Over 25 percent of Costa Rica's land mass is protected in national parks and preserves, more than any other country on earth.
Private island resorts are for romance. Respite. Natural beauty – especially the ocean. Here's a selection of some of Central America's private island resorts, from Belize to Panama.
Our Central America photo for February features Puerto Viejo, a destination on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. I'll be heading there in early March, following 9 days Nicaragua. Hooray! In particular, I'm excited about visiting the Jaguar Centre de Rescate, or the Jaguar Rescue.
photo by Paul Schwerdt, flickr.com/photos/flexabull
The Xunantunich ruins, in western Belize's Cayo District, are some of the country's best-preserved. The temple El Castillo (pictured) is the second-tallest structure in Belize. (The tallest is another temple at the Mayan ruins of Caracol. That's right -- Belize's ancient buildings are taller than any modern ones!) The name Xunantunich means "Stone Woman" in a Mayan language, and refers to a ghost woman spotted climbing the steps of El Castillo. Creepy!
Central America's islands are diverse and gorgeous, and so are Central America's private island resorts. They're perfect for travelers seeking respite and romance, away from the crowds and chaos of well-touristed destinations.
From Jicaro Island Ecolodge in Lake Nicaragua to Islas Secas off the coast of Panama, these Central America private island resorts and hotels are fantasies-come-true.
Machaca Hill Lodge in Toledo, southern Belize is under new ownership. Now called Belcampo Belize Lodge and Farms, the eco-lodge is just as much a stunner as its predecessor, and even more dedicated to branding itself as a luxury, yet sustainable agrotourism destination.
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