The Top 10 Resort Hotels in Central America
This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
Once again, Costa Rica led the pack of winners for the best resorts in Central America, securing half the spots on this year's list. Belize was right behind, with four hotels earning high marks from T+L readers. Interestingly, each of the four is located in a completely different part of the country, demonstrating that travelers have broadened their explorations of the beautiful nation.
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
While the beaches of Central America are certainly beloved, it was the rain-forest properties that dominated this year's list of reader favorites. Copal Tree Lodge, a Muy'Ono Resort, in Toledo, Belize, came in at No. 9. "Lovely resort nestled in the jungle of Belize. Wildlife is everywhere," raved one reader. Other fans praised the attentive staff and creative activities. Last year's winner, Nayara Gardens, may have ceded the top spot, but voters still loved the "flawless hotel," as one person called it. Another wrote, "When we first entered and saw the view of the Arenal volcano from our personal deck, I had to pinch myself to know it was real."
Brice-Ferre-Studio/Courtesy of Nayara Tented Camp Nayara Tented Camp, terrace pool, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Some properties give guests the best of both worlds, affording views of and access to the rain forest and the beach. Case in point: No. 3 Casa Chameleon at Mal País on the Puntarenas peninsula in Costa Rica is tucked between the famous surf breaks of Santa Teresa and the Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve, a thick jungle full of wildlife. "The best views I have ever seen," extolled one reader, while another loved that it's "off the beaten path."
But stellar views also abound at Nayara Tented Camp — the property that earned the top spot in this category, as well as No. 2 in the world. Keep reading to see the whole list.
1. Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Brice-Ferre-Studio/Courtesy of Nayara Tented Camp Nayara Tented Camp, hotel, guest room, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
This ultra-luxurious property — the newest in the Nayara family — is definitely more glamping than camping, with permanent cliff-top tents overlooking lush rain forest and the imposing Arenal volcano. "An African safari in a tropical heaven," summarized one reader. In practice, that means private decks with hot-spring fed pools, spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers with double shower heads, and four poster beds. Another voter lauded the privacy and seclusion, writing that "you feel like you're in a treehouse alone in the world." Aside from relaxing in their glamorous tents, visitors can spot sloths and toucans, take a dip in the spring-fed mineral plunge pools, and indulge in pampering treatments at the spa.
Score: 99.58
More information: nayaratentedcamp.com
2. Nayara Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Courtesy of Nayara Gardens Nayara Gardens, hotel deck, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 98.13
More information: nayaragardens.com
3. Casa Chameleon at Mal País, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Courtesy of Casa Chameleon Mal Pais Casa Chameleon,terrace pool, Mal País, Costa Rica
Score: 97.05
More information: casachameleonhotels.com
4. Nayara Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Courtesy of Nayara Springs Nayara Springs, hotel guest room, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Score: 96.56
More information: nayarasprings.com
5. Gaïa Riverlodge, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Belize
Celia Spenard-Ko/Courtesy of GAÏA Riverlodge GAÏA Riverlodge, hotel guest room, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Belize
Score: 96.25
More information: gaiariverlodge.com
6. Matachica Resort & Spa, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Adrien William/Courtesy of Matachica Resort & Spa Matachica Resort & Spa, hotel, property view, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Score: 95.76
More information: matachica.com
7. Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Courtesy of Casa Palopó Casa Palopó, decorative hotel blue wall, Atitlan, Guatemala
Score: 95.03
More information: casapalopo.com
8. Blancaneaux Lodge, Cayo District, Belize
Al Argueta/Courtesy of Blancaneaux Lodge Blancaneaux Lodge, hotel guest room, cabana interior, Cayo District, Belize.
Score: 94.15
More information: thefamilycoppolahideaways.com
9. Copal Tree Lodge, a Muy'Ono Resort, Toledo, Belize
Courtesy of Copal Tree Lodge Copal Tree Lodge, hotel guest room, Toledo, Belize
Score: 93.82
More information: copaltreelodge.com
10. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Courtesy of JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, hotel guest room terrace, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Score: 93.73
More information: marriott.com
See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021.
