Category: Top 20 Resorts in Central America
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a land of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a diverse array of wildlife. It's no wonder that this Central American gem has consistently been a favorite destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
On the first week of October 2023, Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards, on its 36th edition, recognized and celebrated excellence in the travel and hospitality industry based on the feedback and reviews provided by more than half million magazine's readers and travelers from around the world.
The surveys uncovered the crème de la crème of Costa Rica's resorts, promising visitors a luxurious and immersive experience. Join us on a journey through this tropical paradise as we unveil the nine Costa Rica winners among Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards Top 20 Resorts in Central America.
Ranking No.1 with a score of 97.89
Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Hacienda AltaGracia Auberge Resorts Collection, located in the picturesque region of Pérez Zeledón in Costa Rica, is a haven of refined luxury, tranquility, and cultural richness. This exquisite resort captures the essence of Costa Rican hospitality and countryside charm, offering guests an immersive experience in a lush natural setting. The resort's architecture is a fusion of colonial and local design elements, providing a sense of historical and cultural connection. Accommodations range from elegant suites to private villas, each elegantly appointed with modern comforts and surrounded by the beauty of the country's landscape. Hacienda AltaGracia boasts high-end dining options, a world-class spa, and a wealth of outdoor activities, all set against the backdrop of rolling hills and vibrant forests. This idyllic retreat is a haven for travelers seeking both serenity and adventure in one of Costa Rica's enchanting settings.
Ranking No.2 with a score of 97.5
Arenal, Costa Rica
Nayara Springs is a secluded and exquisitely luxurious adults-only resort nestled in the breathtaking rainforests of Costa Rica, near the iconic Arenal Volcano. This intimate paradise offers discerning travelers an unmatched level of privacy and natural beauty. The resort's opulent accommodations include lavish villas, each with its own plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs. Guests can unwind in a romantic and tranquil setting, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the soothing warmth of the springs. The resort's impeccable service, gourmet dining options, and an award-winning spa create an idyllic retreat for those seeking the ultimate in relaxation and romance amidst Costa Rica's wild and untouched landscape. Nayara Springs provides a genuinely immersive and unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to visit.
Ranking No.3 with a score of 97.43
Arenal, Costa Rica
Nayara Tented Camp is a true testament to the harmony between luxury and nature. This resort, located near the Arenal Volcano, has set new standards in eco-luxury. Guests can immerse themselves in the sounds of the jungle while enjoying the privacy of their sumptuous tented accommodations, complete with plunge pools and open-air showers. The resort's sustainable practices and breathtaking views have secured its place as a preferred choice for travelers in 2023.
Ranking No.7 with a score of 96.9
Arenal, Costa Rica
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a luxurious and enchanting property nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's lush rainforest, near the Arenal Volcano. It offers guests a unique and immersive experience, boasting a collection of natural hot springs and waterfalls that are heated by the volcano's geothermal activity. The resort features beautifully landscaped gardens, and accommodations range from elegant rooms and suites to private bungalows. Tabacón is renowned for its world-class spa, where guests can unwind with an array of therapeutic treatments.
Ranking No.8 with a score of 96.77
Arenal, Costa Rica
Nayara Gardens, a luxurious retreat in the heart of Costa Rica's Arenal region, is a destination that perfectly balances natural beauty with upscale comfort. Surrounded by lush rainforests and stunning vistas of the iconic Arenal Volcano, the resort provides guests with an enchanting escape. The elegantly appointed accommodations, including beautifully designed suites and private bungalows, seamlessly blend with the pristine surroundings. At Nayara Gardens, travelers can relax in open-air hot tubs, savor gourmet cuisine, and rejuvenate with spa treatments that utilize locally sourced ingredients. The resort's commitment to sustainability and its proximity to the region's rich biodiversity make it a top choice for those seeking an authentic and eco-conscious Costa Rican experience in a lavish and romantic setting.
Ranking No.10 with a score of 96.59
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo continues to reign as a symbol of exclusivity and world-class service. Nestled on a remote Pacific peninsula, this stunning resort offers visitors a pristine tropical experience. Guests can indulge in championship golf, snorkeling, and spa treatments, all while enjoying the superior comforts of Four Seasons' impeccable service.
Ranking No.13 with a score of 95.8
Arenal, Costa Rica
Amor Arenal is a boutique hotel nestled in the breathtaking Arenal Volcano region of Costa Rica. Offering a serene and intimate escape, this eco-friendly resort harmoniously blends with the surrounding rainforests and natural beauty. The resort's accommodations feature elegant bungalows and villas, providing guests with the perfect mix of luxury and immersion in nature. With lush gardens, volcanic hot springs, and stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, Amor Arenal invites guests to connect with the environment while enjoying luxurious amenities. The resort emphasizes wellness with yoga and spa offerings.
Ranking No.18 with a score of 95.18
Nosara, Costa Rica
Lagarta Lodge, situated along Costa Rica's pristine Nicoya Peninsula, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and immersive nature experience. This boutique eco-lodge is a haven for nature enthusiasts, as it's tucked within a lush tropical forest and bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Nosara River. The resort features charming accommodations designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, and the surrounding natural beauty is a breathtaking spectacle. Guests can indulge in eco-adventures, bird-watching, and guided nature walks, all while enjoying the laid-back luxury and astonishing ocean views that define Lagarta Lodge.
Ranking No.20 with a score of 94.97
Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
El Silencio Lodge is an enchanting eco-retreat nestled in the Costa Rican cloud forest of Bajos del Toro. This intimate resort invites guests to immerse themselves in nature's serenity and explore the region's lush biodiversity. The lodge's cozy, sustainable accommodations harmonize with the surroundings, offering comfort and style while minimizing environmental impact. Visitors can embark on guided nature walks, experience the mystique of the cloud forest, and rejuvenate with soothing spa treatments using local ingredients.
The Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards are a valuable resource for travelers seeking recommendations from like-minded individuals who have experienced various travel destinations and services firsthand. They help travelers identify exceptional destinations and accommodations, ensuring that their travel experiences are both enjoyable and memorable.
Costa Rica's enchanting landscape has long captured the hearts of travelers, and the Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards 2023 have revealed the top resorts that make this country a dream destination. From jungle tents to beachfront luxury, these award-winning resorts offer a range of experiences, blending nature with opulence, adventure with relaxation, and sustainability with extravagance. So, whether you're an eco-conscious traveler, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to unwind in style, Costa Rica's best resorts promise to fulfill your desires, creating lasting memories of a truly unforgettable escape.
The Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards is an annual awards program organized by Conde Nast Traveler, a renowned travel and lifestyle magazine published by Conde Nast. Conde Nast Traveler sends out a survey to its readers and subscribers, asking them to share their travel experiences, opinions, and reviews of hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, cities, and various travel-related services they have used during the past year. Readers are encouraged to rate and provide comments on their experiences. They are asked to evaluate aspects such as service, accommodations, dining, activities, and overall satisfaction. The survey results are collected, analyzed, and used to create rankings and lists of the best travel destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines, and other travel-related categories. Then, Conde Nast Traveler publishes the results and rankings, recognizing the top performers in various travel and hospitality sectors. These awards are highly regarded in the industry and are often used by travelers to make informed decisions when planning their trips.