The 10 Best Central and South American Resorts

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Waterfall in the green forest of Costa Rica — Getty Images

What we love about honeymooning in Central and South America is that it provides just as much nightlife, culture, and adventure as natural scenery (hello, stunning beaches and lush jungles). Some of the world's most romantic resorts are also located in these regions. Now, you just have to decide whether you’d rather wake up to panoramas of the rainforest, ancient ruins, vineyards, or the deep blue sea. Decisions, decisions...

Best for Holistic Wellness: El Silencio Lodge & Spa (Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica)

We adore the idea of starting the next chapter of your life together off right with a wellness-centric trip. Whatever your definition of R&R is, it’s waiting at El Silencio Lodge & Spa, a member of Relais & Chateaux. Tucked away on a 500-acre cloud forest reserve near the Poás Volcano in Bajos del Toro, this Costa Rican eco-retreat promises a post-wedding getaway that nourishes the mind, body, soul, and spirit.

In the mood for relaxation? True to its name, quietude and restoration are on the menu. Relish rejuvenating treatments like rainforest aromatherapy massages, mango body wraps, and volcanic clay facials. Practice downward-facing dog poses on the yoga deck, reconnect with nature on a stroll through the lush gardens, and soak away tension in a hot tub.

Seeking more active pursuits? Choose from waterfall hikes, horseback riding, and zip-lining. Refuel with organic, farm-grown ingredients. Fall asleep to the soothing soundtrack of flowing water and warm breezes rustling the treetops.

Best for Patagonian Adventure: The Singular Patagonia (Puerto Bories, Chile)

Rugged, remote, and wild, Patagonia is one of the last truly untouched regions in the world. Overlooking the Fjord of Last Hope in Puerto Bories, The Singular Patagonia invites guests to journey to the end of the earth for an unforgettable stay filled with spellbinding landscapes, adventure, heritage, and luxurious comforts.

It goes without saying that the majority of your time will be dedicated to outdoor thrills—glacier expeditions, sailing across glistening lakes, biking through Puerto Natales, kayaking, peeping colonies of sea lions, salmon fishing, horseback riding in Cerro Ballena, exploring Torres del Paine National Park, and trekking to the summit of Señoret (bring your hiking boots!).

Inside this Patagonian hideaway, the rooms are minimally-minded sanctuaries with floor-to-ceiling windows and custom-built furnishings. After navigating the rugged terrain, you'll have earned a hot stone massage at the 3,000-square-foot eco spa and a glass or two of Chilean wine by the fireplace.

Best Jungle Retreat: Ka'ana Resort (San Ignacio, Belize)

Situated deep in the lush jungle of western Belize, Ka'ana Resort appeals to travelers with an adventurous spirit. Get your adrenaline pumping even before stepping foot on the property (and bypass traffic) by coordinating a direct helicopter transfer from Belize International Airport.

The excitement continues with excursions to ancient ruins, cave tours, ziplining, and trekking subtropical trails. When you need some down time, you can flow through a sunrise yoga session, head to the spa for a Mayan abdominal massage, meander through two-acre organic garden, or feast on fresh conch ceviche and cocktails by the pool. Contemporary villas flaunt outdoor sitting areas and garden vistas. Some even have alfresco showers.

Best All-Inclusive: Lapa Rios Lodge (Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica)

It’s rare to find an all-inclusive resort with such an unwavering commitment to sustainability. That just goes to show how truly special and unique it is that a place like Lapa Rios Lodge exists. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this eco-resort sits on a 1,000-acre private reserve—meaning you don't even have to leave the grounds to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Bonus: Guided property tours help support the maintenance and preservation of Costa Rica’s picturesque Osa Peninsula.

You’ll also have the chance to search for starfish at Golfo Dulce, one of only three tropical fjords on the planet! Curious about the accommodations? Expect screen-in bungalows with king-sized beds, organic toiletries, terraces, and hammocks. Both the food and service are nothing short of sensational. The casual, intimate vibe that’s palpable throughout Lapa Rios Lodge really hammers it home that you’re on a blissfully undisturbed vacation.

Best for Wine Lovers: The Vines Resort & Spa (Mendoza, Argentina)

You just successfully navigated the wedding planning process and got married to the love of your life. Now, it’s time to celebrate with an extraordinary honeymoon! What better way to get in the mood for romance than sharing world-class wine with your spouse in an utterly idyllic setting? Nestled on a 607-hectare vineyard in the Uco Valley, The Vines Resort & Spa fits that description to a tee.

As you might have guessed by the name, vino is central to everything. Casual sippers can swivel Malbec in the atmospheric lounge or join in on sommelier-led tastings in the cellar. For oenophiles, there are in-depth activities like harvesting and blending a bespoke bottle. The wonderful team at The Vines Resort & Spa will happily arrange tours to nearby bodegas in Mendoza, too. Hungry? Snag a table at Siete Fuegos, where famous Argentine beef cooked over an open flame and seasonal veggies picked straight from the garden perfectly complement terroir-driven pours.

