Central American resorts seem to begin with a huge exhale. The region’s natural beauty, hospitality, and laid-back pace are all factors that make shoulders relax, stress disappear, and the body feel relaxed. For Travel + Leisure It’s hard to match the quiet luxury of hotels in Costa RicaNicaragua, Belize and Honduras are able to capitalize on the pristine waters of their countries in ever more compelling ways.
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How voting works
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. The 2025 survey was completed by nearly 180,000 T+L subscribers. More than 657,000 votes have been cast in total across 8,700 properties.).
Based on their location and amenities they were classified into resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges. They were also rated according to the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
Respondents could rate each characteristic as excellent, above the average, average or below average. These responses are averaged to arrive at the final score.
Auberge Resorts Collection
What Readers Loved
The readers of T+L searched for resorts that promote nature and wellness, no matter where they travelled in Central America. The three properties are ideal for guests looking for a luxurious home base to embark on snorkeling and diving excursions at Belize’s famous 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 are not lounging on their hammocks in their thatched-roof villas or casitas, they’re probably sipping cocktails at Danny’s Tree Bar and enjoying the sea views or being out on the boat. The resort provides snorkeling gear and kayaks for guests at no charge. A section of the reef can be found just offshore. The resort can arrange boat trips to snorkel or dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. There are more than 150 different fish species, and about 40 different coral types.
This year, half the honorees (including the No. Costa Rica is home to the No. T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year. Nosara’s surf hub, No. Nosara (No. 5 Tierra Magnifica) or Monteverde’s cloud forests (No. The 3 Hotel Belmar, each of them embodies a feeling of pura vidaWith a respect for nature, and the most warm hospitality in the world. Readers will note that this year’s top 10 marks the end of Nayara Camp’s winning streak. Although it drops to No. WBA members raved about the stay they had at this secluded glamping retreat set in the shadow of the Arenal volcano. “Unforgettable experiences and memories,” says one guest. We were blown away by everything, including the service, views, location, food and more. One person wrote that the staff were particularly impressive. They had “been in several high-end hotels around the world and this hotel by far has the most trained and knowledgeable staff.”
The Winner
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Auberge Resorts Collection
Nestled in the Talamanca Mountains’ verdant foothills, this hideaway of 50 casitas focuses the guest experience around immersive adventure, culture discovery, and soul centered wellness. 180 acres of the property include a coffee and horse farm, organic food garden, holistic spa, and an organic culinary gardening. Zip-lining through jungles, climbing giant ficus, and searching for nocturnal wildlife with a guide are all active adventures. There are also a number of activities that are equally exciting but less adrenaline-inducing, such as a Tico baking workshop, cocktail workshops and visits to nearby family farms. Casa de Agua has a variety of signature treatments that combine Central American wellness practices with Eastern modalities such as Reiki. No matter what guests decide to do, T+L’s readers can attest that they will find a rejuvenating experience.
The full list
1. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 99.89
2. Nayara Tented CampArenal Volcano National Park in 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
Score of Reader: 97.39
5. Tierra Magnifica Boutique HotelNosara Costa Rica
Reader Score : 96.36
6. Matachica Resort & SpaAmbergris Caye – Belize
Reader Score: 96.20%
7. Victoria HouseAmbergris Caye – Belize
Reader Score: 95.00
8. Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & SpaWest Bay Beach (Honduras)
Reader Score 95.20
8. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef: Hopkins Village, Belize
Reader Score: 95.20
10. Nayara SpringsArenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica
Reader Score: 95.83
