Francis Ford Coppola on his Guatemalan hideway

A few years ago, movie director-cum-hotelier Francis Ford Coppola added a Guatemalan property to his two existing resort in Belize. Its proximity to Tikal and fabulous lakeside setting made La Lancha a natural addition to his portfolio of properties.

I understand La Lancha was an existing property prior to becoming part of the Coppola resorts. When and how did you discover it?

A very sophisticated traveler and friend, John Heaton, told us about La Lancha and described it to us. He thought that it might become available, as the French couple, Isabel and Didier, who had created it might be interested in relocating now that their children were getting bigger. I was enchanted by the location and simplicity of the place, and awed by the site at Tikal, wich I think is one of the wonders of the world. Also I thought the lake itself was beautiful, and so I was eager to add La Lancha to our group of small resorts – Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn.

Can you tell me a bit about the process of actually buying the property?

At first the couple was nostalgic about leaving the place they had created, and so finally it was agreed that they’d stay on to manage it. But after a while this proved to be impractical. They moved to Antigua to create a new “Hotel de Charme”: This is the website if you don’t already know it : www.unpaseoporlaantigua.com

http://www.unpaseoporlaantigua.com/

What do you like most about La Lancha?

I love the unspoiled area with a troop of howler monkeys living just outside the deck of my room and the huge, beautiful lake below

http://www.coppolaresorts.com/lalancha

Interview Mr. Coppola in 2009 by Moon Living Abroad In Guatemala. Al Argueta.