Costa Rican properties once again dominated the list of the best resorts in Central America, according to GoTravelDaily readers. The Central American country consistently draws travelers eager to immerse themselves in the varied landscapes, which range from beaches to rainforests to volcanoes. The winning hotels this year deliver a true sense of place, with impeccable service and thoughtfully designed spaces to match. Belize captured the remaining spots on the list, edging out hotels from Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.
How Voting Works
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe. Readers share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Notably, nearly 165,000 readers completed the 2023 survey, reflecting an increase of approximately 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A remarkable total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties.
Hotels were classified as either resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on their locations and amenities. They were rated on several criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
Respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor for each characteristic. The final scores reflect the averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Located in the Talamanca Mountains’ foothills, Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, made its debut at No. 10 in 2022, and has climbed to number three this year. Feedback from a reader emphasized, “The enhanced children’s activities and outdoor pursuits, along with fantastic cuisine and a superb spa, have made this resort better than ever.” The spa employs both Eastern and Western practices and each experience begins with an herbal exfoliation using local clay.
Also making the list, Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, an eco-resort near the Tenorio Volcano National Park, captured fourth place. Voters praised its jungle-style cabins, accommodating staff, and delicious, locally sourced food. One enthusiastic guest noted, “The small group Rio Celeste tubing with a private guide was a lifetime highlight.” The resort is renowned for its excellent value, with another respondent stating, “When I think of attainable luxury, I think of Rio Celeste.”
Continue reading to discover the additional hotels that join these celebrated resorts as the best in Central America.
The Winner
Nayara Tented Camp: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
For the third consecutive year, this upscale, safari-style property retains the top position. One guest shared, “Excellent attentive service, and the tents are luxurious, with volcanic spring hot plunge pools as a highlight.” Featuring 37 spacious glamping tents, each with its own private plunge pool overlooking the impressive Arenal Volcano, the property also includes six cantilevered hot spring pools of various temperatures. Other exceptional experiences include nature walks with staff naturalists where visitors may spot sloths, toucans, and frogs, and dining at Ayla, the new Mediterranean restaurant and bar crafted by an Israeli and Palestinian chef duo.
The Full List
1. Nayara Tented Camp: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 98.00
2. Hotel Belmar: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 97.23
3. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 97.00
4. Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel: Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 96.70
5. Nayara Springs: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 96.02
6. Nayara Gardens: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 96.00
7. Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Reader Score: 94.86
8. Blancaneaux Lodge: Cayo District, Belize
Reader Score: 94.75
9. Cayo Espanto: San Pedro, Belize
Reader Score: 94.67
10. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort: Hopkins Village, Belize
Reader Score: 94.10
