These luxury hotels in Central America are ushering in a new era

We sit in the waters of an outdoor hot tub heated by a fireplace as a tropical storm rolls through the lush, verdant surroundings, its heavy raindrops slapping against the rainforest canopy as hummingbirds and butterflies flutter. We are immersed in the junglethe sounds of monkeys calling and birds singing fill the air, and yet we are comfortable and cosy, ensconced in our safari-style accommodation – a large wooden villa with an indoor-outdoor shower, a four-poster bed under a soaring roof and the swirling flames of that ever-burning fire.

It’s a memorable moment, sumptuous but a little wild. And while it’s a remote location and requires a long car ride from the airport—unless you decide to fly there by helicopter—it’s also accessible by direct flight from the United States. That’s because the captivating scene doesn’t take place in the dense forests of Southeast Asia or, despite the atmosphere, in a African Safari. It is rather during a stay at the Lodge of Origins in Upala, Costa Rica.

A new era of luxury travel is dawning in Central America, and Origins is experiencing it through a sprawling, pristine 110-acre property with just seven villas. The hotel acts as a steward of the land, going to great lengths to focus on preservation and sustainability while offering a range of excursions to help guests explore and understand its surroundings, whether it’s a nature walk, waterfall hike or horseback ride. Wellness is catered for with spa treatments and an outdoor yoga pavilion, and a premium culinary program features a fresh daily menu of locally sourced multi-course lunches and dinners.

Although many American travelers have long avoided Central America (with the possible exception of those who have embraced the expat culture and no-frills travel long found in destinations like Antigua, Guatemala), there are now a growing number of luxury resorts on the coasts and mountains of Central America. It may be time to reconsider. Not only is there a fantastic getaway waiting for you, but once you get there, you'll find fewer crowds and lower prices than in more popular neighboring destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean islands. Here are a few more choices to add to your Central America bucket list.

Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa, Honduras

THE Kimpton Grand Roatan is the first luxury resort of its kind on the Honduran island of Roatán. The destination has long been a popular stop on the cruise ship circuit, thanks to its direct access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, but now you can base yourself in style for a few days to enjoy a more authentic local experience. The property includes a mix of rooms, suites, bungalows and villas with standout features like ocean-view terraces and balconies with plunge pools.

The property is home to several restaurants and bars, a large pool with a bar, and the Kao Kamasa Spa. In addition to massages and treatments, the spa offers an impressive assortment of hot and cold pools and therapy stations, as well as a large relaxation area, including a mesh net draped over the ocean. This coral reef, meanwhile, is just offshore. Just grab your snorkel gear and walk into the ocean from the hotel's beach.

Matachica + Gaia Lodge, Belize

Sister properties Matachica Resort And Gaia Riverlodge offers two versions of a Belize boutique hotel getaway. The first is a beachfront retreat on Ambergris Caye that features a few dozen charming and colorful casitas and bungalows, while the second features a dozen villas set amid the jungle of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and the rushing waters of the Five Sisters Waterfall.

Pair a passage with both offers a taste of the beach and jungle lifestyle brought together in one journey, each with its own charm, but sharing a certain sensibility. This includes an understated yet luxurious approach to style and hospitality, a combination of experiential activities and absolute relaxation as well as excellent meals. Gaia, for example, has a flourishing and extensive garden on site that the kitchen puts to good use.

Belize is no exception. A Four Seasons resort with overwater villas is set to open in 2025, as is a 27-acre Six Senses property with overwater villas and residences.

Terre Magnifica, Costa Rica

You’ve heard about the lush interior of northern Costa Rica, and now it’s time to discover the beaches of Nosara from a different perspective. This destination is part of the Nicoya Peninsula, considered one of the world’s few Blue Zones for its combination of factors that lead to a long and healthy life.

Capitalize on these vibrations to Beautiful Landa hilltop property overlooking the crashing waves of the famous crescent-shaped surf spot of Playa Guiones. Entertainment includes daily yoga sessions, an on-site nature trail, a relaxing pool deck and the option to take a quick tuk-tuk into town, where you’ll find plenty of cafes, bars, shops and beach access.

A small collection of bedrooms, each positioned to maximise the unobstructed views of the surrounding area, is completed by the master suite. A sitting room opens onto a large private balcony and connects to an optional second guest bedroom, while the spacious master bedroom features a large stone shower cubicle and several daybeds for relaxing.

Magnificent Land Huacas The restaurant has become a go-to spot not only for diners, but also for locals and expats alike looking for some of the best dining in town. While à la carte dining is available throughout the day, optional tasting menus in the evening feature signature dishes that utilize traditional Costa Rican flavors and ingredients. Set on a covered outdoor terrace, the venue utilizes its stunning setting as part of its culinary experience. A delicious local breakfast is best enjoyed while admiring the abundance of birds and butterflies fluttering right next to your table.

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Rancho Santana, Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, a quiet stretch of sand and waves on the Pacific, has become an almost confidential but trendy destination for those in the know. It’s a small strip of land wedged between the ocean and the shores of Lake Nicaragua, or Lago Cocibolca, Central America’s largest lake, and offers a sense of near-total isolation.

Head towards Rancho Santanaa sprawling sanctuary spanning 2,700 acres. A small number of well-appointed rooms and suites are housed in the main inn, while there are also rental residences and ocean-view homes, as well as an assortment of villas and casitas in various settings across the ranch. This setting offers an almost limitless set of experiences, from hiking trails and bird or monkey watching to biking, surfing, and relaxing on one of five different beaches of your choice. Choose your form of wellness, from active to indulgent, and enjoy a range of dining options.

Nayara Bocas del Toro, Panama

Panama City continues to make a comeback as a Latin American destination worth exploring (combining a historic old neighborhood with a touch of Miami style and nightlife, boutique hotels, and access to the Panama Canal, for starters), but that's not the only stop you should make in the country. Add to that a trip to the country's Caribbean coast, where a handful of islands are garnering international attention for their combination of unspoiled nature and high-end accommodations.

Head towards Nayara Bocas del Toroa luxury private island that features 16 overwater villas. Step directly into the ocean via your back deck and enjoy amenities like a private pool and glass floor inlays in your villa. Alternatively, stay in one of three new 50-foot-tall treehouses, built from bamboo and reclaimed hardwood, designed by Elora Hardy-led IBUKU Studio. It’s your childhood dream writ large with an extra dose of chic you probably couldn’t imagine on your own.

This adults-only all-inclusive resort is located on Frangipani Island, which is comprised of 200 acres of mangroves and 22 acres of land, with miles of private shoreline. Its Balinese-inspired vibe continues throughout the property, with a large central clubhouse and 70-foot pool. You don’t even have to feel guilty about staying in such stunning natural surroundings. Nayara Bocas del Toro is completely off-grid, running on solar power and using catchment ponds to collect and store rainwater.