Central America tempts couples with eco-adventure both on land and at sea. Costa Rica straddles both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, while English-speaking Belize keeps communication easy. Or try Honduras or Nicaragua to truly slip off the grid. Here are our all-inclusive resort picks in Central America for romantic getaways.
Anthony’s Key Resort – Honduras
Choose from 56 individual stilted bungalows: some perched on the hillside of Roatan Island, others nestled on the water’s edge of the hotel’s namesake islet, which is a short boat ride away. Take in the lagoon view from your private patio or from the restaurant’s Sunset Deck.
Weddings
For the best ceremony backdrop, wed on the resort’s upper deck at sunset overlooking the key. Packages (from $1,500) include a wedding cake, a bridal bouquet, Moet & Chandon champagne, a photographer and a videographer.
Honeymoons
While away your first days of wedded bliss swimming with dolphins and diving the world’s second-largest barrier reef; spend your nights snuggled up in your private wooden bungalow — sans TV.
Barcelo Montelimar Beach – Nicaragua
Keep busy on property at three swimming pools (one the biggest in Central America) and the hotel’s own private beach. But don’t miss off-property excursions to nearby sights like Masaya Volcano National Park and the colonial towns of Granada and León.
Weddings
Hold a beachside ceremony and buffet reception for up to 50 guests with the resort’s wedding package ($4,000), which includes an open bar and music for five hours.
Honeymoons
Complimentary honeymoon perks include a couples massage, a horseback ride on the beach, an in-room bottle of wine and a romantic candlelight dinner.
Barceló Tambor Beach – Costa Rica
This secluded resort’s three-mile beach on Ballena Bay, tropical vegetation and colonial-style rooms reflect the culture and natural allure of Costa Rica.
Weddings
Bridal-package perks include complimentary hairstyling and flowers, plus a horse-drawn-carriage ride to the ceremony. A wedding cake, a bottle of wine, photography and next-morning breakfast in bed sweeten the deal.
Honeymoons
Honeymooners receive a bottle of sparkling wine, a fresh-fruit platter, a romantic dinner at El Rancho Steak House and a special in-room breakfast, all courtesy of the hotel.
Cayo Espanto – Belize
Seven beach villas dot the outskirts of this private island off the coast of Belize. A personal houseman will take care of any needs while you enjoy a swim at the end of your very own dock.
Weddings
To bring along your entire guest list for a wedding on this posh private isle, a full buyout for three nights is required. But if you just want an intimate ceremony for two that includes flowers and a wedding cake, prices start at $2,500.
Honeymoons
Choose from four- to seven-night honeymoon packages (from $5,980) and stay in Casa Solana, a secluded beach villa that comes with a personal butler, all meals and the best sunset views.
Hotel Riu Guanacaste – Costa Rica
Perched directly on Matapalo beach next to Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica, this 701-room complex offers a range of activities, from beach volleyball to diving and fishing in the Pacific, as well as five onsite restaurants and four lounges.
Weddings
If you’re hosting 20 guests or fewer, consider the Royal Wedding package, which includes the services of a wedding coordinator, flowers, a wedding cake and a semiprivate dinner in Tucán gourmet restaurant.
Honeymoons
In addition to soaking up the sun on the resort’s own strand, take a romantic horseback ride on the beach or an eco-tour to nearby volcanoes.
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
At this 538-room resort, opened November 2012 next door to sister hotel Hotel Riu Guanacaste, soak in Pacific views on Matapalo beach or from your private balcony.
Weddings
Take the financial stress out of your day with the Free Wedding package (with a booking of at least five rooms for three nights), which includes flowers, a wedding cake, sparkling wine and a semiprivate dinner for up to 10 guests.
Honeymoons
Cool off in one of four swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar) by day; come nightfall, cozy up on the terrace of Stars lounge with a pair of Cacique Guaro Sour cocktails.
Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort – Belize
This remote all-inclusive is nestled between Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Caribbean Sea — with nothing else for miles. The 25 eco-sensitive, standalone cabanas open to the sand, and the onsite restaurant serves Maya-inspired fare.
Weddings
The seven-night wedding and honeymoon package ($5,720) offers couples a beachfront ceremony complete with floral decor, a photographer and a cake, followed by seven nights in an oceanfront cabana.
Honeymoons
With the six-night honeymoon package ($4,200), you’ll receive flights between the Belize international airport and Kanantik’s private airstrip, private Mercedes Benz airport transfers, three off-property excursions and a candlelit beach dinner with Moet & Chandon.
Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort – Costa Rica
Newly turned adults-only, this quiet hillside retreat is the first in the region to cater exclusively to couples. Four restaurants, four bars and 169 boutique rooms overlook the Pacific Coast.
Weddings
With the Simple Love package (complimentary with seven nights in a Royal Club master suite), you’ll wed beneath a wooden canopy draped with sheer white fabric and then enjoy a one-tier wedding cake and sparkling wine.
Honeymoons
Newlyweds can relish Costa Rica’s wild beauty with daily activities that include kayaking, scuba diving and bird watching — no kids allowed.
