Rainforest conservation estate
Seventeen acres of hillside rainforest tumble down to the river, sheltering medicinal plant trails and an active iguana breeding project.
“Centrally located in the heart of the Cayo District, the award-winning San Ignacio Resort Hotel offers guests convenient access to the region’s best sights and activities.”
What it’s good at
Notable
An on-site green iguana conservation project and steaks sourced from the family ranch.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
it’s a 17-acre riverside estate, a bona fide parcel of jungle within the city limits, with its own on-site iguana conservation project
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Downtown San Ignacio is an easy uphill walk, with the market and lively cafes along Burns Avenue just minutes away.
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The rooms
Rooms look across the canopy toward the river, and select Garden Rooms open onto private plunge pools on secluded patios.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Sun loungers line the stone terrace around the rectangular pool, flanked by palm trees and towering jungle foliage.
The spa
Draped massage tables rest on a covered terrace over the jungle canopy, where treatments incorporate banana mash and avocado oil.
Lobby Bar
Blue armchairs sit beside brick columns in the lounge, which mixes classic cocktails and opens onto the dining terrace.
At the table
White wrought-iron tables fill the open terrace at Running W Restaurant, where diners watch for toucans in the canopy.
How it began
Escandar Bedran built the hotel in 1976 after his downtown dance hall burned down, and his four daughters run it today.
San Ignacio
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.