Coral Island

A private Caribbean island to rent off the coast of Belize

Belonging to director Francis Ford Coppola, this two-acre, jungle-cloaked Caribbean islet is protected by a vast reef and offers romance, adventure and unirvalled opportunities for spotting whale sharks and manatees.

Eight miles off the coast of Belize and sheltered behind the second largest barrier reef in the world, Coral Island is a completely private islet that can be yours alone for a romantic, restorative or adventurous getaway.

The private retreat of celebrated filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the two-acre island features a small, coral-sand beach and has been enhanced for travellers who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while still preserving its natural, local flavour.

Protected by the reef, this is a true eco-sanctuary, wthout televisions or even much in the way of WiFi or phone signal, where days are spent snorkelling and nights are spent stargazing before the soothing sounds of the Caribbean Sea begin to lull you to sleep. Whale sharks congregate at full moon between April and June and you have a better chance of spotting a manatee here than almost anywhere else in the world.

Meals are prepared daily by the island caretakers. Seafood, naturally, is the star of the show here and the Creole-style beach barbecues are practically to die for. For more elaborate meals, private chefs can be brought in, part of a range of additional services that include diving and fishing trips, and al-fresco massages.

Accommodation is split between two cottages. Coral Cottage is the more comfortable of the two and is ideal for a couple or family with young children, with a king-size bed plus a sofa bed in the living area. There is a proper bathroom with hot and cold running water and indoor and outdoor showers. It overlooks the beach, where hammocks are strung between coconut palms.

On the other side of the island, smaller, simpler Seahorse Cottage has a queen-size bed as well as twin beds and is located in a cove by a mangrove forest, where you will almost certainly spot seahorses. An adjacent bathroom has a cold-water shower.

The Great House is essentially a thatched, sand-floored living space, furnished with daybeds (on which extra guests can stay), comfortable chairs, a large dining table and a full bar, and is equipped with a kitchen, WC, various games, and even a dartboard, drum kit and guitar.