• Introduction
• 1. Ambergris Caye, Belize
• 2. Barra de Santiago, El Salvador
• 3. Bocas del Toro, Panama
• 4. Hopkins, Belize
• 5. Mal Pais, Costa Rica
• 6. Placencia, Belize
• 7. Roatán, Honduras
• 8. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
• 9. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
• 10. San Juan del Sur (outskirts), Nicaragua

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Lucky for visitors, the remote northwestern Nicoya Peninsula has remained under the radar despite Costa Rica's recent popularity. Like Hawaii circa 1960, the area has wild, empty stretches of pale sand backed by palm and almond trees and only rough roads to get you there. Sumptuous FlorBlanca resort has 10 airy, elegant villas on a lush 7-acre property; accommodations are linked by a footpath, which leads to a quiet beach. Complimentary yoga classes are held in an ocean-facing dojo; bike, surfboard, and snorkeling equipment rentals are included. The resort is serious about environmentalism, meeting the rigorous sustainability standards of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. To reach this far-flung locale, fly to San José and from there, the resort will help arrange a commercial or charter flight, or a (6-hour) ground shuttle. From $675/night, includes airport transfers; florblanca.com

See Belize Travel GuideSee Costa Rica Travel Guide