With the 2024 Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards having just wrapped up, two small Central American nations—Costa Rica and Belize—have big reason to celebrate. And that’s because the two countries, both sought-after destinations in the region, dominated this year’s list of Best Resorts in Central America, snagging six and eleven placements respectively.
Every year, through the CNT Readers’ Choice Awards, avid travelers get the chance to vote for all the resorts, destinations, and hospitality providers that have made a lasting impression on them. As far as Central American resorts are concerned, it was the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo that came out on top. Following close behind is the luxury private island (and celebrity-approved) Cayo Espanto in Belize.
Just in case you missed it, here are some of the resorts that were ranked among the best in Central America this year.
The 20 Best Resorts in Central America, According to Conde Nast Traveler Readers
The Four Seasons Costa Rica. Photo via Conde Nast Traveler
While Belize and Costa Rica dominated the list of top resorts in the region, Roatan Honduras claims the #3 spot. The Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, a recently opened property boasting 119 rooms, suites, and condos, as well as four restaurants , received a score of 97.06 (The number one resort received a 97.38). Meanwhile, #4 on the list, Belize’s Turneffe Island resort scored 97.05.
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- Photo by The Inn at Rancho Santana
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- Photo by the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa
Popoyo, Nicaragua and Isla Frangipani, Panama also made the list, at #7 (The Inn at Rancho Santana) and #10 (Nayara Bocas del Toro), respectively.
Belize Shines in CNT Readers’ Choice Awards
Photo by Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection, San Pedro
With an impressive eleven of a total of 20 rankings, and on the heels of winning Sustainable Destination of the Year at the World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards, Belize has been having a moment in 2024. From the expansive and opulent Alaia Belize on the beaches of Ambergris Caye to the luxuriously off-the-beaten-path Blancaneaux Lodge in Mountain Pine Ridge, the Belize resorts that made this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards List are diverse. Here they are in order of ranking:
- #2 Cayo Espanto
- #4 Turneffe Island Resort
- #6 Coco Plum Island Resort
- #8 Manta Island Resort
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- Photo by Cayo Espanto
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- Photo by Turneffe Island Resort
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- Coco Plum Island Resort in Southern Belize. Image courtesy Coco Plum Resort.
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- Photo Credit: Manta Island Resort
- #9 Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
- #11 Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
- #13 Laru Beya Resort
- #15 Gaia Riverlodge
Photo courtesy Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas
- #16 Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas
- #17 Matachica Resort & Spa
- #20 Blancaneaux Lodge
Featured Photo by Cayo Espanto
