By Jake Emen – Mansion Global
A growing luxury hotel and resort scene awaits in the lush and underexplored environs of Central America
The beaches of the Caribbean islands need no introduction, but much of those same views, vibes and amenities can be found elsewhere: the shores of Central America.
Expect a tiny fraction of the tourists, with vibrant nature- and wellness-centric resorts ranging from boutiques to big names, and from the jungles to the coastlines. As the number of direct flights to the region has increased, so has the abundance of luxury stays, ensuring a stylish and accessible jaunt that has none of the drawbacks of busier locales.
Costa Rica Isn’t Resting on Its Laurels
Costa Rica has long had the region’s most inviting tourist landscape, but the country remains in a development boom. That effort is highlighted by the debut of two starry luxury properties this year: the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, which opened in April, and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which opened in February.
Nekajui, found in Peninsula Papagayo, features 107 rooms, more than half of which have plunge pools, as well as three enormous, safari-style tree top tents. Fitting for a property whose name means “lush garden” in the Chorotega language, Nekajui’s setting is its main attraction, with a suspended walking bridge cutting across the green environs and offering a view to the ocean below and several small islands in the near distance.
Guests can ride a funicular down the cliff to access that beach, while other remote settings abound at the property, including Ambar, a treehouse turned cocktail bar, and Cooper’s, a hidden speakeasy with a secret entrance. Chef Diego Munoz created the hotel’s signature restaurants, including Puna, where Peruvian dishes are meshed with Costa Rican influences, and Niri, a Spanish and Iberian grill at the beachfront.
The Waldorf Astoria, in the new Punta Cacique development, has a prime hilltop perch delivering beautiful nightly sunsets. The centerpiece of the resort is a show-stopping pool scene, with well over half a dozen small pools spread across several levels and lined with loungers and cabanas. The area is interconnected with little bridges and walkways, and in front of it all is a small beachfront with inviting turquoise waters.
An immersive spa program offers a diverse range of treatments highlighting indigenous ceremonies and techniques. Perhaps sign up for a sound-therapy session, or seek out relaxation in another form with a visit to an outpost of Waldorf Astoria’s signature bar, Peacock Alley. Dining venues include Tico Tica, with a wood-fired kitchen churning out grilled specialties, and Finca, with fine dining Costa Rican flavors from the sea and from the farm.
Those entrants join a bustling scene headlined by the likes of the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. The property opened in 2004 and has thrived for the past two decades. It reopened at the end of 2023 following a $35 million renovation.
Among the enhanced offerings are the Virador Beach Club, serving Eastern Mediterranean flavors with toes-in-the-sand service and views, and an open-air Wellness Shala for yoga or meditation sessions. Located at the tip of its peninsula, the Four Seasons has a slice of two separate beaches, one to each side.
There’s More to Central America
While Costa Rica is well established, additional Central American destinations are on the rise. Take Rancho Santana in Nicaragua, a 2,700-acre property along the country’s Emerald Coast. Development began in 1997, with aspirations to build a sweeping standalone resort and residential community, and there are now about 200 residences, including a mix of oceanfront homes, casitas and condos.
There are plans to grow that figure in the years ahead, but with a clear limit in mind, ensuring the surroundings are kept as pristine and wild as possible. One of the resort’s five beaches is a turtle-nesting ground, and monkey spotting, birdwatching, biking and surfing are among the popular activities.
A hacienda-style hotel dubbed the Inn was completed in 2015, with amenities including a spa, several resort pools, and a mix of fine-dining and casual restaurants. With everything from a convenience store to a yoga studio and medical center, guests have everything they need amid the laid-back feel of a small village.
To the latter point, many first-time visitors become frequent returnees and even residents, and in addition to purchasing homes outright, the community offers a fractional ownership program. Many of the homes are also featured in Rancho Santana’s rental program for families and groups looking for a private getaway on their next vacation, with services such as butlers, drivers, and in-home chefs.
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Elsewhere, the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa made its debut in Honduras in 2024, bringing five-star service to the destination. In El Salvador, the black sand beaches of El Zonte have long attracted a surfing expat crowd, but now luxe offerings, such as the stunning Al Suave House villa, are available for visitors looking for a swankier stay. In Belize, there are several forthcoming debuts to mark down, including the Six Senses Belize, housed on its own private island, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel.