World's Best The Top 10 Resort Hotels in Central America in 2020 By Devorah Lev-Tov Devorah Lev-Tov Devorah Lev-Tov has been a travel, food, and drinks journalist for more than a decade, with bylines in publications like The New York Times, Vogue, and Bon Appétit, in addition to Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 8, 2020 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Courtesy of Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be. The jungles, beaches, and volcanoes that make up Central America combine to make a stunning landscape, and its top resorts take full advantage. But we would be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible service, amenities, and food and drink that make our top 10 resorts in Central America a cut above the rest. These resorts highlight their beautiful surroundings while ensuring guests have an authentic and luxurious experience. 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. Costa Rica captured six spots on this year’s list, drawing in travelers with its stunning beaches, rain forests, and cloud forests. In Pérez Zeledón near the Pacific Ocean, Hacienda AltaGracia (No. 7) made the most of its 864 acres when it built its 50 casitas and suites that look out over the grounds’ lush hillsides. (Guests might spot toucans and capuchin monkeys hiding in the trees.) One reader called it “a true gem” and added that they “really want to go back again.” Belize, which has been steadily gaining popularity among travelers in recent years, also had several winners this year, including two of Francis Ford Coppola’s resorts. The beachfront Turtle Inn (No. 9) in Placencia maintains a “very cool, laid back vibe,” according to one voter, but still has an “excellent staff [that is] very attentive.” No. 8 Blancaneaux Lodge, set in the center of the country, gives guests access to stunning nature reserves and Mayan sites. Below, the full list of the best resort hotels in Central America. 1. Nayara Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica Courtesy of Nayara Gardens Score: 96.46 More information: arenalnayara.com Nestled in the rainforest jungle with the spectacular Arenal Volcano as a backdrop, this resort (whose sister property Nayara Springs snagged the No. 4 spot) takes full advantage of its rugged surroundings while ensuring a luxury experience. Details like cozy casitas with private outdoor showers, a family-friendly pool and hot tubs fed from hot springs, multiple dining venues, and an array of tours and wildlife experiences combine for an unforgettable vacation. The thoughtful service and comprehensive amenities are near-perfect, as one respondent wrote. “Service is impeccable and genuine. Facility is amazing. Villas are incredible. Food is outstanding. Did not want to leave!” Another put it simply: “Paradise found.” 2. Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Courtesy of Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas Score: 96.21 More information: casachameleonhotels.com 3. Florblanca Resort, Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Courtesy of Florblanca Score: 96.00 More information: florblanca.com 4. Nayara Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica Courtesy of Nayara Springs Score: 94.67 More information: nayarasprings.com 5. Matachica Resort, Ambergris Caye, Belize Douglas Lyle Thompson Score: 93.00 More information: matachica.com 6. Rancho Santana, Tola, Nicaragua Adrien Williams Score: 92.91 More information: ranchosantana.com 7. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection Score: 92.38 More information: aubergeresorts.com 8. Blancaneaux Lodge, Cayo District, Belize Courtesy of Blancaneaux Lodge Score: 92.33 More information: thefamilycoppolahideaways.com 9. Turtle Inn, Placencia, Belize Courtesy of Turtle Inn Score: 89.62 More information: thefamilycoppolahideaways.com 10. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Courtesy of Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo Score: 88.71 More information: hyatt.com See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2020.