Just take me South and drop me off anywhere...

'I've always wanted a hideaway right on the beach, and after owning Blancaneaux Lodge in western Belize for a number of years, I knew our guests wanted one, too. I started looking at properties up and down the coast and finally found the ideal spot on the Placencia peninsula, near a charming little fishing village. The place was modest and rustic and was called Turtle Inn. At first, we just renovated it, with grander plans on the drawing board. But Hurricane Iris came along and swept it into the ocean. I remember the phone call to this day. ''So you're telling me there was significant damage?'' I said, and the answer was, ''No, the entire resort is gone; there's nothing there but beach!'' So there I was with a beautiful blank slate.' -- FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA, Dec. 23, 2004