Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best beach resorts in Central America
Central America – the landmass located between Mexico and Colombia – is blessed with excellent beaches on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The Caribbean beaches are pure paradise with white sands and turquoise waters, while the Pacific beaches are more rough, holding some of the most epic surfing spots on the planet. Its abundance of beaches and location right in the tropics (with year-round warm temperatures) make Central America a perfect holiday destination. If you’re looking to include some beach time on your next trip in Central America, I’ve made a selection of the 10 best beach resorts in the region.
Think I missed one? Share your favorite Central American beach resort in the comments section.
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10. NANTIPA – A TICO BEACH EXPERIENCE, COSTA RICA
Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Nicoya, Nantipa is a cloud-nine boutique retreat that redefines barefoot luxury. Every element is inspired by the ocean and sky – right down to its name, which means ‘blue’ in the native Nicoya tribal language. From dawn to dusk you’ll have the sand between your toes and the sound of crashing waves in your ears. The 21 bungalows, suites, and villas feature all the luxuriously beachy amenities you could want (some even have private plunge pools and indoor/outdoor showers). The thatched-roof Manzú Restaurant serves traditional Tico recipes with a modern twist. And just outside your door, you’ll find endless ways to explore, including horseback riding, artisan fishing, and surfing. The concierges at Nantipa will happily recommend and arrange all sorts of unforgettable adventures.
- Official website: Nantipa
- Other accolades: Nantipa also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels & resorts in Costa Rica.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD resort credit).
9. IBAGARI BOUTIQUE HOTEL, HONDURAS
Roatán, an island best known as a stellar scuba diving destination, lies along the Caribbean Sea, encircled by a lush underwater garden of corals and sponges teeming with marine life. Within this setting, surrounded by both vegetation and a white sand beach, adults-only Ibagari Boutique Hotel is the ideal resort to enjoy everything that Roatan and Central America’s Caribbean coast have to offer. Designed to be an oasis of chic tropical design and spectacular views, each of the eight luxury suites and two bedroom villas offers a refined yet relaxed ambiance. With a unique menu created by acclaimed Guatemalan chef Rick Zachrisson and Chef Alex Flores, the hotel’s open-air restaurant Luna Muna offers simple, but sophisticated food.
- Hotel website: Ibagari Boutique Hotel
8. LAS TERRAZAS RESORT, BELIZE
Nestled along the glistening, white sand beach and Caribbean Sea, Las Terrazas on beautiful Ambergris Caye is pure bliss and one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Some of the region’s finest snorkeling and diving lie off the resort’s white sands, including Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. The look is comfortably chic; the ambience, discreet and low key. Guest can choose from a variety of layouts with the 36 roomy, residence-style accommodations, each featuring a full-size kitchen and free Wi-Fi. The colorful, inviting O Restaurant serves up the freshest of food in Ambergris Caye’s premier dining experience.
- Hotel website: Las Terrazas
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit towards tours and activities).
7. TURTLE INN, BELIZE
Francis Ford Coppola acquired this beachside hideaway in 2001 and created an idyllic refuge for those seeking a relaxing or adventure-filled getaway to Belize. This 25-room seafront escape delights guests with individual thatched cottages, decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, naturally cooled by the ever-present sea breezes. Just steps beyond your private deck, the white-sand beach dissolves into the clear Caribbean Sea. In addition to offering an ideal location to experience the sea, Turtle Inn is located a short bicycle ride or walk from the charming sea-front fishing village of Placencia, where local artisan shops and dining spots can be enjoyed. Excursions are also available to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s only jaguar preserve.
- Hotel website: Turtle Inn
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit towards tours and activities).
6. RANCHO SANTANA, NICARAGUA
Rancho Santana is a world-class beach resort and residential community located on Central America’s pristine Emerald Coast in Nicaragua. “The Ranch” boasts 2,700 acres of rolling hills, five unique beaches, a variety of dining options, and activities from adventure sports to a menu of wellness offerings. Whether you’re seeking the luxurious amenities of a boutique inn or the privacy of an ocean-view home, Rancho Santana provides a wide variety of unique accommodation options inspired by the rugged, natural beauty of Nicaragua’s stunning Pacific coast, ranging from regular hotel rooms to multi bedroom villas. The resort also features four delicious restaurants as well as an excellent wellness center.
