sommelier will serve up spirits from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. There’s also a “Hemingway-inspired library” and a rooftop deck where sunrise yoga classes will take place overlooking the sea. Last but not least: The fully equipped spa will have five treatment rooms, a meditation room, and a saltwater pool. Treatments will utilize locally sourced rainforest botanicals.
The full-service marina has 18 slips and a watersports activity center (think: diving, snorkeling, fishing and sunset sails). Note that resort guests are privy to a private island escape, just offshore, where picnics can be set up, snorkeling expeditions explore the teeming underwater life of the barrier reef, and even overnight camping can be arranged.
Placencia, Belize is also home to Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn, which has a glass-walled wine cellar designed by Laurent Deroo. Leonardo diCaprio’s private island, Blackadore Caye Resort, expected to open at the end of 2018, is situated farther north near the Mexican border.