Fodor's Expert Review The Zancudo Lodge

The carefully groomed grounds of this top-notch, luxury beachfront resort are a riot of tropical foliage and flowers, shaded by massive mango trees. Guests, who are mostly well-heeled, avid anglers, sleep in spacious, air-conditioned, deluxe rooms with ultramodern bathrooms with thick towels and huge showers. Most rooms are in a two-story building shaded by tall trees, but there are also two separate bungalow suites that are larger and have private porches with pool and ocean views. More ocean views can be had in the two huge luxury suites with wraparound glass walls. The style is chic and contemporary: dark-wood furniture softened by earth-tone fabrics in natural textures and beds dressed in top-quality linens. On the property, water elements, from a koi pond and trickling fountains, to the inviting pool with ocean view, provide a cool note in the southern heat. Hammocks strung between trees and lounging areas, both indoors and on shaded beachfront platforms, provide relaxing places to contemplate the Golfo Dulce view. The outdoor lounge has handsome teak furniture with front-row seats for watching sunsets, where guests are treated to s'mores around the fire pit. Weary fishers can also relax with a massage after a day of reeling in fish. The upscale restaurant serves bountiful, innovative breakfasts, and lunch and dinner buffets are included. An outdoor kitchen includes a brick pizza oven and a huge grill. Kayaks, bikes, and surfboards are available. The hotel boasts fiber-optic Wi-Fi throughout.