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…

  • Maquenque Eco-Lodge

    Arenal & Northern Lowlands

    Set on 80 glorious bird-filled hectares, 20 unique bungalows (including five gobsmacking tree houses) overlook a lagoon and tropical garden; additional…

  • Blancaneaux Lodge

    Cayo District

    Owned by movie director Francis Ford Coppola (who keeps a personal villa, 'the Francis Ford Coppola Villa,' complete with attendant and private pool;…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Living Forest

    Arenal & Around

    Interior designer, massage therapist, yogi and free spirit: Johanna Harmala has combined these traits to create this inviting, inspiring retreat on the…

  • 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…

  • Unicornio Azul

    Western Highlands

    This Guatemalan/French-run ranch is at Chancol, about 25km by road northeast of Huehuetenango, offering horse riding through the Cuchumatanes plateau…

  • 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…

  • Drake Bay Getaway Resort

    Bahía Drake

    The five luxurious cabins in this glorious bluff-top location catch the breeze and expansive views of Drake Bay from private decks. The chef uses organic…

  • 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…

  • Mano a Mano Ecohostel

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Everything a stellar hostel should be, Mano a Mano is all breezy bamboo dorms and mezzanine loft suites inside a beautiful, sustainably built structure,…

  • 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…

  • Lost & Found Hostel

    Highlands

    High in the cloud forest, this wondrous backpacker community is a short and steep hike rewarded with yawning mountain panoramas. There are four dorms …

  • Rafiki Safari Lodge

    Quepos to Uvita

    The expat owners of Rafiki Safari Lodge have combined all the comforts of a hotel with the splendor of a jungle safari in a prime spot right by the Río…

  • Finca Rosa Blanca

    Central Valley & Highlands

    Set amid a stunning hillside organic coffee plantation 6km northwest of Barva, this honeymoon-ready, Gaudí-esque confection of suites and villas is…

  • Art Lodge

    Veraguas Province

    This six-room artists' retreat defines 'island idyll'. Accommodation is in one of four ranchos, open-air bungalows boasting double beds with mosquito nets…

  • Serenity Sands

    Northern Belize

    Located about 3 miles north of Corozal Town, this B&B is off the beaten track, off the grid and out of this world. The remote beachside setting – guests…

  • 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…

  • La Tortuga Verde

    Eastern El Salvador

    Hidden across three beachfront properties linked by sandy, low-lit paths and shaded by coconut trees is La Tortuga Verde. Here, with the help of local…

  • Puerto Barillas

    Eastern El Salvador

    It's worth blowing the budget to stay at this well-run resort in a truly memorable setting. Puerto Barillas is located at the heart of a unique biosphere,…

  • 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…

  • Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat

    Sarapiquí Valley

    Family-run and family-friendly, this inviting and innovative retreat is dedicated to protecting the environment and investing in community. Built on 20…

  • Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Jungle Lodge

    Hummingbird Highway

    Hidden away in dense jungle off the Hummingbird Hwy, Ian Anderson's is a 90-sq-mile private estate that acts as a base for a variety of exclusive jungle…

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