Readers flocked to eco-chic resorts in Central America that allowed them to immerse themselves in nature and nurture their well-being in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2025.
Trips to Central American resorts always seem to start with a big exhale. After all, there’s something about the region’s unspoiled natural beauty, superlative hospitality, and easygoing pace that instantly prompts shoulders to relax and stress to melt away. For Travel + Leisure readers, it’s tough to beat the quiet luxury exemplified by hotels in Costa Rica, but properties in Nicaragua, Belize, and Honduras capitalize on their pristine waters in increasingly compelling ways.
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. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
Rooms/facilities
Location
Service
Food
Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Auberge Resorts Collection the Casona con Piscina guest room at Hacienda AltaGracia.
Auberge Resorts Collection
The Casona con Piscina guest room at Hacienda AltaGracia.
What Readers Loved
No matter where in Central America they traveled, T+L readers sought out resorts that champion nature and wellness. All three properties in Belize are well-positioned for guests who want a luxe home base for snorkeling or diving excursions to the country’s renowned 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 aren’t lounging in the hammock of their thatched-roof casita or villa, they’re likely sipping cocktails and basking in sea views at Danny’s Tree Bar or out on the water. Snorkel gear and kayaks are complimentary, and a section of the reef is just offshore. The resort can also arrange a boating excursion to snorkel or dive in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where more than 150 fish species and roughly 40 types of coral are thriving.
Half the honorees on this year’s list (including this year’s No. 1) are located in Costa Rica, which was T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year. Whether they’re in the surf hub of Nosara (No. 5 Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel) or the cloud forests of Monteverde (No. 3 Hotel Belmar), each one embodies the sentiment of pura vida, with a reverence for nature and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll encounter throughout the world. Astute readers will notice this year’s list marks the end of Nayara Tented Camp’s four-year winning streak. Though it slips to No. 2, WBA voters raved about their stays at the secluded glamping resort set against the backdrop of Arenal volcano. “Unforgettable experience and memories from this place,” shares one guest. “We were truly blown away by the service, the views, the location, food, and everything.” Another person thought the staff was particularly impressive, writing that they’ve “been to several high-end hotels in the world, and by far, this hotel has the best trained and knowledgeable staff.
World’s Best Awards 2025
The Winner
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Tucked into the verdant foothills of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, this 50-casita hideaway centers the guest experience on immersive adventure, cultural discovery, and soul-centering wellness. The property’s 180 acres encompass a coffee farm, horse stables, an organic culinary garden, and a holistic spa. Active adventures include zip-lining through the jungle, scaling giant ficus trees, or venturing out into the pitch-black night to search for nocturnal animals with a wildlife guide. For fun that’s equally invigorating but lower adrenaline, there’s a variety of culinary options, including a hands-on Tico baking class, cocktail workshops, and visits to family-owned farms nearby. Casa de Agua offers a range of signature treatments that incorporate Central American wellness practices, as well as Eastern modalities like Reiki. As T+L readers will attest, no matter how guests choose to spend their time, they’ll find a restorative experience worth flying for.
The Full List
1. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 98.89
2. Nayara Tented Camp: Arenal Volcano National Park, 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
Reader Score: 97.39
5. Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel: Nosara, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 96.36
6. Matachica Resort & Spa: Ambergris Caye, Belize
Reader Score: 96.20
7. Victoria House: Ambergris Caye, Belize
Reader Score: 96.00
8. Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa: West Bay Beach, Honduras
Reader Score: 95.20
8. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef: Hopkins Village, Belize
Reader Score: 95.20
10. Nayara Springs: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 94.83
(https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/travel-leisure-readers-10-favorite-093000327.html)