Best for Barefoot Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica)

1. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula PapagayoThis posh Pacific resort is the place to adventure in style. Spend days volcano hiking and nights sipping bubbly on the terrace of a canopy suite, a grown-up treehouse; Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Pura vida is the way of life in Costa Rica, a mindset of simplicity and joy that’s infused into every aspect of the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. This luxe resort lives up to its reputation as the place to kick off your sandals, sip a freshly cracked coconut, and unwind. Earthen-hued suites with rich wooden elements blend into the landscape and howler monkeys call out from the trees as you walk to breakfast.

Just because it’s laid-back doesn't mean you’ll be bored—not by a long shot. Play 18 holes on the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, rent SUP boards, take a surf lesson, or book a volcanic purification ritual at the spa. Cap off an incredible day with an evening rum tasting or savor a cocktail made with Guaro (a local liquor distilled from sugar cane) as you watch the sherbet-hued sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Best Beachfront: Nannai Resort & Spa (Ipojuca, Brazil)

Poised on the pristine shores of Muro Alto, Nannai Resort & Spa has everything you could ever want in a beach vacation and more. Once you've landed at this palm-fringed honeymoon destination, it becomes abundantly clear that its enviable address is matched only by its service, amenities, and sense of style. Rooms boast coastal decor, pillowy beds, and sea-view balconies with hammocks. We highly recommend splurging on a thatched-roof bungalow for an extra wow factor.

Your jaw will drop when you see the azure pools and gorgeous stretch of white sand. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available to guests free of charge. Is all this a dream? Nope. Though it does feel that way.

Don’t leave without indulging in an L’Occitane-powered massage and picking up a Brazilian-made kaftan at the boutique. Haven’t you earned the right to spoil yourself a little with a super fabulous post-wedding trip? We certainly think so.

Best Kept Secret: andBeyond Vira Vira (Araucanía, Chile)

Patagonia is a well-known destination full of unimaginable beauty, but Chile’s Lake District still flies under the radar. That means travelers risk missing out on glacial lagoons, towering peaks, and dense forests. Lucky for you, we’ve got the scoop on the most epic spot to stay in this up-and-coming region. You’re guaranteed a taste of the good life at andBeyond Vira Vira. It’s also the perfect compromise if you prefer something a bit posher and your partner has something more rustic (perhaps, a farm stay in mind).

You'll pinch yourself upon hearing the curated lineup of activities. In the summer, guests can opt into horseback riding, mountain biking, stargazing, stand-up paddleboarding, and picnics on the bank of the Liucura River. Winter beckons travelers with skiing and snowboarding. Learning the time-honored art of Mapuche weaving and having lunch at a traditional ruka is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to join a local cheesemaker for a lesson in queso-making and taste delicious gruyère?

Best for Inca Exploration: Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado (Urubamba, Peru)

Even if the remains of Machu Picchu weren't a train ride away and Tambo del Inka wasn’t the only property in Urubamba with a private rail station to the Lost City, you'd still have plenty to do at this five-star retreat perched in the Sacred Valley. Besides visiting the Inca citadel, tour the Maras Salt Mines or venture to the nearby archeological sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.

Location isn’t the only reason to secure a reservation. Rooms and suites are swoon-worthy to say the least. You’re sure to be tempted by the fusion of local design and contemporary conveniences. Scenic views of the Urubamba River or the Vilcanota Mountains will leave you speechless. The award-winning spa offers heated indoor and outdoor pools, plus a jacuzzi, underwater-massage beds, therapy baths, Vichy showers, a hammam, and a slew of healing Inca-inspired treatments.

Best Adults-Only: Ponta dos Ganchos Resort (Governador Celso Ramos, Brazil)

Sandwiched between photogenic fishing villages on a private peninsula in Governador Celso Ramos, Ponta dos Ganchos Resort brings a new level of sophistication to the Emerald Coast. This exclusive respite encapsulates unpretentious luxury with its warm hospitality, relaxed ambiance, and high-end amenities. For travelers seeking a kid-free escape, the utterly tranquil milieu and adults-only policy is a welcome treat. Dare we say that the efforts to preserve the environment and upscale accommodations might even be more, or at least equally, appealing.

Rustic-chic bungalows feature Brazilian hardwood, natural stone, hand-crafted furniture, and cozy fireplaces. The staff-to-guest ratio dictates every request will be granted in the blink of an eye. There’s also a heated indoor pool, cinema, game room, fitness center, tennis courts, and a restaurant serving fresh-caught seafood. With so much going for it, we wouldn't be surprised if you pushed back your flight immediately upon checking into Ponta dos Ganchos Resort.

The 10 Best Central and South American Resorts