Must-see hotels in Central America

  • Earth Lodge

    Guatemala

    High in the hills above Jocotenango, this extraordinary 40-acre spread is set around a working avocado farm, and the views of the Panchoy valley and…

  • Tranquilo Bay

    Isla Bastimentos

    The oldest and most remote resort on Isla Bastimentos, this family-friendly North American–run lodge creates a fantastic environment for play and…

  • La Loma

    Isla Bastimentos

    Integrated into a 23-hectare rainforest and its community, this 'jungle lodge and chocolate farm' offers tasteful stays to consistently rave reviews. The…

  • Casa Cayuco Eco-Adventure Lodge

    Isla Bastimentos

    This beachfront retreat combines nature with modern conveniences. It's off-grid and jungle-chic, with sweeping views from lofty suites in the post-and…

  • Osa Jungle Hostel

    Puerto Jiménez

    Here is a supercool way for budget travelers to experience all the adventure and wildness of a jungle lodge without the hefty price tag. This property is…

  • Bocas del Mar

    Chiriquí Province

    This elegant Belgian-owned resort on the mainland has 20 brilliant-white ultramodern bungalows that offer the ultimate in comfort. Amenities range from…

  • Hotel Quinta de las Flores

    Antigua

    More a village than a hotel, this property on the southeastern edge of town is bursting with charms. Pebbly paths weave through and around parklike lawns…

  • Dolphin Bay Hideaway

    Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro

    Located amid mangroves and gorgeous gardens, this ecolodge has five rooms on two levels, with a big wooden deck, docks with hammocks and both a lily pond…

  • Morgan’s Rock

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    With its own idyllic tropical beach and 4000 acres of jungle, this fabulous ecolodge offers a superlative experience. Swim in the infinity pool and cross…

  • Private Reserve Ni'tun

    El Petén

    West of San Andrés and down a gravel road, Ni'tun is set on a 35-acre patch of protected secondary forest where six species of hummingbird nest year-round…

  • La Casa del Mundo Hotel & Café

    Lago de Atitlán

    On a secluded cliff facing the volcanoes is one of Guatemala's most spectacular hotels. It features sumptuous gardens, lake swimming from Mediterranean…

  • Finca Bellavista

    Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

    Finca Bellevista is a 242-hectare community of arboreal abodes near Parque Nacional Piedras Blancas. Tree house and canopy dwellings are individually…

  • Isleta El Espino

    Nicaragua

    Kayaking at dawn among the reeds and the herons, delicious meals, yoga, massages and a chance to disconnect from it all are on offer at this island…

  • Casa Pampa

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    Possibly the best deal in all of Santa Teresa. The location is super convenient – surrounded by an overflowing garden, on a quiet road, yet still close to…

  • Hotel Bocas del Toro

    Bocas del Toro Town

    Our favorite place to stay in Bocas town, this three-story waterfront inn has 11 spacious all-hardwood rooms with firm beds, luxurious linens and a warm…

  • Finca Mystica

    Isla de Ometepe

    Travelers looking for ecofriendly accommodations in the midst of lush jungle hit the mother lode with Finca Mystica. A labor of love by US expats Ryan and…

  • Mesón Panza Verde

    Antigua

    Antigua's original luxury boutique hotel, the Panza Verde is cloistered in a serene compound south of the center. The three doubles and nine lavishly…

  • Camp Supertramp

    Playa Sámara

    Major move! Supertramp is now 8km southeast of Hojancha, beside the 350m Salto de Calvo waterfall, with mountain/ocean views. The list of things to love…

  • Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel

    Antigua

    This hostel hits stylish heights without the need to break the budget. Bunk-bed dorms are spacious and very well appointed, sleeping four, six and 12…

  • Posada del Ángel

    Antigua

    Hidden behind a very unassuming door, the luxury at this posada just keeps unfolding. The five rooms and two suites all have fireplaces, fresh flowers,…

  • Maya Papaya

    Antigua

    Modern and well-designed, Maya Papaya knows its flashpacker market well. The hostel opens onto a modest bar area, where breakfasts are also taken, while…

  • Canopy Tower Ecolodge

    Panamá Province

    Located in Parque Nacional Soberanía, this former US Air Force radar station now serves a very different function, namely ecotourism. It's an ecologically…

  • Glover's Atoll Resort

    Southern Belize

    Occupying the Glover's northeast cay, this little backpackers' island paradise is the perfect, affordable island getaway. The private 10-acre island has…

  • Tierra Madre Eco Lodge

    Northwestern Costa Rica

    Totally worth the hour-long trip from La Cruz, this off-the-grid hilltop permaculture farm has views to Nicaragua and beyond. The farm's 65 hectares brim…

  • Hotel Villa Caletas

    Central Pacific Coast

    Although the views of the Pacific are amazing, what makes this bluff-top hotel truly unique is its architectural fusion, incorporating elements as varied…

  • El Otro Lado

    Portobelo

    Awash in Caribbean style under a hush mountainside, this 'private retreat' (ie luxury resort) is laid-back and restful – don't expect beach parties. It's…

  • Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa

    Little Corn Island

    Yemaya offers the most luxurious accommodations on the island and boasts professional service to match. The 17 fan-cooled rooms are stylish, bright and…

  • Arenas del Mar

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    This visually arresting hotel and resort complex is consistently shortlisted among Costa Rica's finest upscale hotels. The earthy, luxury rooms with large…

  • Copal Tree Lodge

    Southern Belize

    Formerly Belcampo Belize, Copal Tree Lodge enjoys a superb hilltop setting overlooking miles of protected jungle stretching down to the Gulf of Honduras…

  • Selina Jacó

    Jacó

    Part of the Selina hostel empire, this latest edition was added in the fall of 2017 and has since become one of the best places to stay in town. It has a…

  • Mamallena Ecolodge

    Panamá Province

    At this mellow ecolodge on a sprawling 174-hectare farm, the seven rooms and eight-bed dorm are in a comfortable chalet and riverfront cabins in a…

  • Gaia Hotel & Nature Reserve

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    This luxurious retreat comprises immaculately furnished studios, terrace suites and three-story villas. It offers free nature tours for guests within its…

  • D&D Brewery

    Western Honduras

    Having created Honduras' most pioneering and ethically run hotel, brewery and coffee roastery, American Bobby Durrette is now busy attracting backpackers…

  • Palmar Tent Lodge

    Isla Bastimentos

    On the edge of the jungle and facing celebrated Red Frog Beach, Palmar has introduced glamping to Bocas del Toro to unanimous acclaim. Accommodations are…

  • Flutterby House

    Uvita

    Is it possible to fall in love with a hostel? If so, this ramshackle collection of colorful Swiss Family Robinson–style tree houses and dorms has beguiled…

  • Turneffe Island Resort

    Belize

    At the southern tip of the atoll, the fanciest of the Turneffe resorts offers gorgeous cabañas with screened porches, wooden floorboards, and indoor and…

  • Cabañas Potosí

    El Valle

    A very welcoming place and good for a peaceful sleep, American-owned Cabañas Potosí is situated about 1km southwest of the town center. The parklike…

  • Victoria House

    Ambergris Caye

    This elegant beach resort is one of the oldest on the island, but is meticulously maintained and shines like new. It's fronted by a beautiful, wide beach…

  • Oasi

    Caye Caulker

    Set around blooming tropical gardens featuring an inviting pool, this excellent guesthouse has just four elegant apartments with lovely wide verandas …

  • Turtle Inn

    Placencia

    The last word in ultra-chic luxury (with price tag to match), this Balinese-themed lodge is owned by the family of Francis Ford Coppola, where the…

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