Weekend Getaways

8 Hotels for Unforgettable Weekend Getaways in Latin America and the Caribbean

by Terry Ward

Photograph by Terry Ward

view of the ocean from the pool at punta islita, autograph collection

Escape into nature at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection in Costa Rica. (Photo: Marriott International)

For a weekend getaway that offers the perfect blend of excitement, natural beauty and pure relaxation, Latin America and the Caribbean put forth a heady mix of destinations and experiences that can pack as much as possible — or as relaxingly little, if you prefer — into your precious days away. 

Whether diving deep into the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s jungles and beaches, escaping to a capital city like Buenos Aires or Bogota, or reveling in a surf-rich Caribbean island, whisk yourself away for a weekend to remember.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip. 

Punta Islita, Autograph Collection in Costa Rica

A weekend escape deep into nature can do wonders for your spirit — even when you’re only skipping town for a brief window of time. That’s the beauty that beckons in Costa Rica’s lush Guanacaste region at Punta Islita, Autograph Collection

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican cooking lesson at the resort or head out on an eco-adventure to spot incredible wildlife, such as monkeys, sea turtles and scarlet macaws. Then return to the hotel’s infinity-edge pool or paddle a kayak through mangroves that sit near a secluded beach. Nature and nurture are what it’s all about here. 

Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive in Barbados 

areal view of the turtle beach by elegant hotels- all-inclusive, barbados
Family-friendly perks await guests at Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive in Barbados. (Photo: Marriott International)

Barbados beckons golfers and surfers in equal part with great waves and gorgeous greens — and it’s a wonderful destination for your whole crew. For a family-friendly all-inclusive Caribbean getaway, set your sights on Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive

Here on the island’s south coast, you’re in prime position to enjoy all Barbados brings to the tropical table. And this resort’s perks make it easy to feel truly out-of-office. A kids club, all meals and beverages, and nonmotorized water sports (such as kayaks, catamarans, boogie boards and snorkeling gear) are all included during your stay. 

W Punta de Mita in Mexico 

elevated view of the pool at w punta de mita, mexico
Enjoy the views from the pool at W Punta de Mita. (Photo: Marriott International)

If a beachfront getaway sounds heavenly to you, W Punta de Mita is the ideal place to kick up your feet and soak up the sunshine for a weekend. Spend your days at one of the property’s scenic pools or lounging in a cabana on the beach, or take a day trip to one of several towns near Punta de Mita that boast plenty of charm, shops and restaurants. 

When you’re ready to turn it up, enjoy poolside drinks with a view of the ocean and dance to the tunes of a DJ at the WET Deck bar. The resort also has six different restaurants to sample, including the reservation-only Mesa 1, which sits on its own little island and offers just one table that seats up to 10 guests at a time. 

Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center in Chile 

elevated view of the sheraton miramar convention center pool
Listen to waves crash as you lounge at Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center. (Photo: Marriott International)

The lively Chilean port city of Valparaíso charms visitors with bohemian vibes, candy-colored houses and seaside breezes that are at their balmiest during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from December through March.

Check into the beachfront Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center in the nearby coastal resort town of Viña del Mar, a few minutes north of Valparaíso, for a weekend getaway that mixes urban outings with pure relaxation along the Chilean coast. Set aside time for chilling out at the property’s oceanfront pool or in a guided yoga class at the on-site fitness center. 

Buenos Aires Marriott in Argentina 

the rooftop pool at the buenos aires marriott
The rooftop pool at Buenos Aires Marriott in Argentina is the ideal spot to relax. (Photo: Marriott International)

Buenos Aires can keep you busy most any hour with tango lessons, wine tasting, restaurant hopping and boutique shopping in its many lively neighborhoods. When you’re ready to kick back and recover, there’s no better spot for it than the indoor rooftop pool at the Buenos Aires Marriott, with dazzling city views sprawled all around. 

Just steps away, the hotel’s Nivel 23 Club & Spa offers body scrubs, facials and massages to soothe and prepare you for another day of sightseeing in one of Latin America’s most exciting capitals. 

The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City in Panama 

view of the santa maria luxury collection golf course
Get ready to tee up at The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City. (Photo: Marriott International)

Ogle the marvel that is the Panama Canal, wander the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Casco Viejo neighborhood or go night-clubbing till the wee hours — Panama City keeps the fun going around the clock for a memorable weekend away.

Let The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City serve as your base. There’s a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course, tropical destination spa and three fabulous on-site restaurants to enjoy when you’re ready to retreat back to resort life.

W Bogota in Colombia 

the w lounge at the w bogotá
Have a cocktail at W Bogota’s W Lounge after exploring the city. (Photo: Marriott International)

Colombia’s high-altitude capital, Bogotá, is booming, from its salsa bars and neighborhood art galleries to its thriving restaurant scene, rumored in some circles to be catching up with Lima’s. When your city address for a stay is the W Bogota in the trendy Usaquén neighborhood, you’re poised for step-out fun any time of the day. 

After a day of exploring the city, it’ll be time to recharge your batteries. Hit the hotel’s luxe amenities that include relaxation at AWAY Spa (don’t miss out on the hydrotherapy pool) and food and drinks at the property’s glamorous W Lounge

Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas in Peru 

woman in the thermal pool at hotel paracas, luxury collection
After a long day of activities, unwind at Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas. (Photo: Marriott International)

Beeline it three hours south of Lima for rare nature experiences at Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas, within a stone’s throw of the Paracas National Reserve’s spectacular desert and marine ecosystems.

The hotel offers kayaks, bikes you can pedal directly on the sand, and catamarans for maximizing time outdoors in a truly sublime natural setting. Make time for a healing hydrotherapy session at the luxury spa’s thermal circuit or settle in for a siesta in a poolside cabana shaded from all that bright coastal sunshine.