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The 10 Best Resorts in Central America of 2025
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Costa Rica
20 Best Things to Do in Belize The Casona con Piscina guest room at Hacienda AltaGracia.
Auberge Resorts Collection
No matter where in Central America they traveled, T+L readers sought out resorts that champion nature and wellness. All three properties in Belize are well-positioned for guests who want a luxe home base for snorkeling or diving excursions to the country's renowned barrier reef. The highest ranked—No. 6 Matachica Resort & Spa—is nestled on Ambergris Caye, which T+L readers consistently vote as one of their favorite islands in Mexico and Central and South America. When guests aren't lounging in the hammock of their thatched-roof casita or villa, they're likely sipping cocktails and basking in sea views at Danny's Tree Bar or out on the water. Snorkel gear and kayaks are complimentary, and a section of the reef is just offshore. The resort can also arrange a boating excursion to snorkel or dive in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where more than 150 fish species and roughly 40 types of coral are thriving.
Half the honorees on this year's list (including this year's No. 1) are located in Costa Rica, which was T+L's 2024 Destination of the Year. Whether they're in the surf hub of Nosara (No. 5 Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel) or the cloud forests of Monteverde (No. 3 Hotel Belmar), each one embodies the sentiment of pura vida , with a reverence for nature and some of the warmest hospitality you'll encounter throughout the world. Astute readers will notice this year's list marks the end of Nayara Tented Camp's four-year winning streak. Though it slips to No. 2, WBA voters raved about their stays at the secluded glamping resort set against the backdrop of Arenal volcano. 'Unforgettable experience and memories from this place,' shares one guest. 'We were truly blown away by the service, the views, the location, food, and everything.' Another person thought the staff was particularly impressive, writing that they've 'been to several high end hotels in the world, and by far, this hotel has the best trained and knowledgeable staff.'
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica Casa Grande, a two-bedroom guest room at Hacienda AltaGracia.
Auberge Resorts Collection
Tucked into the verdant foothills of Costa Rica's Talamanca Mountains, this 50-casita hideaway centers the guest experience on immersive adventure, cultural discovery, and soul-centering wellness. The property's 180 acres encompass a coffee farm, horse stables, an organic culinary garden, and a holistic spa. Active adventures include zip-lining through the jungle, scaling giant ficus trees, or venturing out into the pitch-black night to search for nocturnal animals with a wildlife guide. For fun that's equally invigorating but lower adrenaline, there's a variety of culinary options, including a hands-on Tico baking class, cocktail workshops, and visits to family-owned farms nearby. Casa de Agua offers a range of signature treatments that incorporate Central American wellness practices, as well as Eastern modalities like Reiki. As T+L readers will attest, no matter how guests choose to spend their time, they'll find a restorative experience worth flying for.
1. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 98.89
2. Nayara Tented Camp: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 97.89
3. Hotel Belmar: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 97.66
4. Rancho Santana: Tola-Rivas, Nicaragua
Reader Score: 97.39
5. Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel: Nosara, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 96.36
6. Matachica Resort & Spa: Ambergris Caye, Belize
Reader Score: 96.20
7. Victoria House: Ambergris Caye, Belize
Reader Score: 96.00
8. Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa: West Bay Beach, Honduras
Reader Score: 95.20
8. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef: Hopkins Village, Belize
Reader Score: 95.20
10. Nayara Springs: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica Reader Score: 94.83
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