The World’s Best Hotels, Cruises, Countries, Cities, Resorts, Trains, Airlines, Airports, Spas, Islands and Luggage
(Belmopan, Belize) October 6, 2026
Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with The Banks Resort in Belize was recognized as the #17 World Resorts in Central America.
Condé Nast Traveler received more than 798,867 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with its unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades from our readers, remains the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.
“Being recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler is an incredible honor, especially as The Banks Resort is preparing to enter its next chapter of expansion,” said Julie Kee, Director of Sales & Marketing for The Belize Collection. “This award reflects the dedication of our team and the experiences our guests have shared with us since opening. We’re excited to build on our foundation while preserving the privacy, connection to nature and authentic Belizean hospitality that make the property so special.”
The recognition comes as The Banks prepares to unveil Phase Two in December 2026. The expansion will grow the jungle retreat from 14 to 29 accommodations, introducing additional one-, two-, and three-bedroom private villas ranging from approximately 770 to 2,000 square feet. Designed for couples, families, multigenerational travelers, groups and longer stays, the new villas will feature private courtyards, plunge pools and outdoor showers, with select accommodations offering rooftop spaces and wet bars.
Set along the Sibun River Valley and surrounded by 10,000 acres of protected greenery, The Banks pairs contemporary indoor-outdoor design with the quiet of Belize’s Maya Mountains. Located less than one mile from The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, the resort gives guests access to the amenities and experiences of both properties, including jungle adventures, wellness, locally rooted dining and opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape.
The 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.
About The Belize Collection, The Banks
The Belize Collection is a portfolio of resorts, restaurants, and residences located across Belize’s most captivating destinations. With a focus on authentic experiences, award-winning hospitality, and culinary excellence, The Belize Collection offers guests the opportunity to explore the heart of Belize through curated accommodations, adventure tours, and field-to-table dining. From river valleys to rainforests, Caribbean shores to lagoon sunsets, The Belize Collection creates moments that connect travelers to both place and people. For more information visit: https://thebelizecollection.com/
For press inquiries, please contact: awards@condenasttraveler.com