2025 was a remarkable year for Copal Tree Lodge. From earning the prestigious MICHELIN Key to being awarded Hotel of the Year by the Belize Tourism Board, our Punta Gorda eco-lodge has been celebrated worldwide for delivering unparalleled luxury Belize resort experiences. Each award reflects not only our dedication to hospitality but also the stories, adventures, and memories shared by the guests who make Copal Tree so special.
Most Awarded Luxury Belize Resort
Copal Tree Lodge | Explore
Set within Belize’s southern rainforest, Copal Tree is an intimate eco-luxury retreat rooted in sustainability, agritourism, and authentic cultural connection. The lodge invites guests to slow down and experience Belize through its rich food, stunning natural surroundings, and thrilling adventures. Thoughtfully designed and deeply connected to the land, Copal Tree offers a refined escape where luxury feels natural.
Resort Highlights:
- Luxury accommodations in the Belize rainforest
- 12,000 acres of rainforest protected from deforestation
- Vast opportunities to see wildlife, birds, & native Belize plants
- Direct access to the Rio Grande & guided tours in the jungle & Caribbean
- Farm-to-table dining with fresh, local ingredients & all-inclusive packages
- A thoughtfully designed lobby & restaurant with elevated, high-end finishes
- On-property distillery, organic farm, cocoa nursery, spa, gym, & fly & gift shop
MICHELIN Guide
The 2025 MICHELIN Key Hotels: A Guide to the Global Selection | Explore
Copal Tree earned a MICHELIN Key, joining the ranks of the world’s most distinguished hotels. This honor recognizes properties that exemplify exceptional quality, service, and guest experience. At Copal Tree, refined luxury meets the natural beauty of Southern Belize, creating an unforgettable jungle retreat.
Belize Tourism Board Awards
Green Champion of the Year | Explore
Named Green Champion of the Year, Copal Tree is honored for its ongoing commitment to sustainability, conservation, and community initiatives. From protecting Belize’s biodiversity to supporting local culture and being the largest non-government employer in the region, the lodge sets a benchmark for responsible tourism.
Hotel of the Year | Explore
The Belize Tourism Board also awarded Copal Tree the 2025 Hotel of the Year. Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the award recognizes Copal Tree for delivering consistently exceptional hospitality while balancing comfort with environmental responsibility. The Punta Gorda eco-lodge is renowned for its upscale facilities and strong sense of place.
TripAdvisor
Travelers’ Choice Award | Explore
The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award recognizes the top destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do worldwide based on authentic guest reviews and ratings collected over a full year. Copal Tree Lodge is proud to receive this award for the fifth consecutive year, placing us among the top 10% of listings on TripAdvisor and reflecting our continued commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
Condé Nast Traveler
Top 20 Resorts in Central America: Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 | Explore
Selected by millions of readers, Copal Tree earned a spot among Condé Nast’s Top 20 Resorts in Central America for 2025. Guests praised the lodge for its immersive eco-luxury, personalized service, and connection to Belize’s lush landscapes.
Green Matters
The Best Eco-Friendly Excursions for the Conscientious Adventurer | Explore
Copal Tree was featured as one of ten winners in the Green Matters Approved contest for its eco-friendly approach to travel. With an organic farm, sustainably sourced furnishings, and a partnership with Belizean NGO Ya’axché Conservation Trust to protect threatened species, the lodge offers a vacation experience that’s both immersive and environmentally responsible.
Beyond awards and formal recognitions, Copal Tree Lodge continues to earn global attention through editorial features and travel publications. The following press coverage reflects why Copal Tree remains a compelling destination in 2026 and beyond, celebrated not only for accolades, but for its leadership in eco-luxury travel, agritourism, cultural immersion, and off-the-grid adventure in Southern Belize.
Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Places to Go in Central & South America in 2025 | Explore
Southern Belize has captured the attention of travelers seeking off-the-grid adventure. Copal Tree offers a gateway to rich local culture, from themed Garifuna, Mayan, and East Indian dinners to participating in the sugarcane harvest for the lodge’s own Copalli rum.
Escape the Cold With These 7 Warm-Weather Destinations | Explore
The acclaimed global media brand also named Copal Tree as a year-round warm-weather destination. Belize is ideal for travelers seeking tropical serenity between December and April, when temperatures hover around a perfect 75°F.
Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle
Cooking Classes and Culinary Experiences in Belize | Explore
As Belize’s leading agritourism destination, Copal Tree offers a rich array of experiences for food lovers. One of the lodge’s most unique offerings is the Bean to Bar chocolate-making class. Transform fresh cacao beans from the on-site organic farm into decadent truffles and other gourmet chocolate treats.
Lonely Planet
The 9 Most Spectacular Places to Visit in Belize | Explore
Craving adventure away from crowds? Lonely Planet highlights Punta Gorda as one of Belize’s most spectacular destinations, celebrated for its off-the-beaten-path charm and exhilarating jungle and Caribbean excursions. Explore ancient Maya sites in the morning, then set sail to nearby cayes in the afternoon.
Medium
The Brilliance of Belize: A Journey Rooted in Trust and Discovery | Explore
Copal Tree connects guests with Belize’s rainforest and local culture. Sheena Ghosh shares how visitors can spend hours on the farm, learning how sustainable farming, biodiversity, and generations of traditional knowledge come together to create harmony with nature.
Caribbean Journal
The Dreamiest Rainforest Resorts in the Caribbean, From Dominica to Belize | Explore
A Caribbean vacation doesn’t always mean beach or island. Copal Tree was named as one of the Caribbean Journal’s dreamiest rainforest resorts. With only 16 suites and a three-bedroom family villa, guests can disconnect in style and seclusion. For the adventure-seekers, get hands-on at the on-site farm or head into the jungle for Maya sites, cave tubing, and more.
The Traveler
Belize’s Rise as a Luxury Travel Hotspot | Explore
True luxury at Copal Tree goes beyond comfort. It’s an experience for food lovers and adventure seekers alike. Guests savor farm-to-table meals sourced from the lodge’s organic farm, gardens, livestock, and coffee roasting facilities, elevating eco-luxury to a culinary art form.
Daily Passport
The 10 Best Places To Visit in 2026 | Explore
Belize continues to shine as a must-visit destination in 2026, standing out as a compelling alternative to Costa Rica. Known as the Jewel of Central America, the country offers pristine beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Daily Passport highlights Copal Tree as the leading eco-luxury destination for all-inclusive Belize experiences.
As we look back on a year of milestones, we celebrate the people who made it all possible. Thank you for helping Copal Tree Lodge become the most awarded luxury Belize resort of 2025. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Belizean jungle. We look forward to welcoming you!
