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Tropical, Transformative, and Totally Worth It: Where to Stay (and Do Good) in the Caribbean & Central America

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By Kind Traveler  •  Posted on Jul 01, 2025

A region known for its lush rainforests, sandy beaches and rich cultural diversity (not to mention the adventure offerings and mouth-watering cuisine), you hardly need an excuse to visit Central America.

But we're happy to provide yet another reason to plan a Central American getaway: Kind Traveler's collection of Every Stay Gives Back (ESGB) properties that champion the critical issues of sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.

In addition to being uniquely inviting properties that offer a truly memorable stay, the four hotels on this list are passionate about their efforts to help protect the planet and support the people and the communities in which they operate. 

From Costa Rica to Belize and the Dominican Republic, a visit to Central America can be both soul-nourishing for you and beneficial for the location you're visiting (and the planet). 

Here's a closer look at some of Kind Traveler's ESGB Central American properties where your vacation dollars have an especially meaningful impact.

Sublime Samana, Dominican Republic

Located on an unspoiled white-sand peninsula on the Dominican Republic's northeast coast, Sublime Samana is a five-star, all-suite resort conceived by legendary local architect Antonio Segundo Imbert.

The property features a minimalist-modern vibe and unpretentious luxury across 20 secluded suites, including two standalone casitas. There's also a spa, pool and tennis courts. 

In addition to providing a place to relax and recharge, Sublime Samana also supports the Dominican Joe Foundation as part of ESGB.

The foundation's mission is to provide local students with the best quality education possible. This goal is achieved by hiring exceptional teachers and implementing a rigorous curriculum. Access to this type of education is a crucial factor that can empower disadvantaged students and break the cycle of poverty, says the foundation's website. 

Sublime Samana also helps the local community in other ways, including by employing 95 percent of its staff from the Dominican Republic, primarily from the Samaná region. 

Hiring locally is crucial for the region's economic sustainability, and doing so supports DEI in areas where sexism and classism persist, Soltero added.

"Thus, now more than ever, Sublime Samana will continue to champion creating job opportunities for the local community, no matter their sex, race, religion or socioeconomic status," said Soltero.

 

Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

The first hotel in Costa Rica's charming coastal town of Las Catalinas, Casa Chameleon is a four-star, adults-only boutique property offering an immersive and authentic experience. The secluded property is perched on a hilltop above Las Catalinas, with the Pacific Ocean extending in every direction.

Stays here include a myriad of outdoor adventures, along with plenty of relaxation. And did we mention the villas featuring plunge pools and views of the Guanacaste Coast, Catalinas Islands, Sugar and Penca Beaches?  

The award-winning resort (named one of the World’s Top 100 Hotels for the second year in a row and the #2 Resort in Central America by Travel + Leisure) offers 21 villas, each with its own saltwater plunge pool.

"Supporting a local charity dedicated to keeping kids off the streets and giving them better opportunities is a great commitment that we have been able to share with our guests and make them part of the efforts we do to support our local community," adds Repetto.

 

SunBreeze Hotel, Belize

If relaxing at a seafront oasis in Belize is on your to-do list, look no further than SunBreeze Hotel. The property is situated on the southern edge of the picturesque island of Ambergris Caye, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. And did we mention that the hotel is directly situated on the Belize Barrier Reef, which is just a half-mile offshore?

The property offers three room types (deluxe, premier and standard) that are thoughtfully designed and feature tropical views.

The property's involvement in the ESGB program goes beyond financial contributions. Guests are also encouraged to learn about the shelter’s mission and find ways to give back, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, says Roe Courtenay. 

"By fostering sustainable practices and inclusivity, we aim to create a travel experience that is meaningful, responsible, and community-driven, allowing our guests to not only explore Belize but also leave a positive impact," continues Roe Courtenay.

 

 

The property is equally committed to sustainability, a passion that stems from a profound appreciation for Belize’s natural beauty and a desire to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the country's pristine environment, whether it's the Belize Barrier Reef or the lush landscapes across the countryside.

"We take active steps to minimize our environmental impact through eco-friendly initiatives, energy conservation, and responsible tourism practices, and being a proud signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative," says Roe Courtenay, adding: "We recognize that our success is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the people and the environment around us."

 

GAÏA Riverlodge, Belize

Imagine staying in a villa or cabana atop Belize's magnificent Five-Sisters Waterfalls in the country's famed Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. This is not fiction. It's a reality at GAÏA Riverlodge.

Named after the Greek goddess of Earth and the mother of life and all creation, GAÏA Riverlodge offers a serene natural setting where visitors can recharge to the sounds of waterfalls and spend days enjoying the rainforest, along with its native birds, butterflies and flora.

Accommodations at this stunning getaway include waterfall-view cabanas, waterfall-view suites, private riverside villas and mountain-view cabanas. 

The property is also a proud Green Globe Award-certified hotel. It operates on hydropower and offers an electric tram to transport guests from the lodge to the river. Most of the fruits and vegetables served are also farmed onsite by local staff in the lodge's Mayan organic garden.

"As a Green Globe Certified property, we are committed to maintaining the highest international standards in sustainable tourism, ensuring that our operations protect the fragile ecosystem of Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve while uplifting local communities," he adds.

From the lodge's commitment to renewable energy—now powered by a hybrid hydroelectric and solar system—to its farm-to-table dining program, which sources ingredients from the onsite organic garden and local farmers, every aspect of GAÏA is designed to minimize impact and maximize positive contributions. 

 

 

"We take pride in creating meaningful employment opportunities for Belizeans, celebrating local culture, and ensuring that our operations benefit both people and the planet," says Lighter.

Moreover, as part of the property's partnership with the ESGB program, GAÏA Riverlodge supports the local Cornerstone Foundation. The foundation's mission is to provide support, identify resources, empower individuals and mobilize communities for the greater good of helping people help themselves.

 

"Belize is home to a rich cultural tapestry and it’s our responsibility as hoteliers to honor and support this diversity. We prioritize hiring locally, partnering with Belizean artisans and farmers, and investing in education and training programs to help create a sustainable, inclusive future," says Lighter.

"At GAÏA, we believe that true hospitality is about giving back as much as we take—if not more," he adds.

 

For more Caribbean & Central America travel inspiration, visit Kind Traveler's Every Stay Gives Back collection here. 

 

Author Bio: Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist and editor. She has been writing and editing professionally for 20 years and holds an undergraduate degree in print journalism and a graduate degree in journalism and media studies. Her career includes working as a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Fortune, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Parents, and Health. 

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