- Hotel website: Rancho Santana
5. ANDAZ COSTA RICA RESORT AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA
Where the Gulf of Papagayo meets the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo personifies Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” (pure life) expression, an extension of the native spirit of the country. The hotel design by Costa Rica’s most famous architect Ronald Zurcher translates the healthy and poetic integration of men and nature, with 153 rooms (including 21 suites) that make you feel you part of the breathtaking setting and buildings created to the images of jungle creatures. The resort offers four restaurants, three beaches, four pools, spa and wellness programs, extensive on-site activity options, including complimentary Cambi kids program. Guests also enjoy access to the amenities of the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo, including golf, tennis, electric assist bike share, The Explorers activities, teen/tween programming and transportation to seven additional restaurants within the community.
- Official website: Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
- Other accolades: Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo also features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels & resorts in Costa Rica and my favorite Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in the world.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo here.
4. CALALA ISLAND, NICARAGUA
Tucked away in a little-known corner of the Caribbean (off the coast of Nicaragua), Calala Island is a hidden gem featuring just four suites on the entire island, accommodating a maximum of eight guests (suites can be rented individually or the entire Island booked exclusively). A dedicated team of 30 staff for a 4:1 staff to guest ratio caters for guests’ every desire. Dining is a moveable feast: on your terrace, in the restaurant, at the pool bar or on the beach. Expect Michelin-inspired tasting menus in the evening and casual classics at lunch. The island is a nesting site for the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles so expect to see them laying, hatching and meandering to the sea during the various seasons.
- Hotel website: Calala Island
3. CAYO ESPANTO, BELIZE
Just a two-hour flight from Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, or Houston, a private island paradise awaits. Cayo Espanto is home to seven intimate seafront villas, all overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The tastefully decorated wooden villas are dotted among the tiny island’s palm trees, with private pools to plunge in, hammocks to snooze in, and a dedicated ‘houseman’ on hand to ensure that you’re treated to whatever you want, whenever you want it. If you can tear yourself away from these sybaritic accommodations, take advantage of the sea kayaks and sailboats, full-service spa, world-class fly-fishing for tarpon and bonefish, tours of Mayan ruins, jungle trips, and stellar snorkeling along the world’s second-longest barrier reef. Full island rental is available for the most decadent vacations.
- Hotel website: Cayo Espanto
- Other accolades: Cayo Espanto also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most beautiful overwater bungalows (outside the Maldives and French Polynesia)
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
2. ISLAS SECAS PRIVATE ISLAND & RESERVE, PANAMA
Taking over an entire 14-island archipelago (with 13 islands remaining undeveloped), Islas Secas is a sublime eco-luxury escape on Panama’s pristine Pacific coast, accommodating just 24 guests. There are only four individually designed casitas and three tented suites: the suites and smallest casita are perfect for couples, while the larger two- and four-bedroom casitas provide all the space you need for a family adventure. The open-air restaurant Terraza serves locally sourced dishes like crispy snapper and ceviche. Guests can discover the natural wonders just outside their door with adventures ranging from fishing and whale watching to snorkeling in the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park.
- Hotel website: Islas Secas Private Island
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
1. FOUR SEASONS RESORT COSTA RICA AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is located on the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo, Central America’s most exclusive beach resort community. The hotel’s 155 guest rooms, suites and residences capture the exotic character of Costa Rica, with comfortable rattan and bamboo furnishings, local artwork and indigenous wood and stone finishes. At the heart of the property – right between two stunning beaches – await three swimming pools, immersed in lush landscaping and surrounded by spacious pool decks with abundant chaises lounges. Other facilities include three restaurants, children’s club, and a world-class spa encompassing eight massage rooms, seven wet treatment rooms with showers, and four facial treatment rooms. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the resort’s 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course was designed with the golfer in mind.
- Official website: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
- Other accolades: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels & resorts in Costa Rica.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo here.
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Has anyone stayed at Mukul since it reopened after Nicaragua’s political troubles as a smaller footprint operation? I stayed there several times before it temporarily closed, and always had a wonderful time. I have wanted to go back, but I have not had the chance yet.